The record-union., 1899-07-11
Weather Forecast
THE HAT IN THE CHURCH.


There is the liveliest kind of an agi-
tation afoot at the East over women's
hats Not this time in the theater. but
in the church. The ministers who are
demanding that the women remove
their hats in church are confronted
with the order of the Apostle that wo-
men should remain covered In the
places of worship. But to this 1t is re-
piled that women in the Apostles time
wore no such hats as this age has con-
jured out of the imagination of the
fashion makers.
Moreover, the conditions of the times
of the Apostle and these times are
wholly dissimilar Women had not
then the Independent position she to-
day occupies. In fact it is contended
that the Apostle referred to the cover
ing Of the face, not the head. But
whatever he meant cuts very little
figure in the present contention.
The agitation against women's hats
in public assemblies began in the thea
-ters, and this paper is conscious of
having had not little to do with it.
That agitation won its fight because 1t
was reasonable. and women came to
see at last that there was no assault
alpon them, but merely the defense OF
the rights of others, and their good
sense came to the rescue and rendered
ordinances and prohipitfve laws on the
subject no longer necessary.
( From the theater the agitation has
spread to the church and it is not at
all to the credit of the latter that it did
not begin in the sanctuaries. For
churches as a rule have level floors
and the view of the rostrum or the pull
pit is more obstructed by a high hat
than is the view of the stage in the
theater A good many clergymen have
succeeded in introducing the new fash
ion, and it is safe to say that 1T will
presently become general. for it Is rea-
sonable, right and in any light COM
meIldable.
But lately new reason has been ad-
vanced for the new rule which did not
apply to the theater, and which will
address the religious side Of woman
life strongly: namely. that 1t is more
respectful to the character of the edi-
flee to enter it uncovered, than with
the head tricked out with apyramid . Oh
flowers and ribbons; that We should not
go into the house of God thus be-
decked; that true humility wears Its
garment not thus adorned (?). In that
argument there is a world of good rea-
son Since women three to one as
compared to men support the church.
as they are more religious, more wor-
shipful and devotional. their pastors
ought to present that view of the
amatter to them persistently. 1t will
win when other appeals regarding the
rights of others may fall
= The reform will win, but it will be in
teresting if not amusing to witness the
struggle the preachers have before
Them who attempt to Introduce the new
mashion. AS there Is good deal OF
rising up, in church service. it will
dawn upon the church wardens, dea-
cons and house administrators, that II
the women are to be asked to remove
their hats in church, provision must
be made for the decent placing of the
hats during service. Pews must be, II
not made larger. fitted with hooks fol
holding head gear, OF other reeeptacles
provided for them or dressing rooms ir
(which the women worshippers car
leave their piles Of head millinery
The agitation is spreading and with
these needs and demands in view 1t il
going to be a pretty fight to look upon
7 One of the most roundly abused mer
In America is General Merriam, a mar