USA > Rhode Island > Newport County > Newport > Touro Synagogue of Congregation Jeshuat Israel, Newport, Rhode Island > Part 5
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Joseph J. Nagle and John Medeiros, student draftsman of the Rhode Island College of Design completed detailed measured draw- ings to the specifications of the National Park Service. Their work was reviewed and officially approved by the National Park Service and was assigned No. NHS-TS-R5-9000.
Under the supervision of Gerald R. Watland, New York, who was retained as architect for the project, the work was done with
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pains-taking attention to historical authenticity. Mrs. Samuel Schwartz of Patterson, New Jersey and the late Abe G. Smith of Newport, Rhode Island were appointed Vice Chairmen of the Re- storation Program in 1957. Mrs. Schwartz, a student and collector of Americana, for over 30 years, engaged in intensive research and consulted with various experts in many fields about the Restoration project.Abe G. Smith who had much experience in building and construction was in charge of on-the-spot work to determine that the project proceeded satisfactorily.
Since 1947 the National Park Service had inspected Touro Synagogue annually and in their reports repeatedly emphasized the need and desirability of the physical preservation and restoration as close as possible to its original state. As a result of the recommenda- tions of the National Park Service engineers, a retaining wall 42" high was built around the inside perimeter of the basement of the Synagogue, and 16 stone piers in the basement were rebuilt with concrete bases and concrete columns around steel pipes to provide the necessary strengthening of the building's foundation. The original appearance of these columns was retained with the replace- ment of the original fieldstone. Additional excavation provided more space under the structure, and steel pipes which were formerly exposed, were enclosed in a concrete tunnel.
In order to reduce fire hazard to Touro Synagogue the heating system which was in the basement was removed to a vault under- ground specially constructed for the purpose, adjacent to the north side of the Synagogue. The interior bulkhead entrance to the basement was removed and the stone foundation restored. Modern rest rooms were installed in the basement, formerly the boiler room.
Some of the steps in the stairway in the ell which had deterior- ated were removed and replaced and the stairway itself restored. A raised platform in the women's gallery which had been added in the course of time, so that ladies in the back row should have a better view of the services, was removed.
The door at the entrance to the Sanctuary and the door at the entrance to the ell, which were of the middle 19th Century vintage were removed and those of typical 18th Century design installed.
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The shutters that were on the outside windows of the Synagogue were removed. Shutters were installed on the inside of both floors of the Synagogue. The shutters are so made that they can be recessed out of sight or opened on the inside giving a pleasing effect. When closed they are held firmly by magnetic catches. Sections of the flooring which had rotted were replaced with 18th Century boards which had been obtained from an old Colonial house in Connecticut. Some of the decorative carving on the woodwork and on the columns which had rotted was removed and replaced.
Floor registers which were scattered over the floor of the San- ctuary were replaced by inconspicuous registers at the bases of the wall benches and of the Bimah. To restore the building to its 18th Century appearance both as to its interior and exterior, window sashes were replaced, old built-in gutters along the roof were removed, replaced with crown molding and a slate roof was installed. Rough textured, Vermont unfading, variegated purple slate was used 1/4" to 3/8" width and in sizes of 18" x 9", 18" x 10", 18" x 11" and 18" x 12". 1-1/2" copper nails were used to secure the slate. The hips were mitered. Lead coated copper was used for all flashings and a 30 1b. underlayment of roofing felt was installed. Cobblestones of soft granite procured at Horseneck Beach, Westport, Mass. were laid to a depth of three feet, approximately, from the base of the Synagogue to catch the rain from the roof. The stones were laid in concave fashion. Two traps to drain off the water were also installed. A walk was laid leading from the main gate to the Portico and around to the steps at the entrance to the ell. The bluestone that was used for this purpose was the original stone at the site but rearranged in a different way. Small stones necessary to complete the walk were supplied by the contractor.
One of the major changes in the Restoration Program was in the color scheme of the interior of the Synagogue. In order to deter- mine the original color of the woodwork microscopic and laboratory tests were made and over twenty coats of paint were removed. The successive layers of paint had, over the years, dulled the clean lines of carving, particularly, at the capitals of the columns. According to a report submitted by Gerald Watland, Restoration Architect,
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The shutters that were on the outside windows of the Synagogue were removed. Shutters were installed on the inside of both floors of the Synagogue. The shutters are so made that they can be recessed out of sight or opened on the inside giving a pleasing effect. When closed they are held firmly by magnetic catches. Sections of the flooring which had rotted were replaced with 18th Century boards which had been obtained from an old Colonial house in Connecticut. Some of the decorative carving on the woodwork and on the columns which had rotted was removed and replaced.
