Synagogue, Leamington Road, Blackpool

A site has been secured on the Raikes Hall estate, Blackpool for a synagogue. The cost is estimated at £3,000. Mr R B Mather is the architect. [Building News 29 May 1914  Page 740]

OPENING OF JEWISH SYNAGOGUE – This (Tuesday) afternoon will ever be remembered by the members of the Blackpool Jewish community as witnessing the opening and consecration of the new Synagogue and school situated in Leamington Road on the Raikes Hall Estate. The Right Hon Lord Rothchild will perform the opening ceremony. …… The land for the synagogue was given by Mr Mark Shaffer and building operations commenced in August 1914 but the outbreak of war caused considerable delay in the erection. The front of the Synagogue is in Leamington Road, but the entrance is at the side. The roof is surmounted by a dome which rises to a height of about fifty feet from the ground. The building is comprised of Accrington brick with terra cotta facings. The dome is of zinc and the roof is graced by a large ornamental lantern light. The Synagogue id entered by a vestibule and entrance hall, both of which are laid with beautiful mosaic. The entrance all is 16 feet by 11 feet and the aspect from it of the interior pf the Synagogue is very pleasing.

The synagogue is 42 feet by 36 feet, and on the ground floor there is to be fixed seating accommodation for about 130 persons. A spacious gallery runs three parts round the building and fixed seating accommodation in it for about 150 persons Adjoining the gallery is a large committee room and classroom and by means of a sliding partition this apartment can be thrown to the gallery, thus materially increasing the accommodation. On the ground floor there is a gentlemen’s cloakroom, etc. and similar accommodation for ladies on the first floor. The cellar provides accommodation for heating apparatus, etc. The Ark which is of handsomely carved mahogany and occupies the southerly end of the Synagogue, was given by the two sons of Mr L. Levene, of Blackpool, in memory of their mother. The whole of the windows are plain leaded lights, but no doubt in the course of time these will be substituted by stained glass. The building is fitted with electric light. On the front of the Synagogue is a large carved tablet bearing the inscription “Blackpool United Hebrew Congregation 5676 Erected 1915” The former figure represents the Jewish year. The total cost of the synagogue is about £2,600. At the opening ceremony several corner stones were laid by distinguished guests.

The architect is Alderman R. B. Mather, of Birley Street, Blackpool, and Messrs Chadwick Brothers are the builders, Messrs Jones Brothers, Birley Street, Blackpool are the electricians; while the whole of the electrical fittings, which are of oxidised silver, have been supplied by the General Electric Company, Manchester. Messrs Lawrence and Company of Blackpool have installed the heating apparatus. The whole of the terra cotta material has been supplied by Shaw’s Glazed Brick Company of Darwen; Messrs Seward and Company of Lancaster have provided the leaded lights; and Messrs J. Crook of Bolton have furnished the railings which enclose the synagogue. [Blackpool Gazette 25 January 1916 page 6]

Reference    Building News 29 May 1914 page 740
Reference    Fleetwood Express 1 July 1914 page 5    Building work commenced
Reference    Blackpool Gazette 25 January 1916 page 6 - opening