The Oskaloosa herald., 1907-03-14
WITH PLAY.
Large Audience Enjoys Story of
the Reformation.

The "Story of the Reformation" or
Life and Times of Martin Luther"
was highly enjoyed by large crowd
In it's first presentation under the
auspices of the Congregational
church at the Opera House last even
ing. As an historical entertainment
given by a home talent company
with over one hundred in its cast, It
was a decided success. The scenes
were from the German Reformation
during the fifteenth and sixteenth
centuries, and the allegorical drills
and professions with the gorgeous
display of costumes and calcium light
effects were beautiful and impress
sive.
The entertainment, originated by
Mrs. H. E. Munroe, was presented by
her sister, Mrs. Della E. Mayors, in
her lecture, illustrated with beautiful
stereopticon views covering the life
of the noted reformer and recalling
in particular the incidents leading up
to the scenes introduced by the COM
pany and especially to the Diet at
Worms.
This noted assembly at Worms, to
which Luther was summoned just af-
ter his burning the Papal Bull in
front of the gates of Wittenberg, and
to which he said he would go, even
If there were as many devils there as
there were tiles on the house roofs"
was pleasingly reproduced and gave
excellent opportunity for the display
of individual talent Gowned in his
scarlet robes and surrounded by his
emperial guard, Frank e. Smith as
Charles ", Emperor of Germany,
faced on his right C. Yer Ploeg as
cardinal with his bishops and de-
tenders of the Pope, and on his left
s. r. Crlssey as Elector Friedrich iii.
with his guard, friends of Luther.
Claud Human in the leading role
of the great reformer, costumed as
the 'little monk" with his fearless
declarations before the stately form
of his majesty, Charles ", was excel
lent, and he did full justice to his
part. .,-
The scene of the Nuns and Novices
leaving the convent was most i'm
pressive and beautiful one.
The closing scene, while not having
any special historical significance,
was highly artistic. 1t emphasized
one of the important missionary
teachings and aroused a just patriot
ic inspiration which was greeted by
prolonged applause. Luther stood in
the foreground with an open Bible,
leading little child, representing his
having been victorious with his con-
victions in spite of his persecution
opd tho child cymhpliZinp thp Dpr-
petuity of his faith through coming
generations. The great choruses
with over a hundred voices, display
ing flags of all nations to Illustrate
the spread of the faith through all
the world, joined in singing Luther's
celebrated hymn, Elm Feste Burg
Two large American flags We're held
by the side of Luther to impress the
privilege of the United States to be
leader in the evangelizing of the
world. ...-
In the religious sentiment, which
was prominent throughout the enter
tainment, there were no comments on
any religion and the beauty and i'm
pressiveness of the scenes could be
enjoyed by Catholics and Protestants
alike. ..... ..... ....... s-.
Special mention is due both the
ladies and male choruses, to Miss
Myrtle Ware and Dr. Tony as SOLO
lists, and also to Co. F who appeared
number of times and acted as
guard to the emperor. Much credit
is also due Mrs. Mayors and Miss E.
NJ. Shoener, class instructor, for the
success of the undertaking.