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| 1933 Century of Progress Exposition Documents |
750,000 Attend Hall of Religion
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By William F. McDermott.
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Source: Chicago Daily News, 29 July 1933, pg. 5.
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The impressive and extensive religious display at the Hall of Religion on A Century of Progress exposition grounds was termed a notable success today by various leading churchmen of Chicago as records revealed 750,000 people from all sections of the world had visited it since it was formally opened and dedicated Sunday, June 11. It is now drawing between 15,000 and 20,000 people a day, or about 15 per cent of the entire attendance at the world's fair, and the sponsors predict that with the approach of the climax of the exposition season at least 25,000 visitors a day may be looked for. This will tax the capacity of the building.
The president of the Hall of Religion and chairman of the committee on progress through religion of A Century of Progress, George W. Dixon, today said the most sanguine expectations of the committee had been exceeded, revealing a greater interest in religious subjects than they had believed existed in this so-called material age. He asserted the unity shown by the various groups in the programs and exhibits draws the largest amount of comment.
May Reach 4,000,000.
"It can be truthfully said that the Hall of Religion is proving to be one of the outstanding features of the entire exposition," said Mr. Dixon. "The 1,000,000 attendance mark will be reached the first week in August, and that was the figure that some believed would be our total for the entire exposition. If the world's fair registers and attendance of 30,000,000 as some of its leading officials predict, then the Hall of Religion will draw about 4,000,000.
"It certainly is an inspiration to the committee on religion, which worked diligently for more than a year to realize the Hall of Religion project, to see the throngs of interested people pour into the building and stay for hours studying the exhibits and listening to the programs. It means that people not only have not lost their interest in religion but are finding new meaning in it.
Religious Unity Advanced.
"Most significant of all is the way that widely varying religious groups are meeting under one roof in entire harmony, peace and good will. The comment of the crowds on this fact shows that the public is intensely interested in religious unity. The Hall of Religion may well prove historic in the fast developing movement for worldwide spiritual tolerance and cooperation. There may be variety in belief, but there will be unity in service."
Mr. Dixon directed the visitor to the various registers in the religious exhibits. For instance, in the Methodist section visitors registered from every state in the union in one day. At the Episcopal church exhibit visitors from a dozen foreign countries listed their names in the first few days the Hall of Religion was open. Among the countries noted on the registry were Japan, China, Alaska, Germany, Scotland, Palestine and England. Practically every known country in the world already has had its representatives, many of them high officials, among the visitors to the religious exhibit of A Century of Progress.
Chalice of Antioch Draws.
The Chalice of Antioch, one of the earliest known Christian relics in the world, is the greatest single magnet at the Hall of Religion. The ecclesiastical art exhibit, showing important objects from Europe and America, mostly modernistic, attracts throngs. One of its features is a mother-of-pearl carving of the Last Supper, originally studded with diamonds. It was done 170 years ago and is owned by the Korenian family of Jerusalem. Then there are the lovely art windows of a Pittsburgh cathedral which attracts much admiration.
Denominational and religious group exhibits are extensive and are viewed by thousands of people. Among the displays are those of the Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, Disciples, Congregationalists, Episcopalians, two Lutheran groups, Salvation Army, Latter Day Saints, Volunteers of America, American Bible Society, Near East Relief, Jews, King's Daughters, Unity School of Christianity, Christian Science, Fellowship of Universal Design of Life, Christian Century Press and Analytical Bible.
Daily Organ Recital Popular.
Daily organ recitals and the meditation chapel are popular and in the assembly nonsectarian programs are given daily. A tearoom serves 1,500 people daily.
Dr. Hugh A. Magill, executive secretary of the International Council of Religious Education, is general managers of the building. Many important denominational representatives assist in the exhibit sections and in the direction of programs.
[End of news article]
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Page compiled: 14 January 2006
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