Severn Street Synagogue


The Severn Street Synagogue, founded in 1809 and opened in 1813 as a synagogue in Birmingham, England, is now the Athol Masonic Hall.

History

Severn Street was newly carved out of the former Gooch Estate when the synagogue was founded in 1809.
The synagogue building was completed in 1813, and that year was badly damaged in a riot directed at non-Anglicans that also severely damaged the Methodist Church in Belmont Row, Quaker Meetinghouse near Lady Well, and the Baptist Chapel in Bond Street.
The synagogue was sold to the Freemasons in 1856 after the construction of the Singers Hill Synagogue.

Architecture

The synagogue was rebuilt by architect Richard Tutin in Greek Revival style 1825–1827. The Torah Ark was retained by the Freemasons with only slight modifications. Its handsome, fluted Doric columns and classical entablature remain. The Master's Chair is placed in the former Torah Ark niche.
The adjacent banqueting hall, decorated with Stars of David, was added for the Freemasons by architect Henry Naden in 1871–2.