Sumter in Sumter County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Temple Sinai
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2010
1. Temple Sinai Marker
Sumter’s Jewish community, dating to 1815, has long been one of the largest and most influential in inland S.C. Mark Solomons, Franklin J. Moses, and Montgomery Moses brought their families to Sumter District from the old and well-established Jewish community in Charleston. Other families, from Spain, Germany, Poland, Russia, and other European nations, followed. Two organizations founded shortly after the Civil War would later join to form a congregation.
(Reverse text)
The Hebrew Cemetery Society was founded in 1874, the Sumter Hebrew Benevolent Society was founded before 1881, and the two societies agreed to merge that year. A formal merger in 1895 created the Sumter Society of Israelites, the official name of Congregation Sinai. The first synagogue, a frame building constructed by 1900, burned. It was replaced in 1913 by this Moorish Revival brick synagogue, listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
Erected 2009 by The Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina. (Marker Number 43-42.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1815.
Location. 33° 55.305′ N, 80° 20.797′ W. Marker is in Sumter, South
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Holocaust (within shouting distance of this marker); Trinity United Methodist Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sumter District Confederate Dead (about 500 feet away); Sumterville Academy (about 600 feet away); Y.M.C.A. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Military Post / Potter's Raid (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Tuomey Hospital (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lincoln High School (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sumter.
Regarding Temple Sinai. Temple Sinai is a significant example of a sanctuary designed in the Moorish Revival style. It is also a visible symbol and tangible reminder of the substantial and influential Jewish community in Sumter from the early nineteenth century to the present. As the center of that community, its impact and influence were widespread. Outside the coastal cities of Charleston and Georgetown, where there were well-established and significant Jewish populations dating to colonial days, Sumter’s Jewish community was one of inland South Carolina’s largest. Congregation Sinai grew out of the formation of several societies in Sumter in
Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 10, 2010
2. Temple Sinai Marker, reverse side
(South Carolina Department of Archives and History )
Also see . . . National Register Application / Approval.
South Carolina SP Temple Sinai(Submitted on May 28, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado.)
Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 10, 2010
3. Temple Sinai and Marker seen along Church Street
Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 10, 2010
4. Temple Sinai
National register of Historical Places:
Temple Sinai (added 1999 - Building - #98001645)
Temple Sinai (added 1999 - Building - #98001645)
South Carolina Department of Archives and History, circa 1999
5. Temple Sinai Marker
Photographed By Dave W, May 28, 2023
6. Temple Sinai Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,243 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 14, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 6. submitted on May 28, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
