Old Market Place in Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Gates of Heaven Synagogue

1863

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 28, 2010

1. Gates of Heaven Synagogue Marker

Inscription. Gates of Heaven was designed for Madison's first Jewish congregation by local architect August Kutzbock in the German Romanesque style. Kutzbock also used this distinctive style for the Pierce and Keenan houses at Pinckney and Gilman. The building later served as the first Unitarian Society Meeting House, the Women's Christian Temperance Union, other churches and a funeral home. In 1971 it was saved from demolition through the efforts of local citizens and moved from its original location at 214 W. Washington Ave.

Erected 1974 by Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 23.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Unitarian Universalism (UUism), and the Wisconsin, Madison Landmarks Commission series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1971.

Location. 43° 4.799′ N, 89° 23.094′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. It is in Old Market Place. Marker is at the intersection of East Gorham Street and North Butler Street, on the right when traveling west on East Gorham Street. The marker is on the Gates of Heaven Synagogue in James Madison Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 302 East Gorham Street, Madison WI 53703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Voluntarios Internacionales de la Libertad (within shouting distance of this marker); Nichols Station (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Governor's Mansion (about 500 feet away); Timothy Brown House (about 600 feet away); Mansion Hill Historic District (about 600 feet away); Period Garden Park (about 600 feet away); Keyes House (about 700 feet away); Kendall House (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Regarding Gates of Heaven Synagogue. According to the Madison Landmarks Commission, "Noted Madison architect, August Kutzbock, who was trained in Germany, designed this little gem of a building. ... Gates of Heaven (Shaare Shomain in Hebrew) was built in 1863 on W. Washington Avenue for Madison's first Jewish congregation."

Gates of Heaven Synagogue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 28, 2010

2. Gates of Heaven Synagogue

Photographed By William J. Toman, December 4, 2010

3. Gates of Heaven Synagogue Marker

A view after the first snow of the year. The marker is to the right of the front door.

Pierce House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 28, 2010

4. Pierce House

Nearby house designed by the same architect and in the same style as Gates of Heaven.

Keenan House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 28, 2010

5. Keenan House

Nearby house designed by the same architect and in the same style as Gates of Heaven (except that the mansard roof was not part of the original design or construction).

Former Location of Gates of Heaven Synagogue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 28, 2010

6. Former Location of Gates of Heaven Synagogue

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,147 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 28, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on December 4, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 28, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.