The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-06-25

and the Far West have been the sec
tons where the Chautauqua idea has
been most advanced and the institu-
ton most successful
IL is only six years since the Chau-
tauqua circuit started in the South,
and only five years since New England
had her first Circuit Chautauqua. but
ii is quite evident that there is no
more fertile or fruitful territory any
where for this great American insti
tuition than in New England. The
Chautauqua Association of Pennsyl-
vania this year win have more than
two hundred towns on its three cir
cults, some sixty Of which towns are
in New England.
My experience in the Eastern states
convinced me of the fact that all New
England needs is to have good
Chautauqua in her communities for
one week and the return of the institu-
ton is assured.
The list of lecturers includes the
leading preachers. statesmen and re-
formers. The names of eminent Con-
gregational Clergymen, such as Drs.
Gunsaulus, Cadman. Hills and Haw-
kins, and host Of our lesser but
brightly shining lights, are familiar to
the Chautauqua-loving public.
The talent is mostly from the East. |
Great opera companies organized in |
Boston the College Players OF Swarth- |
more and artists who represent the
very best in music and art, naturally |
appeal to the people of the East.
The Junior Chautauqua leaders are
experts in all that pertains to the
child life and the Junior Chautauqua
is one OF the important features of
tho week.
The members of the tent crew are
all college young men with the best
Chautauqua ideals
One of the essentially democratic
features of the Chautauqua is the
together Of all classes of peo-
pie irrespective OF denominational or
partisan differences. 1t enables the
fullest and freest discussion of great
political social. educational and relig-
ious questions, and the lecturers are
by sectarian and par
tisan prejudices. 1t offers to the
NJ very small price. the
highest class of entertainment. 1t
stimulates the moral and intellectual
life of the town and ministers to the
young life of the community, leaving I
a lasting enthusiasm for community
betterment and an inspiration for the
best ideals The citizens usually
I. Nf ho |
munity blessings OF the entire year.
| would like to pay my compliments
10 some of our Congregational preach
srs in New England Not infrequent-
~ the ministers of the communities
where Chautauquas are held are lack |
ing in a spirit of cooperation and fail
10 exhibit any symptoms of real lead {
srship when 1t comes to the Chautau-
qua movement, but in New England s
he pastors are usually enthusiastic {
Chautauqua boosters, whose names,
ire upon the list of guarantors and
whose hearty cooperation makes the
securing Of next years contract easy.
Were it not for fear of imposing
upon your space / would like to cite {
Instances where some of the most
prominent pastors of every denominal
ion of our New England churches
nave hailed with gladness the coming
If the Chautauqua into their communi
lies and have lined up for the work
with real enthusiasm. This institu-
lion, that has been characterized as
he most American thing in Ameri-
"a" has come to play large part in
)ur aggressive educational social and
life, and it is my firm convic-
ion that no other institution will help
more in stimulating the things which
end toward social betterment.
How will the war effect the Chau-
auquas this season? The Chautauqua
have concluded that de-
ipite the war, programs shall be given
recording to schedule. Schools, col
eyes and churches will continue I'M
disturbed Theaters, moving pictures,
baseball and circuses will not discon-
inue because of the war The Chau-
auqua, affording the highest sort of
and influencing COM
for civic righteousness, So
ial betterment, moral improvement,
highest patriotism and supplying
ich and delightful entertainment
shich is especially needed at this
inc, owes it to itself as an institu-
ion to put on its best program and
each the largest number of people
w. Huelster, ID. D.,
H., ~ TO-.