CHURCH v. THEATRE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3915, 26 March 1929, Page 73

CHURCH v. THEATRE.

THE ATTENDANCES.

A SYDNEY COMPARISON.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

SYDNEY, March 7. At six of the leading Sydney churches on any Sunday the attendance is greater than at six of the leading city theatres on any Saturday. This surprising fact is ie\ ealed at the result of a careful newspaper inquiry, and is taken as showing. that the citizens of Sydney mix judiciously their religion and their amusement. Even if they do not scorn the frothy irresponsibility of musical comedies, neither do they “disparage the sober atmosphere of the church aisles. Approximately 16,100 people attend six leading churches on Sunday. On Saturday, at matinee and night performances, 15,900 take their seats at six leading playhouses in the city proper.. This, of course, is by no means a complete census. To compile the full figures embracing every suburban church, and every suburban picture show would be a colossal task. Even if it were undertaken it might be shown that the churches were holding their own throughout the metropolitan area, if Saturday attendances at the pictures' were alone taken into reckoning. It seems that the city comparison is a fair one, and it certainly throws an interesting light on the situation at a time when there are so many complaints regarding the alleged neglect of the churches. ° It is of special interest to note that the total number of people who attend the six “ legitimate ” theatres on a Saturday night—Sydney’s great show night— cannot come within striking distance of the attendance of the Sunday attendance at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cathedral alone. It is estimated that 10,000 worshippers pass into the cathedral every Sunday, whereas the theatre attendances total about 8750. In the morning at the 7,8, and 9 o’clock Masses, the cathedral is occupied by at least 2000 men and women. At 10 a.m. another congregation of 2000 hear the Mass, and there are 3000 present at 11 a.m. zit the evening benediction and rosary devotions 4000 worshippers take their seats. At St. Andrew’s Cathedral it is estimated that there are 750 people present at evensong and 400 at the morning devotions. Attendances at other city churches are:—St. Patrick’s (Roman Catholic) 1700; St. Stephen’s (Presbyterian) 1500; Pitt Street Congregational Church 1250. " c

“ Perhaps at some churches the attendances are poor,” said one church dignitary, “ but generally we have no reason to complain of empty churches. Indeed, I have been rather surprised at times at the poor attendances at some of the theatres. People will go to church despite the theatres, as Sunday night services right through the city and suburbs will show.”

Mr John Fuller expressed delight at hearing that the churches were so well patronised in spite of the temptations of the glorious out of doors. It was a tribute to the clerical men of New South Wales, he said.