Historical Marker

Congregation Rodef Sholom

Marker installed: 2003
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Waco's Hebrew Benevolent Association formed in 1869 and bought land for use as a cemetery. The organization received its charter in 1873. That year, a group of 25 Jews in the Waco area received a charter for the Eureka Lodge No. 198 from the International Order of B'nai B'rith, a fraternal service organization. During the 1870s, residents held religious services in homes, businesses and rented rooms, adopting Reform Judaism liturgy and practices. The Benevolent Association acquired a Torah scroll for use in Jewish congregation services, and in 1879, Eureka Lodge members resolved to establish Waco's first Jewish congregation. It was to be called Rodef Sholom, which means "pursuing peace." Under the direction of Louis Migel and Sam Sanger, the congregation began with 40 families meeting at Lehman's Hall. It received its charter in June 1879. Rudolph Lessing was elected the first president, and the Rev. M.M. May became the congregation's first rabbi.

Waco architect W.W. Lamour designed the congregation's first synagogue, which was built by R. Rogers and located at 924 Washington Avenue; the congregation dedicated it August 1881. The members held their first Jewish confirmation service in 1893, and in 1907 affiliated with the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. In 1910, members built their second synagogue, designed by architect Milton W. Scott, on the same site. The Temple Sisterhood formed in 1922 and joined the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods.

Congregation Rodef Sholom grew and relocated to 1717 N. 41st Street (North New Road) with a new synagogue in 1961. The congregation continues its heritage of service and philanthropy. (2006)

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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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 concise overview of the key events in 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