New Taoist Temple Rare and Unique in North America

September 1, 2007

Author: ANTHONY REINHART

Source: The Globe and Mail

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070901.TAO01/TPStory/TPNational/Ontario/

MONO MILLS, ONT. -- Even in sculpture, Wong Ling Goon looks menacing, as one would duly expect from the guardian of the Tao.

That said, this is Canada, so even the protector of the natural order of things will need some protection before the snow flies.

"We'll put doors on for winter," Mary Biddulph says, pointing to the decorative shelter around the ornate statue, whose assignment is about to begin in earnest: to guard a stunning new Taoist temple in a less-than-likely location, on the Niagara Escarpment northeast of Orangeville, Ont.

Next Saturday, 2,000 of the committed and the curious from more than 30 countries are expected for the grand opening of the Fung Loy Kok Three Religions Temple. The authentic Chinese-style pagoda, which cost $13-million and took 18 months to build, is nestled amid a rolling, rural retreat that the Toronto-based International Taoist Tai Chi Society opened in 1984.