Gates of Heaven Synagogue: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 43°4′33.2″N 89°26′6.65″W / 43.075889°N 89.4351806°W / 43.075889; -89.4351806
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The Gates of Heaven congregation never exceeded twenty families, nor was it served by an ordained rabbi. The brother of one of its members, Joseph M. Thuringer, came from Germany to serve as the congregation's rabbi at its invitation. The fortunes of the congregation declined through the 1870s and they began leaving Madison throughout the decade.{{sfn|National Park Service|1970|p=4}} By 1878, the congregation had shrunk to six members.{{sfn|Historic Madison|2002|p=323}}
The Gates of Heaven congregation never exceeded twenty families, nor was it served by an ordained rabbi. The brother of one of its members, Joseph M. Thuringer, came from Germany to serve as the congregation's rabbi at its invitation. The fortunes of the congregation declined through the 1870s and they began leaving Madison throughout the decade.{{sfn|National Park Service|1970|p=4}} By 1878, the congregation had shrunk to six members.{{sfn|Historic Madison|2002|p=323}}


In 1879, the congregation rented the building to the [[First Unitarian Society of Madison]] until it moved out in 1885,<ref name="waxman">{{cite news|last=Waxman|first=Andrea|title=In new space, Madison's Shaarei Shamayim comes full circle|work=[[Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle]]|date=September 25, 2008|url=http://www.jewishchronicle.org/article.php?article_id=10640|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716215427/http://www.jewishchronicle.org/article.php?article_id=10640|archive-date=July 16, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> then to the [[Women's Christian Temperance Union]] in 1890, the [[First Church of Christ, Scientist (Madison, Wisconsin)|First Church of Christ, Scientist]], in 1898, and then the English Lutheran Church in 1908.{{sfn|Historic Madison|2002|p=324}} The Jewish congregation sold the synagogue in 1916, providing $1,500 {{USDCY|1500|1916}} to the city for the perpetual care of the Jewish graves in Forest Hill Cemetery.{{sfn|Swarsensky|1955|p=95}} The remaining money from the synagogue's sale was distributed to various charitable causes, including the Madison General Hospital, relief for Jews in Europe, the [[China International Famine Relief Commission|Chinese Famine Fund]], and the [[Palestine Foundation Fund]]. The congregation's [[Torah scroll]] was donated to the [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]] synagogue in Madison, ''Agudas Achim''. The congregation held its last meeting in 1922, after meeting in members' homes for decades.{{sfn|Swarsensky|1955|p=40}} Throughout its existence from 1856 to 1922, the Gates of Heaven congregation kept detailed records of its meetings, which are now held by the [[American Jewish Historical Society]] in New York City.{{sfn|Swarsensky|1955|p=37}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Collection: Gates of Heaven Synagogue (Madison, Wis.) |url=https://archives.cjh.org/repositories/3/resources/5652 |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=[[American Jewish Historical Society]]}}</ref>
In 1879, the congregation rented the building to the [[First Unitarian Society of Madison]] until it moved out in 1885,<ref name="waxman">{{cite news|last=Waxman|first=Andrea|title=In new space, Madison's Shaarei Shamayim comes full circle|work=[[Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle]]|date=September 25, 2008|url=http://www.jewishchronicle.org/article.php?article_id=10640|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716215427/http://www.jewishchronicle.org/article.php?article_id=10640|archive-date=July 16, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> then to the [[Women's Christian Temperance Union]] in 1890, the [[First Church of Christ, Scientist (Madison, Wisconsin)|First Church of Christ, Scientist]], in 1898, and then the English Lutheran Church in 1908.{{sfn|Historic Madison|2002|p=324}} The Jewish congregation sold the synagogue in 1916, providing $1,500 {{USDCY|1500|1916}} to the city for the perpetual care of the Jewish graves in Forest Hill Cemetery.{{sfn|Swarsensky|1955|p=95}} The remaining money from the synagogue's sale was distributed to various charitable causes, including the Madison General Hospital, relief for Jews in Europe, the [[China International Famine Relief Commission|Chinese Famine Fund]], and the [[Palestine Foundation Fund]]. The congregation's [[Torah scroll]] was donated to the [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]] synagogue in Madison, ''Agudas Achim''. The congregation held its last meeting in 1922, after meeting in members' homes for decades.{{sfn|Swarsensky|1955|p=40}} Throughout its existence from 1856 to 1922, the Gates of Heaven congregation kept detailed records of its meetings, which are now held by the [[American Jewish Historical Society]] in New York City.{{sfn|Swarsensky|1955|p=37}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Collection: Gates of Heaven Synagogue (Madison, Wis.) |url=https://archives.cjh.org/repositories/3/resources/5652 |access-date=January 22, 2024|website=[[American Jewish Historical Society]]}}</ref>


The synagogue was purchased in 1916 by Arthur and George Gil, who used the building for their [[funeral home]] until they sold the building in 1930. Subsequently it was a hotel, a warehouse for government documents during [[World War II]], a church, a dentist's office, a veterinary clinic,{{sfn|National Park Service|1970|p=6}} and finally the office of [[United States House of Representatives]] member [[Robert Kastenmeier]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stoler |first=Lois |title=Gates of Heaven Synagogue |url=https://www.historicmadison.org/gatesofheavensynagogue |access-date=January 19, 2024 |publisher=Historic Madison, Inc}}</ref>
The synagogue was purchased in 1916 by Arthur and George Gil, who used the building for their [[funeral home]] until they sold the building in 1930. Subsequently it was a hotel, a warehouse for government documents during [[World War II]], a church, a dentist's office, a veterinary clinic,{{sfn|National Park Service|1970|p=6}} and finally the office of [[United States House of Representatives]] member [[Robert Kastenmeier]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stoler|first=Lois|title=Gates of Heaven Synagogue|url=https://www.historicmadison.org/gatesofheavensynagogue|access-date=January 19, 2024|publisher=Historic Madison, Inc}}</ref>


===Threat of demolition and preservation===
===Threat of demolition and preservation===
By 1970, the Gates of Heaven synagogue—by then known as the Old Synagogue—was owned by the Fiore Coal and Oil Company (FCOC). On July&nbsp;20, 1970, a permit for the synagogue's demolition was obtained to make way for development by the Madison Bank and Trust Company. [[Manfred Swarsensky]], rabbi of the nearby [[Temple Beth El (Madison, Wisconsin)|Temple Beth El]] and [[History of the Jews in Madison, Wisconsin|historian of the Jews in Madison]], despaired of the possibility of preserving the synagogue.<ref name=awaits>{{Cite news|last=Mitchell|first=George|title=Old Synagogue Waits Wrecking Crew|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139224139|work=[[Wisconsin State Journal]]|date=July 21, 1970|page=13|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=First Synagogue Here Soon To Be Wrecked|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53703587|work=[[The Capital Times]]|location=Madison, Wisconsin|date=July 21, 1970|page=2|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> Norton Stoler, a local who had unsuccessfully attempted to raise funds to move and preserve a historic farmhouse,{{sfn|Wisconsin Historical Society|1971|p=4}} approached the FCOC the following day about the possibility of moving the synagogue.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Attempt is Made to Save Synagogue|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139226239|work=[[Wisconsin State Journal]]|date=July 22, 1970|page=29|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> On July&nbsp;23, the FCOC granted a six-month grace period for the possibility of fundraising and the moving of the synagogue to a new site,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Six-Month Respite Granted to Save Old Synagogue|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139227457|work=[[The Capital Times]]|location=Madison, Wisconsin|date=July 23, 1970|page=2|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Mitchell|first=George|title=Old Synagogue Is Spared, Possibly for Six Months|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139228099|work=[[Wisconsin State Journal]]|date=July 23, 1970|page=37|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> which was estimated to cost between $20,000 {{USDCY|30000|1970}} and $100,000 {{USDCY|100000|1970}}.<ref name=awaits/>
By 1970, the Gates of Heaven synagogue—by then known as the Old Synagogue—was owned by the Fiore Coal and Oil Company. On July&nbsp;20, 1970, a permit for the synagogue's demolition was obtained to make way for development. [[Manfred Swarsensky]], rabbi of the nearby [[Temple Beth El (Madison, Wisconsin)|Temple Beth El]] and [[History of the Jews in Madison, Wisconsin|historian of the Jews in Madison]], despaired of the possibility of preserving the synagogue.<ref name=awaits>{{Cite news|last=Mitchell|first=George|title=Old Synagogue Waits Wrecking Crew|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139224139|work=[[Wisconsin State Journal]]|date=July 21, 1970|page=13|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=First Synagogue Here Soon To Be Wrecked|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53703587|work=[[The Capital Times]]|location=Madison, Wisconsin|date=July 21, 1970|page=2|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> Norton Stoler, a local who had unsuccessfully attempted to raise funds to move and preserve a historic farmhouse,{{sfn|Wisconsin Historical Society|1971|p=4}} approached Fiore the following day about the possibility of moving the synagogue.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Attempt is Made to Save Synagogue|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139226239|work=[[Wisconsin State Journal]]|date=July 22, 1970|page=29|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> On July&nbsp;23, the FCOC granted a six-month grace period for the possibility of fundraising and the moving of the synagogue to a new site,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Six-Month Respite Granted to Save Old Synagogue|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139227457|work=[[The Capital Times]]|location=Madison, Wisconsin|date=July 23, 1970|page=2|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Mitchell|first=George|title=Old Synagogue Is Spared, Possibly for Six Months|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139228099|work=[[Wisconsin State Journal]]|date=July 23, 1970|page=37|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> which was estimated to cost between $20,000 {{USDCY|30000|1970}} and $100,000 {{USDCY|100000|1970}}.<ref name=awaits/>

