The Sgoolai Israel Synagogue was constructed in 1934. This 2-storey brick structure is situated on the east side of Westmorland Street between King and Brunswick Streets.
Heritage Value
The Sgoolai Israel Synagogue is a fine example of modern architecture located in the Fredericton down town plat. The Fredericton Jewish community can trace its roots to at least the early 1880s. The first known Jewish family resided in Fredericton at that time, and the Jewish population remained modest throughout the last decades of the 19th century. Without a Synagogue, this small Jewish community worshipped outside the city. They often went to Saint John where there was a much more substantial Jewish community.
By 1914, however, as their numbers grew, the community decided it was time to form a Jewish Society. At that time, the Society hired Rabbi Hains who began holding services in private homes throughout the city. Soon after the formation of the Jewish Society, it was decided that they should establish a Synagogue in Fredericton. Rather than build a place for worship, the Society purchased the Seventh Day Adventists Church located on Brunswick Street, situated between Northumberland and Westmorland Streets. This was the site of the first Jewish Synagogue in Fredericton until the construction of the Sgoolai Israel Synagogue on Westmorland Street began in 1934.
Prolific local builder, Fred J. Tims, received the contract to erect the Sgoolai Israel Synagogue. When completed in 1935, this building provided a permanent place of worship for a growing Jewish community in Fredericton.
Character-Defining Elements
The character-defining elements associated with the Sgoolai Israel Synagogue located at 178 Westmorland Street include:
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2-storey brick construction
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Flat roof
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Large rectangular window openings
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Stained glass windows on second floor
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Central front entrance
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Pivotal role in the religious development of Fredericton’s Jewish community