Church Problem in the Bicycle.

Feilding Star, Volume XIX, Issue 107, 2 November 1897, Page 2

Church Problem in the Bicycle.

In the current issue of the Church Standard, v Protestant Episcopnl publication, the Rev. Dr Stephen D. MeConnell, rector of the Holy Trinity Cbutch, Brooklyn, raises the question as to the position the Episcopal CJburch should assume relative to bicycle ridinjjft

on Sundays. He says : — " It is greatly to he de«ired that the Church should be able at every juncture to estimate the relative importance of the rarious questions that come before her. Just at present by far the most important matter which confronts her is the bicycle. Her future efficiency is far mure nearly connected with this subject than with the Papal bull and the Archbishop's reply, the questios of a new constitution, intercommunion with the Eastern Chnrch, or home reunion, because the general use of the whnel has forced to the front a question concerning which the Catholio Church baa always spoken with an uncertain voice, namely, the law of Lord's Day. Within tho last five years there has been a phenomenal increase of outdoor recreation on Sunday. If this were confined to the noB-Cbristian portion of the community the question might t>e post-* poaed or dismissed. But it is not. It has depleted the churches, and, »hat is of far greater concern, it has confused the consciences of many. It is probable that of a pleasant Sunday morning 200,000 bicycles ran out from New York, and a not much lest number from Philadelphia. There are tens ot thousands of men and women who five yet.rs ago ware in the habit of attending churoh on Sunday who now spend the day riding in the country. Daring tie same period other outdoor games on itaaday have wonderfully increased in papnlarity. As a result of it all the Church is confronted with the grayest situation she has faced since the Reformation. Heretofore the Church's rival in the contest for the possession of Sunday has been labour ; the time is i« sight when ber rival will be amusement. The question is upon us, and it is om > which will not wait the leisure of church conn* ciln, and will not be very much effected by even the most pondereus deliverances of conventions."