The New York herald., 1869-03-15
RELIGIOUS SERVICES IN PouanKEErs.E.
Severe DeruuciatiOn of the Drama, the
Ballet md the Scurri,ous Press by 1feth-
odisf Clergyman.

Severe Denuuciation of the Drama, the
Ballet md the Scurriious Press by Meth
odisf Clergyman.
PoUGHKEEPsIE, N Y, March IA, 1897
There was very large attendance at all the
churches here to-day. The pupits OF the various
edinces were filled by their respective pastors, ex-
cept the Congregational, where the Rev. J. W. Cra-
croft, Of Ohio, o1ciated. at Temperance Hall Pro-
fessor j. M. Clark, an enthusiastic temperance
advocate and heavy dealer In adjectives, took up
the nght against the rum sellers and rum drinkers
and for time spoke eloquently Tonight the prln-
cpal point OF attraction was the WASHINGTON street
Methodist Episcopal church. where Rev. W. G. W.
Lewis, the pastor, delivered discourse against
theatres The subject was douhly attractive, be-,
cause, for the first time in its history Poughkeepse
has lne well appointed opera house and an excel
lent dramatic company. the latter halfway through
four weeks season OF tragedy, comedy and ballet.
Long before the regular church hour the church was
nearly filed. 80 that when the moment arrived for
the reverend gentleman to commence his remarks
every available ia sea seat was occnped Mr. y LEXIS took
teenth chapter OF the Acts of the Apostles. COM
mencing, .'The whole city is in confusion" &c. The
reverend gentleman began his remarks by stat
that a he should cali their attention to the
subject OF the theatre. The Methodist Church
mas always been the uncompromising foe OF
the theatre. The associations and tendencies OF the
theatre dangerous in the extreme to society Of
theatre is not a school for morals The writers OF
plays are not men OF chastity; the morals OF them
all mad not better be regarded too closely. The
scenes and language OF the stage excite the audi-
ence and crafty the worst passions Of human
nature. Mr.. Lewis inquired who wond be willing
to die in theatre amid the surrounding debauchery
and licentiousness. He argued that managers, for
fear OF ruin, dare not present plays true TO e but
exaggerate 80 as to cater to the morbid appetite.
He denounced nearly every one Of Shakspeare's
plays extravagant pictures. and In the course OF
his remarks paid his address to the National Police
Gnzette, the Days Doings the 'Black Crooks the
s'White Fawn,n "Humpty Dumpty'' and the
'To0dles.n He did not hesitate to say that the out
growths Of the dance, the masquerade and the thea
tire are adultery seduction, murder and death. He
claimed that the theatre had made thousands Of
prostitutes and stated In substance that 1t deran0ed
society generally, for tragedy mace men bosterOus
and comedy made them rude. Throughout the en-
tire length of his remarks Mr.. Lewis handled
his subject without gloves speaking OF the theatre
In most bitter terms, and denOuncIng and sur
roundings violently. He closed his sermon by I'M
ploring the congregation TO listen to the word OF
God, and az all hoped for salvation, to keep away
from the theatre. Rev. Mr. Hageman also sermonized
on the subject OF the theatre and masquerades at the
Second Reformed Church this morning. Rev. Dr.
Ewing, Superintendent OF Episcopalian Missions.
addressed the congregation OF the Holy Comforter
church this morningl on the subject OF missions "A
very large number OF people listened TO him. This
oternoon he addressed the children OF the sabbath
school. s4yF# f