Fremantle Synagogue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fremantle Synagogue |
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Former Fremantle Synagogue corner of South Terrace and Parry Street
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Closed |
| Year consecrated | 1902 |
| Status | Retail store(s) |
| Location | |
| Location | Fremantle, Western Australia |
| Country | Australia |
 Location in Western Australia
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| Architecture | |
| Groundbreaking | 8 January 1092 |
| Completed | 1902 |
| Website | |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 16 November 1993 |
| Reference no. | 1010 |
The Fremantle Synagogue is a historic building in Fremantle, Western Australia. You can find it on South Terrace at the corner of Parry Street. This building was very important because it was the first synagogue ever built in Western Australia. It was connected to important Jewish leaders and business people in Fremantle during the late 1800s. People also know this building as the Beers building.
Contents
The Synagogue's Early Days
Building a Place of Worship
In August 1887, the first Jewish group in Fremantle was formed. Laurence Alexander became its president. Weekly meetings started in September 1888 in the barracks on South Terrace.
Land was set aside in 1891 to build a synagogue in Fremantle. In April 1896, the current site was given to Elias Solomon and W.F. Samson. They were trustees for the Jewish community.
A service was held at the site in 1897 with Rabbi B. Freedman from Perth. In 1900, a committee was formed to raise money for the building. Plans were approved and put out for bids. Charles Nathan was the synagogue president in 1901. Elias Cohen was the honorary minister.
Opening the Synagogue
The building was designed by architects Oldham and Eales. J McCracken was the builder. The foundation stone was laid on January 8, 1902. Elias Solomon, a federal politician and former mayor of Fremantle, laid the stone. He was also a trustee for the community.
The stone has an inscription that reads: "Fremantle Hebrew Congregation. This stone was laid by E. Solomon, Esq., J.P., M.P.. on January 8, 1902. Teves 29th, 5662. C. S. Nathan, President. Oldham and Eales, architects."
The building was finished a few months later. A special opening service, called a consecration, happened on August 31, 1902. The reader, S. Miller, led the service. He spoke about entering the gates of righteousness.
He then entered the synagogue, followed by the wardens. They went to the Torah ark, which is a special cabinet for the holy scrolls. They said a prayer and walked around the room three times, singing psalms. After this, the Sefer Torah (holy scrolls) was placed in the ark. The Sanctuary lamp (a light that stays lit) was then lit. The rest of the service followed.
L. Alexander, who managed the building fund, reported the costs. The land cost £1750, and the building cost £850. The total was £2600, with £500 still needing to be paid.
Why the Synagogue Closed
By 1908, services were no longer held in the building. By 1910, most Jewish people in Western Australia had moved to Perth. They joined the Perth Hebrew Congregation. Because of this, the Fremantle Synagogue closed permanently. The community had discussed what to do with the property in 1909.
What Happened Next
New Uses for the Building
In 1916, the building was sold to the federal government for £850. It became an extra part of the general hospital and was used as a ward for patients.
Later, in 1922, William Beer bought the building. By 1924, he was using it as a place to hold auctions. This is why it is also known as the "Beers building."
Modern Day Use
The Fremantle City Council bought the building in 1969. They rented it out for different businesses. These included Barri's Rugs, an art gallery, and a clothing store called Skid Rose. It was also home to various cafes over the years.
The Council sold the building in 2004. Today, it continues to be used for retail stores.
