On June 9, 2013, Phra Vidhetdhammarangsi turned 88 years old. The Monks, laypeople of Wat Thai Washington, D.C. and his students hosted various activities to celebrate the occasion during June 3-12, 2013. The activities organized were meditation workshops, the 37th seminar of worldwide missionary monks, and the 2013 General Annual Meeting of the Council of the Thai Bhikkhus in the U.S.A.
This year’s programs were also attended by the Committee of the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand. The senior members of the council include Phra Promvajirayan the abbot of Wat Yannawa, Phra Prombundit the abbot of Wat Prayurawongsawas, and the rector of Mahachu-lalongkornrajavidyalai University. Together they presented the Missionary Monk Model Certificate to Phra Vidhetdhammarangsi at this occation.
The new building project called “Luangta Chi’s 80 Years Building” has been completed according to the planned schedule. The ground breaking ceremony was done since Phra Vidhet-dhammarangsi turned 80 years old on June 9th, 2005. Moreover, the project Luangta Chi Library has changed its name to the Multi-Purpose build¬ing.
This new building has three levels. The basement consists of classrooms, the living quarters for the summer school teachers, the multi-usage room, shower room, and the restrooms. The first floor consists of main office, a room for Luang Por Dum, the dining room, kitchen, and the restrooms. On the second floor consist of Luangta Chi’s library, monks’ living quarter, guest rooms and the bathrooms. Also, this building has one interior elevator for general public. The parking lot and landscape have also been improved. The project total cost was US$2,744,941.00.
The temple committee decided to have a name changed from the Multi-Purpose building to “88th years Luangta Chi” and organized to have Luangta Chi’s Birthday celebration and the grand opening ceremony of this new building on June 9, 2013.
