The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-06-29
A NOVEL RELIGIOUS SERVICE.
Preaching to Deaf Mutes with an Interpreters
Aid-Peculiarities of Sign Language

A novel religious service was held at Christ
Episcopal Church last night The novelty con-
sisted in the fact that services were held in two
distinct languages, that they proceeded at the
same time, were addressed to separate audi
ences, and did not in any way interfere with one
another. One was in the English language
spoken and the other in the sign language of
deaf mutes Rev. DR.. Thomas Gallaudet, of
New York, and Rev. A. w. Mann, of Cleveland,
the latter himself deaf mute. were the preach
ers, and about thirty deaf mutes, members
of Christ Church. and several Others were
present. The hymns were read, instead of
being sung, DR.. Gaaudet and Mr.. Mann looking
on the book and translating to the deaf mutes
by means of signs. Prayer was offered by Rev. E.
A Bradley, and was translated by DR.. Gallaudet.
In his talk, the substance of which was given
at the same time by Mr.. Mann, DR.. Gallaudet
dwelt upon the teachings of the Episcopal
Church, speaking more particularly of the forms
it had preserved. He was especially interested
in the work of inpressing the teachings of the
church on deaf mutes. The church took them
from the State institutions, with the education
they had obtained there as the foundation.
While the State institutions did much
for the deaf mutes he felt that
if any class of people needed to have
the fullness and richness of the gospel
Episcopal Church had nine clergymen who were
able to minister to the wants of such parishion-
ers. -Four of these clergymen were themselves
deaf mutes. Mr.. Mann one of these, and
his work so far had resulted in bringing over
260 deaf mute communicates to the church. By
means Of the sign language parts of the Bible
could be explained to Them so that they could
then 60 on and read it with understanding and
interest
DR.. Gallaudet explained to those present who
~ Of ha
sign language. He does not spell ont words,
cept in giving proper names. There are distinct
signs for several thousand of the more promi-
nent things that are presented to the mind. For
instance laying the hand on the heart is equiva-
lent to 'love;' passing the foreinger straight
from the mouth, to truth" pointing to the mid
die of the palm of the hand. as if to to nail
print, to Christ" clasping the forefngers, II
believe" The sign language is distinct from,
the English language. In presenting the ideas
which make up an English sentence, the order
of such sentence is not generally followed A
Frenchman taught in the sign language in his
own country converse with an American or
Englishman taught in their respective countries
with as much ease as with one of his country
men. Deaf mutes who are familiar with the
sign language be thrilled and swayed and
moved to tears by one talking in it, as others
are by eloquence expressed through words.
DR.. Gallaudet and Mr.. Mann are on their way
to San Francisco to attend the meetings of the
National Association Deafmute Teachers, to be
held in few weeks They are holding services
for the benefit of deaf mutes in the cities along
their route and will hold such services in st.
Louis, Kansas City. Topeka, Denver, Salt Lake
City and other places. They will return by the
Santa Fe route, and hold similar services in the
cities on that line
At the close of tho meeting a collection was
taken to help them in this work. About thirty
FIVE deaf mutes are connected with Christ Church.
OF these. fifteen are communicates.