Temple Emanuel, Denver

Temple Emanuel, also known as Congregation Emanuel, is a historic Reform Jewish congregation and synagogue in Denver. Established in 1874, it holds the distinction of being the first synagogue in Colorado. Over the years, Temple Emanuel has occupied several buildings, each significant in its own right.

The congregation was founded by 22 members and dedicated its first synagogue building at the corner of 19th and Curtis Streets on September 28, 1875. As the congregation grew, they built a new facility on Curtis Street in 1882, which was the first major Jewish synagogue in the Denver area. This building was tragically gutted by fire in 1897 but was later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

The congregation's third synagogue, designed by John J. Humphreys, was constructed between 1898 and 1899 on Pearl Street. This building was expanded in 1924, with the expansion designed by Thielman Robert Wieger. The Pearl Street synagogue, noted for its Eastern-Islamic architectural style—a design choice influenced by German Jews and unique among Denver and Colorado synagogues—served the congregation until 1957 when it was sold to the First Southern Baptist Church. The building later housed the LovingWay Pentecostal Church before being acquired by the city of Denver in 1986 due to foreclosure. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 and designated a Denver Landmark under the name "Temple Emanuel."

Today, Temple Emanuel continues to serve as a vibrant center for Jewish worship and community life in Denver, operating out of its current location on Grape Street, which was completed in 1956. This synagogue reflects the long and rich history of Jewish life in Denver, tracing its roots back to the late 19th century and representing a significant piece of Colorado's cultural and religious heritage.