The splendid headquarters of the On Leong Association, the so-called “City Hall of Chinatown,” was seized by the Federal government in 1991 during a trumped-up prosecution for gambling. The contents of the building were placed in storage by the U.S. Marshals’ Service. The items were eventually returned but the government had already sold On Leong’s building to the Chinese Christian Union Church. Many of the old furnishings, including this superb altar, disappeared at that point.
We at CAMOC would like very much to know what has happened to the altar and its accessories: the standing lamps, the central painting (of Guandi?), the censers, etc. If you know, please drop us an email or give us a call.
For more about the Pui Tak / On Leong Building, see Places.