Schomre Hadath Congregation was first housed in the old Haymarket building in Clinton Square.  They remained there until the congregation increased to the extent that the building became too small.  The Congregation wanted to own their own Synagogue and it purchased property at 50 Noxon Street.  The building was remodeled to conform to the structure of an Orthodox Synagogue.  Michael Weiss was named President and the Congregation moved into its new home.  For thirty years the congregation prospered and its membership increased.  The small Noxon Street edifice was the scene of countless Bar Mitzvahs and weddings.  In time the building became too small for the thriving needs of the Jewish community.

Throughout World War I, the Congregation planned the construction of a new Synagogue.  In May, 1921, shortly after Passover, a committee began the work which led to the purchase of the property at 16 South Bridge Street.  On April 22, 1923, the Master of Obed Lodge F-and AM, placed the cornerstone in the building.  In attendance were many of Poughkeepsie's Jewry as well as prominent Jewish and non-Jewish civic leaders.  In 1934, Schomre Hadath acquired land on LaGrange Avenue, Town of Poughkeepsie, and built the cemetery, considered a necessary adjunct to the Synagogue.   The congregation finally felt a sense of belonging and well being.  By its 50th anniversary in 1938, the congregation's membership had grown to 110 families.  Near the turn of the century, The Children of Israel Congregation had come into being when a group of members had disassociated themselves from the main group and had taken a new name, Children of Israel.  Smaller than Schomre Hadath, the group maintained a separate corporate image, their own Rabbi, Ephraim Minsberg, and their own Synagogue on South Bridge Street.  In 1958, their Rabbi left and the congregation discontinued the use of its Synagogue, choosing instead to worship with Schomre Hadath.   In 1965, the two Synagogues merged and called themselves Congregation Schomre Israel.  Ground was broken for our present building in 1967 and the building was dedicated on June 16, 1968.

Congregation Schomre Israel serves the community with "Torah True Judaism" using traditions and customs that have survived in this community for more than 100 years.  Its members provide the services and rituals of Chevra Kadisha according to Orthodox law.  A mikvah is available for those who perform the ancient rites of cleansing.  Daily minyans, three times a day, are held for praying, celebrating holidays and for Yartzeit memorial services.  A strong and vibrant Sisterhood is active in all aspects of the Synagogue and provides continuing services to the community.  One of its special activities is providing holiday treats for patients at local and State hospitals.   Members are active in many local organizations including the Community Hebrew School, Jewish Federation, Dutchess Interfaith Council, Dutchess Outreach and Meals on Wheels.

During the past year, relatives of Michael Weiss, Israel Weisberger, Rabbi Minsberg and the Eisner family happened to see this history on our web site and contacted us for more information. These families are currently looking for "lost" relatives and you may contact them by sending an email to: genealogy@ariesmart.com.

The doors of the Synagogue are open to all who wish to pray or avail themselves of its activities.  Rabbinical counseling for all faiths has been available for many years.  As we move further into our second century, we have rededicated ourselves to become the "Judaic Learning Center" of Dutchess County, particularly in the study of Torah.  We look to a bright and successful future with the physical, moral and financial support of the community.