The Denver star., 1915-10-30
Former Denver Pastor Has
Dixon's Play at His Church
Dr. Rei.ner Sees Play and then Explains. Birth of
Nation Severely Cnized.

Nation severely &nhzed
During Church Efficiency gathering held recently at
the NJ E. Church. West Ic4th Rev Christian
F. Resner the vicious Dx4n moving picture THE
Birth OF Nation, shown Special arrangements had
been made with the and mention in the daily
stated audience Methodist minis
ters from all the State the picture shown
detail the Liberty Theatre with orchestral accompan
ment 1t also stated that the Church performance
was arranged by the Rev. c. F. Reisner of New York
The fact that this photo play has been condemned
by the nimical the of the Negro
presented in the Methodist Episcopal
denomination called forth the following strong Of de-
nunc,aton from tie Rev VIM. H. Brooks pastor of Saint
Marks Nj. E. Church. of the denominations
To the Editor of The Age
The Birth of Nation. travssty history breed
e OF racial antpathy magnyng the awIessness of the
other peculiarly dangerous because nsdious poison
hidden i" scenic beautyoutawed in condemn
ed in ohersat last creeps the theatre where
should have been the Church of God furnish
entertainment for the saints Of the Most High.
This play with its Objectionable features condemned by
His Exceilency the Mayor of this city; the Commissioners of
Presenatives Of the jewish Roman Catholic Universalst
and most OF the Protestant faith ~ welcome church
denomination of which anTS 4ncmber-the Method
this church paceupon this hatred breed
ing propaganda the sanction of our holy religion
We have been taught that Methodsm raised up
definitely spread scrpura holiness throughout land
II she finished her task and celebrating with her
brass band and theatrical performances?
In OF this unholy of theatre church,
grievously will live and be
enough to shed tears at OF both of the contracting
parties when God shall say Dust Dust, Ashes
Ashes
WILLIAM H BROOKS,
Pastor SAINT Marks Episcopal Church.
A representative of The Age called the Rev. Mr..
Resner and requested from him concerning
motive behind the presentation OF the play his church.
After declaring that for he had been friend
and had worked in the interests of the Negro Dr. Kesner
submitted the following statements setting forth the cond
tons under which the picture presented in his church.
he declined enter into discussion of the merits of the
play other than from the technical standpoint develep
of moving pictures but that he did believe
the production of the picture could njure Negro
because of the solid and advancement which that
race has accomplished.
10 the Editor Of he Age:
One of your staff, very gentlemanly way requested
me to explain how happened the motion
The Birth ot Nation in Grace Church am glad
because have always been friend of
Negro My father went through the Kansas and
and death because of his strong
slavery and friendship for the Negro For nineteen
years have preached in their efense and nave
money dedicated their uplift Some of
the best friends have anywhere members the
can
am surprised that anyone who knows would imag
inc that the picture would be shown it believed would
lit would njure which has made progress
with hndrances than which history recorded A
committee o: the New York Conference arranged Church
Efficiency gathering be held at Grace Church. The
Executive Committee Determined to show the delegates a
notable motion picture. 1t was found that the
markable one made could be secured The question
OF its oensv-ness accepahitv did into the
matter Gf necessary would he glad
convictions about the picture hut that is
in this place 1t not brought here hv but bv the
marvellous productions possible through molten
nicures. Nv record is full r~nof Of m attitude
wards the Ner~c race. l beg remain.
CHRISTIAN F. REisNER.