Located in a quiet residential neighborhood, the Cambodian Buddhist Society provides both a worship site and community center for Charlotte's Cambodian population.  In 1984, three private investors purchased the two acres of land and the ranch house where the temple is now located.  The temple is now in the process of expanding its worship facilities and--to attract families--adding playground equipment and a child care program.  Even without attracting anyone else, the temple already has approximately eighty member families.  Most of those members are Cambodian refugees, although other ethnic groups are represented in small numbers. As at other Asian American temples in the state and the nation, a small group of devotees attend the weekly services, while holiday celebrations can draw up to two hundred participants. 

On the weekends, the Cambodian Buddhist Society comes alive with religious and social gatherings.  Members meet in the house to talk together, prepare meals, and worship.  Pillows and blankets on the floor provide a place to sleep for those who want to stay over on weekends.  Throughout the week, members prepare meals for the two resident monks, who (like most of the temple's members) speak little English.  The monks lead services at the Cambodian Buddhist Society and occasionally travel to other Theravada temples in the region to do the same.  They also preside over weddings and funerals.  But the temple's New Year's celebration in April remains a highlight of the ritual calendar and always attracts a large crowd.