Page:The Dalston Synagogue-an historical sketch.djvu/9

 Ark. It had accommodation for about 200 worshippers, but ample space was provided for a possible extension. The portion set apart for the ladies was at the end of the building opposite the Ark, and divided from the other part of the Synagogue by a dwarf screen. The entire cost of the structure was between £400 and £500.

The Synagogue was registered as a Jewish place of worship under the style and title of the Dalston Synagogue. The yearly rental of the seats, as fixed by the Committee, was as follows:—£8 8s., £6 6s., £5 5s., £4 4s £3 3s., £2 12s. 6d., £2 2s. Ladies' seats were charged at £2 2s. and £1 1s.

It was about this time that the young Congregation suffered a heavy loss through the death of its Vice-President, Mr. I. Isaacson, who had been one of its most active promoters. His place was filled by Mr. S. Goldman.

As a proof of the steady growth and progress of the Congregation, the estimated income of the year 1876 was fixed at £250. It was deemed that the time was now ripe for the engagement of a properly qualified Hazan, and the choice of the Congregation fell on Mr. Jacob Lesser, who was elected in that capacity on November 8th, 1875, for a period of three years. Mr. Lesser, who was born in London on October 22nd, 1833, received his Hebrew training under Myer Rintel, a well-known Jewish teacher of a former generation. Following his father's occupation, he entered the service of the Shechita Board as Shomer. Gifted with a melodious voice, and inspired by a deep religious feeling, he became attached to the Synagogue from his very earliest years. At the age of seven already he was a chorister at the Duke's Place Synagogue under Asher and Mombach. Later in life he sang as baritone in the Western Synagogue, St. Alban's Place, and for three years acted there as second Reader, from 1872-1875, until his election at the Dalston Synagogue. The Rev. M. H. Myers, who had hitherto given his services as Minister and Superintendent of the Classes without remuneration, was elected at the same time in these capacities at a practically nominal salary. After the expiry of their term of probation, both gentlemen were elected permanently in their respective offices on April 27th, 1879.

The new Synagogue was formally opened for divine worship on the Sunday preceding New Year 1876. The Rev. J. Lesser, assisted by a small choir, and the Rev. M. H. Myers were the officiating ministers. On both days of the New Year the Synagogue was crowded, thus setting at rest the question which had been so hotly disputed whether a new house of prayer was needed to meet the requirements of the neighbourhood. The first Chosan Torah and Chosan Berishith of the new Synagogue were Mr. M. Boas and Mr. P. Leuw respectively.

At the general election of this year Mr. J. Vandenbergh relinquished the office of Treasurer, though remaining on the Committee. He was succeeded by Mr. M. A. Rozelaar. Yor a considerable time the Congregation suffered from the inconvenience, of having no consecrated cemetery of its own, and it was not till February 23rd, 1878, that at length, thanks to the laudable persistency of Mr. J. Chapman, arrangements were made with the United Synagogue whereby suitable burial rights were acquired at a fee of £1 1s. 0d. per member.