History records that the first Jewish services in Tampa were conducted in 1894 by Mr. M. Henry Cohen, Sr, in the old Masonic Temple at the corner of Franklin and Washington Streets. On October 14, 1894, 31 men and women met at Mr Cohen's home to form the first synagogue in Tampa, Schaarai Zedek (Gates of Righteousness) was selected as the name. On November 4, 1894, the Dance Academy of Mrs Baker on Florida Avenue was rented for Sunday School. On January 15, 1899, the Congregation erected a synagogue on a lot they purchased on Florida Avenue. The cornerstone was laid on August 15, 1899 by Mr Herman Glolowski. He was a founding member, President of the Congregation in 1899, and served as Mayor of Tampa off and on between 1886-1893. The Congregation moved to New Suburb Beautiful at the corner of Delaware and DeLon Streets on June 8, 1924 and to its present location in 1957.
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