Rabbi Isaac E. Marcuson Papers

Rabbi Isaac E. Marcuson was the spiritual leader at Temple Beth Israel, Macon, Georgia, for over 58 years. Rabbi Marcuson was born December 18, 1872 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and received his education in the public schools of that city. He was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and of the Hebrew Union College in 1894. Rabbi Marcuson married Rose Thorner, year unknown. The couple did not have any children. Rabbi Marcuson came to Macon, Georgia in 1894 as Rabbi of Temple Beth Israel, which was located at Second and Poplar Streets. Under his supervision the new temple was planned and was dedicated in 1903. He joined Malachi Lodge, B’nai B’rith in 1894, became its president a few years later and was president of District Grand Lodge #5 in 1903. In 1915 he was elected Secretary of Central Conference of American Rabbis and was editor of the Central Conference of American Rabbis Yearbook, serving for over 35 years. An honorary Doctor of Divinity degree was conferred upon him by the Hebrew Union College in 1939. Rabbi Marcuson was President of Organized Service and Chairman of Macon Chapter, American Red Cross. He was a member of the Board of Governors, Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati, Ohio; and the Board of Directors of the World Union for Progressive Judaism; president of the Social Worker’s Club; and served on the Executive Board of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, with headquarters in London, England. One of his most satisfying experiences was conducting monthly services at the state hospital in Milledgeville.