We did not just want to send those funds out for the sake of sending the money out. Several people directly involved in the rebuilding effort could not recall a fact-finding mission by Lyons. They did, however, recall struggles to raise money for their small, sometimes impoverished parishes. Ala. Forty people attend the country church. The church has been rebuilt now, but back then, we could have used the money.
People can always do something good with money.
Foxman recalled meeting three of the Alabama ministers at a formal ceremony in New York to announce the donations. A few weeks later the group received a letter bearing Lyons' signature. The letter said Lyons already had completed a thorough study of the churches, found them in dire need and even requested additional donations for a seventh church. Therefore, I am sending out a nationwide appeal to help this congregation. If you know of any additional funds, please forward them to the National Baptist Convention USA Inc. at the above address.