On February 24, 1988, a few local community members met and explored the idea of a Sikh Temple in Solano County. All were very like-minded and were concerned about the violent behaviors in the Sikh Temples around the world. After many discussions and meetings, the bylaws and Articles of Incorporation were drafted and modeled after the U.S. Constitution, including term limits on Presidents and other Committee Members.
The purpose of using term limits was to eliminate power struggle which was happening at Sikh Temples elsewhere, as well as other major issues of tables and chairs, they wanted to create a community Gurudwara which would see all sangat as equals. The term limit policy provides the opportunity for a rotating executive authority with fresh blood and innovative ideas for future generations.
The Bylaws were completed and filed with the California Secretary of State on November 8, 1991. By this time other prominent community leaders of Solano county joined the efforts to accomplish this great cause.
Even though the local Sikh community support was growing, it was a very difficult time in dealings with the local government. However, due to the strong will and determined leadership of the Sikhs of Solano County, the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple held it inaugural prayer on the birthday of Guru Nanak, November 24, 1991. In fact, the first Ardas prayer was performed by Giani Jang Singh.
Following this inaugural service, the Sikh congregation of Solano County continued to meet on Sangrand for each month at the Community Recreation Center, 586 E. Wigeon Way, Suisun City, California. On January 24, 1994 the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple purchased 7.8 acres of land at 2948 Rockville Road, in Fairfield, California to establish a permanent Sikh Temple in Solano County. It is important to note that at the time of purchasing this land there was a local land use initiative, Proposition “A”, that prohibited commercial development in this agricultural zone. This proposition was due to expire on December 31, 1995. Despite this proposition, churches were allowed to be established with certain conditions. The Sikh leaders of Solano County at that time weighed the risk with the bargain price of the land and decided to purchase the land with the intent to pursue a land use permit after the December 31, 1995 deadline.
On the occasion of Vaisakhi 1994, Guru Nanak Sikh Temple inaugurated its weekly services in a renovated barn located on the newly purchased property for its permanent establishment. At this time, the use permit application was delayed pending the expiration of Proposition “A”. In July of 1995, a group of farmers gathered enough signatures of local citizens to force the Solano County Board of Supervisors to extend Proposition “A” until December 31, 2010. This initiative had a very adverse affect on the development of the Sikh Temple.
Despite this setback, the Sikh community continued its struggle to establish a Sikh Temple in Solano County. During March of 1996 to 1998, the Sikh congregation of Solano County endured a great amount of suffering such as electricity being shut off during prayers at the site. Through all of this, determined Sikhs of Solano County continued their services at a local rental property. It is important to note that the executive committee of the Sikh Temple at that time is deserving of all due respect for guiding the entire Sikh community through this difficult time, and for maintaining the unity of the congregation.
After a long struggle with the local farmers, the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple won approval to be established in 1998. Following this approval, the daunting task of erecting a new building in accordance with the county’s building code was at hand (the old building was basically a renovated barn) The local Sikh community was to complete this new hall. The Guru Nanak Sikh Temple was opened on September 7th of 2000.
On the auspicious occasion of Vaisakhi 2000, the newly constructed building was inaugurated for the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple of Solano County.
[ https://www.facebook.com/fairfield.gurudwara ]