“Converted from Judaism.” New York Times, January 25, 1886, p. 2.

CONVERTED FROM JUDAISM.

Rabbi Samuel Griess, who has in the past officiated at the Rivington-Street Synagogue, last evening renounced Judaism and was baptized into the Christian faith by the Rev. Jacob Fleshman [sic—should be Freshman—JMH ed.]. The service was performed at the Hebrew-Christian Church, in St. Mark's-place. A large number of orthodox Jews as well as Jewish converts to Christianity witnessed the ceremony, and much feeling was evinced by the former after Mr. Griess was bantized by sprinkiing and made profession of faith in accordance with the forms of the Methodist Episcopal Church. With him was also baptized another young man of Jewish parentage, but an entire family who were expected to be baptized failed to appear for the ceremony.

Mr. Griess, who is a native of Posen, Prussia, was graduated at the Jewish Theological Seminaries of Breslau and Berlin, and came to this city about two years ago. Up to within three months he has acted as a reader in various synagogues in this city and Newark, N. J. He last evening recited his reasons for embracing the Christian religion, closing his statement by saying: “I leave all friends and superstitions behind me, not knowing what the future may have in store for me, but trusting wholly in God.” Then he was baptized, and subsequently congratulated by a number of Christian ladies and gentlemen who were present.