Los Angeles herald., 1907-11-02
VAUDEVILLE ACT NEW
ROLE FOR PREACHER
HEARTS, TOUCHED, EYES WET AT
STRANGE SERMON
Gospel Message Delivered to Lowell
Audience by Pastor Between
Turns by short.Skirted
Girls

LOWELL, Nov. 1.--Surrounded by pret-
ty chorus girls in red tights and his hear-
ers men and boys who smoked tobacco as
they listened open mouthed to one of the
trangest vaudeville acts they had ever
seen, the Rev. Robert r. Y. Pierce, ID, u +,
Of Scranton, Pa. delivered one of the
closing addresses of the Sunday school
convention here.
DIR. Pierce was as much affected by his
experience as was the assembly which he
addressed. The Scranton pastor, who had
never been billed as theatrical star be-
fore has ben one of the prominent speak
ers at the three days convention here.
This afternoon one oe the delegates al
tended q performance at the Boston the
alter, which is adjacent to the First Con-
gregational church, where the conference
has been held. and found a 10-cent bur-
lesque show on the boards.
The idea struck him that the manage
ment OF the house might be persuaded TO
allow DIR. Pierce fifteen-rninute act with
board and crayons. Manager j. G. Davey
was wiling, but refused to shoulder the
responsibility, and said the reverend
speaker could take his own chances.
When the matter was put up to DR..
Pierce he readily consented.
The show tonight was In two parts,
Wltn VduQeVlllS STUNTS DeIWeeH.
Pretty Girls in Short Skirts
When the curtain went UP there were
twenty handsome girls with skirts above
their knees who danced and sang and
won enthusiastic plaudits. Then the
manager came upon the stage to ADDRESS
the crowd.
In the audience were men and boys OF
almost every race, and the dingy theater
not
stage only the faces of those in the front
rows were visible. Pipes and cigarettes
predominated. There were no cuspidofs.
vet two thirds of the crowd chewed and
expectorated. The piano was out OF tune.
1t was a typical, cheap theater scene.
''GeIHlemen," said the manager, and
the beginning started ringing burst
of applause. There Is a number which
Is not on the program" continued the
speaker unabashed, 1--WE have crayon
artist here who will tell you about him
self. / don't know what he will do"
A large blackboard was brought upon
the stage by stage hands and the Rev.
DR.. Pierce followed. Dignihed in ap-
pearance and having all the marks OF
the clergy in dress and action the APP
pearance of the artist" had startling
eject. IT come to you with message
Of toy," began DR.. Pierce, as he ar
and boys and to these dear young ladies
who have just entertained us (referring
to the short skirt dancing exhibition
message of love and happiness" I'm
prepared for anything of this kind the
strange gathering began to sit up and
take notice. Many forgot to smoke. 1t
was impossible to tell whether the ''ac-
tor was trying to be funny by being
serious or whether it was a real sermon
that was coming.
Drew Pictures and Preached
DR.. Pierce began to rapidly sketch pic
lures In colors, and as he did so he
talked on the wrecks of lives men made
for themselves. He told of the hope that
was always awaiting realization If men
believed in Jesus Christ Nand followed
his teachings.
Meanwhile the girls of the chorus, who
had changed into tights of more color
for the second burlesque, gathered one