Temple Beth-El

Owned and maintained by the City of Corsicana since 1987, Temple Beth-El is a Corsicana treasure. The building with its distinctive architecture is a beautiful jewel for residents and visitors to enjoy and appreciate. Rental activity consists of social gatherings such as weddings, reunions, meetings, funeral memorials, small plays and summer program musicals. There is a kitchen, restrooms, reception hall and foyer that seats approximately 150 people with ample parking available. Rental times and fees (PDF) vary by event. Interested parties may rent the Temple by calling the Parks and Recreation office at 903-654-4874.

Temple Beth-ElT
Pews Inside Temple
Room with Long Table
Kitchen

History

Temple Beth-El became a recorded Texas Landmark in 1981. On February 3, 1987, Temple Beth-El was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Temple Beth-El is one of three State Archaeological Landmarks in Navarro County. The Jewish community of Corsicana established a congregation in 1871.The congregation worshiped in private homes until money could be raised to fund construction of a synagogue. The synagogue was built by a Reform Jewish congregation in 1898. It is a wood-frame building with clapboard siding, keyhole windows in the front doors and a pair of octagonal towers topped by onion domes. Rabbi Ernest Joseph served as the spiritual leader of Temple Beth-El from 1968 to 1980. In 1980, Temple Beth-El closed as a congregation, although a local rabbi still leads a Jewish service on a monthly basis. The property was donated to the City of Corsicana in 1987. The City uses it as a community center. In 2010, the synagogue's stained glass windows were renovated. The synagogue's facade and domes were restored in 2013.

Sign with Flag
Chandelier
Piano with Pews in the Background