YAKIMA, Wash.- After years of searching, and even moving services to a congregation member’s home, the Sikh community in Yakima is close to having a home.
A Sikh Temple is being built in Terrace Heights near the intersection of Roza Hill and Hillcrest Drive. Construction started in November of 2022, and the building is now in the process of having electricity and plumbing installed.
Kam Singh says the need for a permanent home has grown over the years, as the Sikh community has grown.
“We used to go to either Seattle or Tri-Cities to drive, but then we decided in 2013..to buy a place in Yakima and start a Sikh Temple,” says Singh.
He, his brother and another business partner bought out a property that was originally set to provide 21 homes in a subdivision.
“Now the families are from Wenatchee, Ellensburg, Sunnyside, Cle Elum, other parts of the states to come to Yakima,” says Singh. “Other communities coming together. As you know, everyone’s welcome to Sikh temples.”
The temple will feature a prayer room, as well as living space for the Priest Jaspal Singh, his family and anyone who may come to the temple in need.
There are entrances to the temple from every direction. An intentional choice that the Priest says shows that anyone is welcome, no matter where they are coming from.
“North, South, East and West. This is a privilege that anyone has because we are all given the one instruction because everyone are equal in the respect to these teachings,” says Singh.
With the finish line now in sight, the Sikh Temple is still looking for money to put on the finishing touches. A fundraiser on December 9 helped in both raising funds and seeing the community support.
“This fundraiser kinda showed us how big the family we have now in Yakima,” says Kam Singh. “So, all communities came together. Christian, Jewish, Buddhism, Muslims Hindus, Sikh.”
The unity is part of the Sikh beliefs according to both Singhs. They say no one at the temple will encourage someone to change religions, only encourage people to be their best selves.
The Sikh Temple is expected to open in April of 2024, and donations to support the construction are available online.
