In 1870, the first Reform temple, B’nai Israel, was built in Columbus. The congregants had all been members of the 1st synagogue, Bene Jeshurun, which had been traditional.  The temple was located at the northwest corner of Friend (Main St.) and Third.

The dedication of B’nai Israel occurred with much fanfare. It included an address by Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise of Cincinnati, a leader in the American Reform movement.  The Freemasons, the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows (a fraternal organization) and the Columbus Maennerchor (a German singing society) all took part in the ceremony. The building was called “Franco-Italian” with two towers and a steep roof. It included a schoolroom. The worship area was on the second floor. Men and women were seated together.