Building History

The reformed congregation of Temple De Hirsch formed on 05/29/1899. An article in the Seattle Times of 06/06/1899 noted the new temple's foundation: "The Jewish people of this city have established a new church here. The congregation will be known as 'Temple De Hirsch.' They have orgaznized on American reformed lines. A subcommittee was organized to solicit subscriptions last week and their report indicates that $2400 will be forthcoming for the expense per annum. Trustees were elected as follows: E. Rosenberg, S. Degginger, L. Kohn, I. Korn, M. Bornstein, I.E. Moses, and Sol Frienedthat; treasurer, M.Bornstein." (See "New Jewish Church," Seattle Times, 06/06/1899, p. 8)

Within two years, work had begun on a first sanctuary located at Boylston Avenue and Marion Street, although this building never progressed beyond the laying of its foundations. A larger facility was decided upon for a new site at East Union Street and 15th Avenue by early 1906. A drawing of the Temple De Hirsch appeared in the Seattle Times on 02/04/1906. The caption read: "Architect J.F. Everett, whose plans have just been accepted by the trustees, has drawn the...design for the new Temple de Hirsch. The building will cost about $25,000. The basement is to contain an auditorium, with six adjoinung classrooms, heating and fuel rooms, etc. The principal entrance will be on Marion Street. A side entrance will also be provided on Boylston Avenue. The auditorium floor will have a capacity of about 600 people, with a trustees room on the west of the pulpit." (See "The New Temple De Hirsch," Seattle Times, 02/04/1906, p. 14.) The $25,000 cost was amended in 05/1906 to $35,000, with an extra $10,000 to be spent on the exterior. (See "With the Architects," Seattle Times, 05/13/1906, p. 41.)

Building Notes

The Seattle Times article of 02/04/1906 described the building materials of the Temple De Hirsch: "The finish of the auditorium will be of fir, painted and finished with ivory enamel. The plaster will be sand finish and the vaulted ceiling will be frescoed in suitable design and color. The exterior walls of the building will be faced with light pressed brick and trimmed with terra cotta and galvanized iron. In style the building is a modern adaptation of the classical, with an Oriental feeling in the termination of the towers." (See "The New Temple De Hirsch," Seattle Times, 02/04/1906, p. 14.)

Demolition

All but portions of the front facade were demolished in 1993.

PCAD id: 19662