in a third-floor space they rented in downtown Augusta. In 1952, Lipman Poultry moved their chicken processing plant from Bangor to Augusta, resulting in more Jewish families moving to the area. It became clear that the congregation needed its own space. In 1957, Temple Beth El was dedicated, with the Lipman family spearheading its construction. By the 1960s, the Jewish census in Augusta had grown to well over 200, and in 1973 the small congregation in nearby Gardiner made the decision to merge with Temple Beth El, bringing their Torah scrolls and their members to Augusta. Population data over the years First population estimate in 1930: 59 Highest population estimate 1965-1985: 215 Latest population estimate 2005: 140 Current Jewish organizations Temple Beth El (Reform) Major events and milestones Early immigrant period (pre 1900) There is very little information known about the Jewish population of Augusta before the 20th century. The only Jewish family known to live in the area was Lewis Selbing, a Civil War hero, who moved to Maine in 1858, married Esther Bonne in 1860, enlisted in the Third Maine to fight for his adopted country, and returned to Augusta to raise a family. Later immigrant period (1900 – 1920) Augusta’s Jewish population extended beyond the city of Augusta. Despite the small numbers, Ohaway Shalom synagogue opened in nearby Randolph, Maine in 1904, and in 1909, Tefereth Israel opened in Gardiner. In 1906, Camp Kennebec opened in North Belgrade, one of the first Jewish summer camps to open in Maine. By 1910, the Randolph synagogue had closed as most of the Jewish businesses had moved to Gardiner. End of WWI to end of WWII (1921 – 1945) The Jewish community of Gardiner rented several buildings during this time, moving their congregation from one to the next due to fire or because they had outgrown the space. In 1941, their membership was close to 14 families. At the same time, nearby Randolph only had 11 Jewish residents, most of whom were traveling to Gardiner for religious services. In Augusta, Temple Beth El had its beginnings as the Augusta Hebrew Community, renting space in the downtown area. Post WWII to the end of the sixties (1946– 1969) Augusta’s Jewish population grew after the war, as did the activities and organizations within the community. By the late 1940s, the Augusta-Gardiner Chapter of Hadassah was active, holding their first of what would