, 1875-10-24
SECULAR USES FOR CHURCHES,

1le Ca1caGo uT6 OF loIl accomplished
great many reforms Among them was a
decided modification of the prevailing e1-
clusiveness of church customs. What may
be called the close communion characteristic
Of the church-system WAS ruthlessly invaded
and broken down at many points Many OF
the handsomest churches in the city were de-
stroyed, and those which were left in the
South and West Divisions were in immediate
demand for other than the ordinary religious
uses, because they were about the only large
buildings in the city. The first demand upon
them was for the accommodation of some of
out shelter or q place to lay their heads.
After these people had been provided for by
friends and the Relief Society, some of the
churches were still retained as depots from
which the relief supplies Of food and cloth
ing were distributed 1t is no reflection
upon their original sphere Of usefulness to
say that the churches had probably never
contributed 30 much practical good to hui
manity as when they were used for these
purposes.
It was by this means that it came to be ad-
mitted that church-edidces might be utilized
without proclamation for other than Sunday
religious exercises. There were no respect
able theatres or public halls left standing in
Chicago. It was found then that public
amusements of proper character are valua-
BILE adjuncts to metropolitan life. The dis
covery was made through their absence. The
necessity of public entertainments was felt
even in time of general adversity and de-
spondency. The attractions of the saloons
were more dangerous while the blue devils
were around than they Ind been before, and
there were no intellectual and social enter
tainments to counteract their influence. An
other step was taken in the secular utilization
of the churches. One Of the largest on
the South Side, and another Of the
largest on the West Side, were en-
gaged for lectures. It was not long
before the pulpit which had been metamor-
phosed into the rostrum was supplemented
by music. There were home concerts, then
operatic concerts, and at last THOMAS came
with symphony and minuet, and the French
Band thundered out its torchlight dances and
melodies. Finally, there were private
entertainments in some of the church
easements and parlors. The progress vas
gradual. Had there been an effort to argue
out the same results before necessity sug-
gested them, the church people would have
resented as an insult the proposition to turn |
their edi6ces into 1ecture-rooms and music
halls
The liberalization of the Church sentiment |
in this regard is aptly illustrated by the use
Of churches in the West and South Divisions |
oy Messrs. CARPENTER l. SHELDON for their |
series Of 1yceum and musical entertainments. |
Plymouth Church, in the South Division, is |
IN admirable specimen Of the modern |
zed style. It is built with special refer
snce to personal comfort and the highest
enjoyment OF everything that is to be seen
md heard. Its auditorium has something Of |
he amphitheatrical properties it has rising |
lope, and is partly Of the horseshoe shape. |
t is handsomely frescoed and carpeted it
las a stage with footlghts; its gas is lighted
y electricity; its acoustic properties are
its arrangements are as comfort
'ble as those Of public hall that depends
'pon public patronage, and its ornaments
ion fully as agreeable to the eye. It's rear
'uilding is divided into parlors, studies, re-
iring- rooms, etc. It has kitchen to sup
'lement social entertainments, and its par1ors
re arranged with special reference lama
eur entertainments Of dramatic O. ~ ical
haracter.' Is it any the less religious be-
ause Of these secular accessories?
Regarded in the light of political economy,
he secular uses for church -edifces should be
increased rather than diminished. T.. will
axe $200, COO as the cost of piece OF church
this is not an exceptionally e1-
raVagant sum. This represents an interest,
Including insurance, repairs, ETC., Of $4,000
year. In addition thereto are the current
expenses, including the salaries of the pas
,r, the choir,@ the sexton, etc. Il reserved