Jewish Synagogue Damaged By Blaze

Fire, Believed to Have Smouldered for Many Hours, Causes Several Thousand Dollar Loss-Organ Damaged.

Fire of unknown origin Monday afternoon damaged the Temple B’nal Jeshurun, 1144 D Street, to the extent of several thousand dollars. The blaze was discovered about 4 p.m. by a neighbor who saw smoke pouring from the synagogue. The fire gained headway so rapidly that a call had to be sent for additional fire fighting equipment. First estimates placed the damage by fire and water between $6,000 and 8,000, partly covered by insurance.

It is thought that the furnace was defective because the fire apparently started above it. The flames ate thru the wood work under the altar and burned up thru the walls. The church had been closed since 1 p.m. Sunday when the fire department arrived the blaze had gained considerable headway and had reached the roof.

The building is constructed of bricks which made the fire hard to combat. The walls around the altar were ruined and holes had to be cut in the roof.

A great amount of damage was done by the water. As the interior the building was drenched. The pipe organ was not damaged by the flames but was soaked with water.

The original value of the church was placed at $7,500 but since then an addition has been built and a pipe organ installed. The interior will have to be replaced and refinished before the synagogue will be ready for use. The scrolls and other important documents were saved by the prompt action by the firemen.

The Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln, NE 7 Feb 1922
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Transcribed by June. Thanks June!