New Britain herald., 1925-01-05
PUTS MUFFLER ON
 NOISE IN CHURCH
Disturbance at Movies Must
 Stop, Rev. Dr. Hill Says
HITS AT IRREVERENCE
Pastor of South Congregational Ex- presses Displeasure at Applause and Habit of People Leaving Before Conclusion of Services.

and Habit or fcOpic Leaving
 Before Conclusion of Services.
 People who show irreverence in church were severely flayed last eve- ming at the South Congregational church by Rev. Dr. George w. c. Hill who told approximately 1000 people, referring especially to young folks, that those who did not con- duct themselves in church with due regard to the sacredness of their sur- roundings would be invited to leave.
 The incident came, 1t is though, as the climax to situation which developed unexpected several weeks ago, when during a moving picture service which contained 8 number of thrills, small groups Of young folks in several sections of the church left their enthusiasm run away with their judgement and heartily applauded the picture, as is done by certain types of people in the movies. There also has been some complaint of people develop ing the habit of attempting to leave before the close of the program.
 In the South church the evening service includes several hymns, Bible reading. and a sermon before the picture. The sermon is adapted to the picture, which usually points out a moral and the object of the moving picture is simply to supple ment the sermon. Following the showing of the picture there are several hymns and the benediction and some people have shown dis position to leave before the closing ceremonies. This has been confined to a small group of individuals and while the congregation as a whole has been but slightly disturbed, the tendency on the part of few to get into these habits has brought down the wrath of the church officials. Dr. Hills rebuke last night was the subject of much favorable comment following the service.
 Says Church Is Holy Place.
 Dr. Hill referred to the picture shown during the service, which was taken from Sir Walter Scott's "The Talisman," and was story of the e..rly Crusaders. He called attention to Che fact that the Crusaders fought under the banner of Christianity and in the name of Christianity and when they were victorious they acted like anything but Christians.
 He said the picture gave him an opportunity 10 mention something he had hoped would not be necessary. "A church is holy place" he said. ''The brick and mortar are the same as that of which any other place Is built, but In every church. no mat ter what It's creed, Is place where men and women come to breathe out hopes and prayers to Almighty God. We wouldn't do anything to desc crate such holy place.
 The church Is holy ground and our evening services are services for this purpose. Some people unfortu- nately have gotten the idea that we have copied the movie houses which are perfectly legitimate and are giV- ing an entertainment or show, with perhaps a sprinkling of prayer and hymns thrown in to give it a re- ligious flavor.
 If you've got such an idea, for get 1t, now and forever. We are here to make all feel that we have 3 God above who makes himself manifest in various ways. We use these pie lures to bring US word from some of the truths by which men live.
 Will Ask Disturbers to Leave.
 Some of us have forgotten that we were in the house of God and have so conducted ourselves as 10 make it impossible for others near by to worship in reverence and quiet. We don't want to ask anyone to leave the house of worship, but If necessary we will. The ushers have been instructed to ask all young people who do not so conduct them selves as though they were in a house of worship to so conduct themselves.
 Another thing. the close of the picture is not the close of the serv- ice. No one, except under great compulsion, will leave his or her seats at the close of the picture, and before the close of the service.
 The rear doors will be closed 50 we may quietly worship in peace un- til the final Amen. We ask the CO., operation of all who come here to realize that they are face to face with Almighty God"