Anniston in Calhoun County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Temple Beth El
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr, October 2, 2010
1. Temple Beth El Marker
Inscription.
Temple Beth El is the oldest building continuously used for Jewish worship in Alabama. Anniston’s Reform Jewish congregation was established in 1888. Its women’s organization, the Ladies Hebrew Benevolent Society, directed the construction of the building in 1893. They raised the money, purchased the lot, organized the building committee of men in the congregation, and named the house of worship Beth El or House of God. Sales of handiwork enabled the women to purchase the stained glass windows. A trio of arched windows, emphasized by decorative brickwork and the domed tower, suggest the influence of ancient Byzantine architecture on the temple, which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Temple Beth El is the oldest building continuously used for Jewish worship in Alabama. Anniston’s Reform Jewish congregation was established in 1888. Its women’s organization, the Ladies Hebrew Benevolent Society, directed the construction of the building in 1893. They raised the money, purchased the lot, organized the building committee of men in the congregation, and named the house of worship Beth El or House of God. Sales of handiwork enabled the women to purchase the stained glass windows. A trio of arched windows, emphasized by decorative brickwork and the domed tower, suggest the influence of ancient Byzantine architecture on the temple, which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Erected 2001 by Alabama Historical Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 33° 39.664′ N, 85° 49.597′ W. Marker is in Anniston, Alabama, in Calhoun County. Marker is at the intersection of Quintard Avenue (U.S. 431) and East 13th Street, on the right when traveling north on Quintard Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Anniston AL 36207, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,218 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 4, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. 5, 6. submitted on March 3, 2012, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
