“Safety and peace,” that’s what some seek when they visit The Evergreen Taoist Church of Australia. This vibrant church stands in Deagon, a suburb of Brisbane. It is located just 16 kilometres north of the CBD. The Evergreen Taoist Church of Australia was established in 1988. Its complex was built in 1991.
The Evergreen Taoist Church of Australia isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a cultural hub. The complex includes several halls. There is the Hall of Three Purities. Also, the Hall of Three Masters is part of the building complex. And there is the Hall of Spiritual Guardian. Inside this hall, you will find Holy Master Lu. Also, the Majestic Saint Kwan. Other important figures include the Shepherd Saint Wong. The Celestial Holy Goddess of Heaven is also honored here. Finally, you can find the Holy Lady of Mercy, and the Wealth Lord.
The Evergreen Taoist Church has a Memorial Hall for Ancestors. It provides opportunities to attend memorial services. People can pay their respects to their ancestors here. The church offers other religious services. These include Lai Dau and Star Worship. You can also receive a Blessing for Good Luck. Prediction, Name Chosen, and Time Chosen are further services. Location Chosen or Fung Shui is available. Thanksgiving and Wedding Ceremonies are also performed. The Australian Government recognizes these ceremonies.
Interestingly, Taoist priests are allowed to marry. They can have children like anyone else. An appropriate amount of sex is advocated by Taoist doctrine. The Evergreen Taoist Church of Australia welcomes people from across Brisbane. It attracts about 2000-3000 members.
Rick Yip is a priest for The Evergreen Taoist Church. He grew up in a Hong Kong Taoist family. He moved to Australia at the age of 20. Mr. Yip is not a full-time Taoist priest. He comes to this church every Sunday. He has a regular job from Monday to Friday. Three generations of his family are Taoists.
The Evergreen Taoist Church of Australia celebrates the birthdays of Gods. It also celebrates the Lunar New Year. Calligraphy Contests are held. Furthermore, there are Bonsai Exhibitions. Taoist Cultural Relics Exhibitions take place regularly.
The Evergreen Taoist Church also offers care for seniors. The units of the Evergreen Aged Home have individual designs. Each unit has a bedroom. There is also a living area. You will find a toilet, shower room and kitchen. The environment is peaceful. All seniors are welcomed here. This applies regardless of their religions and racial backgrounds.
Taoism may be losing influence in its birthplace. But in Brisbane, the religion is showing more vitality than ever at The Evergreen Taoist Church of Australia.