In June 1962, the Jewish Voice reported on the dedication of the cornerstone for the new synagogue of the Adas Kodesh Shel Emeth congregation. Today that cornerstone was opened and the time capsule removed. Tomorrow the time capsule will be opened at the synagogue.
Here’s what the 1962 article said:
HOLD DEDICATION OF NEW SYNAGOGUE
In the presence of hundreds of members, visitors and public dignitaries ceremonies were held for the Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth Synagogue cornerstone dedication on the Washington Street extension. Mortar containing soil from Mt. Zion, in the Israel section of Jerusalem, was used for the ceremonies.
Rabbi Samuel Rosenblatt of Beth Tfiloh Congregation, Baltimore, assisted.
Dr. Rosenblatt has bee spiritual leader of the Baltimore congregation for 35 years.
The oldest son on Cantor Joseph Rosenblatt, he is a champion of Orthodox Judaism and the author of many books. He is president of the Baltimore Board of Rabbis and a member of the Baltimore Clergy Fellowship.
Adas Kodesch Congregation, the oldest predecessor of the present congregation, was chartered in 1889 and dedicated the currently-used synagogue at Sixth and French Streets on September 20, 1908.
Chesed Shel Emeth Congregation was founded in 1921.
The two merged in 1957 and immediately began planning for the $600,000 synagogue and school on a 3 ½ -acre tract in Brandywine Hills. It was designed by Percival Goodman.
It is expected to be completed in time for High Holy Day worship this fall.
President Kennedy, in a telegram read by the congregation president, Louis S. Cohen, sent congratulations and stressed the importance of houses of worship in America.
The first trowelfull was applied to the copper cornerstone by Rabbi, Leonard Gewirtz, spiritual leader of the congregation. He was followed by Cohen, Cantor Abraham Vegh, Gary F. Rosen, chairman of the building committee, and other leaders of the congregation.
The cornerstone box contained records of the synagogue, a membership roster and names of special contributors to the building fund.
Among other speakers were U.S. Senator J. Caleb Boggs, Mayor John E. Babiarz and F. Earl McGinnes, administrative assistant to Governor Elbert N. Carvel.