Downtown Victoria Tour

Blanshard Street – 1400 Block

1461 Blanshard Street – Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue

This City of Victoria Heritage Building at 1461 Blanshard Street was built in 1863. The Congregation Emanu-el synagogue was designed by architect John Wright, Victoria’s first professional architect, who was retained by a building committee consisting of several leading members of early Victoria’s Jewish community, including Victoria second Mayor, Lumley Franklin.

It is listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.

Dedicated in 1863, it is the oldest synagogue in western Canada.

The Congregation Emanu-el, 1461 Blanshard Street. Dedicated in 1863, it is the oldest synagogue in western Canada

The Congregation Emanu-el, 1461 Blanshard Street. Dedicated in 1863, it is the oldest synagogue in western Canada

Here is a map showing the location of the Congregation Emanu-El synagogue at 1461 Blanshard Street.

Here is a Google Street View image of Temple Emanu-El:

The Congregation Emanu-el, 1461 Blanshard Street. Dedicated in 1863, it is the oldest synagogue in western Canada

The Congregation Emanu-el, 1461 Blanshard Street. Dedicated in 1863, it is the oldest synagogue in western Canada

Additional Information About Congregation Emanu-el

A Brief History of Congregation Emanu-el

This City of Victoria Heritage Building at 1461 Blanshard Street was built in 1863. The Congregation Emanu-el synagogue was designed by architect John Wright, Victoria’s first architect, who was retained by a building committee consisting of several leading members of early Victoria’s Jewish community, including Victoria second Mayor, Lumley Franklin.

The cornerstone of Congregation Emanu-el was laid in 1863 by Victoria’s Freemasons, whose membership included Lumley Franklin and several other leading members of Victoria’s Jewish community.

This building has been continuously used as a synagogue since 1863, making it the oldest synagogue in western Canada and on the Pacific coast.

Here are links to some historic photos of the Congregation Beth Emanu-el Synagogue:

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