THE HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE OUR BUILDING
The building that houses the German-Masontown Public Library in Masontown, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, is considered an historic treasure of the area.The building, at present-day 9 South Washington Street (once Neff Avenue), was originally the Beth-El Synagogue.The land was donated by Mr. and Mrs.William Bush specifically to erect the synagogue in 1924.
After the Beth-El congregation disbanded in Masontown, the congregation made the gracious gesture in late 1957 of donating the building and land to the community of Masontown with the stipulation that the building would be used as a Community and Library Center.Through the work and funds of many citizens, community organizations, and government agencies, a library finally was established in 1965 in the building that had been the Beth-El Synagogue.
The formal opening and dedication of the German-Masontown Public Library was on Sunday, February 13, 1966.Many dedicated people have worked hard through the years to continue this library and to maintain this building which is important to GermanTownship, Masontown Borough, Nicholson Township, and the surrounding areas in the Albert Gallatin School District. Always remembered, however, is the fact that the building where the library is housed has historical significance to all of us. We constantly must be vigilant and diligent in our efforts to maintain and improve our historically treasured building, dated from 1924, and our equally treasured library, dated from 1966. With the economic difficulties of this geographic region, it does not seem possible to do this alone without outside funding support. We must do everything possible to maintain and improve this historically significant building and necessary library.All support is needed and appreciated.
This information was written and provided by DR. PATRICIA LUBITS-GUMP (2005) |
