NEW JEWISH SYNAGOGUE.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2171, 9 February 1881, Page 3

NEW JEWISH SYNAGOGUE.

The ceremony of laying the corner stone of the new Jewish synagogue, which it is proposed to build on the section fronting Gloucester street, took place yesterday, in the presence of a large number of tho congregation and other visitors.

The proceedings oommenoed with afternoon prayers in the old synagogue, the Bov. Isaac Zaohariah, the minister of the congregation, officiating. A movement was then made to the place where tho corner stone of the new building was prepared to be laid, which is at the northeast corner of the building, facing Gloucester street, A platform had been erected, on which was a harmonium, for use in the musical services, the vases of com, wine, and oil, and a bunch of herbs. The Rev. I. Zaohariah opened the proceedings with an address, in which he spoke of the praiseworthy nature of the work they had met that day to perform, viz , the laying of the corner-stone, with the ceremonials of their ancient faith, of a temple to the Most High. It was true that it could not, in any way, be compared with that glorious edifice, the Temple of their forefathers, erected by King Solomon to the glory of God. But, inthoir way, it was an expression of their desire to have in their midst a temple wherein the songs of Zion and the praise of the Lord of Hosts, the Ruler of Israel, might be offered. They had cause to rejoice greatly that in this enlightened ago, and in this free country, they were enabled to worship God according to the faith of their fathers freely and undisturbed. It was not now, as in times, necessary for them to hold their worship secretly and in fear and trembling, under the benign sway of the good Queen who ruled over the English nation, the name of Jew was no longer a reproach. They, in common with their Gentile fellow subjects, enjoyed perfect freedom and and liberty, and the Jew had an equal chance with all others of becoming Premier of that great country, and of taking part in its governing. He desired to thank those of the congregation for their presence that day, and more especially those of other denominations for their help in the good work. Not alone had they come forward that day to assist by their presence, but they had contributed of their substance towards tho building, thus showing that though of a different faith, they heartily wished them God speed in the work of erecting a temple where the worship of God would be carried on. Mr Maurice Harris, the president of the congregation, then read the following record of the events which hod taken place in tho history of the congregation, which was afterwards, with coins, and copies of the “Press,” “ Lyttelton Times,” and “ Jewish Ohronielo ” deposited beneath the stone. The document was as follows :

By the help of God, this is to record the laying cf the laying of the foundation stone of the House of God, the Christchurch Jewish Synagogue, by Maurice Harris, Esq., president of the congregation, on Tuesday, the Bth Hay of February, 1881, in the year 6641, the general committee being—M, Harris, president; D. Caro, past president; S. Nashelski, treasurer ; A. Raphael, hon. secretary; Messrs M. Sandstein, 8. Cohen, C. Louisson, and D. Hams, committeemen ; minister of the congregation, the Rev. Isaac Zachariah ; trustees, L. E. Nathan, D. Caro, M. Harris, D. Davis, H. Moss; nrchiteot, T. S. Lambert; contractor, William Frudhoe. Prior to the year 1863 = 5623, there was no recognised Jewish place of worship in Christchurch, but on the return of L. E. Nathan, E=q,, from England, he called a meeting of the Jewish residents, which was held in his store in Highstreet, the object of which was to take into consideration the desirability of establishing a Jewish congregation here. The meeting was wail attended, and those present formed themselves into a committee for the collection of subscriptions for Ithe purchase of land and for the erection of a synagogue. Their efforts were crowned with success, and at a subsequent meeting tbe congregation was duly formed, and the following gentlemen were elected the first office bearers:—L E. Nathan, president; M. Harris, treasurer; members of committee, Messrs M. Sandstcin, H. Marks, I. M. Solomons, H. Moss, and E. Phillips; hon. secretary, H. Joseph Some difficulty was experienced in the selection of a suitable site, but ultimately a piece of land was nurchased in Gloucester street and a synagogue built thereon. From the formation of the congregation to the consecration of the new building Divine service was held in a room at the residence of Mr L. E. Nathan, kindly placed at the disposal of the committee by that gentleman. The first marri-ge solemnised was that of Mr Hyam Marks with Miss Be:,sie Barnett, the ceremony being performed by the bridegroom’s father. Mr Mark Marks. In the year 1861 = 5C21, the synagogue was completed. Up to tbe year 1870 = 5630. Divine worship was conducted by lay members of the congregation, but in the February of that year the Bervicea of the Rev. Isaac Zachariah were eocnred, and have been retained to the present time to the entire satisfaction of the congregation. In the year 1879 = 5039, the congregation bo increased in numbers that the synagogue was found totally inadequate accommodate its members, and at a meeting held in 1880 erect one suitable in every way for that purpose,

the following being elected to curry out tho object in view:—Messrs L. E. Nathan, M. Harris, M. Sandstoin, D. Caro, S. Nasholski, L. Caro, C. Louisson, D. Davis, and H. Davis. Their efforts were successful, and fully realised their anticipations. In addition to large and liberal subscriptions received from onr own body, substantial assistance was rendered by onr fellow citizens of other denominations. Daring the present year tho committee have been enabled to increase their land by purchasing tho block facing tho terrace, being a continuation of tbeir original allotment, and today we are called upon to lay, on the old site, the foundation stone of the new hniiding which the committee have determined to erect at once. The land and building when completed will cost nearly .£4OOO. Let us hope that the corner stone laid this day will receive the blessing of the Almighty, that the work so well begun may be safely finished, that nothing will occur during the construction to cause sorrow (r regret, that the workmen may be guarded and protected from accident and injury, that the building when completed may reflect credit on all concerned —the architect, tho contractor, the buildinc committee, and tho congregation. May the edifice stand for ages yet to come as a temple dedicated to the Most High, the Almighty God of Israel.

Mr T. 8. Lambert, tho architect, then presented Mr Harris with a handsome silver trowel, bearing the following inscription:— “ Presented to Mr M. Harris, President of the Canterbury Jewish congregation, by Mr Prudhoe, contractor, on the occasion of the laying of the corner stone of tho new Synagogue, February Bth, 1881.” ‘ Mr iHarris briefly acknowledged tho gift, saying that ho should treasure it os n heirloom in commemoration of the events of that day. The stone was then lowered, and declared well and truly laid by Mr M. Harris. The stone was then sprinkled, as follows: By Miss Nathan, corn ; Miss Harris, wine ; Miss Caro, oil; and Master Saudatein, herbs. The choir, which had been re-enforoed by several ladies and gentlemen, amongst others Messrs Bonham and Mitchell, sang Psalms 128, 148, 125 and 50, the solos being given by Mr D. Davis, sen., Messrs Benliam and Mitchell. A short prayer by the Rev. Mr Zachariah concluded the proceedings.