Floor registers which were scattered over the floor of the San- ctuary were replaced by inconspicuous registers at the bases of the wall benches and of the Bimah. To restore the building to its 18th Century appearance both as to its interior and exterior, window sashes were replaced, old built-in gutters along the roof were removed, replaced with crown molding and a slate roof was installed. Rough textured, Vermont unfading, variegated purple slate was used 1/4" to 3/8" width and in sizes of 18" x 9", 18" x 10", 18" x 11" and 18" x 12". 1-1/2" copper nails were used to secure the slate. The hips were mitered. Lead coated copper was used for all flashings and a 30 1b. underlayment of roofing felt was installed. Cobblestones of soft granite procured at Horseneck Beach, Westport, Mass. were laid to a depth of three feet, approximately, from the base of the Synagogue to catch the rain from the roof. The stones were laid in concave fashion. Two traps to drain off the water were also installed. A walk was laid leading from the main gate to the Portico and around to the steps at the entrance to the ell. The bluestone that was used for this purpose was the original stone at the site but rearranged in a different way. Small stones necessary to complete the walk were supplied by the contractor.
One of the major changes in the Restoration Program was in the color scheme of the interior of the Synagogue. In order to deter- mine the original color of the woodwork microscopic and laboratory tests were made and over twenty coats of paint were removed. The successive layers of paint had, over the years, dulled the clean lines of carving, particularly, at the capitals of the columns. According to a report submitted by Gerald Watland, Restoration Architect,
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E
Interior view, prior to restoration
the following is a history of the various colors with which the interior of the Synagogue was painted.
1. Spanish Brown Primer 11.
White
2. Putty Green
12. Buff
3. Apple Green
13. Light Umber Gray
4. Buff 14. Ivory
5. White 15. Light Umber Gray
6. Light Umber Gray
7. Off White
8. Light Umber Gray
18. Ivory
19. Buff
10. Medium Umber Gray 20. Off White
According to Aldo L. Boiani who was the foreman painter on the job, and who mixed the paints, the interior of the Synagogue has now been painted sunset grey, and the wall antique off white (white- wash effect). The trim in the ell is slate lead grey and the wall, antique off white (whitewash effect). The interior brick is antique chestnut buff and the trim is rustic sandstone brown (the sand was blown on to the paint). The ceiling is antique off white (whitewash effect) and the upper ceiling cornice is sunset grey. The base of the disks on which the petals are surmounted is painted antique French blue and the petals are gold leafed. The paint was removed from the rods from which the chandeliers are suspended and a dull flat varnish applied. The wooden balls on the rods were gold leafed.
The columns supporting the women's gallery were covered with canvas prior to painting, to overcome the problem of the cracks which reappeared periodically, despite their having been refilled and painted over on previous occasions. The ceiling under the roof was insulated.
Mrs. Samuel Schwartz brought the chandeliers suspended from the ceiling of the Synagogue to her home and after a tedious and laborious effort, she succeeded in removing from them the accumu- lated grit and grime of almost 200 years, thus restoring them to their original brass lustre. Hand polishing revealed their unique beauty and finish.
Before a decision was made whether to sandblast the exterior brick of the Synagogue or to paint it, a careful examination was made. Ceiling boards in the main entrance porch were removed to gain access to the little attic space above. This afforded a good
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16. Cream
17. Buff
9. Cream
view of a triangular section of the original exterior brickwork on the front of the main building. This area had been protected against the weather since its installation. The exposed brickwork showed the original finish. The bricks were laid up in Flemish bond in a whitish mortar, undoubtedly of lime. The joints were tooled with a squarish point using a straight edge, the vertical joints first, and the horizontal last. The total effect produced, being neat and crisp. The ceiling board showed that it had originally been painted with more than one coat of a light antique chestnut buff color, then, with one or more heavy coats of dark brown mixed with sand and finally, with a coat of light blue.
