The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1870-06-01
The Dedication.

The Temple Of the Hebrew Zion Congregation oil
Shreveport was dedicated on the afternoon OF Friday,
with highly entertaining ceremonies. The occasion
was one that will doubtless, be long remembered; not
only by those whose religious interests were excited
but by all who were witnesses of the scene, whether
in sympathy or not with the faith which has been hand
ed down from the fathers of Israel-a faith preserved
under tribulaton and persecution, under scott and
contumelv, with A devotion that rises to the sublime
At half past three PM, procession was formed at
the residence Of Mr. Isaac Kahn Travis street, at
the head Of which marched twelve youths hearing
small white banners representing the chiefs OF the
twelve tribes Next came the Shreveport Cornet Band,
followed by troop of little Misses, arrayed in white
robes, and bedecked with founces and flowers; and,
lastly, a lengthy column composed Of the male mem
bers of the congregation.
The procession entered the Temple under the swell
ing tones of the organ manipulated by that exquisite
artist, Mrs Carrie Fulton which she executed
composition by Mendes3hon. The building was crowd
ed and with the combined decorations of nature and
art was most attractive in every aspect.
The services were inaugurated by address from
Miss Jennie Wenstock at the conclusion of which
Captain Simon Levy, on the reception of which he
delivered brief and well turned address. He re.
counted the leading facts connected with the history OF
Zion Congregation.
| In March 1861 Messrs. NJ. Baer, A. Weinstock, A
Winter H. Dreyus Felix Calm, E. Eberstadt, P. +. l..
Frank and Others of whom have long since gone
to their eternal rest, met in small room on Texas
street to take steps towards starting Hebrew Congre-
cation. They rented place of worship and
gave to the Congregation the name of Har El-moun-
tain of God-and engaged the services Of the Rev.
DR.. Sarner as their reader and preacher. In 1885,
when charter obtained and the name changed to
that Of Zion Congregation, their earnest desire was to
| secure permanent place of worship With this in
ention they bought in the year, the lot on which
their beautiful edifce stands with the purpose OF
at erecting house worthy of the name it should
bear but the pecuniary difficulties Of that year COM
PEELED them to postpone the execution of the audable
design In the meantime the Rev. DR.. Leiven had
become their minister. In 1867 the Rev. Dr. NJ. Sam
field arrived and engaged minister and teacher
positions which he holds at this day. In 1869, the
energies of the Congregation revived, and they
resolved to consummate their plans and build Temple
of worship to the Most High. And well have they
executed that resolve. The members who, few years
ago. assisted in the organization of the Congregation,
may be justly proud of the fruits of their toll and
their perseverance, in behodng the comely building
which was dedicated on Friday to the worship of God
and of which year ago the corner stone was laid
After music by the choir there followed prayer by
the Rev H. S. Jacobs, of New Orleans the same who
led in the ceremony Of laying the stone, and
whose commanding presence and high qualities as an
orator and scholar added grace and dignity to the
occasion. This was followed by music; the recta-
ton of King Solomon's prayer by Rev. NJ Samfeld
then music, during which the gorgeous curtain that
yelled the Ark of the Covenant was drawn and the
doors of the Ark thrown open; the congregation rising
and standing until they were closed.
These ceremonies lent variety and interest," and
ried back the recollection of Bible readers the days
of Moses and Aaron.
When the doors of the Ark had been closed and the
curtain restored the Rev Mr. Jacobs delivered
ton which we have space to copy, but in which we
can say he ezhorted his brethren to cultivate charity
towards one another and towards the world, and while
they had cause for qualification the completion of
their handsome edi6ce, it not all of religion to
build house and dedicate it to the service of God.
The dedication hymn was sung by the choir sermon
and PRAYER by Rev NJ Samfeld the recitation of the
saith Psalm by Rev. Mr.. Jacobs music by the choir
an ntermission Of ten minutes the whole concluding
with "Sabbath Evening Services carrying the cere-
monies into the evening.