Beth Hamedrash Hagodol, an Orthodox congregation, was organized in 1905 on Wooster Street in Hartford's East Side. In 1921, Beth Hamedrash Hagodol merged with Shaarey (Sharah) Torah, and together they built the Garden Street Synagogue. This followed the migration pattern of members of the congregation, who were leaving the crowded East Side for the more prosperous North End. In 1962, the congregation moved again after merging with Ateres Kneset Israel to become the United Synagogue of Greater Hartford in a new facility at 840 North Main Street, West Hartford.

The historic photograph (right) shows the east end of the interior. A wooden rail with quatrefoil frieze between paneled posts separates the main space of the sanctuary from the area of the bimah, lectern, and ark. Traditionally, the reader's platform or bimah, was located in the center of the room so that the Torah, when read from the lectern on the bima, was surrounded by people. In the typical revised arrangement, as found in Beth Hamedrash Hagodol, the bimah is grouped with the ark for convenience and the Torah is carried up and down the aisles to continue the tradition of being among the people.

The ark, a large stepped cupboard, is elaborately decorated with painted panels of foliate and urn designs and marbleizing. The wall behind the ark is embellished with a mural of the road to heaven and Noah's Ark. Above is a second wheel window, similar to that on the facade, but with a Magen David in its center. The ark was removed from the building and is now on display at the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford.