Wat Lao Buddhist Temple

I love how things evolve sometimes. The Woonsocket Buddhist Temple is now in the former Dom Polski Polish Hall - 458 River Street, Woonsocket, RI. 7,880 square feet. I can't wait to visit.

Ceremony marks opening of Buddhist Temple in city
October 11, 2015
By
By JONATHAN BISSONNETTE
jbissonnette@pawtuckettimes.com
Kaylani Sanethavong, 7, left, and her sister, Krisity, 9, of Woonsocket, perform the traditional candlelight dance during grand opening ceremonies at the new Buddhist Temple on River Street. (Ernest A. Brown/The Call)
WOONSOCKET — With brightly-colored dragons adorning the front of the building to greet guests, the Wat Lao Buddhist Temple reopened at a new space on River Street Saturday.

The temple, which was previously located on Railroad Street, held its grand opening ceremony at its new space at 458 River St.

Phila Phomphakdy, president of the Laotian Family Society of Rhode Island Woonsocket, said he was excited for the long-awaited grand opening. Early Saturday morning, chairs and tables were being set up in the temple's rear parking lot as food was being prepared and speakers being tested for the day's festivities.

Saturday's event featured religious ceremonies, food, and guest speakers.

Phomphakdy explained that the building on River Street, which was previously a bar, was acquired in July and will now be used for a much different purpose. He explained that the property is “very, very different” from their former location on Railroad St., primarily due to the additional space.

“We had a parking lot for eight there,” he said, from the rear lot which appears to have space for a few dozen vehicles. “It's easy for customers here. It's easy for them, a bigger space than before.”

As Phomphakdy toured the two-story facility, he pointed out a kitchen and bedrooms on the first floor and a sizable meditation space on the second floor.

“It's much, much larger than what we had,” he said.

Phomphakdy also acknowledged the vivid, colorful dragons that festooned the building's entrance. He explained that the dragon is a symbol of respect.

Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt said that the Laotian community is a very important part of Woonsocket, a city that is home to some of the highest populations of Laotians.

She also said the community was very welcoming as she attended Saturday's celebration. She added that the community consists of a wonderful group of people who want to be involved in government and we thank them for that.

“They're very genuine people who want to be a part of the community. That's what is very encouraging,” she said. “Not just to live here but to be a part of Woonsocket.”