[[File:Gates of Heaven Synagogue LA Stager.pdf|thumb|1885 sketch of the building, when it was in use as a Unitarian church.]]
[[File:Gates of Heaven Synagogue LA Stager.pdf|thumb|1885 sketch of the building, when it was in use as a Unitarian church.]]
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To raise money for the synagogue's preservation, Norton and Lois Stoler established the Gates of Heaven Synagogue Preservation Fund in September and led its fundraising efforts. Supported by the FCOC via the donation of Kastenmeier's rent and the Taychopera Foundation, a local historical preservationist organization, and the city government,{{Sfn|Wisconsin Historical Society|1971|pp=4–5}} the Fund raised $15,715 {{USDCY|15715|1971}} in cash donations and at least $13,500 {{USDCY|13500|1971}} in services and materials,<ref name=krumme>{{Cite news|last=Krumme|first=Mackenzie|date=June 28, 2018|title=Madison's First Synagogue: The History of Gates of Heaven|url=https://madison365.com/madisons-first-synagogue-the-history-of-gates-of-heaven/|work=[[Madison365]]|access-date=January 13, 2024}}</ref> which was bolstered by a $29,500 {{USDCY|29500|1971}} [[matched grant]] from the [[Department of Housing And Urban Development]] in May&nbsp;1971.{{Sfn|Wisconsin Historical Society|1971|p=5}}<ref name=stolers/> Other donors included the Madison Fire Department and [[Oscar Mayer]].<ref name=stolers>{{Cite news|last=Custer|first=Frank|title=Stolers' Longtime Interest Key to Saving Synagogue|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139228026|work=[[The Capital Times]]|location=Madison, Wisconsin|date=June 15, 1971|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> On December&nbsp;17, 1970, Donald N. Anderson of the [[Wisconsin Historical Society]] nominated the Gates of Heaven Synagague for inclusion on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] (NRHP) as the Old Synagogue. The nomination was received on December&nbsp;22 and was approved, and thus the synagogue included on the Register, on December&nbsp;29.{{sfn|National Park Service|1970|p=5}}


⚫
To raise money for the synagogue's preservation, Norton and Lois Stoler established the Gates of Heaven Synagogue Preservation Fund in September and led its fundraising efforts. Supported by Fiore via the donation of Kastenmeier's rent and the Taychopera Foundation, a local historical preservationist organization, and the city government,{{Sfn|Wisconsin Historical Society|1971|pp=4–5}} the Fund raised $15,715 {{USDCY|15715|1971}} in cash donations and at least $13,500 {{USDCY|13500|1971}} in services and materials,<ref name=krumme>{{Cite news|last=Krumme|first=Mackenzie|date=June 28, 2018|title=Madison's First Synagogue: The History of Gates of Heaven|url=https://madison365.com/madisons-first-synagogue-the-history-of-gates-of-heaven/|work=[[Madison365]]|access-date=January 13, 2024}}</ref> which was bolstered by a $29,500 {{USDCY|29500|1971}} [[matched grant]] from the [[Department of Housing And Urban Development]] in May&nbsp;1971.{{Sfn|Wisconsin Historical Society|1971|p=5}}<ref name=stolers/> Other donors included the Madison Fire Department and [[Oscar Mayer]].<ref name=stolers>{{Cite news|last=Custer|first=Frank|title=Stolers' Longtime Interest Key to Saving Synagogue|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139228026|work=[[The Capital Times]]|location=Madison, Wisconsin|date=June 15, 1971|page=39|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> On December&nbsp;17, 1970, Donald N. Anderson of the [[Wisconsin Historical Society]] nominated the Gates of Heaven Synagague for inclusion on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] (NRHP) as the Old Synagogue. The nomination was received on December&nbsp;22 and was approved, and thus the synagogue included on the Register, on December&nbsp;29.{{sfn|National Park Service|1970|p=5}}
⚫
On 6&nbsp;January, 1971, the Madison City Party Commission approved a request to relocate the Gates of Heaven Synagogue to a site within the [[James Madison Park]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Park Site Picked for Old Synagogue|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139374696|work=[[Wisconsin State Journal]]|date=January 7, 1971|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>


