Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1893-10-15

In order 10 test the feeling In reg ard
to the use Of the telephones in our
churches, the writer interviewed Rev
Father Arthur Richie, the lead er Of
the High Church Episcopalians In the
diocese OF New York, or, as they call
themselves, the AngliCans; Rev. Faith or
Cotton, the successor Of the once de-
posed and BOW indicated priest, Father
MCGlynn: Rev. DR.. Parkhurst, the Gel
eOrated Presbyterian who is trying TO
suppress vice by visiting the dives and
Maison de joie, as well as other distln-
gushed divine s.
From these interviews it is clear that
there is a wide difference OF opinion
among the leaders Of the various reIR-
ious beliefs in relation 10 the matter un-
| der discussion.
Naturally many people will object to
/ the application Of the creation OF the
human mind and genius TO things spir-
itual, as in the use Of the telephones;
but may not the same objection be
urged in regard to the use OF the multi
plication OF religious works and SER
mons by means OF the printing press?
The Pope's blessing has been sent by
telegraph and cable, then why not a
sermon by Potter, a COrrigan, a
Richie or q Hobart, or Collyer, be
heard with benefit through the phone?
or course no ono will contend that a
sermon could be heard so satisfactorily
/ i'm this manner, as Of course the glance
! of The eye, the gesture OF the speaker
/ and the tone Of the voice would be alb
! sent, yet by little stretch OF the i'm
! aginatiou the listener will see the
swaying of the congregation by the
words OF the preacher whom they are
meeting face TO face. Again IL may be
argued that the listener over the wire
will hear every word Of the sermon,
! for his attention will not be attracted
! by outside influences, such as the COM
ing aud going Of people, the latest new
bonnet, and the many noises that dis
| tract from time To time the attention OF
worshipers in public.
That there will be many clergymen
who at first will refuse TO preach or
! pray over The wire Is quite certain. A
story is told OF Queen Anne of England,
! who was accustomed TO hearing the
] StiNlCE IEdu " nEl lAOh4 oh az JNaA ~
APARTMENT while her maid was attend
! ing to the mysteries OF her toilet. Dur
Ing a portion of the service she was in
the habit of having the door connect
ing the rooms closed. Finally the SER
vice was brought to an abrupt close by
an old churchman, who declared me
would not whistle the Word OF God
through a keyhole."
The following are the opinions Of
some Of the leading clergymen OF the
metropolis upon this question::
Rev. Father Charles 81. Cotton, pas
tor OF ST. Stephens Roman Catholic
church: "Can person receive the full
benefit OF the presence In the body OF
the Divine presence ST mass through
a telephonep Oh, no, II is necessary
for a personal attendance al church and
for the eye to see as well as the ear TO
hear the priest when be celebrates
! mass, il q person is to receive the full
benefit. In cases where the church
was too crowded 10 admit persons de-
string to attend mass and when they
stood on the steps and in the street 1t
has been held that they secured the full
benefit, for they we're physically unable
to see and hear, but did their best keep
ing their eyes upon the persons nearest
| the officiating priest"
Rev. Father Arthur Richie, rector
of the Protestant Episcopal church Of
ST. Ignatius, said: "By all means !
should recommend the use OF telephones
in our churches 10 be connected with
the houses of Practitioners who we're
sick or otherwise absolutely prevented
from attending the services OF the
church, Just as tell W in the church
taking advantage OF all the advances Of
science in preaching the Gospel. or