Gemiluth Chessed

Gemiluth Chessed is a synagogue in Port Gibson with a brick exterior and tall arched windows featuring stained glass designs in Moorish keyhole patterns. The windows fill the interior with colored light, creating a warm glow in the prayer space.

The synagogue was founded in 1892 by Jewish immigrants from German-speaking states and the Alsace region. It served its congregation until 1986 when membership had dwindled to just two people.

The building represents the religious life of 50 to 60 Jewish families who contributed to Port Gibson's commerce and cotton trade during the late nineteenth century.

The building stands on Church Street and has been preserved through conservation efforts. Its exterior can be viewed from the street, showing the original craftsmanship of the construction.

The structure blends a Russian-style cupola with a Moorish keyhole doorway, making it the only fully completed Moorish synagogue building in Mississippi. This architectural fusion reflects the diverse origins of its founding community.

Location: Mississippi

Inception: 1892

Architectural style: Moorish Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 31.95920,-90.98280

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:22