Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-06-07
Uniting Church and Stage.

Last wednesday was present at q remarkable
a gathering of clergymen and members Of the
tneatrlcal profession, with one or two lockers
on like myself, 1t had q history. Last year
young High Church vicar, the Rev. Stewart ID.
Headlam, Jealous worker I'm the largest and
poorest parish in this city (Bethnal Green) came
TO the conclusion that much good was done by
the music halls and small theatres In mittgat-
ing the dismal lot of Les Miserables and sending
few rays OF beauty among the dark dens OF
pain pan ana poverty ae gayea lecture to this ef
and the young man who was just on the point
OF being married was deprived OF his living.
But the Bishop In his palace did not know so
much about the London poor as his clergy, who
grapple daily with the practical evils OF great
city. Notwithstanding his reprimand, NUM-
Der Of the a6lest London clergy gathered around
like his, and the result has been the formation
or what is called ssThe Church and STAGE
herman MeriSae, an nonored name s1e n f SSe
English Church, and among other clergymen
present observed the Rev. Messrs. Oakley
the latter Of whom stated that his church was
supported by actors and actresses to the extent
OF several hundred pounds annually. The CIR
gathering had at the top OF iC, "The singers aud
the dancers, yea, and all my fresh springs shall
he IN Thee" The charming actress. Madge
author Of caste" 'sSociety," and other piays
"a lady of high character-Mrs. Chip
pendale and others made excellent speeches..
disposition on either part to assume patron
iZtng air towards the other. The clergy did not
wish to make the stage change its character or
desired to Introduce theatricais into the pulpit:
but they wished to unite In setting aside the I'm,
representing two difrerent but not inharmSnis
Gus cfv1izing influences. They wished to recog-
nlze each otner socially. There have been three
meetings OF this kind held, at which the clergy
pen have been met by representatives OF an
branches OF the theatrical professionalism the
humblest music halls to the grandest theatres
term1ne what practical steps are to be taken.
present:
i. Oljects.-The objects of the guild are.
% TO unite IT'S members together for the
glory OF God and for the promotion OF right re-
lations between church and stage
(2) To assert the right of churchmen to taxa
part In theatrlcal amusements; whether as
actors, actresses, singers, dancers, &C., or as
81 To encourage the members and associates
IN goodly lie and to promote social sympa-
OF England who feel that it is the duty OF
cnurcnmen 70 respect the stage, and that the
theatrical profession has done much and might
do more to further the church work of elevating
and purifying human life, are eligible for men,
bership OF the guild; and all who, from what
ever cause; are unable to take part In the COM
eligible as associates.
Ill. The guild shall meet once year on day
W De named Oy cOmmlttee representing both
professions on which the holy communion shall
Oe celebrated and sermon may be preached
ana on the afternoon or evening OF the same
Gay, or another more convenient a social meet.
Ing snail be held OF the members ana their
friends. There shall be other meetings, at least
monthly, for worship or lectures or the discus
sion OF subjects come cted with the work of the
guild.
~. Subscription. subscription shall be
rs. 60. entrance fee and Is. per annum.
In conclusion, 1 may say that the cl leroy ap-
pear to me In this matter to have taken more
sagac1OuS step than any other observable these
many years. Among the actors and actresses
present were some who are not at all connected
with the church, liberals, diSSenters, indiffer-
ents, and the church by making friendly over
ture to these viii gain ten fold what 1t can be-
STOW; it Is possible that when this movement,
OF Wnich am sending you an account previous
10 It's publication In England shall become
clergymen who wish to be 'f1shers OF men"
wherever found. Some eyes will be rolled up at
the scriptural sanction claimed for the ballet In
their circular. But the clergymen who have
maugurated the movement are men OF SpotleSS
reputation, OF known earnestness and philau-
thrOphy, and they are really borne onward by
social and moral forces at work, which no
amount OF pfous denunc1atiOn can AFFECT,
Whatever the vtrtuous may say the people will
have their cakes and ale-aS Master Shakes
peare Says-and these clergymen desire the
purveyOrs shall have their right relation to So
ciety and corresponding responsibilities
ID. COnicay's London Letter to Baltimore Gazette