Temple House of Israel, Reform Jewish congregation in Staunton, Virginia
The Temple House of Israel is a building in Moorish Revival style located on North Market Street in Staunton, distinguished by twin towers, arched openings with column supports, and fine Mercer tiles throughout. The interior spaces show careful attention to architectural detail and craftsmanship that make it architecturally significant to the region.
Major Alexander Hart founded the congregation in 1876, and it first met in members' homes before moving to a building on Kalorama Street. The current building was completed in 1925 by Sam Collins of T.J. Collins & Sons and combines Early Assyrian elements with Reform Jewish architectural requirements.
The windows were designed by Charles Connick from Boston and show plants from Israel, reflecting how the congregation connects to their ancestral home. This choice in design gives the interior a personal meaning that goes beyond the building itself.
The site is located in downtown Staunton on an easily accessible street with parking available nearby. Visitors should check ahead by phone or local information about visiting hours, since regular services depend on the religious calendar and may vary seasonally.
The building combines Early Assyrian architectural features with the specific requirements of Reform Jewish tradition, an unusual mix that sets it apart visually. This stylistic fusion was a remarkable and rarely seen design choice for the time it was completed in 1925.
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