LOCAL HISTORY: The Stockton Gurdwara was founded in 1912 by Baba Jawala Singh and Baba Wasakha Singh. It was constructed in the early 1900s by the large Indian population that settled in San Joaquin County. This area was chosen for numerous reasons, most notably because it has many similarities to the Punjab region in India.
A committee was assembled for the purpose of raising funds to construct a local Gurdwara, and by September of 1912, the land on South Grant Street was purchased. The purchased land already contained a farmhouse, which was converted to serve as the main building. The temple was completed by October, and services were held beginning on October 24, 1912. By 1930, renovations were necessary, and a more modern temple was constructed. The original building is now used as a library.
This religious center was the first temple built to serve the Sikh community in the United States (as well as Canada), and was the sole Gurdwara in the Western United States for 55 years. Apart from its religious significance, the center also served as the only meeting place for the Indian community. It became a strong focal point for politic activity, and by 1913 the Ghadar Party was formed.
The Ghadar Party became one of the first external Indian movements to end British occupation of India. To promote their cause, they began publishing the The Ghadar, a newspaper made available in multiple languages that has the distinction of being the first Punjabi language newspaper in America. In addition to independence literature, the group sponsored expeditions to India. The Ghadar’s efforts did not end until India gained independence in 1947.
The Ghadar Party is not the Stockton Gurdwara’s only contribution to politics. Congressman Dalip Singh Saund, elected in 1956 from the 29th District of California, was the first Indian American and first Sikh American to be elected to U.S. Congress. Congressman Saund was re-elected twice but suffered an incapacitating stroke ending his political career. Before serving Congress, Saund served his community as Secretary of the Stockton Gurdwara.
While bigger Gurdwaras have been built in America, Stockton Gurdwara Sahib retains its importance in both the religious history of North American Shikhs and California history. The Gurdwara remains a historic temple visited by high members of the religion and has been designated a California Historical Landmark. It serves as a symbol of the diverse population that has developed San Joaquin County into the community it is today.
By Rachael Kanner / 
Photos courtesy of the Bank of Stockton