The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-04-22
CHURCH AND THEATRE.

CHURCH AND THEATRE.
Although itis understood that negotiations for
the erection of the new theatre at Eighth and
Grace streets have been practically completed.
II is to he hoped that the promoters of this pro-
ject will not reach final decision in this mat
ter until they have given full consideration to
the protest made by st, Pauls Episcopal and
st. Peters Catholic churches.
From a purely legal point of view the church
es may have no ground upon which to base
protest against the erection of . playhouse
the proposed site The promoters have the law
on their side. They own the land and have a
right to do anything they choose with it, so
long as their actions are legal
II is not upon legal grounds SO much as aes-
theticism. the fitness Of things. and public pot
people make no denial of the promoters legal
rights and privileges. but have sought to ap
peal to the higher, the better and the nober In
them-something far removed from sordid
business. the enhancement of property values
and good investments, There are in the con.
most respectable prominent and influential
people of Richmond They play unlmpor-
tant part In making the capital city the pro
gresslve business center that it s. In the bust
ness and financial world their words have
weight Their serupIes. feelings and wishes In
spiritual matter should be duly considered be
fore step against which they protest upon the
highest grounds Is taken.
There countless sites for theatres in
Richmond st. Peters church and St Pauls
church have long stood on their present loca-
tions which were selected much because OF
the quietude prevailing in the section as any
thing else. Broad or Main street would seem
to be an Infinitely better place for q theatre
than Eighth and Grace streets The proposed
playhouse would fare rho entrance to 81 Pc
fers church IT would be bur one block
from St. pauls and similar distance
from the Seventh Street Christian church
This has long remained church section and
the members of the congregations wish
II 10 continue SO. II the present plans
are carried out the garish, gaudy. high
ly-colored and worldly posters of the theatre
will be pasted directly opposite a house for the
worship OF God. II may so happen that on the
night OF production at the theatre there would
be services at one or both Of the churches in
immediate proximity to the playhouse. thus
making 1t necessary for worshppers to make
their way through amusement-seekers. and
tffuse in search of worldly entertainment and
recreation to crowd the street with more pious
folk in search of spiritual comfort and en- route
to an editce wherein they wish to sing the
praises of God
There lis time and a place fer everything.
Eighth and Grace 'streeta does not appeal TO the
members of three congregations an appro~
pirate location for a theatre. wherein comedians
make merry, ballet dancers trip the light fan
sastic, and rninstresy holds forth. 1t has been
said that the building OF a handsome large
modern theatre the site now occupied by an
ancient sud historic building would enhance
the value OF the property on which the church
rs stand. Waving the utter absurdity of this
statement. the churches located in the
neighborhood first. and the congregations do
not want increased property values. but that
tranquility and quietude which should be con-
eeded to house for the Worship of God with
out protest. We hope their wishes win be
given friendly and sympathetic consideration