Historical Marker

Congregation Agudath Jacob

Marker installed: 1998
Marker size: 27" x 42"

In 1870, only fifty of Waco's 3,618 residents were Jewish. The Hebrew Benevolent Association and Cemetery of Waco were incorporated in 1873. The association was Waco's earliest Jewish community organization. Its purpose was to support local Jewish settlers. In the early 1880s political unrest in many eastern European countries led to heavy migration to the United States. Consequently, Waco's Jewish population grew rapidly.

In 1886, fifteen Orthodox Jewish families brought Rabbi Samuel Levy to Waco. Two years later, in 1888, Agudath Jacob, Waco's first Orthodox Jewish congregation, received its charter. By that time the number of Jewish families in Waco had grown to one hundred. Worship services were conducted in a rented room over a grocery store until 1894, when the congregation erected a frame synagogue at 624 Columbus Avenue. In 1914 a new brick synagogue was erected at the site, and Agudath Jacob membership rose to fifty families. The congregation included a ladies auxiliary society and the Talmud Torah Religious School. In 1923, a Hebrew institute was added to the Columbus Avenue facility. A new synagogue, which included a social hall and classrooms, was built in 1950 at 15th and Jefferson Streets. In 1966, the traditional orthodox congregation voted to ally itself with the conservative movement. The congregation erected a new synagogue on Hillcrest Drive in 1972, and in 1993 added a Hebrew school. Included among the congregation's longtime leaders are the Rev. Samuel Levy, who served for 62 years until his death in 1948; the Rev J. M. Rosenberg, who served as congregation secretary for 27 years, and Rabbi Charles Blumenthal, who served for 18 years. (1999)

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
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McLennan County, located in central Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early Native American tribes who inhabited the area. The first European explorers and settlers arrived in the late 1600s, primarily Spanish explorers searching for new lands and resources in Texas. In the early 19th century, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive, and the area soon became part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas.

The county was officially established in 1850, named after Neil McLennan, a Scottish settler who played a significant role in the colonization of the region. The county's initial economy was primarily agricultural, with cotton, corn, and livestock becoming major industries. In 1870, the completion of the Waco Suspension Bridge, one of the first bridges to span the Brazos River, bolstered the county's growth and connected it to the expanding railroad network.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, McLennan County experienced periods of rapid growth and development. The city of Waco, the county seat, became a prosperous center for commerce, education, and culture. With the establishment of Baylor University in 1845 and the creation of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in 1968, Waco gained a reputation as an educational and historical hub. The county also played a significant role in the development of the Texas oil industry, as numerous oil fields were discovered and exploited in the early 20th century.

Despite its prosperous history, McLennan County faced challenges as well. It witnessed racial tensions and violence, particularly during the Civil Rights era. One of the county's most infamous events occurred in 1993 when an armed standoff between federal agents and the Branch Davidians religious sect resulted in a tragic fire at their compound near Waco, leaving many dead. However, the county has shown resilience, with ongoing efforts to address social issues and promote economic development, making it a vibrant and evolving community.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of McLennan County, Texas.

  • 1837 - McLennan County is established as a county of the Republic of Texas
  • 1849 - Waco, the county seat, is founded
  • 1860s - McLennan County experiences rapid growth with the expansion of the cattle industry and arrival of the railroad
  • 1874 - Baylor University is relocated to Waco
  • 1886 - The Texas Cotton Palace Exposition is held in Waco to showcase the county's cotton industry
  • 1916 - A tornado devastates downtown Waco, causing significant damage and loss of life
  • 1930s - McLennan County suffers during the Great Depression, but also sees some economic improvements through New Deal programs
  • 1951 - The Waco VA Hospital is established, providing medical care for veterans
  • 1993 - The Branch Davidian standoff occurs in Waco, resulting in a tragic fire and loss of life
  • 2015 - McLennan County celebrates its 150th anniversary