Southport Hebrew Congregation
Arnside Road

The Orthodox community in Southport has a long history which began in the 1890's. By 1920 the Synagogue, which stands today in Arnside Road, had been established.

The first Jewish family in Southport was that of Henschel Samuelson (previously Metzenberg, from Breslau, Prussia) who settled in the town around 1873. He established a high class tobacconist shop on Neville Street and later one of his children created the town's first cinema in the Victoria Hall.

In 1892 an Orthodox Jewish Boarding House was opened by Mrs Joseph Lambert. Situated in Knowsley Road it was called Sorrento.

The first Synagogue was consecrated on 8th May 1893 and was on the corner of Windsor Road and Sussex Road, previously being a chapel for the Plymouth Bretheren. The community was served for its first 35 years by the Reverend Noah Blaser, who was also Shochet, teacher and general factotum. Around 30 Jewish families then lived in the town.

It was 1896 when Hebrew classes started to be held on Sundays and Thursdays, and building was completed of a new Mortuary Hall. The Chief Rabbi Rev Dr H Adler visited Southport for the benefit of his health and stayed at the Shool President's house in Knowsley Road. Even in those early years the Shool boasted its own Choir.

The Chief Rabbi visited again in 1901 and in light of this religious classes were established on every day except Wednesdays and Fridays. By then the number of families had grown to 40, approx. 100 people.

The Sussex Road Synagogue was reconstructed in 1913. The front of the building was faced with Accrington brick and an upper level gallery was created to accomodate the ladies of the congregation. The house abutting the Shool was made into a vestry and Cheder. Of the 80 Jewish families in the town at the time, fifty were members of the Shool.

By 1922 the Jewish population had increased to upward of 500. By the early 1950's the population had reached its zenith of 3,000. And in 1954 the new communal building, the Amelan Hall, was constructed at the rear of the Arnside Road Synagogue.

Jewish figures have played a leading part in Southport's life, with many becoming councillors and sometimes major of the town. At one time the community boasted three Kosher butchers and two delicatessen. These days migration to Manchester, London and beyond has reduced the size of the community somewhat.

Social Committee, Ladies Guild, Ajex, Wizo and League of Jewish Women all feature in the life of the community.

Services are held in the Beth Hamidrash weekdays + Sundays (ask in advance if you wish to attend).
There is a Kiddush after the service every Shabbat.

The Amelan Hall, immediatley behind the Synagogue, offers a substantial function suite with bar and kosher catering facilities.

Visitors are always made welcome and information about times and facilities is easily available from the Shool office 01704-532964 (office times 10-12.30 mon wed thurs)

Hymn of Glory / Anym Zamirot

[photos: Shool interior & the Chief Rabbi addressing the community in 2003]