Evening star., 1943-06-07

one of Washington's great leaders.
DR.. Seth r. Brooks, general chair
man of the Committee on Religious
Life in the Nations Capital, de-
clared: I'm the death of Bishop
Freeman, Washington and the Ma
ton have suffered a great loss. All
who worked with Bishop Freeman
knew his ability, wisdom and
breadth of spirit. Men and organ
izations sought his help and support,
not only because of his high eccle-
siastical position but because when
he identified himself with any work,
both his presence and wide expert
ence produced results.
He was one of the organizers of
the Committee on Religious Life and
was an honorary chairman at the
time of his passing. He was inter-
ested in this non-sectarian work be-
cause it reminded all to be faithful
to their particular faith" Bishop
Freeman will be greatly missed in
Washington. but his good works
have added to the tradition Of
virtue"
DIR. Rsissig Pays Tribute.
Bishop Freeman had two great
passions as I knew him in the brief
time I have been in Washington V
DR.. Frederick E. Reissig, executive
secretary of the Washington Fed
Grafton of Churches, said. Namely,
church union and the Cathedral or
what can be called a house Of prayer
for all people. He was, therefore,
vitally interested in church coop
Grafton. The Washington Fedora
ton of Churches is the richer be-
cause of his interest and now the
poorer because of his going.
In the monthly Sunday afternoon
services at the Cathedral. under the
auspices of the Cathedral and the
Federation of Churches, clergy and
laiety of all faiths worshlped to-
gether. How Bishop Freeman re-
loiced in this fact and how cordially
he welcomed us all We have lost a
good friend and a churchman of
wide horizons
The congregation of the Foundry
Methodist Church, led by DR.. Fred
erick Brown Harris, pastor and Sen
ate chaplain. yesterday observed a
moment of silent prayer for Bishop
Freeman.
The Church of Christ of every
name and sign Sustalns an irrepar-
able loss in the passing of Bishop
Freeman" Dr. Harris said. Like
Phillip Brooks iae was much too big
to be a partisan servant Of one
denomination alone. He belonged to
us all. What a breadth there was
under his prayer book. What a
catholicity under his simplice.
He was indeed a bishop of souls
end the compassion of his great
heart knew no limits of creed or
class or race. His was prophetic
voice aS without fear or favor he
proclaimed the gospel message for
individuals and for social relation
ship He counted it part of his
religion to help see that his country
was well governed
Cherished His Friendship.
He built his life into the great
Cathedral. the Joy and pride Of our
Capital city. But even more lmpor-
tant than that, he was an architect
of the Cathedral of our common
faith whose living stones are hu-
man souls. The union of all Chris
tan forces to meet the onslaught of
q rampant pagan materiallsm was
increasingly the passion of his lie,
His close personal friendship I have
cherished across all the years of my
ministry here. I feel his passing a
deep personal grief
The Very Rev. Msgr, Lawrence J.
Shehan, pastor CT ST, Patrick S
Church. director of the Catholic
Charities of Washington and worker
on the Committee on Religious Life,
also paid tribute 10 the bishop,
In the death Of Bishop Freeman
the people of Washington mark the
passing of a great gentleman, a noble
citizen interested in every phase of
life in the Nation S Capital and a
brilliant orator ever ready to raise
MS voice in behalf OF his fellow men
he said. with MS innumerable
friends. we deeply mourn his
passing.
Rabbi Norman Cerstenfeld. spir-
itual leader Of the Washington
Hebrew Congregation, declared, The
rlp1+b of P,-l,O,, Eroo,,o,, l. n croot
blow to the Washington Hebrew
Congregation.
We admired him as coura-
eeous spokesman for the right. We
respected him as a mighty stand
ard-bearer of all that was worthy
in our community life. We loved
him as a dear friend.
His Life a Benediction.
Mine indeed was the honor to
be installed by the bishop as rabbi
of the Washington Hebrew Con-
gregatlon, to be his host many
times at our temple. and to be his
guest in the Cathedral pulpit. We
always considered him one of us.
His name will be enshrined for
ever in the tradition of the House
Of Israel. His life was a benedic-
ton"
The Very Rev. Lawrence c. Cor
man. S. j., president Of Georgetown
University, said The whole COM
munity of Washington. regardless
of religious faiths feel deeply the
death Of Bishop Freeman.
We, at Georgetown University,
had come to look upon him as an
understanding friend, whose wise
counsel and broadminded co-opera-
ton was always available in meet
Ing or discussing problems of mu-
tual interest. In his death. WASH
ington and the Nation have lost a
spiritual leader of courage, vision
and tolerance at time when these
essentials of character are so keenly
needed in the world today
Called Great American.
The Very Rev. w Coleman Nevis
S. J.. president of the University of
Scranton, who knew Bishop Free
man we'll during his seven years as
prfSjGent of Ge0ront oup University