Bialystoker Synagogue

History and architecture

This severely plain building of the late Federal Period is one of the few of its type remaining in New York City. The simple exterior, built of cut stone, is pleasing with its great strength and dignity. The three windows above three doors are framed with round arches. A law-pitched pedimented roof enframing a handsome lunette window has a very plain wooden cornice which also adds to the simple severity of the building. The front of the building has a brownstone base course which consists of a low flight of steps giving the Synagogue a solid appearance and setting it off most effectively from the street.

It is interesting to note that this building shows great architectural kin-ship to the Church of the Sea and Land except for the fact that it employs the more conventional round arched window in lieu of pointed windows. This Synagogue is a fine expression of masonry construction in the vernacular tradition.

The Bialystoker Synagogue was once the home of the Willett Street Methodist Episcopal Church, and it is interesting as an example of a religious building which was no longer needed by its former owners and which was purchased by a group which preserved it.