compelled to give up his church work and seek relief in travel and the dry cli-
mate of California and eastern Oregon. But all to no purpose, and after bravely
suffering for three years, passed away at the residence of the author of this
history in the year of 1891, and is buried in the church lot of Riverview cemetery.
A purer, nobler and more faithful soldier of the cross never give his life to
the church.)
The United Presbyterian church was organized in April, 1884, and has a suitable church building on the southeast corner of Sixth and Montgomery streets. Rev. Wm. R. Stevenson very acceptably labored in the establishment of the church, and for four years continued as pastor. He was followed in 1888 by Rev. Wm. W. Logan.
The Fourth Presbyterian church was organized in 1887, and is located in South Portland, on South First street, between Grover and Gibbs streets. Rev. Thomas Boyd has been pastor since the formation of the church.
The Chinese mission maintained by the Presbyterians of the city,, has been in existence for several years. Rev. Wm. S. Holt is the missionary in this field of work.
THE HEBREW SYNAGOGUES.
In response to a call issued to the Israelites residing in Portland, a meeting was held at the National Hotel, Sunday, May 2, 1858, for the purpose of organ- izing a Jewish congregation. Eight gentlemen assembled: M. Mansfield, Jacob Mayer, Samuel Levy, David Simon, L. Cohen, S. M. Lyon and B. Simon. One week later, May 9, 1858, the gentlemen named, and H. F. Bloch, Leopold Mayer, Abraham Frank and J. Mecholup completed the organization of Beth Israel congregation, at which time the following officers were elected : Leopold Mayer, president; M. Mansfield, vice-president; Abraham Frank, treasurer, and B. Simon, secretary.
Burke's hall was secured as the place of worship, and Rev. S. M. Laski was engaged as reader. The congregation rapidly increased in members, and the erection of a synagogue was soon discussed. In October, 1859, ^ ^o^ on the corner of Fifth and Oak streets was purchased. On May 12, 1861, the corner- stone of the synagogue was laid, and in August following the building was com- pleted and consecrated. In May, 1861, Rev. H. Bories was chosen minister, remaining in charge of Beth Israel until July, 1863, when Rev. Dr. Julius Eck- man was elected the first rabbi of the congregation.
The synagogue was enlarged in 1865 to meet the requirements of the con- gregation, and for more than two decades thereafter was used for religious purposes. In the meantime the congregation had grown so large that it illy answered for a house of worship. The erection of a more suitable building was periodically discussed, but no decisive action was taken until Col. L. Fleischner took the matter in hand and in response to his efforts the necessary steps were taken which led to the erection of the present synagogue. He was ably assisted by Rev. Dr. J. Bloch, who had been elected rabbi in October, 1883.
In May, 1887, the necessary ground was secured at the corner of Tenth and Main streets. Plans for a synagogue drawn by Williams & Smith were ac- cepted, and on January 8, 1888, work was commenced. The building, costing $70,000, was completed and dedicated on January 2, 1889.
The congregation now (1890) numbers one hundred and fifty male members. The present officers are: S. Blumauer, president; J. Kaufman, vice president; N. Baum, treasurer; Sol. Friedenthal, secretary. Following are the names of those who have served as readers and rabbis of the congregation : Rev. S. M. Laski, Rev. H. Biers, Rev. H. Bories, Rev. Dr. Julius Eckman, Rev. Dr. Isaac Schwab, Rev. M. May, Rev. Alexander Rosenspitz and the present rabbi. Rev. Dr. J. Bloch.
The Jewish congregation of Ohavi Sholem was organized in 1872 by Dr. Julius Eckman, and has a synagogue on Sixth street between Oak and Pine
