Lecheng Temple Introduction
The history of Lecheng Temple in Taichung City's Hanjiao Matsu Temple dates back to the early years of the Qianlong period, when the Lin ancestors arrived in Taiwan for development. In hopes of smooth sailing and successful farming, they respectfully invited the golden statue of "Laoni Ma" from Meizhou Tianhou Palace to Taiwan. As the Lin family passed through the current site of this temple, divine manifestations occurred, leading them to select this holy place to temporarily worship the deity. Time passed, and they all achieved success in their agricultural endeavors. In the 18th year of the Qianlong reign (1753), determined individuals established "Lecheng Temple" at the current site for devotees to worship day and night. In the 10th year of the Taisho era (1921), due to population growth and the formation of the settlement, to accommodate the increasing number of worshippers, Hanxi Village's community leaders Lin Yuanquan, Zhang Mei, and Lai Weiyao proposed to rebuild the temple on a larger scale. They collaborated with local enthusiastic individuals, including Lin Dafa, Gong Xianchai, Lai Weiyao, Lin Atang, Lin Tong, and Lin Jun, to promote the reconstruction project. The construction faced many challenges, and after several years of work, the main hall was completed in the 13th year of the Taisho era (1924), followed by the San Chuan Hall, completed in the 4th year of the Showa era (1929). After an expansion of the rear hall in the 80th year of the Republic (1991), the grand and solemn architecture of "Lecheng Temple" was finally revealed. Overall, the creation, renovation, and expansion of "Lecheng Temple" resemble a local development history. According to the "Changhua County Chronicle" in the 12th year of Daoguang (1832), there were twenty-one Tianhou (Matsu) temples in the county, including one in Hanjiao Village, confirming that "Lecheng Temple" was already a well-known Matsu temple in the county during the Daoguang period. Brief Introduction: Main Deity: Tian Shang Sheng Mu (Matsu) Associated Deities: Guanyin Buddha Rear Hall: 1st Floor - Sheng Fumu, Xuantian Emperor, Guan Sheng Emperor, Doumu Star Lord, 60 Taisui Generals 2nd Floor - Jade Emperor, Guanyin Buddha, Zhusha Niangniang, Wenchang Emperor, Five Road Fortune Gods, Yue Lao Star Lord, Hua Tuo Established Address: No. 48, Hanjiao Street, Hanjiao Village, East District, Taichung City Year Established: 18th year of Qianlong (1753) Reconstruction Year: Main Hall: 13th year of the Republic, Year of the Rat, 1924 Front Hall: 17th year of the Republic, Year of the Dragon, 1928 Annex: 80th year of the Republic, Year of the Goat, 1991 Expansion Year: Rear Hall: 80th year of the Republic, Year of the Goat, 1991 Total Building Area: 2,245.399 square meters