As a result of this examination the Department of the Interior recommended that sand blasting not be used. The yellow paint that had covered the exterior of the Synagogue for many years was sub- sequently removed by chemical treatment and the exposed brick was repainted antique chestnut buff and the doors and window frames a rustic sandstone brown. The removal of paint from the woodwork in the Sanctuary exposed wood which had rotted over the centuries, and panels in the wainscotting and some of the benches which had shifted away from the walls.
Brass wall sconces of colonial design were installed. Electric chandeliers under the soffit of the colonnades that were of recent date, were removed. Recessed flush lighting in the balcony ceiling and in the lower ceiling of the men's section was installed, as was a high output fluorescent cove lighting around the perimeter of the domed ceiling. The wall sconces were electrified, with wall washers in the ceiling to accentuate the light. Two antique lanterns were electrified and installed, one at the entrance above the door of the sanctuary and the other on the wall at the right hand side of door at the entrance to the ell. All old wiring was removed and a complete- ly new electrical system was installed.
Originally the only seating in the Synagogue was the wain- scotted benches around the side. This fact was noted by Ezra Stiles at the dedication of the Synagogue in 1763. Seats installed at the turn of the present century were removed and replaced with dark green Windsor chairs and Windsor settees reproductions of colonial
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seating. In all 43 "Herzey" Windsor chairs, 4 "Kenneth Square" armchairs, and 43 Windsor settees were installed in the men's and women's section of the Synagogue.
In the Restoration Program consistent concern was shown for the comfort and convenience of the members of Congregation Jeshuat Israel. It was recognized that the Touro Synagogue was in constant use by a living congregation, and as such, it should incorporate those features which were vitally necessary for its use under modern conditions. At the same time a great effort was made to restore the Synagogue as far as possible to its 18th Century appearance. While it would have been more in keeping with the 18th Century character of the Synagogue to expose the wide boards of the original floor, however, with the installation of the Windsor chairs and settees. it was felt, that noise would be generated when movement took place and would be distracting as the Services were conducted. A wall to wall carpet was laid in the Sanctuary. The carpet is a shade of soft greyish orchid as are the upholstery on the benches, the curtain of the ark, and the draperies over the reading desk and pulpit.
An interesting discovery was made in the course of the Re- storation work. The beautiful painting of the Ten Commandments above the Ark in the Sanctuary had been attributed to Gilbert Stuart. But when the painting was removed for cleaning, the words Benjamin B. Howland, PINX, 1828, were found etched on the wooden frame on the back of the canvas. We can now definitely establish, that the painting was the work of Benjamin B. Howland who was the clerk of the City of Newport for a number of years. Although there are some errors in the Hebrew lettering, in view of the historic significance of the painting, it was decided not to correct them.
The clock presented to the Congregation in 1767 by Judah Jacobs of London, England, was also included in the restoration program. Some of its carving was replaced.
At a luncheon meeting held at the Pierre Hotel, New York under the auspices of the Touro Synagogue Restoration Committee on December 6, 1955. Ely Jacques Kahn presented plans developed by the Restoration Committee. They included acquisition of land
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adjoining the Synagogue and the removal of adjacent buildings. The creation of the park would provide an unobstructed approach and view of the Synagogue. On May 2nd, 1962 the building near the Synagogue known as the "Sullivan House" was turned over to the Congregation by Dr. Cornelius C. Moore, prominent Rhode Island Attorney practicing in Newport, acting on behalf of the estate of the late Dr. Michael Sullivan, a Newport physician. The building was given with the specific understanding that it should be razed and that the lot used for the creation of a park to enhance the approaches of the Synagogue. This was subsequently carried out, as was the demolition of the Easton House adjacent to the Synagogue which was purchased by the Society of Friends of Touro Synagogue. As a result of the razing of these two houses, an unusual and beauti- ful view of Touro Synagogue is presented.
On May 1, 1959 Daniel J. Tobin, Regional Director of the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service wrote, "In the long experience of the National Park Service in assist- ing with advice and guidance among the owners of non-Federal properties singled out for designation as National Historic Sites, I am not aware of any case where the spirit and letter of the Cooperative Agreement for preservation with the Federal Government has been so enthusiastically and faithfully pursued. I express my commenda- tion to all who have had a part in this."
