The congregation formed in the 1920s, as the area’s population grew after the discovery of oil in Goose Creek (present-day Baytown). Many of the Jewish families that settled in the area had arrived in Texas via the “Galveston Movement,” an effort to redirect Jewish immigrants towards alternative ports of entry from overcrowded New York. As Jewish immigrants moved inland, they established businesses in several boomtowns. In Baytown, Jewish families initially held services in stores and homes, but lacked a space to hold important events like weddings and Bar Mitzvahs. Congregation K’nesseth Israel was completed in 1930 by Houston-based Jewish architect Lenard Gabert. The one-story Byzantine Revival building is defined by its barrel-vaulted roof and elaborate brickwork. After World War II, the Jewish population migrated to larger urban areas, and many synagogues closed across the state. As the congregation neared its 50th anniversary in 1979, membership had declined, and the synagogue had ceased to hold services. The anniversary prompted a re-dedication to retaining the synagogue as both a tangible marker of Jewish history and an ongoing hub of modern Jewish life.

Despite being without a rabbi since 1953, the congregation has continued to hold lay-led services, with a mix of Conservative, Reform, and Orthodox elements. While many members moved to Houston and joined other congregations, they have retained their ties to Congregation K’nesseth Israel. The synagogue has also incorporated several non-Jewish members, indicative of its role in the spiritual life of the community. Today, the synagogue’s community building is used for public meetings, as well as Baytown’s Arts, Culture, and Entertainment District meetings. The synagogue supports a local food pantry and provides tours for the local community college. 

In July 2024, Hurricane Beryl hit east Texas, causing an outbreak of tornadoes. High winds ripped the bricks off the front facade of the synagogue. Beryl was the third major hurricane to damage the synagogue since 2008. 

An Intervention Fund grant of $73,473 awarded in 2025 will help Congregation K’nesseth Israel restore the front facade, including re-installing salvaged historic bricks and adding additional structural support.

Photo by Joan Linares