Midtown - Downtown in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Beth Shalom Synagogue
1. Beth Shalom Synagogue Marker
In 1905 disagreements over religious practices divided members of Columbia’s Tree of Life Synagogue. Jews embracing Orthodoxy formed a new synagogue, which they named Beth Shalom (House of Peace). Meetings were held in a private home on the corner of Park and Lady Sts. until a sanctuary was completed in 1907. Destroyed by fire in 1915, it was rebuilt eight months later. Growth of the congregation led to a new temple in 1928.
Designed by noted Columbia firm Lafaye & Lafaye and built by M.B. Kahn, a member of the congregation, the new House of Peace was dedicated Sept. 8, 1935. In 1955, its members shifted from Orthodoxy to embrace the Conservative movement. For more than three decades the Marion St. landmark met the spiritual, cultural, and social needs of its members. In 1973 the congregation built a new synagogue on Trenholm Rd. in Forest Acres.
Erected 2016 by Historic Columbia, Columbia Jewish Heritage Initiative, and Jewish Historical Society of SC. (Marker Number 40-193.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion.
Location. 34° 0.546′ N, 81° 1.994′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Midtown - Downtown.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of Blanding House (within shouting distance of this marker); DeBruhl-Marshall House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ladson Presbyterian Church (about 600 feet away); Centennial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church World War II Honor Roll (about 600 feet away); Church of the Good Shepard (about 700 feet away); Bethel A.M.E. Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Blanding Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mann-Simons Cottage (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.
Photographed By Nancy Stone-Collum, August 26, 2019
2. Beth Shalom Synagogue Marker Reverse
Photographed By Dave W, May 13, 2023
3. Beth Shalom Synagogue and Marker
Russell Maxey Collection, Richland County Library
4. House of Peace Synagogue, 1972
The congregation, now called by its Hebrew name Beth Shalom, used this building until 1973.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2018. This page has been viewed 236 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 5, 2018. 2. submitted on August 27, 2019, by Nancy Stone-Collum of Columbia, South Carolina. 3. submitted on May 14, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. 4. submitted on October 5, 2018. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
