Shandon in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Tree of Life Synagogue
October 2018
1. Tree of Life Synagogue Marker
In 1896 members of 18 Jewish families assembled to worship at the Independent Fire Company’s station overlooking Sidney Park. Organized as Etz Chayim (Tree of Life), this group’s members embraced Judaism’s Reform branch or liberal movement. In 1907, members moved into the first temple built in Columbia since the Civil War. Located at 1320 Lady St., the synagogue was paid for by funds raised by local Jewish citizens.
To meet the needs of their growing congregation, Tree of Life members began making plans for a new synagogue in 1950. Following a design by Columbia firm LBC&W, M.B. Kahn Construction erected a modern temple in 1952. The highly-touted, contemporary building was a unique addition to the Shandon neighborhood. The Reform congregation worshipped here until 1986, when members relocated to a new synagogue in Forest Acres.
Erected 2016 by Historic Columbia, Columbia Jewish Heritage Initiative, and Jewish Historical Society of SC. (Marker Number 40-192.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina Historical Markers,
this page online
Location. 33° 59.46′ N, 81° 0.371′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Shandon. It is at the intersection of Woodrow Street and Heyward Street, on the right when traveling north on Woodrow Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Woodrow Street, Columbia SC 29205, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Shandon Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Shandon (approx. half a mile away); Early Columbia Racetrack (approx. 0.6 miles away); Hootie & The Blowfish (approx. ¾ mile away);
October 2018
2. Tree of Life Synagogue Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Remembering Dr. King (was approx. 0.9 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Maxcy Gregg Park (was approx. one mile away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . Congregation History from 1950 to the Present page on the UU Congregation of Columbia site.
"....In 1980, Rev. Christine Robinson was hired, first as part-time minister, and then soon increased to full-time.(Submitted on January 25, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
During the almost ten years she was minister, the congregation experienced a dynamic period of growth—becoming the fastest growing fellowship in the Thomas Jefferson District. The Tree of Life Synagogue in Columbia’s Shandon neighborhood had became the next location of the Fellowship and has remained the site through the present.
October 2018
3. Tree of Life Synagogue
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 17, 2026
4. The Former Tree of Life Synagogue Building
Since 1980, the building has been home to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 17, 2026
5. The Former Tree of Life Synagogue Building
Since 1980, the building has been home to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2018. This page has been viewed 402 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 5, 2018. 4, 5. submitted on January 25, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker in context. • Can you help?
