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been translated to Bayswater, Mr. Hyamson was destined to succeed him in the position for which they had once so vigorously contended.
In July, 1885, the last stone of the building—the Crowning Stone of the Ark was formally laid by Mr. Samuel Montagu, who, although not immediately connected with the Synagogue or the district, had nevertheless been actively associated with the development of the Dalston Congregation and the erection of the new structure. The occasion was celebrated by a special solemn service, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Hermann Adler and Rev. M. Hast, the latter of whom was supported by a large and efficient choir, consisting of members of the choirs of the Great, St. John's Wood, and other Synagogues, under the able and experienced direction of Mr. Henri de Solla, choirmaster of the Great Synagogue, who also presided at the harmonium.
Shortly after three o'clock the service was commenced by the Rev. M. Hast chanting four verses from the Hallel (Ps. 118, 21-24). Mr. Samuel Montagu, who was accompanied by Mr. Freeman Cohen (President), Mr. M. A. Rozelaar (Vice-President), Mr. S. Simons (Treasurer), Mr. S. F. Cohen (Hon. Sec. of the Building Committee), and Mr. N. S. Joseph, the architect, then proceeded to the choir gallery over the Ark to place in position the "Crowning Stone of the Ark." This was laid with the formality usually attending the ceremony of laying a foundation stone. The President, in presenting in the name of his colleagues a handsome massive trowel (with a suitable inscription) to Mr. Montagu, said: "Mr. Montagu, I am deputed by the Dalston Congregation to present to you this trowel, wherewith to lay the crowning stone of this holy building. I feel greatly honoured that this task has been allotted to me, particularly when presenting it to such a good and charitable Jehudi as you are known to be, and in doing so I wish you long life and happiness." Mr. Montagu expressed his thanks for the honour which had been done to him, and for the handsome gift. He then lowered the stone, and having given it the customary three taps, said, "I declare this last stone of the building to be well and truly laid."
The usual dedication service was proceeded with, and seven circuits were made by a procession composed of the following gentlemen, carrying Scrolls of the Law: the Revs. Dr. H. Adler, B. H. Ascher, H. Gollancz and J. Lesser, Mr. Samuel Montagu, Dr. A. Asher, Messrs. N. S. Joseph, Freeman Cohen, M. A. Rozelaar, S. Simons, E. A. Franklin, M. Kruszinski, J. Magnus, and J. Birn. At the conclusion of the circuits, Mr. Algernon F. Sydney, the honorary solicitor of the United Synagogue, opened the Ark, and deposited the Scrolls of the Law in the sacred hold.
Afternoon service was then read by the Rev. J. Lesser, at the conclusion of which, the Rev. Dr. Adler, Delegate Chief Rabbi, delivered a sermon and offered a dedicatory prayer.
The Consecration Service occurred in the same week when the first Jew, in the person of Sir Nathaniel de Rothschild, was elevated to the peerage. The preacher skilfully turned this circumstance to account by observing that the elevation of the President of the United Synagogue was the very "Crowning Stone of the Ark" of Anglo-Jewish emancipation. He sought to soothe the apprehensions of the members
