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Written by Shirley T
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Wednesday, 22 July 2009 02:54 |
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We discovered this temple by chance. As we strolled along Armenian Street, I was attracted by a stone tablet erected outside a traditionally decorated entrance. This is the main entrance leading to Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple which is a community temple devoted to the worship of Twa Peh Kong or sometimes written as 'Tua Pek Kong' (God of Prosperity and Morality).
In the 19th century, it served as the headquarter of Kean Teik Tong or popularly known as Twa Peh Kong Kongsi which was founded in 1844 and built in 1850s. In 1890, the Chinese Traders Society legally took over the ownership of the temple property.
Historically, Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple can be traced back to early 19th century. Khoo Teeau Pang was the founder of Kean Teik Tong. He was granted with a land of 14,865 sq. ft. of Lot 10 (1) (now known as Lot 446), section 21 in 1850 and it was believed that the temple building and 9 shop houses could have been built between 1850 and 1867. Kean Teik Tong was one of the parties involved in Penang Riots (1867) against Ghee Hin Secret Society.
The unique feature of Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple is it houses four affiliated societies namely Tong Kheng Sean, Poh Hoe Seah, Cheng Hoe Seah and Hokkien Kongsi. Today, Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple stands as a permanent reminder of the progress achieved by the Penang Chinese Hokkien community.
Tong Kheng Seah
Founded by a Hokkien leader Khoo Beng San or popularly known to the colonial authority as Che Beng in 1843. Tong Kheng Seah was officially registered on 31 December 1890. In 1908, Tong Kheng Seah moved into this temple. Located in the centre hall at the upper floor, Tong Kheng Seah worships Sin Long Siang Tay, the Patron Saint of farmers and agriculturists. It celebrates the birthday of Sin Long Siang Tay which falls on the 14th day of second month in Lunar calendar.
Cheng Hoe Seah
Cheng Hoe Seah was also formed in 1843 based on a Report on Chinese Association in Prince of Wales Island submitted by J.M.Lewis, then the Superintendent Police of Penang.
The first headman was Tan Chengh. The association was later registered officially on 19 August 1891. In 1943, Cheng Hoe Seah moved into Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple after they rented out their original premise at No. 83 China Street in order to subsidize revenue for the running of the organization. It is situated at the right wing of the upper floor, Cheng Hoe Seah worships Cheng Chooi Chor Soo as its deity.
Hokkien Kongsi
Hokkien or Fujian is referring to the Han Chinese originated from Southern China who speaks Fujian dialect. Record shows that it was formed in 1856 to protect the welfare of Hokkien community in Penang. In 1948, Hokkien Kongsi was moved to Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple and occupying the left wing of the upper floor. Hokkien Kongsi's Board of Trustees are represented by members from five clans or Kongsi and they are known in Penang as the 'Big Five Clan Surnames' as below.
Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi - No. 8 Armenian Street
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi - Cannon Square
Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi - Ah Quee Street
Eng Chuan Tong Tan Kongsi - No. 28 Seh Tan Court (off Beach Street)
Sit Teik Tong Yeoh Kongsi - Chulia Street Ghaut
Poh Hock Seah
The association was formed in 1890 by a council of Straits-born Chinese and the official recognition was recorded on 22 April 1891. Occupying the whole ground floor of the Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple, historically Poh Hock Seah was aimed to look after the interest of the Hokkien community and their first chairman was Cheah Teik Thye.
Its patron deity is Twa Peh Kong (God of Blessing, Prosperity and Morality). Since Twa Peh Kong is the patron deity of merchants, serving as a site of worship for Twa Peh Kong resulted Poh Hock Seah gains much influence and prestige. One of the most significant feast is the celebration of annual 'Chneah Hoay' or flame watching ceremony which falls on the eve of Chap Goh Meh (14th night of first moon in Lunar calendar). Handed down from Kean Teik Society, this tradition was formerly conducted at Hai Choo Soo or Sea Pearl Isle Temple in Tanjong Tokong. Apart from this, Twa Peh Kong or its patron deity birthday is also the temple's feast day which falls on 23 day of Chinese 8th moon in Lunar calendar.
If you have heard of 'Chingay', its procession with decorated floats and giant triangular silk flags is originated from Poh Hock Seah, which is held in honour of its patron deity Twa Peh Kong. For those who yet heard of, the famous 'Chingay' was a sort of a street show with bamboo flags balanced on the shoulders of men that usually accompanied by some grand, colorful and decorated float.
Armed with a little prior knowledge about these associations and theirs celebrations would make your stroll to each corner seems rewarding.
Take some time to read the material hanged along the walkway. And do miss to look out for the secret passages using during Penang Riots. I found two within the temple vicinity, you might be seeing more.
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Penang Heritage Trail - Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple at Armenian Street
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