The Denver Post reports that Colorado’s longest continually operating synagogue, Temple Aaron, has closed because of the dwindling congregation in Trinidad.

A University of Colorado professor’s talk at Temple Aaron on Sept. 24 marked the synagogue’s last public event.

The temple served as a reminder of the Southwest’s pioneer days and long ago served as a home for Jews looking to move along the Santa Fe Trail.

Operators of the temple say what makes the building so special is also what makes it hard to keep open as financial support withdraws.

The old architecture means many repairs are needed and the dwindling congregation can’t keep up.