San Francisco Call Bulletin

September 22, 1921. This article is reprinted below.


Greek Church Drive Passes $75,000

The $75,000 mark was passed today in the campaign of the Hellenic population of the San Francisco district to raise $120,000 for the $500,000 fund required to build a new Greek Orthodox Cathedral and school and orphanage in the city, according to official announcement at the campaign headquarters in the Hewes Building. The drive is scheduled to close October 1, but will continue throughout this diocese of the Greek Orthodox Church, which includes all the Western States, Canada, Mexico and South America.

A site for the edifice, to be known as the Cathedral of St. Sophia, has been purchased at Hayes, Fell, and Pierce streets. The Rev. Philaretos Johannides, rector of the cathedral, the first of its kind in the West, is directing the campaign here.

Mayor Rolph heads a committee of prominent Americans co-operating with the Hellenic volunteers. Hundreds of American subscriptions have been received to date and the Hellenic population is united in its support of the undertaking. George E. Gallagher, vice-president of the Bank of Italy, which has subscribed $1000, heads the down-town drive team.

Considerable stimulus was given the campaign here by the statement of the Hellenic leaders that they hope to have Eleutherious Venizelos, former premier of Greece, and his bride, come to San Francisco during their honeymoon tour of America. They are to arrive in America October 15.

The Hellenic Liberal League here, which is taking an active part in the campaign to raise funds for the new cathedral, has sent a cabled invitation urging the Venizelos couple to visit San Francisco. The cablegram was signed by Demetrios Kappatos, president, and Nicholas Printezy, secretary of the Hellenic Liberal League.

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