THE TEMPLE DEDICATED.
_________
The Ahavos Sholom
Congregation Take Charge of the Beautiful Place of Worship—Fitting Ceremonies.
The Hebrews
of Ligonier now worship God in their new Temple, and Ligonier can pride herself
upon the new place of worship, as in all probability, there is no other town of
as small population, in the United States that has a building of the kind that
will compare with that of the Ahavos Sholom Congregation. It is indeed a credit
to our town and county.
Among the
first Hebrews that came to this vicinity were the families of Jacob Straus,
F.W. Straus, Sol. Mier and Jos. Kaufman, and these people formed the nucleus of
the present congregation. In 1856 they all attended worship at Auburn, and the
next year went to Fort Wayne where they celebrated the leading holy days as is
required by their law. In 1858 the congregation was organized here and until
1867 worship was held at the residences of Jacob Straus, F. W. Straus, and
Joseph Kaufman. In this year the congregation of Ahavos Sholom was organized,
the first members being F. W. Straus, Jacob Straus, Mathias Straus, Sol. Mier,
Isaac Ackerman, Isaac Brill, Solomon Ackerman, Solomon Baum, J. Decker and
Jonas Berolsheim. To these members are due the credit of erecting the old
temple upon the lot just north of the Cavin Park, leased to the congregation by
Straus Bros., for 21 years. The dedication of this temple took place in
September, 1867, the scrolls and laws being taken from the residence of Jacob
Straus to the new house of worship. For over twenty years the congregation
worshiped here until growing in members, it was necessary to provide more
commodious quarters.
Early in
1888 a building committee was appointed and other steps taken toward the
erection of a new temple. Plans and specifications were prepared, and after a
careful consideration of them, they were adopted and the work was contracted
for. The building completed, and everything in readiness it was necessary to
consecrate it to its use with the ceremonies and rites as established by custom
and law, and last Friday, September 6th, was selected as the day.
Invitations were issued to a large number of our citizens to be present, and
many strangers were also in attendance.
THE DEDICATION
ceremonies were opened by the formal leave taking of the old
temple, when all had been called together by Rabbi Eppstein. The scrolls were
placed in the charge of the oldest men of the congregation, Solomon Baum and
David Loeser, and to the music of Ligonier Military Band, they all took up their
journey to their new place of abode. At the doors they were met by the children
and with uncovered heads they listened to the recitation of the following poem
by Willie Baum, the small son of Jacob Baum.
OUR NEW TEMPLE
_____
(Composed by Jacob Baum for the dedication of the Temple
Ahavos Sholom.)
To worship our Creator,
This edifice we built.
To work- a mediator-
A mission- that was willed
So, many centuries ago.
The Hebrew tribe- so large-
In order to the world to show,
The real Messiah’s march.
To better us- humanity,
All churches are destined,
To teach us human vanity,
All earthly things- a blind.
But to lead us to that lofty stage,
Where prejudices cease.
Until we reach that golden age,
Where all dwell in peace.
Where all like one, and one like all,
One brotherhood we vote,
No fanaticism builds a wall,
Dividing our abode.
That is our mission- Israel’s vow,
For which we temples build.
That was our pledge- is our aim now,
Until it is fulfilled.
To this end do we dedicate
This temple to our Lord.
His blessings do we supplicate,
O, bless us all our God.
Bless those that have so literally
Contributed their mite,
And all those through whose energies
Our temple looks so bright.
May one and all donors be blessed
Whether far or near,
For they have done their very best,
To erect this temple here.
Generations will come- generations go.
This temple still be here,
A monument for the Israelites,
An ornament for Ligonier.
He was
followed by Mamie Wertheimer, in whose possession the keys of the Temple had
ben placed, and in a most impressive manner she presented them making the
following appropriate little speech.
MR. PRESIDENT: -- Your building committee did me the
honor to select me to deliver to you the key of the beautiful temple which is
to be a home of divine worship, dedicated to the living God of Israel, as this
house is a monument of piety and devotion to Israel’s cause on the part of our
people. So is this ceremony in delivering this key to you, a monument of joy
and pride in youthful days, never to be forgotten. May the memory of this
solemn monument be also to you, and all the members of the congregation, a
source of joy and never failing gladness.
This key unlocks a sacred hall
Of love, and grace and peace to all
Who seek they father’s precious love.
