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Seventy-five Jews Donate $7,600 to Protestant Church in New York

July 25, 1957
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A Protestant minister revealed that 75 Jews have contributed at least $7,600 toward the refurbishment of a church adjunct in the Gramercy Park section of this city.

The Rev. G. Clare Bathurst, rector of Cavalry Episcopal Church, a 140-year-old edifice, announced the news today. Most of the gifts were actually made in June, at the annual dinner of the Printers and Publishers division of the US. The gifts were given in token of friendship to William A. Rogers, head of a magazine distributing firm and a vestryman at Calvary Church.

Some time ago, Mr. Rogers had asked Joseph Ottenstein, a Washington magazine distributor, for advice on soliciting people in the vicinity of the church. Mr. Rogers mentioned that Calvary had lost most of its parishioners through being located in a predominantly business district, and that the majority of residents in the area were now Jewish.

Mr. Ottenstein gave more than advice. He made a $100 contribution to the church fund and so did 74 other Jewish business friends of Mr. Rogers when they heard about the church’s campaign. Checks totalling $7,100 were waiting for Mr. Rogers and Rev. Backhurst at the United Jewish Appeal dinner, and $500 more was pledged on the spot.

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