On 6&nbsp;January, 1971, the Madison City Park Commission approved a request to relocate the Gates of Heaven Synagogue to a site in [[James Madison Park]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Park Site Picked for Old Synagogue|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139374696|work=[[Wisconsin State Journal]]|date=January 7, 1971|page=33|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> Fiore set May&nbsp;1 as the deadline for removing the Gates of Heaven synagogue,<ref>{{Cite news|title=HUD Support Is Needed to Save Old Synagogue|url=https://wwww.newspapers.com/clip/139377524|work=[[Wisconsin State Journal]]|date=March 3, 1971|page=33|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> and sold the plot under the synagogue to the David Murdock Development Company,{{Sfn|Wisconsin Historical Society|1971|p=5}} which was to construct a ten-story office building for the Madison Bank and Trust Company.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Building Plan Casts Doubt On Old Synagogue's Fate|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139378070|work=[[The Capital Times]]|location=Madison, Wisconsin|page=11|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> In response to public pressure,{{sfn|Wisconsin Historical Society|1971|p=5}} Murdock extended the grace period to July&nbsp;10.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Custer|first=Frank|title=Gates of Heaven Preservation Gets Construction Firm Boost|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139378179|work=[[The Capital Times]]|location=Madison, Wisconsin|date=May 25, 1971|page=19|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> Despite broad local support for the preservation efforts, the project faced some opposition. A city council meeting in June was adjourned early, preventing the alders from voting on a contract to move the synagogue.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Forster Obstructs City Move to Save Old Synagogue|work=[[The Capital Times]]|location=Madison, Wisconsin|date=June 23, 1971|pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139378661 1], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139378668 4]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> One alderman who voted for the adjournment and opposed the moving project described the synagogue as a "junk pile" and "a waste of taxpayers' money".<ref name=forster>{{Cite news|last=Kendrick|first=Rosemary|title=Old Synagogue Bound for Park; Council Nods, 18-1|work=[[The Capital Times]]|location=Madison, Wisconsin|date=June 25, 1971|pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139378766 1], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139378781 4]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> Ultimately, the City Council approved the move,<ref name=forster/> overruling an objection by a landlord near James Madison Park who complained that the synagogue would be an "eyesore".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Custer|first=Frank|title=Lone Landowner Fails to Block Synagogue Project|work=[[The Capital Times]]|location=Madison, Wisconsin|date=July 3, 1971|pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139378941 1], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139378947 2]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>
The original lot was sold in May&nbsp;1971 to the David Murdock Development Company, which announced plans to demolish the synagogue; under pressure, the company allowed more time for the building's relocation.{{Sfn|Wisconsin Historical Society|1971|p=5}}


Although the synagogue was mounted on 96 wheels by July&nbsp;13,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Custer|first=Frank|title=Parks Commission Calls Meeting on Synagogue|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139379419|work=[[The Capital Times]]|location=Madison, Wisconsin|date=July 13, 1971|page=21|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> the move was delayed by a member of the Park Commission on July&nbsp;8,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Harman Moves to Snarl Gates of Heaven Move|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139379247|work=[[The Capital Times]]|location=Madison, Wisconsin|date=July 8, 1971|page=25|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> and again on July&nbsp;10 because of concerns about the synagogue's structural stability.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Frail Synagogue Must Wait a Bit Before Moving|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71738309|work=[[Wisconsin State Journal]]|date=July 10, 1971|page=11|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> On July&nbsp;16, 1971, the synagogue was finally rolled through downtown Madison with the aid of two World War II [[Armoured recovery vehicle|tank retrievers]], a hoist truck, a moving crew, and city workers. The moving process lasted over 9 hours; it began at 10am and concluded at 7:20pm.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Custer|first=Frank|date=July 17, 1971|title=Scores Gather to Watch Synagogue Roll Through City|work=[[The Capital Times]]|location=Madison, Wisconsin|pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139379698 1], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139379757 2]|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>
Despite broad local support for the preservation efforts, the project faced some opposition. In June&nbsp;1971, a City Council meeting was adjourned early, preventing the alders from voting on a contract to move the synagogue. One alderman who voted for the adjournment and opposed the moving project described the synagogue as a "junk pile" and "a waste of taxpayers' money", and claimed that many locals agreed with him. Ultimately, the City Council voted to approve the move.<ref name=krumme/>

