 In 1876 , the congregation voted by a margin of over two to one to re @-@ orient the synagogue pews in the manner of Christian churches , and introduce mixed seating . However , nothing was done about this until 1879 , when the renovations were carried out : the front pews were removed , the side pews extended to the walls , and the vestibule moved outside the sanctuary . Led by rabbi Dr. E. M. Myers , the synagogue was re @-@ dedicated on September 7 . 
