The Liberal Jewish Synagogue
Wishing to establish a permanent home, premises were acquired in 1912 in a former chapel in Hill Street, Park Road, London. By 1918 it was evident that a larger building was needed and a site was purchased in 1924 on St. John's Wood Road, opposite Lords Cricket Ground. A synagogue seating 1,350 and a communal hall were opened in 1925. From the beginning men and women sat together, hats were not required for men, and from 1915 seats were not assigned to individuals. From its inception there was a Religion School, with correspondence classes for children who could not attend and a Youth Group from 1918.
The 1925 building was replaced with a new complex including Sanctuary, Hall, offices and residential development. It was consecrated in 1992.
Senior Rabbis have included: Israel Mattuck (from 1912), Leslie Edgar (initially as assistant - 1931), John D. Rayner (initially as assistant 1957), David Goldberg (1989), Alexandra Wright (2004)
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