This key to truth, from heaven sent
I place in your estimable hand
A son of God, thy brothers peer,
I pray with you God be night
When ere we raise our voice on high.
In prayer, praise or adoration
Receive in grace they children all
That seek thy peace in this fine hall,
Reveal they love and consolation.
MR. PRESIDENT: -- Please
receive this key from my feeble hand, delivered to you in the name of those who
honor and respect you as a true and devout son of Israel.
To this
Jacob Straus, the president of the congregation, responded as follows:
MY DEAR CHILD:-- it
is with a sense of profound happiness and deep joy that I accept from your
hands the key to this Temple of God, and I sincerely trust that the good work
so far accomplished will be carried out in good faith to the credit of our
congregation.
Honored, indeed am I, ladies and gentlemen, that I should
have been chosen to occupy this place, and in behalf of the congregation of
Ahavos Sholom, to accept this noble building.
This congregation was originally formed in August, in the
year 1865, as a society with ten charter members. In 1866 we changed the name
to a congregation, and called it Ahavos Sholom, meaning “Peace Loving,” at
which time we purchased our present burial grounds. In 1867 we erected and
dedicated the frame building as a house of worship which we this day vacate. In
1888 we decided to erect a better building, the one we this day dedicate.
With the liberal assistance of the members of our
congregation, although only twenty-two in number, as also our friends at home
and abroad and in particular, encouraged and liberally assisted by the Ladies’
Ahavos Sholom Society, Ladies’ Benevolent Society, as also by the Young
People’s Charitable Union, we have so far accomplished our undertaking, for
which I extend to one and all in my own name, as president of this
congregation, as also in the name of the congregation, my sincere thanks.
This beautiful Temple stands this day dedicated to the
service of God. There yet remains upon us the cloud of debt which must be
dispelled, and can be by our own efforts. Let us unite therein, let us strive
earnestly, honestly and unitedly together in this labor, so that soon this
house of God may raise its noble head to the skies of heaven without
encumbrance. We rejoice in the completion of this good and noble work. We are
happy at this hour in the thought that by good will and unity much can be
accomplished, and the events of this day shall forever be sacred to our
memories. I accept this key, and with it bid welcome to one and all.
Thereupon
the doors were thrown open and gentlemanly ushers conducted the large audience
to seats. The room which presented a beautiful appearance, being decorated with
natural flowers and draped with evergreens was comfortably filled. The scrolls
were deposited upon the pulpit, after which the carriers were seated an the
program as arranged was carried out:
Hebrew Prayer.
Choir……………………………[?] Hause
Gottes
Introduction Prayer—Ps xxxiii
……………………………
Rev D. Eppstein
Choir…………………………….. Ona Adanoy
First Circuit.
Hymn…………………………….. Up to the
Lord
Reading of Psalm, CIII…………...
Rev. D. Eppstein
Choir- Hymn………………………How
Blessed
Second
Circuit.
Reading of Psalm C.
Hymn……………………………..Father I
Call on Thee
Reading of 1. Kings VIII.
Third Circuit.
Choir………………………………Yevorechecha
PART II.
Reading of Scroll Genesis
1-6.
……………………………Rev. Samuel Strass
Choir…………………………….Let There Be
Light
Deposit Scrolls in the Ark.
Choir- The usual songs with
Schemah.
Closing of the Ark.
Choir……………………………. Hallelujah
Dedication Sermon………………Rev.
Dr. I. M. Wise
Choir—Hymn……………….Why Art Thou
Cast Down
The
dedication address by Rev. Dr. Isaac M. Wise, of Cincinnati, was an able and
comprehensive sermon. He entered into a discussion of the most important
questions hearing upon ancient and modern worship of the one God. He took broad
grounds in his treatment of the question of religion, and his advanced views
upon the subject of worship showed him to be liberal of liberals. He dwelt with
considerable earnestness upon the beneficent influences that surround the
churchmen of this country on account of our constitutional liberty. He grew
eloquent in his prose of old institutions, when he said, “I am proud that I am
an American citizen, and that our broad land is dotted from ocean to ocean with
places of worship protected by the strong arm of religious tolerance and
soulful devotion. To worship God in accordance with the dictates of his own
conscience is a right that every loyal, patriotic and country loving citizen
should guard, not only with his life blood, but with all the force of his
intellectual being.” Rabbi Wise was listened to with marked attention, and his
remarks made a most favorable and lasting impression.
