The lecture platform of 1878 stood at as high a level as ever. If any one speaker bore off the honors of that year, it was Bishop Randolph S. Foster of the Methodist Episcopal Church, whose lectures on "Beyond the Grave" drew the largest audiences and aroused the deepest interest. They were afterward published in a volume which attracted wide attention, and brought some criticism from preachers of the conservative school. There were even some who talked of an impeachment and trial, but they did not venture to bring the greatest thinker and theologian in their church to the bar. Other lecturers who made their mark were Dr. Robert M. Hatfield of Chicago, President Charles H. Fowler, Dr. (soon after Bishop) John F. Hurst, Dr. John Lord, the historian-lecturer, Dr. Joseph Cook, Professor William North Rice, Dr. T. DeWitt Talmage, with his entertaining lecture on "Big Blunders," and Dr. Charles F. Deems on "The Superstitions of Science." One remarkable meeting was held on the afternoon of the opening day, Tuesday, August 6th. In the Pavilion four men gave in turn the distinctive doctrines and usages of their several churches. These were the Rev. Mr. Seymour, Baptist, Rev. Mr. Williston, Congregationalist, Rev. Dr. Hatfield, Methodist, and Rev. J. A. Worden, Presbyterian. Without attempt at controversy or criticism each speaker named the principles for which his branch of the Holy Catholic Church stood. There was the most cordial feeling. Each listener believed as strongly as before in his own denomination, but many felt a greater respect for the other branches of the true vine. At the close all the congregation sang together, Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love. A new building took its place upon the grounds, and speedily became the center of many activities. It was called "The Children's Temple," built through the generous gift of President Lewis Miller, in the general plan of his Sunday School Hall at Akron, Ohio, a central assembly room with folding doors opening or closing a number of classrooms around it. For many years it was the home of the Children's Class, under Rev. B. T. Vincent and Frank Beard, which grew to an attendance of three hundred daily. They wore badges of membership, passed examinations upon a systematic course, and received diplomas. Soon an Intermediate Department became necessary for those who had completed the children's course, and this also grew into a large body of members and graduates. [Illustration: The Chautauqua Book-Store] A host of events on this great Chautauqua season of 1878 must be omitted from this too long chapter in our story. CHAPTER IX CHAUTAUQUA ALL THE YEAR