It’s something to put in our history books! Last week, our Joe Williams Center – also known as our Sanctuary building – received a historic designation from Fresno
Historic Preservation Commission and the City of Fresno.

Lupe Perez with the Fresno Redevelopment Agency presented us with a special plaque designating Joe Williams Center as a historic building. School of Unlimited Learning Charter High School Principal Dr. Mark Wilson and Sanctuary and Youth Services Director Michelle Tutunjian were on hand to accept the plaque on behalf of Executive Director Brian Angus.

Built in 1923, the structure was home to Temple Beth Israel – Fresno’s first and oldest Jewish synagogue. After more than 60 years at the downtown location, the congregation moved to its new building in north Fresno.

The building, which proudly stands at 2336 Calaveras Street, is still adorned with the original Judaic ornaments and currently houses SOUL, and Sanctuary and Youth Services programs. The plaque will be installed by the end of the year.