1920s-30s—CRS roared through the 1920s in robust health, purchasing land for what is our current building and having an architect draw up plans. The early 30’s continued a trend at CRS that is still with us to this day—welcoming clergy and staff who choose to spend their entire careers at CRS.
- 1923: Congregational Bulletin founded.
- 1924: Union Prayer Book adopted, marking CRS’ formal identification with Reform Judaism.
- 1926: Land on West 83rd Street purchased for building new synagogue; final service at Lexington Avenue synagogue held on October 4; new Gate House at Union Field Cemetery authorized to replace Chapel built in 1889.
- 1928: Temporary services held at Mecca Temple for two years, with Mitchell S. Fisher as interim rabbi (Rabbi Grossman passed away in 1927.)
- 1930: In March, CRS moved to its present home on West 83rd Street. Louis I. Newman inducted as Rabbi, with Rabbis Stephen Wise and Nathan Kras participating in ceremonies; Parents Association formed under sponsorship of Honorary President Samuel Falk; The Chronicle was launched.
- 1934: Sunday morning community services introduced. Offered until 1949, they featured classical choral works performed by a 40-voice community choir under the direction of Cantor Meltzoff, and included guest speakers Franz Werfel, Sean O’Casey, Orson Welles, and Jan Masaryk.
- 1937: Dr. Max Feder appointed first Executive Secretary, serving until retirement in 1972.
