Temple Freda [Bryan, TX] collection

Collection

Identifier: MS 0811

Staff Only

Finding aid note: Forms part of the Houston Jewish History Archive. Stored offsite at the Library Service Center and require 24-hour notice for retrieval. Please contact the Woodson Research Center at 713-348-2586 or woodson@rice.edu for more information.

Scope and Contents

The Temple Freda collection contains official documents, news clippings and newsletters, photographs, correspondence, interview transcripts, and a brief written history of the temple itself. The materials are in good condition and range in date from 1912 to 2006. Despite its small size, researchers interested in the history of Jewish congregations in Texas, the architectural significance of synagogues, or the Jewish community in Bryan would find this collection enlightening.

Dates

Creation: 1912 - 2006

Conditions Governing Access

This material is open for research. Stored offsite at the Library Service Center and require 24-hour notice for retrieval. Please contact the Woodson Research Center at 713-348-2586 or woodson@rice.edu for more information.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from the Temple Freda [Bryan, TX] collection must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library.

The Woodson Research Center use policy is that researchers assume sole responsibility for any infringement of privacy, literary rights, copyrights, or other rights arising from their use of the archival materials. In addition to any restrictions placed by donors, certain kinds of archival materials are restricted for the life of the creator plus 50 years. These materials include, but are not limited to, student grades, transcripts, and any job applications or recommendations.

Biographical / Historical

Named after Ethel Freda Kaczer, Temple Freda is one of the three oldest religious buildings still in use in Bryan, Texas, where it was restored by a group of citizens in 2013. Temple Freda is on the National Register of Historic Places of Texas and is used today as a center for community activities such as weddings, small receptions, and educational activities.

Temple Freda maintains close connections with Jewish congregations in the area. When Texas A and M University Hillel opened up a building in College Station in 1958, many members of the then-temple began to attend services at the Hillel foundation building, which houses Temple Freda’s Torah. Other congregants joined Congregation Beth Shalom when it was founded in 1968, and Temple Freda’s cemetery is now under that congregation’s care. The temple has also been a focus for Texas A and M University's Center of Heritage Conservation since 1982.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet (1 Box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Temple Freda collection is made up of documents, photographs, and news clippings concerning one of the oldest religious buildings in Bryan, Texas. Though used for different things over the years, Temple Freda remains stalwart in its support for the Jewish community in Bryan, interacting with both congregation Beth Shalom, and the A&M Hillel in College Station.