Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1916-07-01
DISCUSS QUESTION
Of SUNDAY MOVIES
Ministers Oppose 1t Unless
Pictures Are Of Religious
Character

Whether it is right to attend a NOV
ing picture show Sunday evening, espe'
eially if it is free ana whether 1t Is
also right to attend if there is an ad-
mittance charge, was freely discussed
yesterday afternoon at meeting OF the
board of directors Of the Salem Chau-
tauqua association.
The question arose as to whether
the ministers Of certain churches would
support the Chautauqua this year, if
there was to be a Sunday evening enter
tainment on the evening of July g. Al
go, as to whether the ministers would
be opposed to any of their members
attending Sunday evening, if there was
to be an ndmittance charge.
Although no definite action had been
taken by the Ministerial association of
Salem, Mr.. Elliott was of the opinion
that, if there was to be an entertain
ment Sunday evening, it should be free
and of a religious nature.
It developed that at this late date, it
was hardly convenient for the Ellison
White people to change their program
and that they were opposed to a free
concert with a free will offering. PTesi-
dent Epley- felt assured that arrange
ments could be made whereby the Sun
day night show would be Of a religious
nature, although at this late date there
could be no change regarding the admis-
sion charge
Joseph Albert was curious to learn
whether there was any difference be-
tween attending movie Sunday even
ing that was free and one that was
shown to make money He was in fa-
vor of sacred program Sunday night
for the Chautauqua. Mr.. Albert could
not see why ministers objected to Sun
day night shows provided they were
educational or religious.
The Rev. James Elvin, who originat-
ed the moving picture idea as part Of
the Sunday evening services, could see
no objection to the proposed show of
the Chautauqua Sunday evening, espe'
cially as it was a moving picture reel
showing scenes in the Antarctic ocean,
educational as well as instructive.
The Rev. Carl H. Elliott, of the Pres
byterian church, said the ministers
wished to safeguard the sacredness of
the Sabbath, especially now that so
many attractions were calling the peo-
pie away from services.
A. A. Lee remarked that it was too
late to change the program this year,
but that the board could insist on a
sacred program for Sunday night. Next
year, the Ellison-White people could be
told Just what the people wanted, and
if the board decided to have no Sun
day entertainment, there would be
none.
"People who do not believe in en-.
tertainments Sunday evening can stay
away" said Joseph H. Albert, "and
preachers who are not favorable, may
hold their usual Sunday evening sery.
ices. "
G. Il. Knowland was pnxious to know
whether the ministers would fight the
Chautauqua, and what attitude the min.
listers would hold towards their mem.
bers, who did attend. We do not want
any ministers fighting the Chautauqua
he said.
The Rev f. r. Porter was in favor
of the regular vesper services in viii.
son park on the evening of Sunday
July l6, and this was agreed on by the
board. Mrs. l.. X. Page, Rev Carl II
Elliott and Rev. +, 7. Porter were ap.
pointed committee to arrange the serv-
ices, TO begin at $3.50 O'Clock.
President Epley expressed the opin.
Jon that he hoped the ministers would
not hold out against the Choutauqua
this year Next year there would be nc
Sunday night show.
The committee ON location selected
the baseball grounds of Willamette uni.
vcrsity for the Chautauqua, the same 10.
cation as last year, and a vote of thanks
was given to DR.. Doney and the trustees
for offering free these grounds