New-York tribune., 1909-06-27
Bishop of London Lends His
Grounds -Four Thousand
Persons Take Part.
London. June u.

London, June y.
The history OF the English Church for over
sixteen hundred years makes an effective town
show. The age of miracles has passed. and it is
not possible TO compile and TO design such
record without exciting controversy and criti-
cis1n- The Bishop Of London who has lent his
palace grounds at Fulham for this unique
tertainment. has not approved of everything
thar has been done; Mr.. Frank Lascees the
master Of the revel. has resigned his office at
The last moment because he considered single
school Of thought too prominently represented
IN the management: and censorious spectators
arg complaining because so much incense is used
and SO much is made Of vestments and ritual
in the stage production When Churchmen
themselves find many points in dogma and
practice ritual and usage, to quarrel over they
cannot reasonably expect Roman Catholics and
NonconforTnists 10 accept in every detail this
pictorial record OF Anglicanism either as accu-
tate or unpTejudiced. The spectators ought at
least 10 be grateful TO the organizers for pass
ing over the controversial points lightly
possible and for providing :he public with
picturesque entertainment. As pageants go
and The conduct OF them has become a fine art
in England-this is an artistic one. The palace
grounds. which have been in the possession of
the Church for thirteen hundred years make a
spacious and beautiful open air theatre; the
scenic screens are admirab bly, painted and the
costumes are designed by artists who under
stand the qualities Of color. the four thousand
actors do their work with intelligence and vivac-
lt}. and the music has been chosen after pro- d..
found research OF ecclesiastical ritual and early
loiksong- An immense amount OF work has
been done IN the organization of this unioue
religious spectacle. and the results are highly
satisfactory.
The pageant is series Of pictures Illustrating
'he history Of the English Church The after
noon set covers over thousand years. from 3I3 |
10 1850 Verdure covered wall with screens
pieced together. is opposite the grandstand at [
The outset. the line being broken by several
a-chways. An orchestra with brasses reeds and I
drums sounds refrain for the large chorus
hahited in scarlet and green and the prelude |
symbolizing the activities Of the primitive Brit
ish Church is begun In this tableau as well |
as il the next three episodes, the fact is en- |
Ihasized that there had been d Christian Church |
in England, Wales and Scotland for three CEN /
turtles before the coming Of Augustine from
Rome Seven Of the traditional saints appear
IN mediaeval costume in front Of the wall and |
bear testimony early Christianity. St George
in steel gray armor is the central figure. and |
around him are grouped Alban. the first MARTYR: |
David q Wales and Patrick Of Ireland Ger /
main, Nnian and Ia, and psalm of praise is
chanted as they disappear among the trees The
-
Paul or other missionaries. and Of the coming |
Of Joseph Of Arimathea to Glastonbury with the |
Holy Grail are passed over: but the Silchester
church recently unearthed among Roman re- |
mains is reconstructed memorial of the |
fourth century when there already Bishops |
Of London and York in attendance at councils. |
The wall is rolled of by scene shfters and there
IS a background Of trees and green glades for a |
tableau OF brown blue purple, red and white
costumes. There Britons and clergy with
flowing robes. Roman officials are mounted on
horses with splendid trappings. trumpeters pro-
claim the coming Of Senators and duumvirs: !
1oUr-wheeled chariot is driven the Silchester
church, and the Of the edict Of Constantine
taken from d Golfer Is read rs decree sane
uoning the new religion, while an Ambrosian +
'Te DeUm" is sung /
This episode is followed by another timed for
the fifth century. when AngIo-Saxons were over
running the country II is a Welsh scene with !
converts in baptismaI robes and white as the
dominant color, and 1t closes with victorious /
aIeluias when the Pelagia heresy has been re-
nounced and al attack by Scots and Saxons re-
PEELED The 'Huuc Dimittis'' and Gloria Patri''
are sung in Welsh the warriors, priests and |
scene illustrates the founding of the monastery
al Iona by St Columbia and reproduces some of !
the nobest traditions OF The isle with the ancient
hymns which were sung in that primitive strong /
hold OF faith The next episode recites the mis- /
sion Of Augustine 10 Canterbury. as the story is |