The sun., 1897-05-20
SYNAGOGUE CONSECRATED.
CONGREGATION sHEARITH Israel
DEDICATES ITS NEW TEMPLE.

1
Tho ConsreEation tho Oldest In America-It.
Ftrst eyBaEoGue Built In the pirat Ward
In 1889 - Tho new Temples Interior
Decorated witt Onyx OF Dinerent Coiors
The conservation services OF the new synagogue
shearith Israel, at Central Park West and Sew.
entieth street, were hold last night. Tho new
synagogue is an imposing structure. The front
OF the building. which faces the Park, is adorned
with four large pillars. The interior decoration,
are Of onyx, while the walls and balconies are in
gold and white.
The ark is said to DO one OF the finest In the
United States. 1t Is made of white and red
onyx. Two small pillars on each side are
separated by two alcoves. in which are placed
large silver lamps. fashioned after the Egyptian
style. The four steps which lead to the ark are Of
blood-red onyx, the top ono being made out Of a
solid block. Directly over the stairs Ia tho
perpetual lamp which Is made entirely OF silver.
In the centre OF the building 10 tho pulpit which
Is made OF dark cedar.
The synagogue was founded In 1882 by forty
Spanish refugees. It's first cdifice was built in
Mill street, in what is now the First ward Tho
congregation is the oldest in America. Templo
Shearith Israel was crowded last night by tho
Hebrews who had gathered to attend the
consecrating ceremonies. Following the Jewish
custom, the women sat in the gallery, while
the men took possession of the main floor.
Shortly before 8 o'clock the orchestra began
playing. Barely had It finished when loud
rapping was heard at ono OF the doors in tho
roar Of the temple.
-, Open for me the gates Of righteousness" said
them; would praise the Lord"
As the choir sang the answer the President Of
the Board of Trustees, l. Napoleon Levy, threw
open the doors. Fifteen members of the congre-
cation carrying the scrolls OF the law then filed
into the room. They were followed by the six
ministers who were to assist in the ceremonies.
sacred Tabath. All were dressed in evening
clothes ana wore high silk hats. The procession
synagogue, Dr. II. Perera Mendes, chanting a
prayer. to which the choir sang the responses.
When the Ark was reached the scroll hearers
Levy lighted the Perpetual Lamp. As he did so
the minister and choir sang the following stanza:
Hear: o Israel the Lord our God. the Lord ia One.
The Lord reisneth. The Lord hath reigned rb.
Lord will reign for ever and ever.
Seven circuits were then made around the
pulpit. After the last circuit the scrolls Of tho
law were deposited in the Ark The Rev. DR..
Meldola de Sola, minister of the Spanish and
then offered prayer. At the close of the prayer
the congregation chanted the 15oth Psalm.
1T, The Rev. Dr. sabato Morals of Philadelphia
preached by DR.. Mendes, who, at its close, pro.
nounced the benediction.
ent States, there being representative from
San Francisco, Boston, Chicago. Philadelphia,
and Newport; Among the ministers who on:
Gottheil. the Rev. DR.. Abraham II. Nieto. As.
ghep NJ Wise. the Rev. DR.. Benjamin and the Rev.
The following are members Of the Board of
Trustees: !. Napoleon Levy, President; Lewis
David de Meze. Henry Belais, Antony Wailach,
and Albert J. Elias.