Evening star., 1922-02-13
STAGEYS. Church
/ IN HEATED DEBATE
More Ministers in Jail Than
/ Actors, William Brady,
+, Producer, Declares.
CONGREGATION IN UPRoAR
Minister and Theatrical Magnate
Engage in Rhetorical Battle
for Over Three Hours.

NEW YORK, February 13.-The
Calvary Baptist Church yesterday be-
came the scene Of an uproar when
William Brady, theatrical producer.
in seething phrases. took issue with
DR.. John Roach Stratton, its reformer-
pastor, on the resolution that the
modern stage is menace to public
morals.
For three and a half hours the
rhetorical battle ragged hot as tides
of enthusiasm rolled back and fortn
among the congregation. which now
hung with appreciation % on s .ne Wofts ,o iis
of DIR. Stratton, and again rose TO i.s
feet to shout approval of Mr.. BraoS
defense of his profession.
Throwing to the winds consloera.
tions of the day. the place and most
of the rules of parliamentary pIoee, sn
announced in advance as a iormai
debate, with William H. Anderson.
state anti-saloon leader, as chairman
and judge-the speakers successNSls
shouted their convictions from snr
pulpit. They interrupted each othes :
at the pinnacles of oratorical heigsts
and were interrupted and mamenta-
rily silenced by scores OF thelr hea
ers. who again and again leaped INTO
the fray.
Mr.. Brady Interrupts.
When the meeting waas begun =.
appeared that the debate was 70
one-sided. A call for Mr.. Brady 1aileu
to bring a response anu i,ister M who
son introduced the minister. Wno
is,Incbad into his attack on the propo-
sition: ,;.; ,nd
tendencies on the American stage are
a menace to sound private ana puoi'''
morality"
He had spoken for some time when
Mr.. Brady rose in the center OF the
church, asking permission to reply.
.''rm not here to engage In an
argument" he began. But an rnstah.
shout arose. demanding that he take
the platform.
II will" he replied. mounting the
pulpit.
a Sunday church service was NOT tne
correct place for threshing out thei.
differences, but added that he could
not allow the ministers statements
to go unchallenged.
Not Defending .Black Sheep.
ST do not come to this church OF
God to defend the black sheep. ne
said, IT come to defend the decent
men and women of the profession
Applause greeted this start.
Thou shalt not slander thy neigh.
bor," he continued, turning toWaro
DR.. Stratton. He said the minister
was unfair in singing out the
theatrical profession from so many
others for attack.
Il can cite you more crimes. MUIR
ders and degeneracies perpetrated oy,
ministers of the gospel than by all
the theatrical profession. he went
on. Il can prove to you there nave
been more murders committed oy
ministers, and there are more min
listers in Jail than stage people. l
have court records to prove 1t.
Congregation Divided.
Here the congregation rose to its
feet. the shouts Of it's members 1ndl-
eating divided . convictions. botn
speakers begged for quiet.
When he could make himself nearo
again, Mr. Brady pleaded for "a
square deal for the stage"
When Mr.. Brady ceased speaking
DR.. Stratton again resumed his in
dictment, and in turn his latest state
ments were answered by the theatrl-
cal producer.
The meeting ended only when Dr..
Stratton. who said he would like 10
"stay until morning" explained that
the church must be cleared for reg
ular evening services.
Mr.. Anderson, in announcing the
conditions of the debate. said:
I'VE shall take collection, not
for decrepit. sensational preachers. to
auote Mr.. Brady, but for the home
for aged actors"