Dong Quan communal house is a typical religious work, and also plays the role of cultural activity center of the villagers of Vinh Thuan commune, Hai Phong. This place not only has architectural value but is also closely associated with the history of formation and development of the local community.
The name Dong Quan communal house originated from the change of village name through the periods. Around the mid-16th century, the village was named Gian Quan. After the famous mandarin Pham Viet Kinh became an official under the Mac Dynasty, was granted the title of Ky Quan Cong, brought fortune to build a pagoda and share it with the villagers, this place name was changed to Dong Quan, with the meaning of enjoying the fortune of mandarins together.
Dong Quan communal house currently worships two figures including: Thai Bao Dong Quan Cong Pham Phu Quan (alias Pham Viet Kinh) and Trinh Khiet Thuan Can Linh Ung Phu Nhan. In addition, at Ban Huu Tien Duong, there is also a place to worship Luong Quan Cong Pham Viet Trung - his son, who was also granted the title of Quan Cong.
According to preserved documents, Pham Viet Kinh was a local, who served the Mac Dynasty, then continued to be an official under Le Trung Hung and was conferred the title of Dong Quan Cong.
He made great contributions to his homeland, especially the repair and casting of the bell of Dong Quan Pagoda (Bao Quang Tu) during the Mac Dynasty. Through many dynasties, he was continuously granted royal decrees by the kings, allowing people to build temples for worship.
Currently, the communal house still preserves many precious imperial decrees such as: Decree dated Tu Duc 6th year (1853); Decree dated Tu Duc 33rd year (1880); Decree dated Dong Khanh 2nd year (1887); Decree dated Duy Tan 3rd year (1909); Decree dated Khai Dinh 9th year (1924).
Legend has it that Dong Quan communal house was built immediately after his death, around the late 16th and early 17th centuries. However, by 1945, the original structure was no longer there due to historical changes.
In 1997, the communal house was restored by the government, people and the Pham family. By 2020, due to degradation, Dong Quan communal house continued to be restored and completed to its current scale.
Located in the west of the village, on a high, airy land, Dong Quan communal house is located in a curved section of the Luoc River, creating a "water accumulation - happiness accumulation" landscape. With its beautiful location and historical value, on December 14, 2021, the project was recognized as a city-level historical relic.
The communal house architecture is imbued with traditional style, using familiar materials such as ironwood, blue stone, laterite. Dong Quan communal house currently preserves many valuable artifacts such as stone steles, foundations, sacred boxes and especially 7 ancient imperial edicts.
Not only is it a place of worship, Dong Quan communal house is also a space for community cultural activities. The traditional festival held here still maintains rituals such as palanquin procession, worship and many folk games such as cockfighting, human chess, to tom diem, bridge, blindfolded duck catching, pot smashing... contributing to preserving identity and connecting the community.
Right in the grounds on the left of the communal house is Dong Quan Pagoda - a national-level architectural and artistic relic recognized since 1992. The combination of communal house and pagoda has created a unique religious and belief complex, contributing to enriching the cultural values of this land.
