History
The Supreme body of the Sikhs, Akal Takhat Sahib issued Hukamnamas ( Edicts) and directive to the Sikh Nation from time to time. On April 20, 1998 a meeting at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, Amritsar occurred under the Jathedarship of Bhai Ranjit Singh and issued a Hukamnama ( Edict) confirming the long standing Sikh tradition that Langar be eaten on the floor. The April 20 Edict is not a change to the Sikh Rehat Maryada in any way . It is a clarification of the Sikh Rehat Maryada and a confirmation of the requirement of the Sikh faith. Through out the world there are over 20,000 Gurdwara Sahibs , out of which over 99% have compiled with the edict. The Executive Committee of Khalsa Diwan Society along with other few Societies refused to enforce the April 20, 1998 Edict.
On July 25, 1998 , Five Singh Sahiban discussed the issue and Sri Akal Takhat Sahib issued a Hukamnama ( Edict ) that resulted in the excommunication the six individuals from the Sikh faith in accordance with the Panthik Maryada.
On July 26,1998 excommunicated members took control of the stage at Ross Street Gurdwara . The President of the Society , Mr. Gill , attempted to obtain the microphone on the stage to ask all present to remain calm however the supporters of excommunicated members prevented Mr. Gill from speaking until the police intervened . Police arrested two members of the congregation who were very violent.
On July 27, 1998 heated arguments occurred between the Executive Committee members . On July 28, 1998 threats were made to Sikhs who were following Hukamnama (edict ) in the Ross Street parking lot. The Executive Committee changed the locks and made remarks to the law abiding Sikhs.
August 2nd, 1998 , the Sangat protested that resulted closer of the Ross Street Gurdwara for several days. Gurdwara Sahib re-opened , services were held on August 9, 1998. Upon closing the Gurdwara Sahib on Sunday, the sincere Sikhs held services on a private lawn near Gurdwara Sahib. On the other hand a group of people tried their best to create trouble and raised derogatory slogans against those who were singing hymns.
Under these circumstance , the sincere Sikhs held Sunday service at John Oliver School. The Sangat gathered in large numbers . The Sikh Sangat continued to hold Sunday service at various places. The services were held at a warehouse building at the corner of Marine drive and Ontario, at South Hill Gym and at the newly built Moberly School Gym. Volunteers cooked food for the Langar at home and set up Gurdwara every Sunday.
During this period various meeting were held and it was decided that a permanent place be bought for the Gurdwara Sahib. It was not a easy task as there was nothing available that would serve as a Gurdwara Sahib. Finely the present location, which was a church that a developer had a bought and was going to develop as a residential lots, became available for sale . A meeting was held at Sarjit Singh Gill`s house, 788 East 61st Ave, Vancouver, and it was decided that an offer be made on this property. Harinder Singh Sohi, a realtor who had told the members about this property presented the offer and it was accepted after negotiating the terms .
Now came the big task of raising the funds . The Sangat was informed and they were very pleased . Late Hardial Singh Johal with the help of others drafted the present Society
