Congregation Ahavath Sholom - Fort Worth, Texas - Synagogues on Waymarking.com

from their website.

"1892 - A group of Jewish immigrants met at the home of the late William Goldstein on 5th and Calhoun. They established Fort Worth's first Jewish Congregation to be known as Ahavath Sholom which means Love of Peace. The 31 founders and their families met for High Holy Day services in rented halls for the first three years.

The first minutes, translated from Yiddish, read:

Meeting 1
Fort Worth

October 30, 1892

The meeting was called to order at 8 P.M. by Mr. Goldstein, President. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. No important business was brought up and the meeting was adjourned. (Approved by W. Goldstein, President)

And so the fascinating project of Congregation Ahavath Sholom was launched. From these modest beginnings there grew, through an abundance of confidence, vision and hope, a religious institution that serves almost six hundred families today.

Fort Worth was a bustling railroad center when these first meetings were held. The host was William Goldstein, the first president, and his home at Fifth and Calhoun was the meeting place.

The minutes reflected, step by step, how the organizational routine and functions were established. It took many meetings to finalize and accept the bylaws. The acquisition of a charter was an almost insoluble problem, for there were no charter blanks available. Eventually, the Charter was acquired on January 8, 1893. Subsequently, a sign reading Congregation Ahavath Sholom was made, a gavel was purchased and a dues structure of $6.00 per annum, payable at 50? per month, was set.

Even in those days there was a turnover of membership. Each potential new member, however, had to apply, and a vote was taken before his application was accepted. According to the records, a few rejections of applications were eventually made on the basis of moral and ethical issues.

For several years the religious functions were restricted to High Holy Day services. The minutes of August 30, 1893, reflect the appointment of a special committee to make the necessary arrangements. A hall was rented for $12.00. Members were appointed to officiate, and they vied with one another for these honors. Tickets were sold at $1.00 for members, $2.00 for non-members, and gratis to those who could not afford to pay.

The minutes further reflect the financial difficulties that confronted both the congregation and the individual members. The founders, however, did not allow problems to hinder them in their progress for any length of time."

Status: Active house of prayer Denomination/Group: Conservative Address: 4050 S. Hulen Street Fort Worth, Texas USA 76109 Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]

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