The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-05-11
OPPOSING THEATRES AND DANCING.
A Lively Debate In the Reformed Episcopal
Council on Anusements.

Gen Stewart l.. Woodford presided in tho
General Council Of tho Reformed Episcopal
Church in Newark. yesterday. and his executive
ability was at times severely taxed 10 enforce
parliamentary rules. Tho proceedings Of tho
two previous days had been almost devoid Of
excitement, and the morning session yesterday
was also quiet hut in the afternoon there was nm
intensely exciting debate on tho amusement
question. The committee appointed at the Gem
cral Council last " ar to consider the relation 81
the Church and its communicates to popular
amuscmcnts. made q report setting forth what
the committee deemed to he tho evil inilu-
cncos of theatres, dancing. games Of chance,
horse racing, g.. Attached ~ the re-
port were resolutions declaring il TO
be the sense " the Council mat It is
tho duty of the parishes ~ exclude from all
meetings that have the sanction ot the churrh,
and for which II l. therefore rcsponslnle. an
| theatrical exhibitions. dancing and gaming as
| tending TO lower tho tone ot christian purify
| hinderthc growth OF personal plrv ana Weahcn
| tho Influence NJ tho church in ~" c9mmuniy'
| warming the communicents m,ain+ the th9nre'
public dancing. and like aniusemrnts' anu as
| suading the parishes Of the church from adort-
| ing frivolous and worldly modes OF raising
| money for church and charitable purposes, rs
| having n tendency to -tiile TIC christian duty
and. privilege Of giving, for The PROMOTION Q,
! the Lords work. from simple love to Him. ana
The Rev. Mr.. Sntnrof New York city said
| ." | rise to approve of the action OF the commit
| tee on amuscments and earnestly TO ask this
| Council to adopt the resolutions gppended 70
| the committees report Tho welfare OF our
| Reformed Episcopal Church demands that we
! should legisate on the subject 81 anusements
We must not bc behind other churches in this
4 iayman from Philadelphia said; l am OF.
posed to the Roy Mr.. Sabine's views OF tn,
| amusement au' stion. don't believe this Coun.
| ell has any right to Interfere with individual
liberty in this matter II this Council adopts
| the resolutions now under discussion. ! decar,
that will not bc bound by its action. Tn,
| committee are recommending foolish thing
b eSh H enonsh row am Sre nFe
legitimate drama, lAuulnusel Brethren, die
you ever see Joe Jefferson play Rip Van Win
god influence on the entire audience. 1t mad'
the hearts OF the people tender and sympathetic
There was not an immoral expression In TIT
Loud chipping Of hands and stamping Of fee
greeted the lay member from Philadelphia n
A Brothcr-I object to this applause. 1t lie
disgrace To the house OF God.
| Gen. Woodford-l. as u pr siding officer
rehuke all applause in tho sanctuary.
4 Noice-Iherc Is nothing ia the Bible for
Bishop NlcholsOn was opposed 10 theatres he
cause he thought Christ would not have coun
tenanced the drama.
Shakespeare, but he preferred To- read th
works Of the immortal bard in his study. instea
Thu Rev Marshall Is Smith said kno,
how 70 play cards, and | can dance; hut don
care for either. Let Us tolerate peoples opin
ions. II the proposed resolutions are adoptc
by this Council they will be violated. arg
possession Of the spirit Of Christ is better tina
arbitrary laws"
Bishop Chcney--Our committee has deliber
ated year. and. pardon mo for 5 lang expires
sion we have mn, no righ, 10 90 hack Ipon thos
NJ the resolutions. Let Us sustain them.
Question! question: came from all parts {
the house. The vote was taken vivn voce. Tn
Chairman thought that the ayes had II, hut
brother suggested that perhaps the, .minorit
| might have shouted the loudest. A division G
the house was called, and the resolutions wer
declared 10 have been adopted.
| The Council adopted n catechism which r.
semhles the Westminster and Moravian Cate
| chisms.