Alexandria in Rapides Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
The Jewish Temple
Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim
Gemiluth Chassodim Synagogue was admitted to the National Register of Historic Places on January 29, 2014 as a notable example of the post-war architectural style known as Mid-Century Modern. It was designed by a member of the Congregation, Max J. Heinberg, founding partner of the architectural firm Barron, Heinberg and Brocato. His design incorporated elements closely associated with Frank Lloyd Wright, and reflects an architectural style embraced by Percival Goodman and Eric Mendelsohn in the mid-twentieth century that envisioned synagogues as “temples of light.” It was constructed by Barnet Brezner, a local contractor and member of the congregation. The original section, built in 1952-53, includes the social hall, kitchen and classrooms and reflects International Style elements. in 1960-61, the Temple built an addition of even greater architectural significant that includes additional classrooms, administrative offices, conference room, library, museum, two foyers, interior courtyards, and most importantly, a sanctuary. The sanctuary is said to be “a work of abstract sculpture” in Mid-Century Modern style. It features floor-to-ceiling art glass panels that create a stained-glass effect in a non-traditional way. The synagogue’s most unique feature, as viewed from inside and out, is a sharply angled prow-like architectural feature, or “lantern,” that rises above the Ark of the bimah, filling the area with natural light. This building is the third home of the congregation; it was founded October 2, 1859."
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion.
Location. 31° 17.883′ N, 92° 27.321′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Louisiana, in Rapides Parish. Marker is on Turner Street east of Beech Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2021 Turner Street, Alexandria LA 71301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Little Walter (approx. 0.4 miles away); St. James Episcopal Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Cook Home (approx. 0.7 miles away); Lee Street Riot of 1942 (approx. 0.8 miles away); Alexandria Library (approx. one mile away); Huie Dellmon House (approx. one mile away); Emmanuel Baptist Church (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Guaranty Eagles (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 189 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 30, 2018.