On July&nbsp;16, 1971, the synagogue was loaded onto a 96-wheel structure and rolled through the streets of downtown Madison with the aid of a moving crew and city workers. Two World War II tank retrievers and a hoist truck were used in the process. The moving process lasted over 9 hours; it began at 10am and concluded at 7:20pm.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Custer |first=Frank |date=July 17, 1971|title=Scores Gather to Watch Synagogue Roll Through City |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/522588347 |work=[[The Capital Times]] |location=Madison, Wisconsin |pages=1–2 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>


=== Modern use ===
=== Modern use ===
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==Site and architecture==
==Site and architecture==
The Gates of Heaven Synagogue is located in the [[James Madison Park]] in Madison, Wisconsin, at 302 E. Gorham St.<ref name="cityofmadison">{{cite web |title=Gates of Heaven - Reservable Shelters - Madison Parks |url=https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/find-a-park/reservableShelter.cfm?id=35 |access-date=September 30, 2019 |publisher=City of Madison, Wisconsin}}</ref> The building measures {{convert|28|x|51|ft}} and was constructed from sandstone and brick.{{sfn|National Park Service|1970|p=2}} The [[Society of Architectural Historians]] describes the synagogue as belonging to the [[Romanesque Revival style]] of architecture.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Weisiger|first=Marsha|editor1-last=Esperdy|editor1-first=Gabrielle|editor2-last=Kingsley|editor2-first=Karen|title=Historic Shaare Shomaim Synagogue (Gates of Heaven Synagogue)|url=https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/WI-01-DA27|work=SAH Archipedia|publisher=[[Society of Architectural Historians]]|access-date=January 18, 2024}}</ref> In its nomination form for the NRHP, it was described as "reflecting a degree of Victorian [[Eclecticism in architecture|eclecticism]], with [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] influences and facade ornamentation reminiscent of old [[Spanish Mission architecture|Spanish mission architecture]] of the southwestern US."{{Sfn|National Park Service|1970|p=2}}
The Gates of Heaven Synagogue is located in the [[James Madison Park]] in Madison, Wisconsin, at 302 E. Gorham St.<ref name="cityofmadison">{{cite web |title=Gates of Heaven - Reservable Shelters - Madison Parks |url=https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/find-a-park/reservableShelter.cfm?id=35 |access-date=September 30, 2019 |publisher=City of Madison, Wisconsin}}</ref> The building measures {{convert|28|x|51|ft}} and was constructed from sandstone and brick.{{sfn|National Park Service|1970|p=2}} The [[Society of Architectural Historians]] describes the synagogue as belonging to the [[Romanesque Revival style]] of architecture.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Weisiger|first=Marsha|editor1-last=Esperdy|editor1-first=Gabrielle|editor2-last=Kingsley|editor2-first=Karen|title=Historic Shaare Shomaim Synagogue (Gates of Heaven Synagogue)|url=https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/WI-01-DA27|work=SAH Archipedia|publisher=[[Society of Architectural Historians]]|access-date=January 18, 2024}}</ref> In its nomination form for the NRHP, it was described as "reflecting a degree of Victorian [[Eclecticism in architecture|eclecticism]], with [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] influences and facade ornamentation reminiscent of old [[Spanish Mission architecture|Spanish mission architecture]] of the southwestern US."{{Sfn|National Park Service|1970|p=2}}

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The ceiling of the synagogue was originally painted blue with silver stars.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Synagogue Examined Before Restoration|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/139375722|work=[[Wisconsin State Journal]]|date=January 25, 1971|page=11|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 11:48, 23 January 2024

Gates of Heaven Synagogue
Gates of Heaven Synagogue in 2012
Gates of Heaven Synagogue is located in Wisconsin
Gates of Heaven Synagogue
Location in Wisconsin and the United States
Gates of Heaven Synagogue is located in the United States
Gates of Heaven Synagogue
Gates of Heaven Synagogue (the United States)
Location302 E. Gorham St., Madison, Wisconsin
Coordinates43°4′33.2″N 89°26′6.65″W / 43.075889°N 89.4351806°W / 43.075889; -89.4351806
Built1863 (1863)
ArchitectAugust Kutzbock
Architectural styleRomanesque Revival architecture
Restored1971
NRHP reference No.70000030
Added to NRHPDecember 29, 1970

The Gates of Heaven Synagogue, also known as the Old Synagogue, is a historic synagogue in Madison, Wisconsin. The synagogue was designed by German immigrant and architect August Kutzbock and constructed in 1863 for the Gates of Heaven congregation. The congregation that commissioned the synagogue was a group of 17 German-speaking Jewish families that met within the building until financial difficulties obliged them to rent it to a succession of tenants from 1879 until finally selling the building in 1916. The synagogue was then sold to a succession of owners and was at various times a dentist's office, a funeral home, and the office of US Congressman Robert Kastenmeier.