On September 11, 1960 at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors of the Society of Friends of Touro Synagogue a unanimous resolution was passed expressing "appreciation and gratitude to Mr. William A. Zeckendorf, the members of the Restora- tion Committee and the many contributors of time, effort, and money in order to bring about the restoration of Touro Synagogue, which is both a National Historic Site and as such, is part of our American heritage, for all to enjoy and appreciate, regardless of faith, and an active Synagogue in the City of Newport for those locally who have the opportunity to use it as a place of holy worship. Without such help, this complete restoration would not have been possible." However, differences developed as to the completion and implementation of the Restoration Program and on May 11, 1961,
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the Restoration Committee was dissolved. Robert G. Mirman was subsequently appointed co-chairman of the Restoration program to work in conjunction with Abe G. Smith.
On September 15, 1961 a plaque affixed to the wall separating the Synagogue from the Newport Historical Society was unveiled by Mr. Morris Morgenstern and dedicated in the presence of a large congregation. The plague reads as follows:
Erected 1963 - 5723
"In tribute to those who helped make possible the restoration of Touro Synagogue, a symbol of religious freedom in America.
This Restoration was planned by The Society of Friends of Touro Synagogue National Historic Shrine, Inc. with the coopera- tion of the National Park Service of the United States Department of the Interior, Congregation Shearith Israel of New York City and Congregation Jeshuat Israel of Newport, Rhode Island. Direct execution was vested in the Restoration Committee of the Society.
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF TOURO SYNAGOGUE JUDGE ALEXANDER G. TEITZ, President DR. BERNARD C. FRIEDMAN, Past President - 1947-1962
RESTORATION COMMITTEE WILLIAM ZECKENDORF, Chairman Dewey D. Stone, Associate Chairman Lawrence A. Wien, Associate Chairman Abe G. Smith, Vice Chairman
CONGREGATION SHEARITH ISRAEL JUDGE EDGAR J. NATHAN, JR., President Rev. Dr. David de Sola Pool Rev. Dr. Louis Gerstein
CONGREGATION JESHUAT ISRAEL SAMUEL FRIEDMAN, President
Theodore Lewis, Rabbi Rev. Ely Katz, Cantor and hundreds of others throughout the country who contributed generously toward the Restoration."
Structurally, the Touro Synagogue has been put into first class condition from the new foundation underpinnings to a new roof. Its restoration has been substantially completed. It stands as a precious symbol of religious liberty, testifying eloquently to the historic roots of Jews in America. It is indeed a National Historic Shrine where people of all faiths visit and refresh their spirits,
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with the inspiration emanating from this House of God. On Hanukkah, December 15, 1963, two hundred years after it was erected, Rededication Exercises were held in Touro Synagogue. Prayers of thanksgiving to God were offered up in this historic edifice which is a living memorial of the dedication and commitment of Jews of colonial and present day America, and evidence of the tangible support they enjoy from people of all religions.
CONTRACTORS, etc.
General Contractor
Rheinstein Construction Co., N. Y.
Roof
Royal Roofing, Newport, R. I.
Alvin G. Reise, Newport, R. I.
Carpenters
Genga Brothers, Newport, R. I.
Paint Specialist
Robert Duncan, N. Y.
Painter
H. Spingler, Newport, R. I.
Masonry & Plastering
Ripa Construction Co., Newport, R. I.
Consulting Engineers
Harkins & Anderson, Richmond, Va.
Plumbers
H. W. McPherson, Newport, R .I.
Plumbing Heating & Ven- tilation Work
Weedon T. Underwood, Newport, R. I.
Sconces
Virginia Metalcraft
Electrical Engineers
G & H, Newport, R. I.
Seating
Saybolt & Cleland, Philadelphia, Pa.
Repair of Chandeliers
Wheelock, Newport, R. I.
Shutters
Hanson Co., Providence, R. I.
Clock Restoration
Ginsburg & Levy, N. Y., N. Y.
Curtain for Ark, Reading desk and pulpit covers, upholstery & carpeting Landscaping
Stanport, Providence, R. I.
Hugo Key, Newport, R. I.
Exterior Brick work
Waples Co., Boston, Mass.
The Society of Friends of Touro Synagogue wishes to place on record its deep appreciation to the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, for the guidance, assistance, support and encouragement it received from the personnel of the National Park Service throughout the Restoration Program of Touro Synagogue.
