Reflecting the trend of the times, earlier Jews settling in Leadville could trace their roots to Germany and Western Europe. They tended towards assimilationist attitudes and the practice of Reform Judaism. This included services largely in English, women as members of the congregation, and the use of a choir. Later immigration to America and to Leadville included a larger proportion of Eastern European Jews who were more rigorous in their religious observations and practices, and hence were more orthodox. As more Orthodox Jews settled in Leadville, separate activities from the Reform group of Jews were more evident. Ultimately, the Orthodox Jews purchased a former church on 5th Street that was also briefly a Salvation Army barracks.

The Presbyterian church building around 1892 as the Salvation Army headquarters shortly before it was acquired by the Knesseth Israel Congregation.
Courtesy Lake County Public Library Mountain History Collection.