The musical
part of the programme was one of the most pleasing features, the choir
acquitted themselves splendidly, rendering the selections in an artistic
manner.
SABBATH SERVICES
were held for the
first time in the new temple, on Saturday, conducted in German. The principal
sermon was delivered by Rev. Dr. Wise, and was well received. This sermon was
important, being the initial and opening service that will be repeated
regularly every Saturday as long as the congregation is in possession of the
temple.
On Sunday
morning Rabbi Wise delivered a fine lecture to a splendid audience at the
temple. His subject being the “Footprints of Judaism in the World’s History.”
Those who heard the revered gentleman, pronounce the lecture most interesting
and instructive. His close and extended study of the history of his people, and
his liberal construction of events and circumstances surrounding them, made his
lecture doubly interesting to those not identified with his church.
THE BANQUET
given by the ladies of the congregation in honor of the
dedication, in the lodge room of the Beni Berith on Sunday evening, was a
success in every particular. Over two hundred guests sat down to a splendid
supper at 9:30, to which they did ample justice. At 10:30 speech making began
under the direction of Abe Goldsmith, of Citizens’ Bank, as toast-master.
Toasts were answered by Rev. Dr. Wise, of Cincinnati; Rev. Samuel Strass, of
Fort Wayne; F. W. Straus, of Chicago; Nathan Kaufman, of Toledo, Ohio; Max
Krauss, of Columbia City; Jacob Straus, Rev. Eppstein, S. J. Straus, Sol. Mier,
Abe Goldsmith and J. E. McDonald. All enjoyed the feast. At 12:15 the guests,
with but few exceptions; repaired to City Hall, where the festivities were
continued in a grand ball. The music was furnished by Prof. J. C. Sack’s
orchestra, and there have been but few more pleasant parties in this city than
that of Sunday night. Every one enjoyed themselves. Many beautiful and
expensive costumes were worn, but our space is too limited to go into detail.
These festivities closed the ceremonies of the occasion.
Great
credit is due to Rabbi Eppstein for his determined and well directed efforts
towards the building of the new temple. Last year when he accepted the
pastorate of the congregation, it was with the understanding that a new temple
was to be built at once. He at once interested the leading members, and an
organized effort was soon made which resulted in definite action. The different
societies of the congregation, especially the ladies, are in a great measure
entitled to the credit for their elegant structure. Every opportunity was taken
advantage of and their labors added hundreds of dollars to the building fund.
The Hebrew ladies of Ligonier are wide awake, progressive and enthusiastic in
any work they have to perform.
Among those
from abroad who attended the dedication services were noticed Mr. and Mrs. E.
Straus, Ross Stiefel and Ben Ackerman, Butler, Ind.; Sol Rose and Ike Rose, LaGrange;
Mr. and Mrs. Theo. Mayor, Leo Isay, Churubusco; Mrs. and Mrs. F. W. Straus,
Miss Lucy Dueschner, Miss Pauline Dueschner, Mathias Straus, D. Aach, Misses
Lena and Hattie Straus, Adolph Kahn, Mrs. Henry Kahn, Chicago; Miss Carrie
Phelpson, Jake Phelpson, Warsaw; Max Kraus, Miss Hannah Kraus, M. Applebaum and
Ben Kramer, Columbia City; Herman
Schopplacher, Marvin Loeb, Mrs. D. Weingarten, New York; Miss Carrie Marks and
J. Straus, Cincinnati, Ohio; Mrs. J. Hart, Lulu Hart, George Hart,
Hopkinsville, Ky.; Mr. and Mrs. David Welt, Cromwell, Ind.; Jacob Grunauer, Abe
Straus, Ike Kahn, Mr. and Mrs. J. Keller, Kendallville; Mrs. M. Straus, Miss
Clara Manch, Miss Sophia Straus and Mr. Wallace, Cleveland, Ohio; Nathan
Kaufman, Toledo; Max Livingston, South Bend; Rev. Strass, Fort Wayne; Mr. and
Mrs. J. Lowenstein, Waterloo; Miss Bessie Hecht, LaPorte; Mr. and Mrs. Ferd
Loeser, Milwaukee, Wis.; Miss Hauchie Mier, Fremont; Mrs. Sol Hirsch, Clinton,
Iowa, and others.
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