Temple Emanuel of Gastonia, North Carolina - a lasting symbol of resilience and community
- Apr 6
- 3 min read
Founded in 1913, Temple Emanuel, located at 320 South Street in Gastonia, North Carolina, is one of the South’s oldest synagogues outside a major city. It stands as a lasting symbol of Jewish life, resilience, and community in the region.
Temple Emanuel prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming congregation. It offers all Jews an unconditional sense of belonging within its diverse membership. The community warmly embraces Jewish families, interfaith families, people of color, Hispanic Jews, economically disadvantaged families, neurodiverse students, and children with a wide range of learning needs.
The synagogue’s Religious School has earned a strong reputation, attracting many new families. Students thrive in a nurturing and engaging environment—learning the Hebrew alphabet, developing reading and writing skills, and preparing for Bar and Bat Mitzvah. Along the way, they study both Torah and Haftarah tropes, guided by dedicated teachers and tutors.
Temple Emanuel also hosts a variety of meaningful and family-friendly events throughout the year, including a Sukkot celebration, Hanukkah party, Tu B’Shevat Seder, Purim festivities in Charlotte, a Shabbaton weekend, and a Pesach Seder.
Special thanks are due to Peter Blau for his guidance and contributions.
Historical Background
In 1874, Atlanta newspaper editor Henry W. Grady coined the term “New South,” encouraging the region to transition from an agrarian economy to one based on industry—factories, mills, and mining. Just a few years later, in 1877, Gastonia was incorporated. Its strategic location at the junction of two major railroads made it ideal for industrial growth, and it soon became a regional manufacturing center.
It was during the late 1800s that Jewish families first began settling in Gastonia. Among them was David Lebovitz, a 19-year-old immigrant who arrived from Russia by way of Baltimore. In 1892, he opened a dry goods store. He later married Lena Schultz in 1900, and together they raised six daughters. Their eldest, Tena, born in 1901, was the first Jewish child born in Gastonia.
In the early 1900s, more Jewish families were drawn to Gastonia by its growing textile industry. Some became mill owners, while others established themselves as merchants, contributing to the city’s economic and social fabric.
At first, Jewish residents had no local synagogue and traveled to Charlotte to attend services. As the population grew, they began holding gatherings in private homes. By 1910, services expanded into rented spaces such as empty storefronts and public halls.
In 1912, David Lebovitz and Harry Schneider began raising funds to build a permanent synagogue. Their efforts led to the formal organization of the Hebrew Congregation of Gastonia in 1913, with Lebovitz serving as its first president. That same year, Temple Emanuel was officially founded.
Over the next decade, the Jewish population continued to grow, strengthening the congregation. In 1929, Temple Emanuel dedicated its synagogue building on South Street, creating a permanent home and a visible symbol of Jewish presence in Gastonia.
A Living Community
Today, Temple Emanuel remains a vibrant and growing congregation. Temple Emanuel is more than a historic institution; it is a thriving Southern Jewish community with a rich past and a dynamic future.
Contact Information:
Temple Emanuel, 320 S, South St., Gastonia, North Carolina 28052
Phone: (704) 865-1541
Email: info@tegastonia.org
Website: https://tegastonia.org/
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