The city of Baytown is a postwar amalgamation of three smaller
communities. The synagogue was completed in 1930 in what was then
known as Goose Creek. It was designed by the Houston Jewish architect,
Lennard Gabert who later completed several notable synagogue projects
in the region. The social hall beyond was originally a small school
building relocated to this site. Later, the building was enlarged
to its present size and configuration.
Although the cutaway view shows the gracefully curved ceiling,
it does not show the lovely stained glass windows of the main
building. A small foyer with flanking utility and restrooms adjoins
the main sanctuary, which has never had a separate women's balcony.
The bimah has been restored to the side stair configuration shown;
the existing stairs are now on axis with the ark.
The ark detail shows the Ner Tamid and decoration over the
ark itself. In addition to the original stained glass windows
there are a number of similar details worked into accessories
and light fixtures around the building. (Navigable
QTVR model, 700k)
