Reel and Slide (Mar-Dec 1918)

REEL and SLIDE How^ a Small Church Uses Films ' HAT can a small church do in order to build up its congregation, increase its power in the community and serve its people most effectively? A big church, with a wealthy congregation, we all know can easily introduce features which are beyond the reach of the average small town church. But, undaunted, the Methodist Episcopal Church at Webberville has, by the use of motion pictures, demonstrated that' even the small house of worship may reach out beyond its ordinary sphere of influence and increase its power and its congregation simultaneously. We have probably gone further with our moving picture plans in Webberville, considering our resources, than any other church in the United States. I am glad to pass along our experiences to other pastors who may feel hesitant. Install Picture Machine On arriving at Webberville last fall, the pastor noticed that there was no moving picture show in town. He also was convinced that there was a splendid opportunity for the church to minister to the young people of the community. Being without a church house, and having a church that was built years ago during pioneer days, it was perfectly obvious that it did not meet the needs of today. Therefore the pastor called his Sunday school officers together, and asked them to put a complete standard motion picture outfit in the church auditorium. A good second-hand machine, using a 25 amp. d. c. arc, was installed some time last May, and it has been doing business ever since. Some may ask, why should the church use motion pictures? WHAT A SMALL CHURCH HAS DONE INCREASED its congregation from a mere handful to almost 500, by means of moving pictures, after the sermon. Held Saturday open air picture shows, with the co-operation of local merchants, thus bringing great numbers of people to town. Holds Wednesday evening picture show, exhibiting clean comedy and educational reels. Offers the only motion picture entertainment in the town, thus controlling and censuring the pictures seen by its flock. Kleine Educational Feature Shows Italy at War GEORGE KLEINE has given the first production in America of his new Italian war picture, "Behind the Lines in Italy," at Chicago, where it will be launched for a run under the auspices of the Italian societies of that city. The picture was made by the Cines Company at the command of the Italian government, and the battle scenes were taken by the Cinematograph Corps of the Royal Italian army and are scenes from one of the recent Austrian campaigns. Methodist Episcopal Church of Webberville, Mich., Furnishes Entertainment for Whole Town — Enlarges Congregation and Enlightens Community By Thomas W. H. Marshall {Pastor, Methodist Episcopal Churdi, Webberville, Michigan) (1) Because the church exists to serve the community, and not to exploit it. If the church does the latter it will die. If it does the former it will live. Using good movies is one way of serving the community. (2) Education by visualization is now month of July, pictures being supplied by the Atlas Company of Chicago. What was the result? The gospel was preached to four hundred and ninety people on Sunday evenings during July, The people were so delighted that they voted to continue this rather new method during the month of August. It is also worth while to note that a number of new faces are in evidence at the Sunday night services, as well as at Sunday school. In a feiv months, Rev. Marshall has put nezv life into a church and into a town zuith motion pictures. Ford Educational Weeklies are features of the program in the Webberville church. recognized as one of the most effective methods of instruction. (3) To bring the world and its wonders before every child in the community. The program adopted is as follows : Every Wednesday evening an exhibition consisting of two educationals and one comedy reel is given in this church. No admission fee is charged at the door. A free will offering is taken to defray expenses. Sunday Evening Service For years the Sunday evening service has been a problem. Only a handful of the faithful attended it. The pastor came to the conclusion that no man could do his best when talking to a lumber yard ; consequently he decided to use one reel of pictures after the sermon during the hot Every Saturday evening, with the cooperation of the business men of the town, an open air exhibition is given. Twentj' business men have subscribed fifty cents each per week for this affair. People come from far and near to see the pictures, the streets are crowded, and, what is more, the people remain to do their trading in Webberville. One business man declared the other day "That is the best fifty cents I ever spent in advertising." In doors and out, this community church is seeking to furnish clean, wholesome pictures for folks to gaze upon. This pastor believes in the lines : "All things come to him who waits. But here's a rule that's slicker, The man who goes for what he wants Will always get it quicker," George Kleine has departed from the usual in this picture and has endeavored to convey a thought. He shows the contrast between war in the days of Cassar and the present and the difference not only in the mode of warfare, but in the weapons of attack and offense. He demonstrates that notwithstanding twenty centuries of advanced civilization and science, the instruments of warfare have grown more powerful and terrible than ever and still wars continue. He pictures the making of the various weapons and munitions and shows the wonderful army that Italy has working behind the lines. Motion Picture Cameras for Schools, Colleges, Churches and Industrial purposes is our speciality. See our Catalog and monthly Bargain List when you are considering this wonderful apparatus for your equipment. Our literature as well as our expert information, which will save you much time and money, is FREE, Just write for it. BASS CAMERA COMPANY Dept. 17 CHICAGO