Mill Hill Synagogue: A History (Part 2)
2. ESTABLISHMENT OF SYLVAN AVENUE
Since its formation and the subsequent steady increase in membership, the Board had decided to find a permanent building to be used as a Synagogue. In September 1951, following a lengthy process culminating in a successful appeal by the United Synagogue to obtain planning permission for the property to be used as a Synagogue, the Congregation acquired a freehold property:
“Whyteleafe”, 1 Sylvan Avenue, Mill Hill, for £7,500. This had previously been the large home of a member of the WD & HO Will’s family, of “Wills” cigarettes and later “Imperial Tobacco” fame.
The United Synagogue agreed to advance a loan of one half of the amount towards its purchase and the balance was found by way of a loan from Martins Bank. The latter had to be personally guaranteed by the Founders. The property comprised a house with its entrance in Sylvan Avenue and garden which extended back onto Brockenhurst Gardens and a separate 2 storey building (garage and upper flat) at the rear of the garden, bordering Brockenhurst Gardens.
A Function Committee was formed to raise money for the building and its conversion and Dances, Boxing matches etc were organised.
In 1952, the property was converted into a Synagogue, (accommodating seating for approx 50 men and 25 women) and offices on the ground floor and a flat for the Part-time Minister on the upper floor. This flat later became converted into a “Guildroom” meeting/function hall and Classrooms.
An Ark was designed and donated by the Webber family (which is still in use in the enlarged Beth Hamedresh in the new Station Road Synagogue building) and regular Shabbat services were held in the Synagogue. The Ladies Guild provided curtains for the Synagogue and a curtain for the Ark. A new Sefer Torah, as well as its Silver and Mantles were donated. 6 stained glass windows, were presented by the families of six members, Messrs Epps, Grant, Green, Morris, Sherman and Walters (some of which still adorn the entrance to the Station Road Synagogue). Boards comprising prayers for the Royal Family and the State of Israel were also donated, amongst many other items.
Synagogue seats had been allocated to Members offering a £5 donation per seat, with their names being engraved on plaques at the end of the rows.
Since its formation and the subsequent steady increase in membership, the Board had decided to find a permanent building to be used as a Synagogue. In September 1951, following a lengthy process culminating in a successful appeal by the United Synagogue to obtain planning permission for the property to be used as a Synagogue, the Congregation acquired a freehold property:
“Whyteleafe”, 1 Sylvan Avenue, Mill Hill, for £7,500. This had previously been the large home of a member of the WD & HO Will’s family, of “Wills” cigarettes and later “Imperial Tobacco” fame.
The United Synagogue agreed to advance a loan of one half of the amount towards its purchase and the balance was found by way of a loan from Martins Bank. The latter had to be personally guaranteed by the Founders. The property comprised a house with its entrance in Sylvan Avenue and garden which extended back onto Brockenhurst Gardens and a separate 2 storey building (garage and upper flat) at the rear of the garden, bordering Brockenhurst Gardens.
A Function Committee was formed to raise money for the building and its conversion and Dances, Boxing matches etc were organised.
In 1952, the property was converted into a Synagogue, (accommodating seating for approx 50 men and 25 women) and offices on the ground floor and a flat for the Part-time Minister on the upper floor. This flat later became converted into a “Guildroom” meeting/function hall and Classrooms.
An Ark was designed and donated by the Webber family (which is still in use in the enlarged Beth Hamedresh in the new Station Road Synagogue building) and regular Shabbat services were held in the Synagogue. The Ladies Guild provided curtains for the Synagogue and a curtain for the Ark. A new Sefer Torah, as well as its Silver and Mantles were donated. 6 stained glass windows, were presented by the families of six members, Messrs Epps, Grant, Green, Morris, Sherman and Walters (some of which still adorn the entrance to the Station Road Synagogue). Boards comprising prayers for the Royal Family and the State of Israel were also donated, amongst many other items.
Synagogue seats had been allocated to Members offering a £5 donation per seat, with their names being engraved on plaques at the end of the rows.
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Find out about some of the past events that have been taking place in our community, and check out the many photos we have collected.
Find out about some of the past events that have been taking place in our community, and check out the many photos we have collected.