First Exclusively Jewish Chapel in Pacific Theatre Erected at Marine Base

A religicus center, providing separate chapels for Catholic, Jewish and Protestant worship, has been completed at a forward area Marine camp here.

The center, believed to be the first of its kind in the Pacific, consists of three quonset hut chapels which stand side by side. The Protestant and Catholic buildings are topped by simple white crosses, while the Jewish synagogue is surmounted with a replica of a stone tablet bearing the Ten Commandments. The interiors have similar seating arrangements, although altars and other furnishing are in keeping with the different faiths.

Unique in itself, the center also provides the first instance of a Pacific chapel set aside for the exclusive use of those of the Jewish faith, according to Navy Lieutenant Philip Lipis. Lipis resigned from Beth-el Synagogue, Camden, N.J., to become a Naval chaplain.