New-York tribune., 1909-04-28
BISHOP GREER APPEALS
FEARS EVIL ON STAGE.
DR.. Manning Urges Harmony IN
Church at Episcopal Clubs Dinner.

Bishop Greer speaking at the annual dinner OF
the Church Club Of this diocese Of the Protestant
Episcopal Church at the Hotel Astor last night
appealed to the three hundred Churchmen present
to protest and work against what he called the I'M
modesty, salaciousness and tndecency OF the MOD
ern drama His remarks met with loud applause
The Rev. DR.. William T Manning, rector of Trim
ity. followed with urgent request to the laynen
to work for harmony within the Church. to foster
peace and confidence. Francis Lynde Stetson was
the POSTMASTER The dinner was in honor Of the
visiting Church Club delegates from twenty-one OF
the twenty-seven dioceses having crubs-
Mr.. Stetson said that the members OF the clubs
should labor to perpetuate the ideal OF religion the
only ideal that the masses OF the people had He
quoted Pasteur's remarks. one in particular when
he was admitted to the French Academy The
scientist called by Mr. Stetson the greatest Of the
nineteenth century, said then that really great
thoughts and actions were the ideals the reflection
Of God.
Bishop Greer, who spoke first. said that the
great silent men referred by Carlyle the salt
of the earth still in the world, but that this
time for of action. He did not believe
that modern society was becoming degenerate, as
some persons supposed. The great mass Of the
American people, he said, were honest were good
and true, society would go to pieces. but there
were evils that should be cut out OF the social
structure. He said:
1 have in mind the evil great and growing,
working It's way into the drama and the theatre:
I not enemy of the drama or the theatre, but
indecent of the drama and the innuendoes on the
stage. 1t is time for the church and the church
make that protest loud and Strong This is
OF the things that the church CLUBS can DO, 20 cut
growing youth OF both sexes
The clubs. he said. should also express col
lected, collective social ideal. not only for the
Church, but also for the world at large but it
should be expressed. he said first by the Church
until 1t coored society to express the ideal OF one
God. one Father. over all and in all
DR.. Manning spoke for clear, positive and def
mite and fearless faith to be held churchmen.
OF the influences antagonistc to faith he said. the
greatest, most subtle, was that Of knowledge as a
leading away from faith. This should be COM
bated by open witness to the falsity OF it Ihe
Church desired to live up to the full measure OF
its responsibilities. he said and it had fellowship
not only with the Father. but also with all the
children of God.
He urged the churchmen 10 stand for better
city. 'one more nearly in accord with that one
seen by st. John descending from heaven" He
asked them stand for a spirit Of greater hope
fulness and confidence IN the Church as it was
The clergy in the parishes could not work 1reeIy
in and among a spirit of faultfnding. The preJu-
dice against the Church should be eliminated. and
instead Of criticism there should be effort to foster
peace and confidence in the integrity and upright
ness of purpose of the Church, he said
Robert H. Gardner, president Of the National
Church Clubs and of the Brotherhood Of St An
Of 1.-The Outlook spoke for the missionary spirit
and urged greater individual zeal among the
church members.
The seventh annual conference of the clubs was
held in Synod Hall, adjoining the Cathedral of ST
John the Divine. yesterday morning and afternoon
The president, Robert II. Gardiner in his opening
address said that there great lack or in
terest on the part of laymen in the work OF
Christ's kingdom" Members only went 10 oc-
casionaI meeting. he said, and attended an occa-
sional dinner. Mr. Gardiner suggested world $
conference of Episcopal laymen after the next an
nual convention. and committee was appointed 10
consider it.
Professor Charles Sears B sldwin. of Yale Uni
versity. spoke Immigration and the Church "
He said the Church going out 20 the foreign
born and welcoming them. Everett P. Wheeler, in
the discussion that followed. said that in the work
Jews the latter should not be required TO
give UP being Jews. The Church should ask them
simply recognize the greatest rabbi, Jesus
Christ. and His teachings
~ the afternoon session the Rev. Floyd ".
Tomkins of Philadelphia, brought up the relation
ship between the choiruaster and the rector. He
said he believed that the rector should have COM
rete charge of the music. A committee Of five
was appointed consider the publication Of a
new hymnaI and supplementary pamphlet The
next meeting Of the clubs will be held in Port