In 1970, the synagogue was set to be demolished but was spared for concerned members of the community to raise money to move the synagogue to a new site. The synagogue was moved to James Madison Park in July 1971 after a fundraising effort supported by the citizens of Madison, a historical preservation fund called the Taychopera Foundation, and the US government.

The Gates of Heaven synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in the United States. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 29, 1970.

History

The first Jewish residents of Madison were German-speaking immigrants from Bohemia who began arriving in the area in the 1850s.[1] In March 1856,[2] the seventeen Jewish families then present in Madison established a synagogue, becoming the second Jewish community in Wisconsin.[3] The congregation was originally named Brother Love (Hebrew: Ahavath Achim)[4] and later changed to Gates of Heaven (Hebrew: Shaare Shomaim).[5][6] The synagogue adhered to the Reformed movement.[7] In 1859, the congregation bought a plot of land in the newly-established Forest Hill Cemetery for use as a Jewish burial ground.[8]

Until 1861, the synagogue met in the home of Samuel Klauber,[5] its treasurer and the first Jewish resident of Madison.[5][9] A commission for the construction of a religious edifice to house the congregation was organized in 1862. The architect the commission selected to design the synagogue building was August Kutzbock,[10] a German immigrant who designed several buildings in Madison through the 1850s, including the original city hall and the home of Governor Leonard Farwell.[11][12]

In October 1862,[13] the congregation purchased a lot at 214 West Washington Avenue,[14] next to a congregational church.[5] The foundation of the Gates of Heaven Synagogue was finished by April 10, 1863,[10] and was fully finished and consecrated on September 5 by a rabbi from Milwaukee.[5] Attendees at the consecration included the Governor of Wisconsin, Mayor of Madison, members of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and Kutzbock.[13] Construction of the synagogue cost $3000 ($74,238 in 2023).[10] Following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in 1865, the Wisconsin Legislature met for a memorial service at the Gates of Heaven synagogue.[13]

1864 illustration of the synagogue and congregational church in their original location on West Washington Ave

The Gates of Heaven congregation never exceeded twenty families, nor was it served by an ordained rabbi. The brother of one of its members, Joseph M. Thuringer, came from Germany to serve as the congregation's rabbi at its invitation. The fortunes of the congregation declined through the 1870s and they began leaving Madison throughout the decade.[13] By 1878, the congregation had shrunk to six members.[9]

In 1879, the congregation rented the building to the First Unitarian Society of Madison until it moved out in 1885,[15] then to the Women's Christian Temperance Union in 1890, the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in 1898, and then the English Lutheran Church in 1908.[10] The Jewish congregation sold the synagogue in 1916, providing $1,500 ($42,000 in 2023) to the city for the perpetual care of the Jewish graves in Forest Hill Cemetery.[16] The remaining money from the synagogue's sale was distributed to various charitable causes, including the Madison General Hospital, relief for Jews in Europe, the Chinese Famine Fund, and the Palestine Foundation Fund. The congregation's Torah scroll was donated to the Orthodox synagogue in Madison, Agudas Achim. The congregation held its last meeting in 1922, after meeting in members' homes for decades.[17] Throughout its existence from 1856 to 1922, the Gates of Heaven congregation kept detailed records of its meetings, which are now held by the American Jewish Historical Society in New York City.[4][18]

The synagogue was purchased in 1916 by Arthur and George Gil, who used the building for their funeral home until they sold the building in 1930. Subsequently it was a hotel, a warehouse for government documents during World War II, a church, a dentist's office, a veterinary clinic,[12] and finally the office of United States House of Representatives member Robert Kastenmeier.[19]

Threat of demolition and preservation

By 1970, the Gates of Heaven synagogue—by then known as the Old Synagogue—was owned by the Fiore Coal and Oil Company. On July 20, 1970, a permit for the synagogue's demolition was obtained to make way for development. Manfred Swarsensky, rabbi of the nearby Temple Beth El and historian of the Jews in Madison, despaired of the possibility of preserving the synagogue.[20][21] Norton Stoler, a local who had unsuccessfully attempted to raise funds to move and preserve a historic farmhouse,[22] approached Fiore the following day about the possibility of moving the synagogue.[23] On July 23, the FCOC granted a six-month grace period for the possibility of fundraising and the moving of the synagogue to a new site,[24][25] which was estimated to cost between $20,000 ($235,373 in 2023) and $100,000 ($784,576 in 2023).[20]

1885 sketch of the building, when it was in use as a Unitarian church.

