GITTENS, H. (fl. 1870s-1900s) – lecturer
Sunday School Union – organiser
“Senior Scholar's Entertainment, 56 Old Bailey. A NEW lecture, entitled 'Rambles in Bible Lands' was given at the Sunday School Union, on Tuesday evening, for the benefit of the senior scholars of metropolitan schools. The tour was 'personally conducted' by Mr. H. Gittens, and every available means had been provided to give the audience as comprehensive a view as possibible of life in Eastern lands. Over one hundred lime-light views were supplemented by the presence of several friends in Oriental attire on the platform, which was draped in the style of an Eastern divan. The combination of these two methods of illustration was both novel and striking – the group of 'Orientals' illuminated at intervals by lime-light, while their homes and haunts were depicted on a screen above their heads. To these surroundings was lent an additional effect in the form of vocal and intrumental music, several appropriate solos being rendered by Miss Rosa Crooks, whose easy and graceful style well suited such pieces as 'He shall feed his flock' ('Messiah') and the scared song 'Jerusalem' The lecturer, who was also attired in costume, conducted his audience from Hebron, in the south, to Damascus in the north, and thence west to Jaffa, describing in a very cheery manner the various phases of town, country, and nomadic life, with here and there a touch of humour or pathos as the nature of the subject admitted of such diversion. We have no hesitation in saying that this is one of the most brilliant and attractive lectures yet provided by the Sunday School Union, an we thouroughly endorse the testimony of the Rev. Dr. Leach, who at its first delivery to the public a fortnight ago at Queen's Park Congregational Hall, said 'This is the best and most interesting entertainment we have had here for a long time'. The large attendance, which crowded the Lecuture Hall ath 56, Old Baily, to its upmost capacity, augurs well for the popularity of the lecture during next season, when it will be included in the prospectus of entertainments offered to schools and societies in the metropolitan district.”
Record created by Richard Crangle. Last updated 19 February 2011
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