DANCING IN A CHURCH

Evening Star, Issue 21318, 24 January 1933, Page 9

DANCING IN A CHURCH

JAZZ AFTER A SERVICE SUNDAY NIGHT IN LONDON, “ I listened to the chords of orgaij music and the chanting of a congregay tion, and an hour later to the syncopai tion of a jazz band playing ‘ hot V music, with the same congregation', 1 dancing to its rhythm,” says a ‘ Dailjj Express ’ representative. “ That was my unusual experience! last night when I attended a London! church where women .were wearing! evening dress in preparation for thrf dance following the ordinary evening! service. Their heads were covered, but#; many carried dance shoes wrapped paper.” This innovation was , started at St* Silas’s Parish Church, Kentish Town* one of the poorest districts of by its curate, Father Selby. Couples; flocked through from the church to social hall beside it. Into the happy; excited atmosphere of a party was wafted the perfume of incense. Ona could not forget the proximity of thJ High Altar. Watching the dancers waf Father Selby. “ I want to make a big thing out of this,” said Father Selby. “It is foij all my congregation and their and I hope they will come in their burnt deeds. Until to-day this dance has been held every Saturday night, hut I found that the young people would nofj turn up for Communion on Sunday; morning. Besides, the church is opeis late on Saturday night for confession* and the music disturbs it.” Then Father Selby added vehemently g “ What can these people do, where can these people go on Sunday night besides low dance halls, or pubs, or walking the streets? London for the poor on Sunday is a miserable place.” At that moment a young boy, thin' and tired looking, walked in rather, shyly. “ That youth has not been able to get a job for six months,” said Father Selby. “He is a good exj ample. What would he have done if iff had not been for this dance?” “ Do any of your congregation oh* ject?” the curate was asked. “ Oh, yes,” Father Selby replied* “hut most criticism comes from out* sidefs who never see the inside of a' church; but mouth the pious phrases or, criticise others. This idea means ai great deal to me, - and I will go on de* spite all criticism.’’