Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar (Khalsa Diwan Society New Westminster, B.C.) 5.4

The history of Khalsa Diwan Society, New Westminster goes back to 1919. During those days some of the Sikhs worked at the Fraser Saw Mills. Bhai Bishan Singh was amongst them. He lived a bachelor’s life
and owned a house at 344 Boyne Street, New Westminster. He was a dedicated practicing Sikhs. In his house he had installed the Holy scripture Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and held congregations on Sundays. Sikhs living in the nearest vicinity of his house also gathered there for worship on regular basis.


On 4th March, 1919 Bhai Bishan Singh of village Tallewal bought a lot adjacent to his house for $250.00. He donated it to Khalsa Diwan Society, Vancouver in exchange of $1.00 as a registration fee on 19th August, 1919. Later on he also donated his house to the Society.

There is a fascinating story that once Bhai Bishan Singh fell sick. He was admitted to the hospital for treatment. He had saved $900.00. Before he went to the hospital for treatment he gave the money to his friend Bhai Sunder Singh and asked him for its safe keep. He further told him that should he recover from his illness and return healthy from the hospital he will collect his money from him otherwise instructed Bhai Sunder Singh to spend the money for the improvement of the Gurdwara. Luckily Bhai Bishan Singh recovered from his illness and upon returning home asked Bhai Sunder Singh for his money. However during his lengthy absence Bhai Sunder Singh had already spent $900.00 on the improvement of the Gurdwara building. Upon learning this Bhai Bishan Singh felt very happy and in return thanked Bhai Sunder Singh for carrying out his wish.

By this time the old Gurdwara building was already renovated on three different times. The number of Sikhs living in New Westminster rapidly increased. It was felt that the old building was in a poor condition and there was a need for a new place of worship. Therefore two lots on Wood Street were bought at the cost of $1,500.00 during 1964 and $3,400.00 during 1970 . Foundation of a new Gurdwara was laid and the construction of a new building started during 1974. The Society fell short of funds and approached a bank for a loan to complete the building. It was then discovered that the Society was yet to be incorporated under the Societies’ Act. Consequently the Khalsa Diwan Society, New Westminster was incorporated during 1974.

The present Gurdwara building was completed and opened for worship during the winter of 1975. In addition the Society also bought another house at 338 Boyne Street, New Westminster for $4,700.00. The present Gurdwara building was extended with an adjoining hall to provide extra facilities for religious services for the community.