The temple was founded , in 1849 , by members of the Cantonese population of San Francisco . In 1854 , the temple was renamed Kong Chow Clan Association , to stress the social activities planned by the temple . The Association provided social welfare and religious needs for the community . Like many buildings in the area , it was destroyed in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake , and the community worked together to rebuild it at its original location , 520 Pine , near St. Mary 's Square
1906 San Francisco earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
Kong Chow Temple