Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that began in the late 15th century C.E. Sikhs follow the teachings of Guru Nanak, the first of ten human gurus associated with the religion which places importance on the connection between spiritual development and regular moral conduct. These ideas were summarized by Guru Nanak as “Truth is the highest virtue, but higher still is truthful living.”
Sikhs cremate their dead and gather and worship in gurdwaras. One of Sikhism’s most significant gurdwaras is the Harmandir Sahib (Abode of God), or Golden Temple in Amritsar. The teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib echo the religious philosophy of Guru Nanak; to strive for a society based on divine freedom, mercy, love, and justice without oppression of any kind. The details and rich history of this religion could fill many panels. This is a very brief introduction.
SIKH CODE OF CONDUCT
COMPASSION
TRUTH
CONTENTMENT
LOVE
HUMILITY
FRASER MILLS GURDWARA
Long since torn down with the rest of the Millside homes, descriptions of the Fraser Mills gurdwara, built in 1912, are the only visual references found, so far, of the building’s interior. Ossi Thandi was born at Fraser Mills and her grandfather, Jewen Singh, is listed as the “priest” there in a 1923 publication by Rajani Kanta Das, “The Hindustanee Workers on the Pacific Coast.” Ironically, a good description of the temple’s interior comes from one of the French Canadians hired to supplant Sikh labour at Fraser Mills. Though his understanding of what he saw is riddled with inaccurate terms, he nevertheless provides us with a description of the interior.
“They used to have a very beautiful church. I went then...It was built pretty much near the same as ours outside...the high peak, but it was only one big room. And the pulpit... the same as what our Catholic church do today. Their Rabi used to face the public and quote from the Bible all the time. The church in Fraser Mills used to have the beautifullest rug that I’ve ever seen. A very big rug...when you used to go in the church you used to take your shoes off...And there was no seats at all. The people used to sit on the floor, or cushions. Some of the ladies used to bring a real fancy little cushion to kneel on, …. They used to have some celebration like we have for Easter, which are a 48 hour attendance...I remember one time when I was an electrician, we had to go and do some work in the church. The people were in there and the Hindu minister kept on preaching while we were working .. but we had to do the job at that time...We were hanging up special beautiful chandeliers that they got...The minister’s robes were really beautiful…very rich in look...very pretty.”