Bishop Manning Reads Friedsam Letter on Altman Foundation $50,000 Gift

Bishop William T. Manning at a luncheon given at the Synod House to about 600 men and women of all creeds and denominations who will participate in the drive for $15,000,000 to complete the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. announced the receipt of a $50,000 gift from Michael Friedsam on behalf of the Altman Foundation. The Bishop then read the following letter from Mr. Friedsam:

Dec. 18, 1924.

Right Rev. William T. Manning, Synod House, Amsterdam Avenue and 110th Street, New York, N. Y.

Dear Bishop Manning:

It gives me a great deal of pleasure to advise you that the trustees of the Altman Foundation have approved a contribution of $50,000 to the fund for the completion of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. It has seemed to them that this project merits the cordial approval and support of all our citizens. There need be no question of creed in supporting it. It may be, in great part, a test of our pride in New York City, and of our desire that a worthy memorial of this sentiment survive.

The work of construction is already sufficiently advanced to reveal the beauty of plan and the high quality of execution. The opportunity which you are providing for the present generation of business then and citizens to participate in the erection of one of the most beautiful edifices in the world, by providing the funds therefore, will be cordially welcomed, and we are happy to have some share in your work. With all good wishes.

Sincerely yours,

M. FRIEDSAM.

The gift of the Altman Foundation was the only large gift announced by the Bishop.

Mr. Friedsam recently made announcement of a donation made by the Altman Foundation of $10,000 to the Jewish Theological Seminary for the Library Fund of that institution and as a memorial scholarship in honor of Benjamin Altman.