Launceston Synagogue
Synagogue in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Launceston Synagogue is a heritage-listed building located in St. John Street, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, that served as a synagogue from 1846 until 1871, and again during the c. 1930s until its closure in 1961 and reopened in 1984.
| Launceston Synagogue | |
|---|---|
Egyptian Revival-style synagogue in Launceston | |
  Location in Tasmania | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Judaism |
Synagogue
| |
| 1846 | |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 126 St. John Street, Launceston, Tasmania |
| Country | Australia |
| Administration | National Trust of Australia |
| Coordinates | 41°26′22.13″S 147°8′25″E |
| Architecture | |
| Architect | Richard Peter Lambeth |
| Type | Synagogue architecture |
| Style | Egyptian Revival |
| Completed | 1846 |
| Official name: Launceston Synagogue | |
Builders | Barton and Bennell |
History
In the 1840s the sizeable Launceston Hebrew Congregation borrowed £500 to purchase the land to build the synagogue.[1] The synagogue was designed by Richard Peter Lambeth[2] and was built in 1844 by Tasmanian builders Barton and Bennell. The synagogue was consecrated in 1846.[3]
After the Hobart Synagogue, the building is Australia's second-oldest synagogue,[4] the oldest place of non-Christian worship in Launceston, and a rare example of an Egyptian revival architecture in Australia.[5][6] The building features a distinctly trapezoidal facade and main window bearing the Star of David with a single balcony on the inside accessed via the rear of the building.
The synagogue closed as a house of worship in 1871, re-opening again in the 1930s. In 1923, Sim Crawcour and Harry Joseph were instrumental in its renovation.[1]
In 1989, the building became listed with National Trust of Australia who have been taking care of renovations and maintenance.
