"This sounds like an interesting case," Morrissaid.

The ACLU issued a press release which stated:"We believe that the place for religiousdisplays...is in the private sector."

Harvey A. Silverglate, a Boston attorney whohas litigated several First Amendment cases, saidhe sees no problem with the display.

"This is a completely frivolous claim,"Silverglate said." Unless it's there forinstructional or celebratory purposes, it'sconsidered a cultural artifact or a piece of art."

Silverglate said that Stone v. Graham--a U.S. Supreme Court decision which ruledthat the Ten Commandments could not be displayedin a public school--is not relevant in thisinstance because the exhibit was not the creationof city officials.

"[This exhibit] was not installed by thegovernment," he said. "It was by a private donor."

A Multicultural City

Chester said the Christianity is no longer adominant religion in Cambridge and that officialsshould be sensitive to the diverse views ofCambridge residents.

"This says to people who are not Christian,`you are second-class citizens" said Chester, wholast December had a Nativity scene removed from aholiday exhibit at Arlington Center's town green.

Galluccio, however said that the city must beconsiderate of all religions, includingChristianity.

"You need to be inclusive not only of theminority but also of the mainstream points ofview," he said.

York, a 30-year library employee, said thatwhile many people have visited the library, hecould not recall another complaint about theexhibit during his tenure.

"People sometimes ask questions, but they seemmore intrigued than oppressed or offended," hesaid.

"It's a splendid example of ethical literaturein a building," said John J. McCafferty '46, alongtime Cambridge resident. "It bothers me thatsomeone's bothered by it."

Noting that no Cambridge residents havecomplained, Galluccio said that he felt Chesterwas more interested in hurting Cambridge's senseof community rather than protecting his ownreligious free dom.

"There is no internal dissent," Galluccio said."This is an outsider creating a rift."

Russell said she would not even considerChester's protests because he is not a cityresident.

"Mr. Chester should go back to Arlington andfind something to dig up there," Russell said.

Chester criticized Russell's attitude as"dangerous and sad" and said he would not abandonhis crusade.

"It makes no difference that the Cambridge CityCouncil wants to keep the exhibit," Chester said"By that logic, there would still be segregationin the South.