To raise money for the synagogue's preservation, Norton and Lois Stoler established the Gates of Heaven Synagogue Preservation Fund in September and led its fundraising efforts. Supported by Fiore via the donation of Kastenmeier's rent and the Taychopera Foundation, a local historical preservationist organization, and the city government,[26] the Fund raised $15,715 ($118,231 in 2023) in cash donations and at least $13,500 ($101,566 in 2023) in services and materials,[27] which was bolstered by a $29,500 ($221,941 in 2023) matched grant from the Department of Housing And Urban Development in May 1971.[28][29] Other donors included the Madison Fire Department and Oscar Mayer.[29] On December 17, 1970, Donald N. Anderson of the Wisconsin Historical Society nominated the Gates of Heaven Synagague for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as the Old Synagogue. The nomination was received on December 22 and was approved, and thus the synagogue included on the Register, on December 29.[30]

On 6 January, 1971, the Madison City Park Commission approved a request to relocate the Gates of Heaven Synagogue to a site in James Madison Park.[31] Fiore set May 1 as the deadline for removing the Gates of Heaven synagogue,[32] and sold the plot under the synagogue to the David Murdock Development Company,[28] which was to construct a ten-story office building for the Madison Bank and Trust Company.[33] In response to public pressure,[28] Murdock extended the grace period to July 10.[34] Despite broad local support for the preservation efforts, the project faced some opposition. A city council meeting in June was adjourned early, preventing the alders from voting on a contract to move the synagogue.[35] One alderman who voted for the adjournment and opposed the moving project described the synagogue as a "junk pile" and "a waste of taxpayers' money".[36] Ultimately, the City Council approved the move,[36] overruling an objection by a landlord near James Madison Park who complained that the synagogue would be an "eyesore".[37]

Although the synagogue was mounted on 96 wheels by July 13,[38] the move was delayed by a member of the Park Commission on July 8,[39] and again on July 10 because of concerns about the synagogue's structural stability.[40] On July 16, 1971, the synagogue was finally rolled through downtown Madison with the aid of two World War II tank retrievers, a hoist truck, a moving crew, and city workers. The moving process lasted over 9 hours; it began at 10am and concluded at 7:20pm.[41]

Modern use

Gates of Heaven is owned and maintained by the Madison Parks Department, and has become a popular space for weddings and other events. It has also hosted High Holy Day celebrations and other Jewish ceremonies,[27] and serves as a polling location.[42]

The Ark inside the synagogue

On the day before Rosh Hashanah, 2017, swastikas and the words "TRUMP RULES" and "Antifa sucks" were found spray painted on a stone memorializing the Abraham Lincoln brigade near the synagogue.[43]

Site and architecture

The Gates of Heaven Synagogue is located in the James Madison Park in Madison, Wisconsin, at 302 E. Gorham St.[44] The building measures 28 by 51 feet (8.5 m × 15.5 m) and was constructed from sandstone and brick.[45] The Society of Architectural Historians describes the synagogue as belonging to the Romanesque Revival style of architecture.[46] In its nomination form for the NRHP, it was described as "reflecting a degree of Victorian eclecticism, with Gothic influences and facade ornamentation reminiscent of old Spanish mission architecture of the southwestern US."[45]

The ceiling of the synagogue was originally painted blue with silver stars.[47]

