New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-07-01
4 CALCIUM LIGHT ~ 4 CHURCH.
STAGE EFFECTS IN OLD TRINITY CRITICISED By
THE GUARDIAN"

STAGE EFFECTS IN OLD TRINITY CRITICISED By
THE GUARDIAN"
In conformity with long-estabshed custom,
the Ascension Day services at Trinity Church this
wear were of IN elaborate and imposing character.
The musical programme was more than ordinarily
brilliant and impressive. In addition to the organ
"A brass band was brought into service. All these
unusual efforts give Importance TO the day and
effect to the services are explained by the fact that
Trinity Church was established on Ascension Day
hence the celebration is also IN the nature Ofan ami
yersary A calcium light has been used for several
years on these occasions for the purpose OF ilum-
mating the Astor reredos. The use of this light has
not caused any unfayorabIe comment III previous
years. but on this occasion 1t excited some feeling.
The Gudrdidp. a religious weekly, of which
the Rev. Dr. Richardson is the Editor,
published this week quaint but emphatcally
hitter communication on the 81 ject In the intro
ductory paragraphs to the communication the use
or the light is characterized as the boldest attempt
that has vet been made to dramatlze the mys-
teries of the Christian Faith in the Episcopal
Church, The letter further says:
As to tbe System, which this Dramatic ation OF Re
gion belongs IA 10 effect Of such Spectacular
Exhibitions upon the understandings and hearts and
and lives OF the poorle-~e do not suppose
there ia much diversity OF opinion among the great body
OF American Churchmcn, Clergy and Lazy. History Is
fan OF lessons, If anybody cares TO read them
We ask, and ", do ask, ID there TO be any
end any limit To the Introduction " such Novelties into
the CnurcEs Worshipi
II there such limits, where they TO be drawn
Who ID TO draw themi
Did or did NOT the Canon Ritual Of 1874, have,
it's distinct aud special object TO forbid and prevent the
ntroducucn OF Just such Ceremonalsm as th into our
Public seIyIccsf
That Canon, after long and able debate, the part Of
the ablesl the Church, adopted 10Th cnsoSt
erltre andntnsfg
The communication, after asking
Has Priest OF God right TO speak when he
Gods House and Worship degraded by Stageene aud
theatrical sensatiOuf
states IT'S case in the following language:s
In Trinity Church res oh body Of Hobart, in peace
under the altar though thy spirit be crying how long,
oh Lord in Paradiee yes in that dear church.
example TO the whole church. are tOld that cleo
trio light made To play on the rered0s during divine
service aio occasion.
A TRIBUNE reporter called at the Office of The
Guardian Yesterday to obtain further statement of
the ground of objection. Dr. Richardson, IL was
leaned was sick and at his home in Bridgeport.
The Rev. DR.. Morgan DIX the rector of Trinity,
is now at Saratoga. The Rev DR.. Cornelius f..
Swope the rector of Trinity Chapel, replied, when
spoken To the subject, that when the reredos was
first put in the complaint was made that its beauty
was not generally dlsceTnIbie. Ii was like putting
a beautiful oil painting into dark room. No even
ing services are held in Trinity because it cannot
properly be illuminated with the present facilities.
The calcium light was consequently put in, aud the
effect was pleasant that it had been used during
the succeeding years. The light is arranged IN the
tower aud shines through "A large hole over the or
gan casting tue radiance directly the altar and
the reredos behind 1t.
DIR. Richardson is a monomaniac on the question
of Church Ceremp NAL - continued DIR. Swope, and
attacks everybody and everything looking in that
direction. 1t does 10 that he has here about
as title ground for any attack 1T Is possible to
hawai-