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Philadelphia Synagogue in Danger of Being Converted into Church for Negroes

July 20, 1930
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
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The synagogue Anshe Tifereth Israel and Mastbaum Talmud Torah are in danger of being converted into a church for the colored residents of that section of the city, it was disclosed today by S. Nathanson and Isaac Lieberman, two of the leading synagogue supporters.

The facts as presented by these men are as follows: Three years ago the synagogue was erected on a lot estimated at $20,000. The cost of building was $60,000 and the cost of equipment $10,000. This was in 1926 immediately following the death of the millionaire philanthropist Jules E. Mastbaum and the Talmud Torah connected with the synagogue and accommodating approximately sixty-five children was named in his memory. At that time it was hoped that some the wealthier men in that section of the city would contribute towards the maintenance of that institution.

This, it seems, did not materialize with the result that the synagogue was bought in by a local trust company holding a first mortgage of $30,000. All that was left to the officers and members of the congregation were the seven Torahs. This trust company is now endeavoring to resell the synagogue and it is understood that a group of colored people living in the neighborhood are negotiating for its purchase.

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