 In the late 1940s and early 1950s , Herman Belth raised $ 20 @,@ 000 ( today $ 200 @,@ 000 ) and contributed another $ 20 @,@ 000 for another renovation of the synagogue . The building was fortified , the interior ( except the front wall ) repainted , and the exterior brick walls , which had been clad in " blue @-@ veined white stone " , were refinished with " brownstone type stuccoed slabs " . When the renovations were complete , the synagogue was re @-@ dedicated in January 1953 . Despite Belth 's efforts , membership continued to decline , as congregants moved to the suburbs . Though the Centennial Celebrations of 1956 " provided a brief burst of energy for the Congregation and produced funds to maintain the Synagogue " , during this period the choir was disbanded , the Sunday School and Talmud Torah closed , and paid staff reduced . 