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ERECTED 1963 - 5723
IN TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO HELPED MAKE POSSIBLE THE RESTORATION OF TOURO SYNAGOGUE - A SYMBOL OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN AMERICA PATRONS PATRONS
ELK AND ROSE ADELSON SAMUEL AND DIANA ADELSON
HENRY ALEXANDER SAMUEL FLORENCE, LAWRENCE AND MICHAEL ALOFSIN JACK AMSTERDAM
HELEN AND MOSES ASCHER RODNEY AND SYLVIA BALL
JUDGE SAMUEL BARNET SAMUEL Z, AND BEATRICE BYBAZARSKY EDWIN . BEINECKE
IRVING BERLIN
JACOB AND HILDA BLAUSTEIN FOUNDATION INMEMORY OF JULIUS BLOCH, RABBI.TOUND SYNAGOGUE HARRY F. GUGGENHEIM FOUNDATION JACOB BLUESTEIN MR. AND MRS. MURRAY I. GURFEIN MISS LEE HELLER IRVING BRAWER HARRY AND MAE HERZ FREDERICK BROWN MORRIS CAFRITZ
SOL CANTOR
THE JOSEPHSON FAMILY
THE J. M. KAPLAN FUND, INC.
SAMUEL KAPLAN
KINNEY, INC.
HENRY W. KLEIN SAMUEL J. KLEIN
PHILIP M. KLUTZNICK ALVIN S. LANE
LEWIS LEADER
J. HERBERT LEDER HERBERT H. LEHMAN
WILLIAM LEVITT JUNE ROCKWELL LEVY FOUNDATION,INC. CAPT. NEVILLE LEVY. USNR (RETD) FRED LINDEN ALBERT A. LIST
THIS RESTORATION WAS PLANNED BY THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF TOURO SYNAGOGUE NATIONAL HISTORIC SHRINE INC. WITH THE COOPERATION OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. CONGREGATION SHEARITH ISRAEL OF NEW YORK CITY AND CONGREGATION JESHUAT ISRAEL OF NEWPORT. R.I. DIRECT EXECUTION WAS VESTED IN THE RESTORATION COMMITTEE OF THE SOCIETY
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF TOURO SYNAGOGUE JUDGE ALEXANDER G. TEITZ, PRESIDENT DR. BERNARD C FRIEDMAN, PAST PRESIDENT 1947 - 1962 RESTORATION COMMITTEE WILLIAM ZECKENDORF, CHAIRMAN DEWEY D. STONE . ASSOCIATE CHAIRMAN LAWRENCE A. WIEN, ASSOCIATE CHAIRMAN ABE G. SMITH . VICE CHAIRMAN
CONGREGATION SHEARITH ISRAEL JUDGE EDGAR J. NATHAN JR. PRESIDENT REV. DR. DAVID DE SOLA POOL REV. DR. LOUIS GERSTEIN CONGREGATION JESHUAT ISRAEL SAMUEL FRIEDMAN, PRESIDENT
THEODORE LEWIS. RABBI REV. ELY KATZ, CANTOR
AND HUNDREDS OF OTHERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY WHO CONTRIBUTED GENEROUSLY TOWARD THE RESTORATION
MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM LIST
CARL M. LOEB. JK.
LOEB FUND, HENRY AND LOUISE JOHN LANGELOTH LOEB MR. AND MRS. HOWARD MACK VESSE MALVIN MORTON J. MAY
ABRAHAM MAZER FAMILY FUND, INC.
