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In February, 1892, the Rev. H. Gollancz was elected Preacher to the Bayswater Synagogue in succession to the Rev. Dr. H. Adler. His election to that dignified position necessitated the severance of his official connection with the Dalston Synagogue. In accepting his resignation, Mr. Simons, the Presiding Warden of the time, expressed the conviction on behalf of the Board of Management and the Congregation that the departure of their Minister was viewed with general regret. The sentiments of the Congregation were exhibited in a more tangible form when on April 3rd, 1892, a day after his preaching his farewell sermon, a presentation was made to Mr. Gollancz expressive of the esteem and affection in which he was held, and the keen appreciation which his services during a period of seven years had evoked. Public tributes were furthermore paid to his work outside the Congregation. A long and appreciative notice of his career in North London appeared in the North London Gazette of April 8th, which the week previously published his portrait as a Supplement.
The post of Minister having become vacant, immediate steps were taken by the Board of Management to fill it. In reply to their advertisement published in the Jewish Press, applications were received from Revs. M. Adler, A. A. Green, M. Hyamson, E. P. Phillips, and J. Phillips. Mr. Hyamson and Mr. J. Phillips, who at the time were single men, were informed that in the event of either the one or the other being the successful candidate he would have to marry within twelve months. The Rev. A. A. Green, who had in the meantime been invited to become a candidate for the post of Minister at the newly-established Synagogue in Hampstead, withdrew from Dalston. The election was decided on October 4th, the Rev. M. Hyamson being returned at the head of the poll with 101 votes against. 97 recorded in favour of the next candidate, the Rev. M. Adler. Mr. Hyamson commenced his duties on December 16th, 1892, and remained at his post for nearly a decade, when he resigned owing to his promotion to the office of Dayan.
Committee of Workers among the Jewish Poor.—Early in 1893 Mrs. Hyamson signalised her husband's entry into office by establishing the North London Committee of Visitors among the Jewish poor. Acting in conjunction with the Board of Guardians, this Committee, which embraced both ladies and gentlemen, selected for their sphere of operations the area bounded by Leman Street and Cannon Street Road on the one part and Commercial Road and St. George's Street on the other. The cases reported by these visitors included many which required the gift of garments. To supply these a sewing department was formed by the ladies in connection with the Committee. Thus arose the Dorcas, which carries oh its useful and beneficent work to this day. Finding that the Board of Guardians had enlisted the services of many of its most active workers, and that is work could just as well be performed under the direct auspices of that institution, the North London Committee of Visitors decided in December, 1901, to dissolve their organisation. Unlike its parent institution, however, the Dorcas continues to show unabated vigour and vitality. Numbering some 100 members, the Dorcas became affiliated with the Jewish Ladies' Clothing Association, in the list of whose donors of garments it has for some years in succession held the pride of place in the number of garments contributed.
