Adolph S. Ochs Donates $100,000 for Mizpah Temple in Chattanooga

Members of the Mizpah Temple were pleasantly surprised to learn of the gift of $100,000 from Adolph S. Ochs, publisher of the New York “Times,” for the purpose of enlarging or rebuilding the Temple. The news has received in the form of a letter which Mr. Ochs addressed to Harry Wise, president of the Mizpah congregation. The letter follows:

“Dear Sir-At an early date I wish you would have the congregation appoint a committee with plenary powers to enter into an agreement with me for the enlargement, or rebuilding, of the present temple, together with a parsonage and community house at the present location, or elsewhere in the city of Chattanooga. I am prepared to contribute the cost there of as a memorial to my father and mother, of blessed memory-Julia and Bertha Ochs.

“I hope that the work may be undertaken as soon as practicable, so that it may be completed and ready for dedication on the hundredth anniversary of my father’s birth, June 29, 1926.

“Yours faithfully,

“ADOLPH S. OCHS.”

Twenty-five years ago Mr. Ochs presented to the congregation the land on which is built the present temple, at the northeast corner of Oak and Lindeay Street, a lot 100×150, together with a large contribution for the erection of the building.

Julins Ochs, in whose memory the new temple is to be erected, died at Chattanooga, in his sixty-second year, on Oct. 26, 1888. He was not an ordained Rabbi, but, being a good Hebrew scholar and a devoutly religious man, he acted as volunteer minister of the Mizpah congregation for many years, and caused the erection of its first building. Julins Ochs, during his ten years’ residence in this city, was a leader in all important civic movements, and was the leading spirit in the organization of the Charity Society, the Erlanger Hospital and many benevolent and aid societies, and was chaplain of the G. A. R. post. The business of the city was suspended during the hour of his funeral, and exercises at which were conducted by the Masonic order and several Christian as well as Jewish administers. This is the inscription on Mr. Ochs’ tomb in the Hebrew cemetery on Harrison Avenue:

“Julius Ochs, Born at Furth, Bavaria, June 29, 1826. Died at Chattanooga, Tennessee, Oct. 26, 1888. He Loved and Bravely Served the Country of His Adoption. He Was Gifted, Cultured, Noble and Pure, An Indulgent Father, A Model Husband, A True Philanthropist, and A God-Fearing Man.”