Temple Freda (Bryan, Texas)

Coordinates: 30°40′21″N 96°22′30″W / 30.6725°N 96.3751°W / 30.6725; -96.3751

Temple Freda

Temple Freda in 2012
Location Bryan, Texas
Built 1912
Architect Green & Finger Company
Architectural style Greek Revival, Classical Revival
NRHP Reference # 83003128
Added to NRHP September 22, 1983

Temple Freda, built in 1912, is a synagogue in Bryan, Texas.[1] It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 22, 1983.

History

Temple Freda, a part of Brazos County, Texas history, is one of the three oldest religious buildings still in use in Bryan, along with St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.[2] Temple Freda is named for Ethel Freda Kaczer (1860–1912). Her husband, Benjamin Kaczer (1850–1938), was president of the community when the synagogue was built.[2] The temple is unique for a Jewish place of worship in that it is named after a woman.[1][3]

Since 1982, Texas A&M University's Center of Heritage Conservation has focused on the history of Temple Freda as one of its historical projects. The temple structure is built in Greek Revival style[4] and also exhibits Classical Revival style with Beaux-Arts architecture elements.[1]

The building began to decline after World War II when worshippers began migrating over to the newer student-oriented Hillel synagogue in College Station.[5] In 2013, a group of citizens from Bryan, Texas joined together to restore the deteriorating building. The City of Bryan became acting custodian over the restoration project.[5] It was determined that after restoration, the building would not be used as a religious facility rather it will be used for community activities such as weddings, small receptions, educational activities and the like.[5]

Relationship with Texas A&M Hillel

In 1958, Texas A&M Hillel opened up a building in College Station, Texas. During this period, some members of Temple Freda in Bryan, Texas left to attend services at the Hillel Foundation building in College Station. Presently, Temple Freda's Torah is under the care of Texas A&M Hillel.[6]

Relationship with Congregation Beth Shalom (Jewish Congregation of Bryan-College Station)

In 1968 Congregation Beth Shalom, Bryan TX was formed to serve the Jewish community of the Brazos Valley. It included many former members of Temple Freda. Presently Temple Freda's Cemetery is under the care of Congregation Beth Shalom.

Texas A&M University College of Architecture project

Since 1982, Texas A&M University's "Center of Heritage Conservation" has focused on the history of Temple Freda as one of its historical projects. The temple structure is built in Greek Revival style[4] and also exhibits Classical Revival style with Beaux-Arts architecture elements.[1] Temple Freda is associated with the Jewish cemetery "Temple Freda Cemetery"[7] and is also a part of the National Register of Historic Places of Texas.[8]

Further reading

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 International Survey of Jewish Monuments record for Freda Temple
  2. 1 2 "A Guide to Historic Brazos Valley" (PDF). Brazos Heritage Society. 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 26, 2008. Retrieved 2007-10-22.
  3. ↑ Temple Freda, Bryan, Texas
  4. 1 2 Texas A&M University College of Architecture Projects
  5. 1 2 3 "The Jewish Community in Bryan and Birth of a Synagogue". The Temple Freda Project. Brazos Heritage Society. Retrieved November 26, 2015.
  6. ↑ Lone Stars of David: The Jews of Texas Brandeis University Press page 191
  7. ↑ Temple Freda Burials, Bryan, TX
  8. ↑ National Register of Historic Places of Texas
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