Synagogue of Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim
Historic Property
Street Address:
90 Hasell Street
Site card S108042000200282000
Date Surveyed:
circa 1972
Signficant Architectural Features:
Jewish pioneers began to settle in Charleston soon after the founding of Carolina in 1670. The earliest mention of a Jew appears in the records in 1695. Few at first, they worshipped informally until their number was sufficient to establish a
congregation in 1750. The first synagogue built of masonry on the site consecrated in 1794, was destroyed by the fire of 1838. The corner stone of the present edifice was laid in 1840 and consecrated in 1841. The synagogue was erected according to plans drawn by Cyrus L. Warner of New York. This is one of the most scholarly arid well proportioned examples of the Greek Revival period in the city. Some idea of its heroic scale may be judged when we realize that the entrance doorway under the portico is 18 feet high and 9 feet wide. The upper part of the doorway is filled with a transom enriched with appropriate wrought iron scrolls.
Rated Group 1: Exceptional
Survey:
Historic Charleston Foundation Survey 1972
Archives Location:
Box 2, Series 108042, Survey of historic resources (county by county data on surface properties), circa 1971-2014