Temple Aaron roof project continues as Colorado Gives Day offers matching funds for fundraising efforts

Trinidad Chronicle News, November 12, 2025: Nancy Ellis

With continuing good weather, Phase I of the re-roofing project at Trinidad’s

historic Temple Aaron is well underway. A group of masons from Salida has been

tuckpointing brick on the north side of the 1889 building, and soon will begin installing

new roofing, according to Karl Gabrielson, whose company Trinidad Community

Construction is managing the project. With a $237,000 grant from the State Historical

Fund (including $79,000 raised in local match), coated steel shingles that are exact replicas of the original will be used to replace the worn-out roof of the Moorish Revival

synagogue.

Temple Aaron is one of the oldest synagogues west of the Mississippi, and was

designated a National Historic Landmark in 2023. Now offering a variety of traditional

and interfaith programs online and in the community, Temple Aaron has begun

fundraising for Phase 2 of the roof, and for plans to replace the retaining wall on the

north and south sides of the building.

A current fundraising effort by the Temple incorporates Colorado Gives Day, a

statewide platform that encourages donations through prizes, incentives and matching funds, continuing through December 9. For more information about the Temple, check out their website at

www.templeaaron.org or call 303-905-2161.