Brisbane Synagogue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brisbane Synagogue |
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Brisbane Synagogue, 2019
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Modern Orthodox Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Active |
| Ownership | Brisbane Hebrew Congregation |
| Location | |
| Location | 98 Margaret Street, Brisbane City, City of Brisbane, Queensland |
| Country | Australia |
 Location in Queensland
Location in Australia
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| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Arthur Morry |
| Architectural type | Synagogue |
| Date established | c. 1870s–c. 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Completed | 1885 |
| Official name: The Brisbane Synagogue | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600127 |
| Significant period | 1885–86 (fabric) |
| Significant components | Stained glass window/s, furniture/fittings, tower – minaret, gallery |
| Builders | Arthur Midson |
The Brisbane Synagogue is a very old and important Jewish place of worship. It is located on Margaret Street in Brisbane City, Queensland, Australia. This building was designed by Arthur Morry and built between 1885 and 1886. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992. This means it is a special building protected for its historical and cultural value.
History of the Synagogue
Jewish families started settling in Queensland after it became a separate colony. In 1865, they formed the Brisbane Hebrew Congregation. For a while, they met in different temporary places to worship. One of these was a building on the property of Samuel Davis at North Quay.
The congregation worked hard to save money. They wanted to buy land and build their own synagogue. They bought the current site for £200. In 1885, they asked architects to submit designs for the new building.
The design by Arthur Morry was chosen. He worked in the Queensland Colonial Architect's office. The first stone of the building was laid on 7 July 1885. A special bottle with coins, newspapers, and documents was placed underneath it.
The street level has changed over time. The original foundation stone is now hidden below the ground. This suggests that the synagogue's courtyard was also raised. This explains why the basement's air vents are now below ground.
Arthur Midson, a well-known builder, constructed the Synagogue. It cost £6450 to build. The Synagogue was officially opened on 18 July 1886. Many people from different faiths attended the ceremony. It was described as "imposing and interesting."
The building has a large round window above the main entrance on Margaret Street. This window is made of Oamaru stone and has beautiful stained glass. The glass was made by Messrs Lyon, Cottier & Co in Sydney.
Two tall, tower-like structures called minarets stand on either side of the window. They were originally 90 feet (about 27 meters) tall from the ground. The building is made of brick covered in stucco. It has a basement, a main worship area (called a nave), and side sections (called aisles). There is also a room for the minister at the back.
Jewish tradition separates men and women during worship. So, the Synagogue has a special upper level, or gallery, for women. This gallery has 140 seats and two rooms for women.
The Synagogue stayed mostly the same for many years. Before the Brisbane Jewish community's 100-year celebration in 1965, some big changes were made. More stained glass windows were added. Many of these windows were given by members whose families were lost during the Holocaust in World War II.
In 1967-1968, the words "The Brisbane Synagogue" were added above the main archway. Also, the congregation's Hebrew name, "Kehilla Kedosha Sha'ari Emuna," was added. This means "The Holy Congregation of the Gates of Faith."
What the Synagogue Looks Like
The Synagogue is built with brick covered in a smooth plaster called stucco. It sits on a strong concrete base. The most striking part of the front, facing Margaret Street, is its large entrance. Above the doorway is a huge arch. Above this arch is a big, round window made of Oamaru stone.
This round window has a beautiful circular pattern. It also features colorful stained glass panels. On each side of the front entrance, there is a tall, slender tower called a minaret. These towers become eight-sided at the top. They have narrow openings and are topped with small, eight-sided domes.
The roof above the entrance has a central round vent. Below this vent is a decorative band with more circular shapes. The parts of the building set back from the main entrance also have round windows. These are set within arched openings on the upper level. Below these, on each side, are two arched windows in a style similar to old Roman buildings.
The main arch of the entrance is supported by small, decorative columns. The top part of the arch has the words "THE BRISBANE SYNAGOGUE" written on it. Above this, there is a row of small, block-like decorations. On either side, there are round, flower-like designs.
The back wall of the building also has a large, round window made of Oamaru stone. The side walls have big windows that swing open. These help to keep the building cool with fresh air.
The Synagogue was designed to hold 400 people. 260 people can sit on the ground floor. The rest can sit on the upper level, which is the women's gallery. This gallery extends over the entrance and down both sides of the building.
Inside, the main worship area is divided into a central space (the nave) and side sections (the aisles). This is done by large, eight-sided columns with decorative tops and cement bases. Wide, curved arches connect the tops of these columns. The ceiling is made of timber boards. It has round, carved vents spaced evenly down the middle.
The women's gallery is supported by small wooden frames. You can reach it by two sets of stairs, one at the front and one at the back. The seats on both levels are stepped, facing the center. In the center, there is a carved wooden platform. At the far end of the building, there is an arched space reached by stone steps. A round window is above this space. On either side of it are marble plaques. The round windows on the gallery level and the arched windows below are filled with bright, colorful stained glass.
Why the Synagogue is Important
The Brisbane Synagogue was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992. This means it is recognized as a very important historical place.
It is important because:
- It shows how Queensland's history developed: It was Brisbane's first synagogue built specifically for worship. It shows how the Jewish community grew in the city in the 1880s.
- It has unique features: The added stained glass windows are a rare memorial in Brisbane. They remember Jewish people who died during World War II.
- It can teach us about the past: Inside the first stone laid, there are old items and memories. These could tell us more about the Jewish community in the 1880s.
- It shows great design: The Synagogue is a good example of the work of Arthur Morry, a famous Brisbane architect. It also shows the skill of Arthur Midson, the builder. It is a great example of how Jewish places of worship were designed in Australia.
- It looks beautiful: The building stands out on Margaret Street. Its unique entrance makes the street look special.
- It shows clever design: The building's design cleverly uses both round and eight-sided shapes. This created a unique style for a synagogue in the city.
- It is special to the community: The Synagogue has a very strong and special meaning for Brisbane's Jewish community. It is important for their social, cultural, and spiritual life.
