Originally a church built in a pristine Italianate style

Congregation Ahavas Achim was established in Newburyport March 9, 1896. It describes itself as “an extremely diverse community and we welcome families and individuals from all backgrounds. We extend a special welcome to interfaith families. Observing Jewish Rituals in both a traditional and spiritually meaningful way.”

The Massachusetts Historical Commission records state:

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:

This structure has elements of several of the Italianate styles that were popular during the mid-nineteenth century. The round headed, coupled windows in the facade and the hoodmoulds on other windows are features of the Italian Villa style.In that style, however, brackets are prolific and rustication is usually limited to a building quoins.

The rusticated ground level is probably the result of the influence of the Renaissance Revival. The front entrance of this church is quite elaborate and may have been inspired by the High Victorian Italianate style. ;

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

This structure was built in 1865 to house the congregation of the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Newburyport. The building was dedicated on November 2, 1865. At the turn of the present century the church was known as the Washington Street Methodist Episcopal Church of Newburyport.

Since that time the property was sold to the Congregation of the Temple Achavas Achim and it serves as their synagogue.