TOON BOON TONG KHOO KONGSI
(THE PARENTAGE SOCIETY OF THE KHOO CLAN )

This social welfare arm of the Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi was founder on 27 June 1884. It was registered with the Registrar of Societies, the official address being on the ground floor of the Kongsi’s main temple at 20 Cannon Square, Penang.
The main objectives of this Society were to look after the welfare of clansmen; encourage them to join the parent Association, Leong San Tong Khoo kongsi; promote a feeling of arbitrade in any disputes.

The Society also records meticulously the dates of the death of their members on the boards at the altar.

In the olden days, members were encouraged to hold weddings and other functions at the premises, but of course,with the changing trend,nowadays such functions are often held in hotels and restaurants.

Prayers are held annually on the 6th day of the 5th moon in lunar calendar to commemorate its Founder’s day. The Annual General Meeting is also held on the same day to approve Statements Of Accounts for the year and to elect various office bearers.The Society has 130 members in 1998.

Board Of Trustees in 1959

On 27th June 1884, the Parentage Society (Toon Boon Tong khoo Kongsi) of the Khoo Clan was founded.In 1894, the idea of constructing a new temple to replace the 50-year old one was mooted.By that time,the khoos in Penang had multiplied and prospered.
No expenses were spared to build the new temple and the courtyard.Granite slads were extensively used in the construction.They were laid in the courtyard and placed in between the ground and the walls to prevent seepage of water.
The new temple was completed in 1901, but unfortunately,it was destroyed by fire on the eve of the Sin Chui Year. The idols of “Tua Sai Yeah” and “ Tua Pek Kong” which were housed in temporary sheds,were spared. The only relics that survived the inferno were a pair of bamboo couplets with carvings known as”teik lean”.
As no reason could be found for the fire.the khoos chose to attribute it to a more ethereal source.Apparently,the imposing structure was deemed far too lavish for a house of worship for their Patron Saint and the tablets pf their ancestors,who were just ordinary mortals.This disrespect invoked the wrath of the Gods,who then judiciously meted out punishment. Undeterred,the khoos buit another temple on a smaller scale,costing 100,000 Straits Dollars.Materials were shipped out from China for the new temple.Master craftsmen,artists,artisans and sculptors were also brought over from China to create the present masterpiece.This was finally completed in 1906.