JACK MEYERHOFF ROBERT AND ZELDA MIRMAN
CORNELIUS C. MOORE MORRIS MORGENSTERN
FRANK AND RAE NEELY
THE AARON E. NORMAN FUND, INC. NEW YORK FOUNDATION MR. AND MRS. GUSTAVE OBERHARD AND FAMILY JOSEPH OTTENSTEIN ALBERT PARVIN
CARL H. PFORZHEIMER MR. AND MRS. JAY PHILLIPS HON. JOSEPH PROSKAUER LOUIS M. RABINOWITZ SAMUEL AND RIEKA RAPAPORTE READER'S DIGEST FOUNDATION FRANK H. REITMAN IN MEMORY OF MR. AND MRS. MORRIS COHEN RESS CHARLES REVSON FOUNDATION THE RHODE ISLAND FOUNDATION FRANK N. ROBINSON FABIAN - ROSEN FOUNDATION MR. AND MRS. SAUL ROSEN MR.AND MRS. WALTER N. ROTHCHILD ROBERT L. SCHEINMAN THE SCHIFF FOUNDATION
GUSTAVE AND ROSE SCHMELZER
IRVING SCHNEIDER HARRY SCHWARTZ
MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL SCHWARTZ THE PETER J. SCHWEITZER FOUNDATION FERDINAND SEELIG
CONGREGATION SHEARITH ISRAEL IN MEMORY OF JOSEPH E. SHORIN ALVIN AND SELMA SILVERMAN ABE AND ROSE SMITH
M. N. AND .H.J. SOBILOFF MR. AND MRS. EDGAR B. STERN
JACK STERN DEWEY D. STONE MR. AND MRS. STANLEY STONE
AARON STRAUS ROGER W. STRAUS ARTHUR HAYS SULZBERGER THAL FAMILY. FOUNDATION
S.H. THAL AND E.K.LEVI
BEN TOUSTER
SAMUEL UNGERLEIDER
.FELIX M. AND FRIEDA SCHIFF WARBURG FOUNDATION ABRAHAM R. WECHSLER TILLIE AND MARTIN WEINER
JAY WELLS JAMES L. WHITE LAWRENCE A. WIEN MARK AND CATHERINE CATLIN WINKLER ANITA O'KEEFE YOUNG WILLIAM ZECKENDORF
EZRA K. ZILKA
MR. AND MRS. ABRAHAM ZİŞKIND
IN MEMORY OF BEATRICE E. FISCHBACH DEJONGH FRANKLIN SAMUEL AND PHYLLIS-ANN FRIEDMAN CHARLES FROST AND WM. M. FROST IRVING AND JOSEPH GELFMAN
MR AND MRS. CHARLES GELLER RABBI AND MRS. NORMAN GERSTENFELD MORRIS GEWIRZ
LOUIS . GLICKMAN SAMUEL AS GOLDBERG
JACK A. GOLDFARB S.HU GOLDING
HORACE W. GOLDSMITH
SAMUEL GOLDWYN
D.S. AND R.H. GOTTESMAN FOUNDATION HARRY E. GOULD MAX L. GRANT
MEYER JAFFE
MYER AND SARAH COHEN MEMORIAL LOU R. CRANDALL
JOHN J. AND REBA DANNIN MR. AND. MRS. ARTHUR T. DARMAN BERN R. DIBNER
MOSES JACOB DUBERSTEIN FOUNDATION CONGREGATION EMANU-EL OF THE CITY OF N.Y. IN MEMORY OF HAZEL-FALKIN SYDNEY FEINBERG HARRY L. FINE AND A.C. FINE SAMUEL FIRE
THE GOOD FUTURE
Three men make a visit to a building that has meaning for all of us.
The fellowship of religion is our national pride.
BY CARL VAN DOREN Reprinted from Good Housekeeping Magazine, by permission.
HE COLONEL, the Judge, the Minister, and I went with the Rabbi to see the Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island. The Colonel, on the staff of the British Com- mandos, had served as much with the American Rangers as with his own force, and he thought of himself, he said, as an Allied soldier who happened to wear a British uniform. The Judge was a Rhode Islander of Irish descent, who knows more than guidebooks about the past and present of Newport. The Minister, whom the rest of us had not met before, was from a town in Pennsylvania, a chance companion on that June day. The Colonel is a Jew, the Judge a Catholic, the Minister a Protestant.
Such a fellowship of religions could have no more natural meeting place than Rhode Island, the province of the New World that was first to welcome men of all faiths on terms of human equality. Here the Quakers found refuge in the seventeenth century. And other Christian sects came here without threat or question. Nearly three hundred years ago Jews began to arrive, after wander- ings and persecutions as hard as if they lived in the cruel twentieth century. Some of them were Jews who had been driven from Spain, with its Inquisition, to liberal Holland; then they followed the Dutch conquerors of Brazil to that far-off country; afterward, when the Dutch gave up their conquest, they fled the restored Portu- guese rule to Dutch or English islands in the Caribbean; and finally they came to a lasting haven in Newport, where the authorities promised them "as good protection as any strangers residing among us," so long as they were obedient to the laws men there lived under. The Newport Jews obeyed the laws, and prospered. The Jews of
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