The Colorado statesman., 1915-10-30

lures condemned by His excellency,
the Mayor of this city; the Commits
sioner of License, by the entire race
so grossly maligned; by able repre-
sentatives of the Jewish, Roman Cath
olic, Universalist, and most of the
Protestant faith; finds a welcome in
church of the denomination of
which l am member-the Methodist
Episcopal-and this church places
upon this hatred-b breeding propa-
ganda, the sanction of our holy re-
ligion.
We have been taught that Metho-
dism was raised up definitely to
spread scriptural holiness throughout
the land. Has she finished her task
and is now celebrating it with her
brass band and theatrical perform
ances?
In spite of this unholy marriage of
theater and church, the race so griev--
ously misrepresented will live and be
strong enough to shed tears at the
grave of both of the contracting par
ties, when God shall say, Dust to
Dust, and Ashes to Ashes.
Yours,
WILLIAM ii. BROOhS,
Pastor st. Marks Episcopal Church.
DIR. REIsNER's EXPLANATION.
A representative of The Age call
ed on the Rev. Mr.. Reisner, and
requested statement from him
concerning the motive behind the
presentation of the play in his
church. After declaring that for
many years he had been a friend
and had worked in the interests of
the Negro, DR.. Reisner submitted
the following statement setting
forth the conditions under which
the picture was presented in his
church. He declined to enter into
any discussion of the merits of the
play other than from the technical
standpoint of the development of
moving pictures, but dec ared that
he did not believe the production
of the picture could injure the Ne
gro race, because of the solid pro.
gre.s and advancement which that
race has accomplished.
To the Editor of The Age:
One of your staff, in very gentle
manly way, requested me to xeplain
how we happened to give the motion
picture, "The Birth of a Nation,'' in
Grace Church. | am glad to answer
his request because | have always
been a friend of the Negro. My father
went through the Kansas contest and
many times came near death because
of his strong anti-slavery views and
friendship for the Negro. For nine
teen years | have preached in their
defense and have raised money for in
stitutions dedicated to their uplift.
Some of the best friends / have any
where are members of the African
race.
l am surprised that anyone who
knew me would imagine that the pic
ture would be shown if I believed it
would injure race which has made
more progress with more hindrances
than any which history has recorded
"A CoulHllIlee Vi Iue NeW 1OTk confer
ence arranged a Church Efficiency
gathering to be held at Grace Church
The executive committee determined
to show the delegates a notable mo-
tion picture. 1t was found that the
most remarkable one ever made
could be secured. The question of its
or acceptability did not
enter into the matter. If it were nee
essary l would be glad to state my
own convictions about the picture, but
that is not necessary in this place. 1t
was not brought here by me, but by
the committee and wholly with the
purpose of showing what marvellous
are now possible through
motion pictures. My past record is
full proof of my attitude towards the
Negro race.
| beg to remain
Yours respectfully,
CHRISTIAN F. REISNER.