c1915 Bikur Cholim Congregation, Donaldsonville, La. - Louisiana Jewish History

Description

[Louisiana Jewish History] [Ascension Parish]
Bikur Cholim Congregation - Donaldsonville, La.
Manuscript document on ruled paper inscribed on both sides in black ink,
bearing letterhead of Bikur Cholim Congregation,
listing programs for both morning and evening services,
c1915.
Single leaf measures 10 7/8 x 8 3/8 inches - [3] pages. Expected agewear, toning at bottom left, chipping and short closed tear, creases from old folds - acceptable condition overall.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   The Bikur Cholim Congregation was organized in 1869, and a synagogue was built in 1872 - the only Jewish place of worship on the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and the second oldest extant synagogue building in Louisiana. A contemporary article in the
Donaldsonville Chief
reported on the "commodious, tall structure...with a double archway over the entry. There is a rosette window but no other decoration, and a small balcony on the second floor."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            At the time, Donaldsonville boasted a vibrant Jewish community with 70 member families, including mayors, businessmen and farm owners. As reported in the
Chief
, they gathered for Friday night and Saturday services, weddings, bar mitzvahs, business meetings, benefits, etc.  In 1900, the newspaper stated, "Our Jewish residents are reckoned among the best and most liberal minded citizens and are associated with every progressive move."  By 1919, the congregation's population hovered around one hundred and, over the next thirty years, continued to decline. By 1954, Bikur Cholim had disbanded, and the following year, the synagogue was sold.