PlaceJewish Eligibility — Verified by JWR

Temple of Israel, Wilmington

Active historic synagogue at 1 South Fourth Street, Wilmington, begun in 1875 and dedicated in 1876.

1 South Fourth Street, Wilmington, North CarolinaFounded 1876

Front facade of Temple of Israel in Wilmington

Jlewis52586 / Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 3.0

About

Temple of Israel was constructed in 1875-1876 as North Carolina's first purpose-built Jewish house of worship. The congregation restored the sanctuary in 2020-2023 and continues to list Friday Shabbat services at the historic site. Active historic synagogue at 1 South Fourth Street, Wilmington, begun in 1875 and dedicated in 1876. In Jewish World Records, Temple of Israel, Wilmington is connected to the record “First Purpose-Built Synagogue in North Carolina,” based on the stored achievement of First purpose-built synagogue in North Carolina; dedicated 12 May 1876. Temple of Israel in Wilmington marks the moment North Carolina's Jewish community created its first purpose-built house of worship. Construction began in 1875, and the synagogue was dedicated on 12 May 1876. Official state and county records consistently identify it as the first synagogue built in North Carolina.

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Records held by Temple of Israel, Wilmington

Side view of Temple of Israel in Wilmington, North Carolina

JWR Verified

Jewish HeritageFirst

First Synagogue in North Carolina

Record holder

Temple of Israel, Wilmington

Record value

12 May 1876

The record for the 'First Purpose-Built Synagogue in North Carolina' was established with the dedication of the Temple of Israel in Wilmington on 12 May 1876. Construction on the building began on 20 March 1875 and it was completed in 1876. The record specifically recognises the earliest building in the state that was purpose-designed and constructed as a Jewish house of worship, distinct from temporary service locations or converted structures. According to county museum records, the synagogue remains standing.

Country: United States
Achievement location: Wilmington, North Carolina, United States
Achievement date: 12 May 1876

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