Innisfail (Geraldton) Joss House
Date Published
: Temples / Joss House
: Far North (Qld)
: Innisfail
: 1901 to 1935
Old Innisfail (Geraldton) Joss House, replaced in 1940
"Yells, shouting, and sounds of general squabble proceed from the Joss-House on Tuesday morning (says the Geraldton Advocate of November 27)," "and a general meeting of all Chinatown was held in the Joss-House to inquire into details."
Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, 10 December 1891, p.5.
"The joss-house is better than anything of the kind in Sydney, and consists of a large room, with several alcoves. In the centre is an altar with candlesticks, trays, and jars, many of them very handsome and costly; and on other altars, against the wall, are images of Buddha, 'little Buddha,' and Buddha's wife. The whole building is richly decorated with lacquer work, some of it very beautiful, and jade of many shades and lustre. A priest, of very Satanic aspect, is always in attendance, richly attired, with a long pigtail whose silk tassel sweeps the ground. I tried very hard to get some 'copy' out of the reverend gentlemen, but the only definite knowledge I could glean from him was that £500 was still required to complete the building."
Evening News, 1 June 1901, p.2.
"The most important meeting of Chinese gardeners ever held in Geraldton took place on August 25 in the council chamber of tho joss house (says the Geraldton " World ")."
The Telegraph, 2 September 1901, p.2.
"the Chinese Joss House, opposite the White Horse Hotel are just a heap of ruins."
The Northern Herald, 21 March 1918, p.19.
"Only a few old men now remain in the building next to their Joss House."
Johnstone River Advocate and Innisfail News, 8 October 1935, p.6.
Sale of Joss House, "plans of the trustees in relation to improving conditions for indigent members of the Chinese community."
Cairns Post, 30 May 1940, p.6,
Image: Welcome at Joss House, Innisfail, Queensland, 1890-1910.
Image 2: "The pathetic little tin structure is the Joss House of the fast diminishing Chinese community."
Sunday Mail, 29 September 1935, p.4.
Innisfail (Geraldton) Joss House
The current Lit Sing Gong Temple at Innisfail was built in 1940, replacing an earlier Joss House.
Innisfail Temple
Innisfail temple Interior with altar
