Page:The Dalston Synagogue-an historical sketch.djvu/6

 Mr. Cohen took the chair, and after he had set forth in impressive language the paramount importance of making adequate provision for the religious needs of the locality, the meeting unanimously passed the following resolution, on the motion of Mr. A. Rosenberg, seconded by Mr. A. Marks:—"That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable to establish a Synagogue in the vicinity of Hackney, Dalston and Ball's Pond, and that a Provisional Committee be formed for the purpose of giving effect to this resolution."

The Provisional Committee that was thereupon elected was constituted as follows: Chairman, Mr. Elias Cohen; Vice-Chairman, Mr. Isaac Isaacson; Treasurer, Mr. Jacob Vandenbergh (son-in-law of the preceding); Hon. Sec., Mr. Morris Duparc, with Messrs. J. Euphrate, I. Goudsmit, A. M. Marks, A. Rosenberg, and S. Trenner. A fortnight later, the projectors of the new Synagogue met at 112, Graham Road, Dalston, the residence of Mr. Vandenbergh, when it was decided to take immediate steps to secure premises for the holding of divine worship, the said premises to be situated as near as possible in the proximity of the Dalston Junction Station. A collection that was made in the room at the same time, to meet the expenses incurred in carrying the terms of the resolution into effect, received a very liberal response. Having, by their fortnight's canvass, convinced themselves that their movement corresponded with a real and genuinely-felt want in the neighbourhood, the projectors decided now to take a more definite step for the securing of their end. The Provisional Committee was dissolved, and replaced by a Permanent Committee, which was constituted as follows: Chairman, Mr. K. Cohen; Vice-Chairman, Mr. I. Isaacson; Treasurer, Mr. J. Vandenbergh; Hon. Sec., M. Duparc; Trustees, Messrs. G. Phillips and J. Solomons, with Messrs. Joseph Chapman, E. Goudsmit, A. M. Marks, M. Setton, and S. Trenner.

Setting to work without delay to find suitable premises, the Committee before long engaged a large and commodious room at Colvestone House, Birkbeck Road, together with a spacious conservatory in the rear for the accommodation of the ladies. The two apartments, which together were capable of seating about 200 persons with comfort, were at once converted into a place of worship, and services were held there before and during the High Festivals. A Scroll of the Law, and a Shofar were lent to the worshippers by the Dayan Aaron Levy; Mr. E. Benjamin acted as Baal Tokea; Mr. J. Euphrate read the Law, and a Mr. W. Stern, of Hull, officiated as Kazan.

The unexpectedly large Congregations which attended these prayer meetings during the Festivals served only to intensify the desire of the members to obtain a permanent and properly-appointed place of worship. On September 16th, a meeting of the seat-holders was convened by Mr. E. Cohen at Colvestone House, when the one important question was thoroughly discussed. The Committee that had been commissioned to acquire a temporary place of worship were thanked for their services, and discharged, and a new Committee was elected, to secure the erection of a permanent edifice. The new Committee consisted of the following gentlemen: President, .Mr. E. Cohen; Vice-President, Mr. I. Isaacson; Treasurer, Mr. J. Vandenbergh; Hon. Sec., Mr. M. Duparc, with Messrs. A. M. Marks, Leman Levy, S. Goldman,