Bok Kai Temple

Bok Kai Temple
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
California Historical Landmark #889
Full view of the Bok Kai Temple
Location	Marysville, California
Coordinates	39°8′5.98″N 121°35′13.03″W / 39.1349944°N 121.5869528°WCoordinates: 39°8′5.98″N 121°35′13.03″W / 39.1349944°N 121.5869528°W
Built	1880
Architect	Unknown
Architectural style	No Style Listed
NRHP Reference #	75000498[1]
CHISL #	889
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	May 21, 1975
Designated CHISL	1975[2]

The Bok Kai Temple (北溪廟) is a traditional Chinese temple in the city of Marysville, California, located at the corner of D and First Streets, and served as the center of what was a bustling Chinatown for a small town.

History

In 1854, five years after the first contingent of Chinese arrived in California to work the gold mines during the California Gold Rush, a temple was erected in Marysville to serve the immigrant population. The foremost of the gods that were worshiped was Xuan Wu, the god of water, who had the power to control the rains.

The original temple was destroyed by fire, and was replaced in 1880. The temple remains a primary focus of the present Marysville Chinese community, who have dedicated themselves to preserving the temple. The Bok Kai Temple is the only one honoring the god Xuan Wu in the United States. Bok Kai Temple was not named after a god but translates into "North Creek Temple".

Current use

The temple is infrequently used as an active place of worship, but is preserved as both a California Historical Landmark and as a protected property on the National Register of Historic Places. A Bok Kai festival and parade is held annually in the spring, during which time the temple is opened for ceremonies as well as for interested parties to tour. Other tours may be arranged by contacting the Temple caretaker.

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  The front view of the Bok Kai Temple

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  The gate of the Bok Kai Temple from the street

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  Bok Kai Temple historical marker plaque

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  The dragon in the parade at the annual Bok Kai festival

References

1. National Park Service (2007-01-23). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
2. "Bok Kai Temple". Office of Historic Preservation, California State Parks. Retrieved 2012-10-15.

External links

• Bok Kai Temple - Friends of the Marysville Bok Kai Temple
• Bok Kai Festival - Chinese Community of Marysville, California