Mercedes in Hidalgo County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Temple Beth Israel
Photographed by James Hulse, January 24, 2021
1. Temple Beth Israel Marker
During the 1910s, several Hidalgo and Cameron County families founded a small Jewish congregation. The temple lacked a permanent Rabbi; lay readers led most services, while a student Rabbi was hired to lead High Holy Day Services. The group first worshipped in rented space, but in 1935, Temple Beth Israel (House of Israel) was designed by Weslaco architect Newell Waters and was erected at 402 W. Tenth Street. Members of the congregation represented surrounding business communities as clothing and furniture merchants, newspaper publishers and jewelers. By the late 1940s, the growth of McAllen and Harlingen reduced the congregations size, and in 1948, the membership voted to dissolve, with members joining congregations in the two neighboring cities.
Erected 2010 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 16329.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Synagogues series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.
Location. 26° 8.507′ N, 97° 54.816′ W. Marker is in Mercedes, Texas, in Hidalgo County. It is at the intersection of West 10th Street and South Texas Avenue, on the left when traveling west on West 10th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 402 West 10th Street, Mercedes TX 78570, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Texas. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Mercedes Enterprise (was approx. half a mile away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by James Hulse, January 24, 2021
2. Temple Beth Israel Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, January 24, 2021
3. The orginal building of the Temple Beth Israel
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 29, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 620 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 29, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
