Temple Freda (Bryan, Texas) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Temple Freda
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Temple Freda in 2012
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 Temple Freda
Location in Texas
Temple Freda
Location in the United States
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| Location | 205 Parker St., Bryan, Texas |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1912 |
| Architect | Green & Finger Company |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 83003128 |
| Added to NRHP | September 22, 1983 |
Temple Freda is a historic synagogue (a Jewish place of worship) built in 1912 in Bryan, Texas. It was recognized as an important historical site and added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 22, 1983.
Contents
A Look Back at Temple Freda's History
Temple Freda is a special part of Brazos County, Texas history. It is one of the three oldest religious buildings in Bryan that people still use today. The other two are St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and St. Anthony's Catholic Church.
Who Was Temple Freda Named After?
The temple is named after Ethel Freda Kaczer (1860–1912). Her husband, Benjamin Kaczer (1850–1938), was the leader of the Jewish community when the synagogue was built. It's quite special because it's rare for a Jewish place of worship to be named after a woman.
The Temple's Unique Design
The building itself has a beautiful design. It was built in the Greek Revival style. It also shows elements of Classical Revival style and Beaux-Arts architecture. These styles make the building look grand and important.
Saving a Historic Building
After World War II, fewer people attended Temple Freda. Many Jewish students and families started going to a newer synagogue called Hillel in College Station. Because of this, the Temple Freda building started to get old and worn out.
In 2013, a group of people from Bryan, Texas, decided to help. They worked together to fix up the old building. The City of Bryan took charge of the restoration project. After it was restored, the building was no longer used for religious services. Instead, it became a place for community events like weddings, small parties, and educational activities.
Temple Freda and Other Jewish Communities
Temple Freda has connections with other Jewish groups in the area.
Connection with Texas A&M Hillel
In 1958, Texas A&M Hillel opened its own building in College Station, Texas. Some members of Temple Freda then chose to attend services at the Hillel Foundation building. Today, Temple Freda's Torah (a holy Jewish scroll) is kept safe and cared for by Texas A&M Hillel.
Connection with Congregation Beth Shalom
In 1968, a new group called Congregation Beth Shalom was formed. This group serves the Jewish community in the Brazos Valley. Many people who used to be part of Temple Freda joined this new congregation. Now, Congregation Beth Shalom takes care of the Temple Freda Cemetery.
Texas A&M University's Preservation Work
Since 1982, the "Center of Heritage Conservation" at Texas A&M University has been studying the history of Temple Freda. They have made it one of their important historical projects. The temple is also connected to the "Temple Freda Cemetery," which is a Jewish cemetery. Both the temple and the cemetery are recognized as part of the National Register of Historic Places in Texas.
