A building, which incorporated a synagogue and school, was erected on the site. Membership grew and the small building became inadequate. In 1873 land for the existing synagogue at 488 Albert St East Melbourne was purchased for the sum of  2261 pounds. The foundation stone was laid in March 1877 and the Synagogue was opened in September of that year in the presence of communal leaders of all denominations. With its architectural and historical significance, the East Melbourne Synagogue has been classified by the National Trust of Victoria.

Today, the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation is the only synagogue in the City and serves as its Jewish Heart and centre. Originally a grandiose Shule serving the needs of thousands of Jews in the Carlton-City area, it is now enjoying a wonderful renaissance as more people, particularly young, professional families, move into inner city and city fringe dwellings.

The Melbourne City Synagogue, as it has come to be known, has experienced a remarkable resurgence of activity over the past several years. Its dynamic young Rabbi, Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, together with Danny Segal, the Shule's spirited president, are spearheading this revival and today the Shule is a hive of activity with regular Shiurim, Shabbatons, Seminars, Chagim Programs, and of course regular Shabbat and Yom Tov services.

East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation is ready and committed to continue the invaluable work that it does for the Jewish community at present. But we cannot carry on this task alone.

We need your assistance if we are to preserve a historic Melbourne landmark, not just for posterity, but to cater for the needs of the Jewish and wider communities into the future.

In 1857, the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation was established after separating from the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation. A grant of land was obtained at the top of the city on the corner of Little Lonsdale St and Stephen St (now known as Exhibition St.)