References

  1. ^ Historic Madison 2002, pp. 323–324.
  2. ^ Chariton 2021, p. 26.
  3. ^ "Jews in Wisconsin". Wisconsin Historical Society. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Swarsensky 1955, p. 37.
  5. ^ a b c d e Levitan 2006, p. 57.
  6. ^ Postal & Koppman 1986, p. 266.
  7. ^ Goldsmith 1977, p. 33.
  8. ^ Swarsensky 1955, p. 94.
  9. ^ a b Historic Madison 2002, p. 323.
  10. ^ a b c d Historic Madison 2002, p. 324.
  11. ^ Weisiger, Marsha. Esperdy, Gabrielle; Kingsley, Karen (eds.). "Mansion Hill Historic District". SAH Archipedia. Society of Architectural Historians. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  12. ^ a b National Park Service 1970, p. 6.
  13. ^ a b c d National Park Service 1970, p. 4.
  14. ^ "E. Gorham St. at N. Butler St". Wisconsin Historical Society. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  15. ^ Waxman, Andrea (September 25, 2008). "In new space, Madison's Shaarei Shamayim comes full circle". Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011.
  16. ^ Swarsensky 1955, p. 95.
  17. ^ Swarsensky 1955, p. 40.
  18. ^ "Collection: Gates of Heaven Synagogue (Madison, Wis.)". American Jewish Historical Society. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  19. ^ Stoler, Lois. "Gates of Heaven Synagogue". Historic Madison, Inc. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  20. ^ a b Mitchell, George (July 21, 1970). "Old Synagogue Waits Wrecking Crew". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 13 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ^ "First Synagogue Here Soon To Be Wrecked". The Capital Times. Madison, Wisconsin. July 21, 1970. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
  22. ^ Wisconsin Historical Society 1971, p. 4.
  23. ^ "Attempt is Made to Save Synagogue". Wisconsin State Journal. July 22, 1970. p. 29 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ^ "Six-Month Respite Granted to Save Old Synagogue". The Capital Times. Madison, Wisconsin. July 23, 1970. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ Mitchell, George (July 23, 1970). "Old Synagogue Is Spared, Possibly for Six Months". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 37 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ^ Wisconsin Historical Society 1971, pp. 4–5.
  27. ^ a b Krumme, Mackenzie (June 28, 2018). "Madison's First Synagogue: The History of Gates of Heaven". Madison365. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  28. ^ a b c Wisconsin Historical Society 1971, p. 5.
  29. ^ a b Custer, Frank (June 15, 1971). "Stolers' Longtime Interest Key to Saving Synagogue". The Capital Times. Madison, Wisconsin. p. 39 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. ^ National Park Service 1970, p. 5.
  31. ^ "Park Site Picked for Old Synagogue". Wisconsin State Journal. January 7, 1971. p. 33 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ^ "HUD Support Is Needed to Save Old Synagogue". Wisconsin State Journal. March 3, 1971. p. 33 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ "Building Plan Casts Doubt On Old Synagogue's Fate". The Capital Times. Madison, Wisconsin. p. 11 – via Newspapers.com.
  34. ^ Custer, Frank (May 25, 1971). "Gates of Heaven Preservation Gets Construction Firm Boost". The Capital Times. Madison, Wisconsin. p. 19 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ "Forster Obstructs City Move to Save Old Synagogue". The Capital Times. Madison, Wisconsin. June 23, 1971. pp. 1, 4 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ^ a b Kendrick, Rosemary (June 25, 1971). "Old Synagogue Bound for Park; Council Nods, 18-1". The Capital Times. Madison, Wisconsin. pp. 1, 4 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ Custer, Frank (July 3, 1971). "Lone Landowner Fails to Block Synagogue Project". The Capital Times. Madison, Wisconsin. pp. 1, 2 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ Custer, Frank (July 13, 1971). "Parks Commission Calls Meeting on Synagogue". The Capital Times. Madison, Wisconsin. p. 21 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. ^ "Harman Moves to Snarl Gates of Heaven Move". The Capital Times. Madison, Wisconsin. July 8, 1971. p. 25 – via Newspapers.com.
  40. ^ "Frail Synagogue Must Wait a Bit Before Moving". Wisconsin State Journal. July 10, 1971. p. 11 – via Newspapers.com.
  41. ^ Custer, Frank (July 17, 1971). "Scores Gather to Watch Synagogue Roll Through City". The Capital Times. Madison, Wisconsin. pp. 1, 2 – via Newspapers.com.
  42. ^ "Where Do I Vote?". City of Madison. Retrieved 2024-01-22.
  43. ^ Brogan, Dylan (September 20, 2017). "Swastikas and "Trump Rules" found on plaque outside Madison synagogue building". Isthmus. Madison, Wisconsin. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  44. ^ "Gates of Heaven - Reservable Shelters - Madison Parks". City of Madison, Wisconsin. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  45. ^ a b National Park Service 1970, p. 2.
  46. ^ Weisiger, Marsha. Esperdy, Gabrielle; Kingsley, Karen (eds.). "Historic Shaare Shomaim Synagogue (Gates of Heaven Synagogue)". SAH Archipedia. Society of Architectural Historians. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  47. ^ "Synagogue Examined Before Restoration". Wisconsin State Journal. January 25, 1971. p. 11 – via Newspapers.com.

Sources

External links

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