The Agudas Achim Congregation was organized in 1881. Their founding members were those German Jews who wished to pray in a traditional manner as well as the orthodox Russian and Eastern European Jews who arrived in the city in the 1880’s. The congregation was formally established in 1886 (confirm date of incorp). They met in a series of rented spaces and homes.
In 1895, the Congregation of Agudas Achim purchased their first permanent site at 464 S. Fifth Street. They built and included a mikvah (ritual bath) inside the building. By 1907, the congregation had outgrown their small building.
They purchased land on Donaldson Avenue at Washington Street, the heart of the “Jewish neighborhood”, an area populated by the Russian and Eastern European Jewish families. Known as the “Big Shul”, Agudas Achim had the largest orthodox population in Columbus. The building was lit with the new electric lights. A balcony for the women surrounded the main hall in a U-shape. In the basement, there were rooms for the junior congregation.
The land next to the synagogue was donated to the congregation to be used for outdoor fetes.
This location is referenced or mentioned in the following other documents: