Source: The Tribune

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060924/spectrum/main2.htm

On September 24, 2006 The Tribune reported, "During our travels of North America we came across a number of strange cases about the buildings of various gurdwaras. Among them is the interesting case of the founding of the first gurdwara in America, at Stockton, California. This was also called, 'Gadari Babeyan da Gurdwara'—(the gurdwara founded by the members of the Hindustan Gadar Party.) Both these factors make it unique. The oldest existing Sikh gurdwara in both the US and Canada was founded in 1912 and despite the fact that there are bigger gurdwaras, it has retained its pre-eminence in the religious history of North American Sikhs. Whenever there is a reference to the immigration of Sikh to these shores, a reference is always made to the Stockton gurdwara. In 1912, the older building came up. The Nishan Sahib was raised, to mark it as the house of Guru Nanak and the Guru Granth Sahib was ceremoniously installed. All the steps were taken to have a proper gurdwara where a Sikh could pay obeisance to Wahe Guru. The enclosed black and white photograph shows that first building, which is now being used for housing the library and for holding of the akhand paath. We felt a sense of wonder and awe when we saw the gurdwara and thought about its founding so long ago. First, the event was too near to the beginning of the Sikh migration into America which started around 1900. Secondly, till 1910 the total Indian population as per the US Census figures was only about 2000 in the whole of California; 2000 individuals, and not families. And most of them were the day labour category, earning in pittance. There was no organised Church to back them, nor even the State. Still, those poor devout raised the funds and built the First gurdwara in America way back in 1912 to spread the message of Guru Nanak."