The third synagogue in Johnstown was Beth Zion Temple, which was founded on the principles of Reform Judaism. The synagogue was located at 416 Vine Street in the impressive former home of the Nathan family, who gave their home to the congregation. This was Beth Zion's first permanent home. Earlier, Maggie Nathan, a convert to Judaism had started a Sunday school in that home. The congregation held their first services in the renovated building in 1924. In 1926, they hired their first full-time Rabbi. Interestingly, the second President of the congregation (1929-1934) was Hulda N. Elasser, believed to be the first woman to be elected as President of an American Jewish congregation.
The Vine Street Temple was the site of much voluntary renovation work and social activity, as well as many Jewish religious celebrations and ceremonies over its 27 years of service to the congregation. For many years, the congregation organized the Beth Zion Forum, a very successful, open community lecture series, which brought individuals of national and international fame to Johnstown. Since the forum attracted tremendous crowds from the wider community, it could not be accommodated in the Temple. The Forum first met in the Majestic Theater, and later in the Cochran Junior High School Auditorium [which is currently the Johnstown High School Auditorium]. This large auditorium was often completely filled by the crowd.
The last service in the Vine Street Temple was held on May 26, 1950. The congregation moved to a new building they constructed in Westmont Borough. The Johnstown Housing Authority's Vine Street Towers are now located on the original Beth Zion Temple site.