Actress as Salvationist.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2670, 27 November 1909, Page 3 (Supplement)

Actress as Salvationist.

A STRANGE CONVERSION.

Habitues of the theatre in Berlin were electrified read in their paper at the end of September that Hilda Wangel, one of the most talented actresses on the German stage, had abondoned her profession, joined th e salvation Army,, and devoted herself to a life of religious woi J k. The Hdy ™ question is the wife of a musician named Sxabemaek, and for some time had been plaving most difficult roles at the Deutsches. Theatre, which m. its standing,, aims and reputation correspond roughly to His Majesty’s in London. For couple of years it had been known to her intimate friends that a spiritual change was going on within her bhe showed a preference for society of cm phatically pious type m conversation, and she frequently sought to tempt her acquaintances on to theological e ro JJ™D In the second half of August Frau Wangel’s company visited Frankfort and gave a series of performances m tho theatre at the Aeronautical Exhibition. It happened that simultaneously a congress of the Salvation Army was being held in the town, and_on s tree evening Frau Wangel attended one or the meetings. An address was given by. Commissioner Oliphant,. who was formerly a dminister of the Church of •kngland, and is at present head of the Salvation Army in Germany. . When he concluded, as is customary, witft an appeal for converts, the actress •at onoe rose, walked up to the penitant s bench, and offered up a prayer. It was not till September .29, however, that she finally severed her connection with the- stage. That evening she played in “Faust,” and on leavings the theatre she declared thiat slie would never again enter the temple ot art, as she was now dedicated to the service of the tempie of God.” It is stated that the ex-actress’ husband does not at all sympathise with the transformation that has come over her views, and that he has already taken steps to obtain a conjugal separation. Frau Wangel will be formally received into the Salvation Army with particular solemnity, and will then pass through the usual probationship as a novice and ‘common soldier,” preparatory to entering the officers’ corps.