Founded in 1896 by Orthodox Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, Agudath Achim services were held in various rented halls in downtown Ashland for many years.

This change was not uncontested; the move led to the secession of some members, who founded a new synagogue, the House of Israel.

[5] The temple has been described as "the least handsome of all the commonwealth's pre-World War II synagogues", despite containing "some rather pleasing stained glass."

Agudath Achim closed around 1986, at which point organized Jewish life ceased in Ashland.

One member explained that the decision to close had been delayed as long as possible, because the Jews of Ashland "didn't want to lose our identity in the community."