From the Annals of Judaism –  In 1870, Mr. Tuck, the grand master of the Masonic Lodge of Texas, laid the cornerstone for Temple B’nai Israel in Galveston.  Rabbi Jacobs of the New Orleans Portuguese Synagogue officiated. It is believed that this was the first time an ordained rabbi functioned in Texas. Temple B’nai Israel is the oldest Reform Jewish congregation in Texas. The earliest mention of the congregation is found in the October 8, 1859, edition of the Galveston Weekly News. The earliest extant temple record dated August 16, 1868, records the normal meetings that led to the establishment of the congregation.  On March 27, 1870, S. K. Labatt was asked to secure a charter for Congregation B’nai Israel from the next session of the Texas legislature.