Article December 26, 1901 Issue

The Lectures

with contributions from Willard C. Selleck, C. W. Dum, Frederick Hackett, George D. Cochran

Filled to its utmost capacity, the Providence Opera House presented an interesting sight Sunday afternoon (December 8) at the lecture on Christian Science delivered by Judge William G. Ewing formerly of the Illinois Superior Court bench. Every seat in the house was filled, on the floor, in the boxes, in the balcony, and in the gallery, and standing room was at a premium. Throughout the house several hundred people stood up in order to gain a point of vantage where they could see the judge and hear him speak on the topic which is at the present time interesting so many people in Providence, and in fact in the entire state. The audience was not limited alone to people from this city, but was composed as well of persons who had journeyed miles to hear the eloquent speaker, whose reputation always insures a large number of auditors wherever he speaks.

Far and wide, the lecture on the principles and teachings of Christian Science had been advertised, and long before the time set for Judge Ewing to speak the Opera House began to be filled by a throng eager to get in at the door. As the time approached it was seen that the house would not be large enough to accommodate the immense gathering, and all the portable seats were called into play. Even after this was done the result was not satisfactory, as large numbers were compelled to stand in the rear of the house. Public interest seemed to be intense on the subject and great enthusiasm was manifested by the audience. Expectancy was written on every face, and after the Opera House had filled considerable impatience was noticeable for the appearance of the speaker. A wave of satisfaction swept over the audience as just after four o'clock Rev. Willard C. Selleck, pastor of the Church of the Mediator, who presided, arose to introduce Judge Ewing. This formality over, the learned judge entered into his subject with the intensity born of thorough belief, and held his hearers spellbound throughout his wonderful oration.

Judge Ewing's is no new face to Providence people, and many who were in attendance yesterday had heard him speak before. About two years ago the judge delivered a lecture on Christian Science in this city, which created wide comment, and which was in part responsible for the large attendance yesterday. His speech was one of great power and carried conviction in every word. The mind of the speaker and his beliefs were reflected in every sentence, and with the eloquent delivery of Judge Ewing behind the words of the speech, it is no small wonder that the audience was stirred to enthusiasm. His words were logical and consistent, and their force awakened long-sleeping trains of thought in the minds of his hearers.

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