The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-11-09
IN THE RELIGIOUS world
The District School" an Improper
Entertainment Says Writer.
BISHOPS STARTLING SERMON
Told the Grace Reformed Episcopal Con-
grcsa,iOn Christ Might Come In 1897.
Mrs. 500 Hoo boo Christian.
ixcd Chinese Woman.

In a letter to The Tribune S. d.
Thomas questions the propriety Of THE
District School" as a church entertain
ment and fears the result OF the homely
sKit upon the morals of the performers.
Without n personal acquaintance with
Mr.. Thomas and without a knowledge
of the reason for his pessimistic de-
scent into Grabbed thought, The
Tribune will charitably imagine him
as person whose confidence In the
character of women and his fellow men
has been shattered. His letter is as
follows:
Editor of Tribune
Dear sir:-That sin is alluring is q
lamentable fact. II the Great Creator
had made sin odious, and virtue attrac-
tive there would be- 10 need OF
churches and the Christian religion
would be an unknown factor of the
ages. There Is a distinct prejudice ana
opposition among church members to
theatres and theater-golng. Whether
this position is proper depends on the
individuals tastes. But it is sure
fact that the tendency of our church
sociables leans toward worldly enter
entertainment.
For instance, during the past month.
several OF the churches have conducted
entertainments called "Deestreck
Skules." They are fine burlcsques on
the country school sessions and have
afforded much enjoyment to many spec
tators. If this kind of play was given
by Il professional company Il would
likely suffer the usual announcement
from pulpit and pew. The young
people are the chief movers in the new
form of amusement. This is the class
which has the greatest temptations
thrust upon them and these are the
people most likely to be attracted by
the glitter and glare of worldly pleas
ure. Where is the limit? Do our
ministers see when vice begins and In
nocence is lost?
In the opinion of an onlooker the
"Deestreck Skule" performers are
treading on dangerous ground; a
ground which borders closely on the
big theatrical country.
S. ID. Thomas.
Scranton. Nov. G.
About the Y. w. GA.
The eighth annual convention of the
Young Women's Christian Associations
of Pennsylvania will be held at Blooms
burg. November 15-1S. The convention
will open for city workers at 2.30 p. m.
on Friday and from that time until
Sunday night will follow a programme
of interest to every association worker
in the state. A large delegation Is
looked for from Scranton,this being one
of the nearest and largest associations.
Those contemplating attending should
apply at once at POS Washington ave-
nue. for credentials. The round trip
ticket from Scranton 10 only $2.3S, and
entertainment for all delegates and
members will be provided by the ladies'
of Bloomsbury. Further details OF the
programme will be given next week.
On Tuesday evening, November u,
the quarterly members meeting and re-
ception will be held at POS Washington
avenue. Two minute reports will be
given by chairmen of the various COM
mittees, and some matters of business
will be brought before the association.
1t is especially desired that this rccep-
tion may bring together both old and
new members and for the convenience
of all 1t is suggested that members hav-
ing Joined since June first. wear a badge
of red, all others displaying white.
Special music will add to the attrac-
tiveness of the programme.
In the educational department new
classes are still being requested and or
ganized. On Saturday evening, No
and Geometry will begin work under
Mrs. w. o. Breck. Arrangements are
being made for a class in advanced
German under Mrs. Koehler, whose be-
ginning classes are taking up the study
with great enthusiasm.
Work In free-hand drawing begins in
the John Raymond Institute this after
noon at two o'clock
The Sunday Gospel meeting will be
conducted tomorrow by Miss Elizabeth
M. B. Root, secretary of the South Side
association, her subject being 1.-THE
Shepherd Psalm"
Startled the Congregation.
Bishop Nicholson startled his hearers
during his sermon in Grace Reformed
Episcopal church W ednesday when he
intimated that the end Of the world
might be only two years hence.
In discussing the coming of Christ,
Bishop Nicholson said it would no doubt
be in some fiery way, but the destruc-
ton of the universe would not occur,
merely a portion of it. 'In 1856" he
said, ''one of the stars in the northern
crown burned for two days with i'm
mense heat. Proctor, famous as
tronomer, says that in 1897 the sun will
burn UP or explode. We know not that
this Is true, but for one will welcome
the increased heat with Il hallelujah
and Even so cCme, Lord Jesus" The
statement has caused much comment
in the church and many are inclined to
believe that the end of the world Is
coming in 1897.
Mrs. 500 Hoo Doc Christian.
Mrs. 500 Hoo boo. the wife of the
Chinese merchant whose store is on
Spruce street, near the Commonwealth
building, was confirmed In Grace Re-
formed Episcopal church Wednesday
night by Bishop Nicholson. The ques-
tions of the Bishop and the ritual and
the replies of the woman were inter-
preted by her husband. Thus to Scran-
ton possibly belongs the honor of con-
tanning a Chinese woman who Is q
Christian.
There may be other women of that
nationality in this state, but II Is
doubtful If any of them are members
Of Christian church. Besides Mrs.
500 Hoo Doc there were fourteen in the
confirmation class, and eleven were re-
ceived by letter into the church.
Minor News Notes.
Rev. II. II. Harris, of the Calvary
BaGJJist church, of Taylor, will preach
tomorrow evening al the Jackson Street
Baptist church.
OF the several preachers who have
been heard from the pulpit of the
Scranton Street, Baptist church, Rev
Mr.. Matthews, of Croatland, N. Y, wht
was heard last Sunday, seems to have
created the most favorable impression
The First Presbyterian church trus
tees held a meeting Tuesday night ant
transacted routine business.
Colonel and Mrs. II. NJ. Boies or
Monday threw open their CONSERVATION.
ies to the Young Women's Christian
association. The flowers, especially
chrysanthemums, were at the perfec
tion of bloom and were worthy of the
high admiration they received. Tht
members of the association went. Ii
large numbers to the reception to share
in the pleasant hospitality of the Boie.
home, and to admire the enhancing
beauty OF the magnificent flowers. Col
onel and Mrs. Boies were assisted II