Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-07-02
THE NEW SYNAGOGUE.
Laying of the Cornerstone for the
sacred EdIfice Yesterday.

The laying of the cornerstone of the
new Jewish religious temple yesterday
afternoon was an imposing affair, and
a large eoncourse Of people witnessed
the interesting ceremonies. Many
people gathered along Main and Pop.
lar streets to witi.ess the procession as
1t moved from the present synagogue.
corner Main and Exchange streets, to
the temple now in course of construc>
ton, on the south side of Poplar, near
Third street. while the highways in
the vicinity of the unfinished struc-
tqre were thronged with citizens Of all
classes and ages.
Preliminary to the commencement
OF the programme the Leila Scott
Lodge OF the Masonic order, who
we're to aid In the ceremony, assisted
by a number of their brethren from
Angerona, DeSOto and South Mem.
phis Lodges, marched up Main street
wearing the regalia of the order, and
preceded by Arnold's brass band, all
stepping to the music of spirited
march. Arriving at the synagogue
on Main street, the pro.
cession was heightened by
the addition of host of beautifully
dressed little girls, each carrying
bouquet OF flowers and all the children
of members of the congregation. Next
after the charming little ones the
congregation itself filed into the line,
and the Masons, about 125 in number
brought up the rear. In this order
the procession turneu fromMain street
down Poplar to the new church, the
walls Of which are now about six feet
above ground and over which a plat
form had been constructed for the
accommodation of the procession.
A large canopy had also
been erected above the
platform to protect the choir and a
portion Of the audience from the
scorching rays of the declining sun.
The exercises began promptly at 8
O'Clock, the time previously announced,
and they continued without intermis-
sion until nearly I, not quite two
hours. After the procession had been
properly arranged on the elevation,
Arnold's band performed a musical
selection, one Of Mercadante's ar.
rangements. This was followed
by a prayer from the reverend
Aabbi "a. samheld, in which
he invoked the blessings of the
Almighty upon the work, and ex.
pressed hope that no accident would
befall any one who might labor in its
erection and that the new tabernacle
might serve as . lighthouse or beacon
where the people of all nations and
sects may assemble to be drawn close
to ono ANOTHER ip ties of fellowship.
The Rabbi also alluded to theMasonic
fraternity, and his prayer throughout
was an eloquent and on elaborate an.
peal to the great ruler of the universe.
IN behalf Of mankind generally, as
well as in the interest Of the object
for which the ssseRblsge was gath
cred to witness,
The choir, with orchestral accom-
panlment, then sung THE Heavens
are Telling" from Haydn's great ora
torlo OF The Creation" This grand
composition was grandly rendered.
The voices participating Included the
regular choir Of tie church, aided BY
2 lpnber OF volunteers. The choir
embraces Mr.. Herman Shulze, organ;
Mrs, Marie Hitzfeld Hawks, alto;
Miss Huldah BarindS, first soprano;
Miss Pauline Rosenthal, second 60,
prano; Mr.. Richard Hutton, tenor
Mr.: 4. hels, bssso. The volunteers
Included Mrs. W, A. Gage,
Miss Sallie May White, Miss Imo.
gene White, Mrs. John Duffy and
Messrs. james Ryan, Robert and
Harry karr and Lou Rosenthal. All
acquitted themselves in the most
creditable manner, and many eompli.
mentS were heard regardias the beau.
tiful rendition Gf one of the finest
musical compositions known, "The
Heavens are Telling"
A long list Of articles deposited in
the cornerstone gas next read BY Mr..
sam Hlrseh. It was an interesting
collection, and included copies of the
daily city papers, several very ancient
eoins--sOme Roman, some Chinese
and some of modern times. The Ger.
emony of laying the stone, which hung
suspended by derrick, was next in
order, and this was conducted in 40
cordsnce with tho Masaniv rites, the
MssteFof Leila Scott Lodge acting as
Grand Master by special dispensation
for the occasion. This ceremony was
very entertaining, the jewels and em-
blemS of the lodge beipg Ssed, while
several membaEs u the mystic broth.
srhood Joined in aiding Mr.
Myers in the work, and nearly
halt an hour was consumed in this
service.
Next after this the choir aud or
chestra rendered "The Gloria" from
MOsaTts twelfth mass, a magnificent
musical composition, magni6cently
given, The Rabbis address followed.
In it he gave expression to those sen
timents of ofliberality toward all sects
and doctrines which he is known o
entertain, alluded to the divided c,n.
gregations here and his struggles for
twelve years past to bring taela to-
getheg ss oEs iaMily, the success at.
tending the same, also to their present
strength and future promise. The
address was worthy of the Rabbi's
reputation as a sOholag aud divine,
ANU tagoraple comment was heard in
all directions from those who were
present, after the completion of the
ceremonies. When he had concluded
Hail Columbia" was sung by the
choir, with orchestral accompaniment,
after which the throng dispersed. The
cornerstone laying ceremonies p.ayed
e be The lisst9s eyest St yesterday,
snf as The Rabbi said in'his address