1800s

What was Brisbane like during 1880-1889?

Brisbane was experiencing an unprecedented construction and infrastructure boom during the 1880s, as it evolved from a frontier town into a colonial city. The people were convinced of the unlimited power of Queensland. This optimism drove prodigal loan spending, inflated land values and an influx of capital from the United Kingdom. This meant that sandstone opulence neighboured flimsy verandas and these homes fronted muddy roads. The residential attend high-class theatre productions, sporting events, end extravaganzas.

The Breakfast Creek Sports Ground in the 1880s
(John Oxley Library, Howell et al. 1989: 10)

1880s

Who were the Chinese in Brisbane during 1880-1889?

The Chinese were a minority group in Brisbane in the 1880s. This group was made up of five distinct Cantonese clans. These clans were divided into three conflicting groups: the Dongguan, the Zhongshan, and the Siyi. Of these, the Dongguan were the main aggressors, with an organised approach to violence against the others. The construction of the Holy Triad Temple was an attempt by Sum Chick Tong, George Shue, Way Hop, Wam Yo and Tong Wah to unite these groups with a common community focus.

Chinese women burning incense sticks.
(John Oxley Library, Amos photography collection, 1976)

Where did the Brisbane Chinese live during 1880-1889?

Most Chinese businesses and residences were centred in modern Brisbane's CBD and the Valley. Of these, the majority were in what was then known as Old Frog's Hollow; that is, Albert Street between Charlotte and Mary Streets. This Chinese Quarter was frequented by local and visiting Europeans. Beyond this district, many market gardeners lived in the northern, north-eastern, and eastern suburbs of Brisbane.

Map of Brisbane.
(John Oxley Library, Ip 2005: 67)

1880

Who was Sum Chick Tong?

It is possible that the man holding the flag in the 1886 image is Sum Chick Tong.
(John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg: 10124, 2013)

1880s

How was the Holy Triad Temple constructed?

To plans drawn by a Chinese architect, J Petrie & Son constructed the walls and a floor section, while Chinese artisans completed all the woodwork, the roof and ornamentation.

Floor plan of Breakfast Creek Temple.
(Fisher, J. PhD Thesis, University of Queensland, 2005.)

Drawing of the Holy Triad Temple
(Andrew Garran, Australasia Illustrated, vol.3, Picturesque Atlas Publishing Co, Sydney, 1892, p.1430.)

1880s

The Holy Triad Temple’s Construction Materials

A committee of Brisbane's leading Chinese businessmen collected funds for the temple's construction. They were attempting to unite Brisbane's five adversarial Cantonese clans within a shared place of worship. The rendered brick walls and a section of the floor were constructed by J Petrie & Son to plans drawn by a Chinese architect. All other woodwork, the triple roof and ornamentation were imported from China and completed by Chinese artisans. In the 1970s, the present caretakers residence and an additional Buddhist shrine were constructed on the western side of the temple.

Roof Tiles of Holy Triad Temple, 2017

1886

What did the Holy Triad Temple look like?

The Holy Triad Temple was described at the time of its opening by a journalist as being extravagant, though at times confusing in its placement of elements without apparent reason. The ornamental roof detail represented the past and the future with magnificence and beauty. The interior was elaborately adorned with gold leaf, extraordinary artworks, stunning drapes, philosophical maxims an proverbs, and fantastical devices and beasts.

A dragon painting at the gate wall inside the temple grounds.
(John Oxley Library, Amos photography collection, 1976)

The entrance to the Holy Triad Temple.
(John Oxley Library, Amos photography collection, 1976)

1886

What was the opening of the Holy Triad Temple like?

The workmen were still rushing to complete the temple preparations on the eve of its opening. The evening's music drew a crowd of neighbouring Europeans who stayed for the evening as the Chinese worshippers' guests. The interior of the temple, with all the lamps ablaze, was a dazzling display of imposing grandeur. At one-thirty in the morning, fireworks erupted and the opening ceremony commenced with an entry procession. After anointing the temple and its idols, praying and chanting incantations, the monk called on the Triad to come among them and watch over the community.

Worshippers in the Holy Triad Temple.
(John Oxley Library, Amos photography collection, 1976)

Chinese worshipper in temple.
(John Oxley Library, Amos photography collection, 1976)

1880s

How did the Brisbane Europeans respond to the Holy Triad Temple?

European responses to the construction of the Holy Triad Temple were mixed. The involvement of Brisbane's premier building firm, John Petrie and Son, caused controversy and drew much criticism. Although the temple's construction was dwarfed in comparison to Brisbane's construction boom, it also generated considerable interest from Brisbane's residents. Many would deliberately pass the Breakfast Creek construction site as they took their Sunday walks.

Holy Triad Temple plaque.
(John Oxley Library, Amos photography collection, 1976)

1888

What happened during the 1888 Brisbane riot?

On 5 May 1888, a large mob of drunken youths rioted through the streets of Brisbane attacking and looting Chinese businesses and residences. The main target of their rage was Sum Chick Tong's business, Kwong Nam Tai & Co. This was the only Chinese business defended by the police, and each assault was prevented. By midnight, the crowd called for destroying the Holy Triad Temple, but it was too far away, and the mob were losing interest as they sobered up.

Albert Street, Brisbane, 1883.

1880s - 1940s

What threats did the Holy Triad Temple face?

While many Europeans in Brisbane admired the nobility the Holy Triad Temple represented, more violent exponents of the white Australia movement used the temple and its worshippers as targets for their racism. A temple musician was assaulted within seven weeks of the temple opening. One thousand whites threatened to destroy the temple during Brisbane's 1888 riot. By 1948, vandalism and souveniring had left the temple unusable.

Chinese Dragon painting on temple wall.

1930s - 1940s

What threat to the Holy Triad Temple did the Chinese fear most?

The Holy Triad Temple was built on land owned by George Shue. In 1903, the title was purchased by six Chinese men with provision to pass their share to subsequent heirs. None of these men chose to pass on their share, and by 1935 the threat of losing the land materialised due to a failure to pay land rates. A Brisbane City Council finance committee elected to preserve the site, reducing rates by half, in the hope this relief may have assisted any future restoration of the temple. In 1964, the Queensland Government conferred the title upon the Chinese Temple Society.

Some Chinese citizen of Brisbane and Holy Triad Temple.

1940s - 1950s

What was the ultimate threat to the Holy Triad Temple?

By the mid-1930s, attendance at the Holy Triad Temple had been diminishing each year. Only 100 older Chinese remained in Brisbane. The extravagance of celebrating Chinese New Year for days had been reduced to a brief fireworks discharge at midnight and a meal at home. Queensland-born Chinese had generally accepted Christianity and celebrated western holidays. With the temple remaining separate from any specific group of Chinese residents, the revival of celebrating Chinese New Year in the early-1950s occurred as picnics and dances in a more western style.

Holy Triad Temple in 1934.

1960s - 1990s

Was the Holy Triad Temple restored?

To avoid the temple's demolition, the Chinese Club were invited to consider the temple's condition and make recommendations. The Chinese Temple Society was formed and lobbied the Queensland Government successfully for the temple's restoration and ongoing purpose as a place of worship. Restoration commenced in 1965, including retrieving and replacing the stolen and vandalised original movable objects. The temple reopened in 1966. A new caretaker's residence was added to the western side of the temple, and in the 1970s, a new Buddhist temple was added on the western side of the caretaker's residence. By the mid-1980s, the restoration and additions were completed. In 1992, the Holy Triad Temple was entered into the Queensland Heritage Register.

Holy Triad Temple gate, 2017.