Lloyd Street Synagogue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lloyd Street Synagogue |
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Former Lloyd Street Synagogue
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation |
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| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | |
| Ownership | Jewish Museum of Maryland |
| Status |
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| Location | |
| Location | 11 Lloyd Street, Baltimore, Maryland |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Baltimore
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| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) |
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| Architectural type | Synagogue |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| General contractor | Messrs Curly and Sons |
| Date established | 1830 (as a congregation) |
| Completed | 1845 |
| Construction cost | $20,000 |
| Materials | Brick |
The Lloyd Street Synagogue is a very old and important building in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. It used to be a Jewish place of worship, called a synagogue. It was used by both Reform and Orthodox Jewish communities.
This building is special because it's built in the Greek Revival style, which looks like ancient Greek temples. It's the first synagogue ever built in Maryland. It's also the third oldest synagogue building still standing in the entire United States.
Today, the building is no longer a synagogue. It is part of the Jewish Museum of Maryland. You can visit it as a museum in the Inner Harbor area of Baltimore.
Contents
History of the Lloyd Street Synagogue
The Lloyd Street Synagogue has a long and interesting history. It was built by a group called the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation. This group started in 1830. For the first 15 years, they held their services in a small room above a grocery store.
Building the First Synagogue
The synagogue building was finished in 1845. Important religious leaders, like Rev. S. M. Isaacs and Rev. Isaac Leeser, helped dedicate the building. It was a big moment for the Jewish community in Maryland.
A Church and Back to a Synagogue
In 1889, the building was sold. It became The St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church. This church served many immigrants from Lithuania. They used the building for about 16 years.
Then, in 1905, the building was sold again. It became a synagogue once more. This time, it was used by an Orthodox Jewish group called Shomrei Mishmeres HaKodesh. They were immigrants from Eastern Europe. They continued to use the building until 1963.
Saving a Historic Building
By 1963, the building was in danger of being torn down. People wanted to save this important piece of history. This effort led to the creation of the Jewish Historical Society of Maryland. This group is now known as the Jewish Museum of Maryland. They saved the building, and now it's a museum.
Architectural Style and Design
The Lloyd Street Synagogue was designed by two Baltimore architects. Their names were Robert Cary Long, Jr. and William Reasin. They chose the popular Greek Revival style for the building.
The front of the building has four large columns. These columns support a triangular roof section, called a pediment. The columns and pediment are painted a light pink color. The main part of the building is made of brick. The design is very similar to another church, St. Peter the Apostle Church, which was also designed by Robert Cary Long, Jr.
Oldest Synagogues in the U.S.
The Lloyd Street Synagogue is very old. It is the third oldest synagogue building still standing in the United States. Other older synagogue buildings are no longer around.
The two oldest synagogue buildings that are still in use today are:
- The Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island
- The Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue in Charleston, South Carolina
Recognized as a Landmark
Because of its history and unique architecture, the building has been officially recognized as important.
- In 1971, it was named a Baltimore City Landmark.
- In 1978, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- It is also part of the Baltimore National Heritage Area.
Discovery of an Ancient Mikveh
In 2011, something exciting was found under the synagogue. Archaeologists uncovered a mikveh. A mikveh is a special bath used for ritual cleansing in Judaism. This mikveh is believed to be the oldest one ever found in the United States.
See also
- Baltimore Hebrew Congregation Synagogue
- History of the Jews in Baltimore
- Jewish Museum of Maryland
- Oldest synagogues in the United States
