The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-03-12
ACTOR rs UNDELuTnL Ban.
Henry Irving Attends Church, but 500"
Makes His Exit.

"All the worlds a stage" IS a maxim
whose truth IS ptuved by practical en-
baiTassments as well as by poetic fancy.
IL was by the first test that 4 was latest
Impressed upon the mind OF Rev. Ed
ward A. Larrahee. rector of the Church
Of the Ascension, La sale avenue ana
Elm streets. Last sunday evening Hen
ry Irving, wearied of the counterfeit per-
sonalties with whose varied emotions
and passions he had been entertaining
audiences during the week. put on his
incognlto c'Othts and, arranging MS
toilet to contradict the flaming posters,
set )ut for the Churcn OF the ascension.
lie hau comfortably seated himself with
out revealing his Identity. ana was quiet
~ congratulating himself upon his COM
Portable quarter. and the sweet music
which CO cluueu the vesper service when
Rev. M Larrabee rose 10 make a few
rcnldIns Tho church was not crowded.
and somehow the rectOr's thoughts took
"A downtown car anu N.siteu al .ancy ttc
INN ense play - I-ss of Chicago. I.tIsi
congregate large numbers of people VINO
do not always remember the Lcnten sea-
son cnjoined in the church OF which ne
Is follower. At any rate the thought
came. and with II the words TO w Il
expression.
Just what the rector sar docs not or
pear Of record as ne spoke eAteWpO-
raucousiy, except IL is Snown stat he re-
fcrfed to the disturbing iniiucrccs OF tsc
ion that the church was anplcSntly the
loser In the struggle against its mate
realistic competitor. Among other things
Rev Mr.. Larrabec mentioned Mr.. lrN-
ING and his company as being one of the
attractions in Chicago which was nten-
styling the theatrical interests during the
Denitential season.
Perhaps to show his indignation at the
speakers words, or. possibly. 10 avoid
The embarrassment which might be occa-
stoned a
the churcn until the close of the service.
Mr.. Irving gathered his robes about him
ana made his exit. Ills departure at
tracted attention. and attention led to
recognition. so when the last word was
said the incident became "A fruitful sub
ject OF suppressed gossip. Yesterday it
was rumored that Rev. Mr.. Larrabee
had visited the great actor and had cX-
planned that his discourse had no per
! sonal bearing
Last night reporter for the Chronicle
called M Rev. Mr.. l.arrabee's residence.
fpI Dearborn avenue and sought an OK
PLANTATION. Rev. Mr. Larrabee was not at
home. but a reverend gentleman who
rem, cnted him said: 1T is true that
Mr.. Larrabce did refer 10 Mr. Irving IN
cOnneC ton with what me- mad to say
with reference 10 the Influences of the
aires upon church piety and church al
tendance. but the reference was not in
tended 10 be personal. but simpiy as
typical OF a certain class of amugem .nfS f
- h true that Roy. Mr. Lails bee
apologized to Mr. irving for what -. Tad
said on the manner i'm which he said it,
NO he did not apologize. fie very
liSeiv thinks there is no necessity Tor an
apology. as the reference TO Mr.. Irving
was general. The fact that Mr. Irving
60 present. As he Is said 10 have been
sh hIo not change matters"
IN cnOrf was made 10 see Mr.. Living
al ms rooms m the Auditorium Annex
at late hour last night but he was
rel btCi 10 be not in.--Chicago ChrDl c.e