After meeting with Dean James Parks Morton on 15 June in New York, the Nakashima Peace Altar Committee decided to begin work on the second Peace Altar: The Table for Peace.

It will be consecrated at the home of the first Peace Altar, the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, at an interfaith celebration of the 50th Sept. 24. It will remain temporarily housed at the Cathedral until official confirmation of its acceptance at the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow which will be its permanent home.

Usage consistent with its original intent is to be confirmed by spokeswoman Irene Goldman, who is currently traveling to Russia.

Construction was begun July I, at the Nakashima Studios in New Hope, utilizing boards from the same tree as the original Peace Altar created in 1986.

The two-board bookmatched top of American Eastern Black Walnut measures approximately 10 feet by 10 feet with a 36-inch-high base, which will-unlike the first Altar--be removable for ease of transportation, as this Peace Symbol will weigh close to a half ton when completed.

George Nakashima's design was realized by his daughter, Mira, head of the Studio, who also oversaw construction of the first one. This work of art is being crafted by the members of the Studio who continue the work George Nakashima began 50 years ago in New Hope.

George Nakashima envisioned making altars from extraordinary boards for each of the continents of the world, as symbols of peace, foci for meditations and peace demonstrations, interfaith services for international peace, and centerpieces for ecological conferences.

"We hope that this second manifestation of his dream will be recognized as a wellspring and inspiration for peace, marking the fifth anniversary of George Nakashima's death. It will indicate that his dream of World Peace still lives on in the hearts of both the American and Russian peoples," said his daughter.

Tax-deductible contributions of any size, to be used for the transport and construction of this or future altars will be welcomed by the Altar for Peace at 293 Aquetong Road, New Hope 18938.