Holy Triad Temple, (Breakfast Creek) Brisbane

The 三聖宮 - Temple of the Holy Triad (“Temple of the Three Saints” or “Three Sages Palace”) was constructed in 1885-86 for the Cantonese Chinese community of Brisbane. It is also known as Sarm Sung Goon (the Cantonese pronunciation of the name) and the Breakfast Creek Joss House.

Sarm Sung Goon; Breakfast Creek Joss House, Brisbane

Image Courtesy of: Heritage Queensland

In the 1880s a sizeable numbers of Cantonese people settled in Brisbane. They were most conspicuous in small businesses (particularly in Fortitude Valley and along Albert Street), and in market gardening (especially on the flats around Breakfast Creek and Eagle Farm). By 1888 Brisbane depended almost entirely on Chinese market gardeners for its supply of fresh vegetables.

Construction of the temple was an attempt by the leaders of Brisbane's five Cantonese clans to provide their people with a community focus. The elaborate triple roof was imported from China by Quong Nam Tai & Co, Brisbane's most prominent Chinese trading firm, and the building was erected by Chinese artisans.

The temple was opened on 21 January 1886, and remained the focus of Chinese community activity in Brisbane for nearly sixty years. This was followed by a period of declining interest and neglect until the formation in 1965 of the Chinese Temple Society.

The society undertook work on the temple and it was re-opened in June 1966. Today it offers a focus for various Chinese communities.

See also: Holy Triad Temple 三聖宮

See also: Queensland Heritage Register

The Week, Saturday 16 January 1886, p.10 - gives an account of its construction using European builders for the structure and Chinese workmen for the decorations.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/183122756

"Chinese joss house has no worshippers" - its decline was reported in 1948 "" - Sunday Mail, Sunday 29 February 1948, p.3

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/98319130

See two images = Holy Triad Temple