Newton Mearns Hebrew Congregation

A Brief History

Newton Mearns Hebrew Congregation is an orthodox community established in 1954.

The first Chairman was Arthur Lawson. The congregants originally met in a hall in the Ayr Road, which is now the site of Glasgow New Synagogue. Later, services were held in Fairweather Hall.

The former building at Larchfield Court was constructed in 1968 and its foundation stone was laid by Arnold Berkley. This building was destroyed by fire in 1973 and was re-built. The foundation stone for the new building was laid by the Walton Family.

The first Minister of the Shul was Rev Saul Wiseman, followed by Rev Jack Grant, Rev Jeffrey Cohen, Rabbi Ephriam Klein, Rev Philip Copperman, Rabbi Pinchas Hackenbroch, and now Rabbi Danny Bergson, who took up his appointment on 1st January 2009.

Today, there are around 425 members. There are five Life Presidents – Sydney Barmack, Peter Cohen, Doreen Mandelstam, David Links, and Alan Hecht.

We would like to publish a more detailed history of the shul on this website. Any information you or an older member of your family can add to the above account, or photos, will be welcome. Please send your material to the shul office.