Buddhist Temple Expansion Plans Divide Chicago Area Lao Community

July 29, 2002

Source: Chicago Daily Herald

On July 29, 2002 the Chicago Daily Herald reported that Chicago area Lao Buddhists are looking to move from their current temple to a new plot of 20 acres in Elgin, Illinois, where they could build a new temple. "Temple leaders are planning several buildings in the complex, which will include a monastery, school, sports facility and nursing home... On July 13, more than 1,500 Buddhists from the Elgin-area and beyond gathered on those 20 acres to mark Boon Bang Fair and Boun Phra Vet, two festivals that honor in part, the agricultural heritage of the southeast Asian country many of the Buddhists emigrated from... Elgin is believed to be home to more Laos than anywhere else in Illinois."