Revolutionary Historic Site: Bà Lê Pagoda (Phước Hội Pagoda), Hội An Commune - Chợ Mới District

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        The Revolutionary Historic Site of Bà Lê Pagoda, located in Hội An Commune, Chợ Mới District, is 15 km away from Long Xuyên City. From Long Xuyên, you can reach Bà Lê Pagoda by taking the An Hòa ferry to Cái Tàu Thượng Market (14 km), then turning left into Cái Tàu Canal for about 1 km.

        The pagoda is named Bà Lê because it was built by Mrs. Ông Thị Lê on her land. Initially, the pagoda was constructed from simple bamboo and leaves, but the exact year of its establishment is unknown. When Mrs. Lê grew old, she entrusted the pagoda to Venerable Quảng Đạt. In 1922, Venerable Quảng Đạt rebuilt the pagoda and named it Phước Hội Pagoda.

      In 1925, Master Ngô Bửu Đồng, a disciple of Venerable Quảng Đạt, resided at the pagoda. After Venerable Quảng Đạt passed away in 1965, Master Ngô Bửu Đồng continued to manage the pagoda. Following his death, his son Ngô Hồng Lăng has been the head monk to this day.

        Bà Lê Pagoda is closely tied to important revolutionary historical events and has been a solid revolutionary base since its early days, from the secret activities of the revolution to the country's unification. Inspired by Venerable Quảng Đạt's patriotism and love for the people, Master Ngô Bửu Đồng continued to build the revolutionary base at the pagoda. When the Party was newly established, the pagoda was a gathering place for people fighting against the invaders. In 1945, it was the rallying point for people from various places to celebrate the success of the August Revolution in Long Xuyên. In 1946, the pagoda served as the headquarters of the revolutionary government – the Administrative Resistance Committee of the commune. That same year, it actively participated in the "Golden Week" campaign, donating many items, including a large bell, to the revolutionary forces for weapon production.

        During the years of resistance against the Americans, the pagoda was a strong revolutionary base, with secret bunkers around it for hiding weapons and ammunition. Inside the pagoda, double walls were constructed to shelter revolutionary cadres, and the statues were used to conceal documents and leaflets safely.

        Notably, Bà Lê Pagoda was the training ground for steadfast revolutionary fighters, including the heroic martyr Huỳnh Thị Hưởng, a "Võ Thị Sáu" of Hội An. Her tragic death and heroic sacrifice ignited and fostered a deep hatred for the enemy and a resolute fighting spirit among the people of Hội An.

        This pagoda was a continuous revolutionary base throughout the anti-French and anti-American periods, sheltering and nurturing revolutionary cadres and enduring a long, arduous, and fierce struggle, leaving a lasting legacy of proud, unyielding resistance in the hearts of our cadres and people. The pagoda has been honored by the Ministry of Culture and Information as a revolutionary historical site according to Decision No. 235/VH-QĐ dated December 12, 1986.