The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-11-23
ACTORS FORM A
CHURCH ALLIANCE
The Rev. R. P. Williams Elected Presi-
dent Of Local Branch Organ
lied Last Night.

At a small but enthusiastic gathering.
"a local branch OF the Actors Church
Alliance was last night established IN
the Trinity Parish Hall, Fourth and D
Streets northwest.
The movement for the establishment
of a Washington chapter has been UNI
der consideration for some time. and
the final organization was the result OF
y eeks OF planning by the Rev. r. I.
Williams. who was unanimously elected
president Of the new chapter.
The Rev Walter Z. Bentley. national
secretary and organizer OF the al
lance. outlined the work and purpose
OF the organization.
The aim OF the alliance. Mr.. Bentley
declared. was first and foremost TO put
an end 10 the years Of misundeFstand-
ing between the church and the theater,
and TO bridge the chasm which has
gradually widened.
The organization Of the Actors
Church Alliance Of America. he declared
10 be the direct result OF the Actors
Church Union OF England, which Was
organized with the same end IN view as
that Of the alliance.
Bishop Potter, OF New York, Is presi-
dent Of the alliance and Joseph JeIIei-
son is one Of the vice presidents. The
membership or the national council Is
divided between members Of the dra-
matte profession and the clergy.
Mr.. Bentley said that more mem bers
Of the dramatic profession, or which
Mr.. Bentley himself was formerly a
member. are now attending church than
ever before
Mr.. Bentley says that the idea Of the
alliance Il not 20 elevate the stage.
but rather TO raise the standard OF pub
lie demand. so that the elevation Will Of
necessity follow
One Of the leading purposes Of the al
lance Is the adjustment OF Sunday per
iufmances- The hearty cooperation OF
the actors Is assured in this movement
anu the alliance hopes In The near future
70 be able 20 accomplish its end.
The alliance is also a benevolent insti-
tuition, caring for its members. actors In
particular, who are Ill or otherwise in
distress
The Rev. Richard p. Williams. in
speaking or the alliance. said.
The stage has long since become a
potent factor in society II is. too. a
factor which Will remain for the needs
of the modern world demand amusement
for the sake Of health and the church
can neither be- Indifferent 10 The exist
ence OF the stage nor assume the atti-
tude Of the PuriJans and forbid il
The election Of officers for the new
chapter was held, with the following re-
suits.
President, the Rev r. + Williams;
first vice president. the Rev. ". 8.
Pierce; second vice president. the Rev.
Thomas Chalmers Eastou D. D.: sccre-
tary, W r. Bedell; treasurer, Miss De
light Eva COVeu
The council 10 be composed Of ten
members. Is evenly represented by the
church and the stage. Eight members
were chosen last night leaving two va
cauyles Vet 10 be filled. The council al
present is as follows:
The Rev Frank SewaI. the Rev Fa-
Their d j. Stafford, Thomas H. Arm
strong, l.. r Miller Rabbi Stern, J.
Stein, and Charles y. Hauford-
The Actors Church Alliance intends
producing a play called the king
Highway iu a New York theater on
the afternoon of December 9. 1904. The
play has received the Endorsement OF the
officers of the organization and is pro-
duced officially by the alliance
The Rev Mr. BENTLEY invited all pres
cnt at last nights meeting 20 visit the
national headquarters situated in the
Manhattan Th'ater Building. ia New
York city. MEETINGS are held IN the
rooms every Thursday at which tea Is
served. and an lmuToDtu entertainment
s. held by the members.