The Pluralism Project at Harvard UniversityCenter Profile
Sanghikaram Wat Khmer (2009)
Theravada (Buddhism)
109-110 Chestnut Street
Lynn MA 01902
Phone: 215-329-4264
Description
History
With more than 4,000 Cambodians, Lynn is a North Shore center for the region's Cambodian community. Many came to Lynn between 1975 and 1979 and in the early 1980s. In 1984, the newly-arrived residents began to raise money for a temple, and in 1985 the group acquired a former church, Calvary Baptist, which is located in the middle of the city's Cambodian community, and converted it into a temple.
Description and Activities
The temple has since acquired a house across the street that is now a monastery residence for three monks. This year, three monks live at the temple as well. The monks officiate at ceremonies and celebrations of the temple, such as the Buddha's birthday, the New Year's celebration in the spring, the beginning and end of the rainy season retreat, and the annual fall robe-offering ceremony in which laity express their support of the monks by presenting new robes. Meetings take place daily at 5:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M.
Date Center Founded
1985
Membership
Variable; 50-60 regular participants and 300 for large ceremonies
Ethnic Composition
Primarily Cambodian