The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-07-12
LIBERALIzING SUNDAY.

LIT. haFl helldnut fTeCtOF OF Sl.
Georges Episcopal church in New
York, has come out in advocacy of
liberal Sunday. Following several
pulpit declarations looking toward
greater freedom in Sabbath observ-
ance, notices were sent to the par
ishioners of st. Georges recently that
during July and August the Sunday
morning service would begin at 10 in
stead of IL o'clock. Point was given
to this announcement by this explana-
tory note:
1.-The service will be short and 1t is
hoped that many will take advantage
of this earlier hour to begin their
plans for the day. inspired and
strengthened by visit to the house
OF God"
1t is said that the Sunday morning
attendance at st. Georges since has
shown a decided increase. BY liberal
izing the church and making religion
practical. DR.. Reiland believes one of
the necessary steps will be taken to-
ward strengthening it for the 100 per
cent efficient service sought by the
directors of the nationwide campaign
Of the Episcopal church.
DR.. IRELAND sets forth his views as
follows:
Your wealthy people can do what
they list Sunday or week -day. Europe
or the country in summer, South or
elsewhere in winter. and on Sunday
motor or golf as the spirit moves. 1t
may move them to church, but at
any rate they reserve the right to leg
islate for the work-all-the-week tene-
ment house East Slider and say what
he shall not do with his late evenings
and Sunday afternoons. These people
can indulge in their excuses and
nerve-wracking inventions all night till
dawn, and some Of them cannot tell
you The day of the week; they do not
ask the church to set them right, but
go to Hot Springs for the cure, yet
they have been known to object to a
the East Siders' while they are at
golf. and to urge a prohibition against
sailing a boat on Sunday. when nobody
but Gods own breeze did the work
and they themselves were working an
automobile John overtime"
Regarding his views on a liberal
Sunday and the notices which prompt
ed the early Sunday morning service.
DR.. Reiland is quoted as saying:
II think it is recognized that Sunday
is the only day the great majority of
the people have for rest and recrea-
ton. Even the well-to-do are tied
down to responsibilities during the
week more than we sometimes
/ imagine. Our aim was to make 1t
possible for our members to begin the
day right by attending worship and
still not interfere with any innocent.
healthy recreation they had planned.
Under the old plan. by the time the
housewife attended eleven O'Clock
service. got home and prepared the
dinner. cleared away the dishes and
set the house in order, the afternoon
was half gone and the opportunity for
an innocent outing was greatly cur
tailed.
Under the ten o'clock rule, with a
short service. she may attend church
and still dispose of all her household
duties in time for a full afternoon
outing. 1t is a distinct gain all around.
The church doesn't suffer, but instead
gains increased attendance. since many
will go If they can get away early who
otherwise wouldn't attend and there
is closer accord between church and
parishioners because of the disposition
the former shows in recognizing and
catering to the human desires of its
members. For the rest, as we have
declared, we can see no harm in Sun
day baseball or golf, motoring or boat
ing, or any other harmless exercise
or amusement. 1 feel this way about
the whole problem. Whatever a big
man does he does in a big way, and il
always seems right. By the same token
whatever a good man does he honors
and elevates by what he is. Let us take
the kinks out of our consciences and
grow souls so sure of their own gen.
erous integrity and self-respect that
we shall find God in a wide range OF
things"
L -------------=
The city health department has is.
sued a warning against a possible cpl.