Wenchang Temple Introduction
The Xinzhuang Wenchang Temple is dedicated to the deity Wenchang Dijun. The Ciyou Temple was renovated in the seventh year of the Yongzheng era (1729 AD) and began to enshrine Wenchang Dijun. In the eighteenth year of the Jiaqing era (1813 AD), the Xinzhuang County magistrate, Cao Rulin, donated to build the Wenchang Temple on the right rear side of Ciyou Temple. Later, in the first year of the Guangxu era (1875 AD), the magistrate of Bangka, Chuan Duanquan, and local gentry Chen Shizhang moved it to its current location. After 121 years and undergoing eight renovations (the records are unavailable for confirmation), due to its developmental and historical value, and its largely preserved structure, it is currently listed as a third-level historic site. The Wenchang Temple established the "Taipei National Language School Xinzhuang Branch" at the Xinzhuang Public School (established in the 24th year of Guangxu, 1898 AD). Before the completion of the school, it served as a private school where students were educated, holding the same status as the Confucius Temple and functioning similarly. The existence of the Wenchang Temple in Xinzhuang since the Jiaqing era suggests a flourishing culture in the area, and the temple holds significant meaning for the cultural development of Xinzhuang. It should be well maintained and preserved to revitalize its educational functions.
