William Rainey Bennett, lecturer and singer

              William Rainey Bennett
Lecturer and Singer
Subjects
"The Man Who Can." "The Brotherhood of Man." "The Golden Lyre, or the Music that has moved the World." "Miracles of Modern Science."

The Mutual Lyceum Bureau, -- 6450 Kimbark Av., Chicago, Illinois
HERALD   PRINT,   LA PORTE,   INDIANA.
MR. BENNETT has been with us for four seasons, and we have used all the time he could give us. Now we are glad to present him to you again. He is one of the few men that we book from year to year, which fact is the best evidence that he has filled the requirements and made good. Then again, when an entertainer or lecturer can return to the same people three and four times and still be popular, he has earned his right to appear before the public. Mr. Bennett's work and success has ceased to be an experiment and has become a fact. Therefore you take no risks in placing him as one of your attractions. He has a double grip on the attention of his audiences, as he gives a fine Tenor Recital before each of his lectures. This has proved so popular that the people demand it to be continued though it is not at all necessary to the success of his lectures. He is a living demonstration that music and brains can be mixed with fine effects.
THE MUTUAL LYCEUM BUREAU.

The Voice of the People

CHICAGO,   ILL.
Dr. W. R. Bennett, Marion, Ind.
Dear Sir:— I wish to let you know that your tenor recital and lecture on "The Man Who Can," at our church, was greatly enjoyed by all who heard them. I have heard nothing but commendation and praise for your evening's entertainment.
Such a combination of humor and inspiring thought is seldom heard on the lecture platform. Our people consider your lecture one of the best we have had in a long time, and we have many lectures at our church.          Sincerely yours,
W. R. PARR, Pastor St. Paul's Cong'l. Church, Chicago.
ST. PETER, MINN.
To the Mutual Lyceum Bureau.
Gentlemen:— Mr. Wm. Rainey Bennett gave a very powerful address here at our commencement. His subject was "The Man Who Can." He held his audience at will for an hour and forty minutes, and many said to me that it was the shortest hour and forty minutes of their lives. They pronounced it one of the most interesting addresses they had ever heard. It was full of vim, vigor, interest and inspi¬ration such as many people need to let them realize that they are living in a new century. Very truly,
V. R. WASSON, Superintendent Public Schools.
SHENANDOAH,   IOWA.
Dr. W. R. Bennett delivered a course of eight lectures before the Page County Normal Institute this summer. These lectures were of an educational nature, on up-to-date topics; were entertaining and highly instructive and made one of the best features of the Institute. I most cheerfully recommend him as an Institute Lecturer, and guarantee him to give satisfaction.                    Respectfully,
H. E. DEATER.
OSAGE, IOWA.
"Mr. Bennett is a wit, an orator, a musician, and best of all a companionable man! Secure him if possible!"                                      COL. SWEENEY.
MONROE,  WIS.
William Rainey Bennett delivered his popular lec¬ture, "The Man Who Can," before the teachers' institute and towns-people here last Tuesday even¬ing. We were all well pleased with him — both his logic and his delivery being of the very highest grade. He is of striking personality and is beyond question one of the foremost young men of the day. Rarely is a teachers' institute favored with such an intellectual treat.
Mr. Bennett opened the evening's entertainment with a song recital which was par-excellence. The best musical talent of Monroe were delighted and say that he has an excellent tenor voice which he has under perfect control.     Very sincerely,
J. C. PENN, Co. Supt. Green Co., Monroe, Wis.
OSAGE,  IOWA, FEB. 24, 1904.
To the Committee — Looking For a Good Thing! The Rev. William R. Bennett, of Marion, Ind., lec¬tured in this community a year ago. The Sunday School of the First Congregational Church secured him for a return engagement and made a nice "bunch of money," as those who heard Mr. Bennett at his first appearance attended en masse. Now our Young People's Union expect to secure him for a third appearance, which is the highest practical recommendation a lecturer or entertainer can re¬ceive.                         Sincerely yours,
(REV.) BRYANT C. PRESTON.
GERLAW, ILL.
The lecture, "The Man Who Can," by Mr. William R. Bennett, was by far the best number of the Ger-law Lecture Course. The lecture was unique and splendid. Mr. Bennett has the happy faculty of en¬tertaining every member of his audience. He has a message that is needed whose innuence is elevat¬ing and the choicest possible.
(REV.) L. F. DAVIS, Pastor Christian Church.
EDGERTON, WIS.
"He held his audience in a spell. No stronger speaker has ever appeared before an Edgerton (Wis.) audience."— High  School Advocate.
Words from Committees who Pay the Money
HOLCOMB,   ILL.
The large audience which greeted W. R. Bennett at the Masonic Hall Tuesday evening Feb. 9th were delighted with the entertainment which was first class in every detail.
Mr. Bennett has a pleasing tenor voice and sang the popular songs with expression which won much applause.
He is perfectly at home with his subject "The Man Who Can" and handles it beautifully giving his hearers plenty of food for reflection. The entertain¬ment was a decided success and should Mr. Bennett visit our town in the future he may be assured of a crowded house.                   JENNIE STANBURY,
President of Course.
BLOOMINGTON,   WIS.
William Rainey Bennett delivered his popular lec¬ture, "The Man Who Can," in Bloomington, Wis. Mr. Bennett's dealing with his subject is original and shows consummate skill. It is a battle from start to finish for the realization of the higher man¬hood. The lecturer holds the audience from the start spell-bound. He knows how to please. He is the master of the art of popular address, at times humorous, again burning with great earnestness. Never before has a lecturer so captured a Bloom¬ington audience.
(REV.)   F. W.  SCHOENFELDT,
Mgr. Lecture Course.
BLAIR, WIS., MARCH 2, 1904.
Mr. Wm. R. Bennett has twice appeared before our audience, I have heard him deliver both his lectures, and can attest to their unusual brilliancy, Especially his "Twentieth Century Ideals" is full of deep thought. It is instructive as well as enter¬taining. He is a deep thinker an orator and a tenor soloist of rare ability.
O. B. BORSHEIM, Mgr.
LONE  ROCK, WIS.
The lecture delivered here by W. R. Bennett was an excellent one and none should miss the oppor¬tunity of hearing him as his lecture has the power in it to stimulate many to achieve greatness. Hear Mr. Bennett on "The Man Who Can," and bring your family.   You will not regret it.
GEO. JAMISON, M. D., Pres. Course.
LOYAL, WIS.
The Lecture, "The Man Who Can," given here by Mr. William R. Bennett, was highly appreciated as it was one of the best, if not the best ever given in our city. And his singing was no small part of his entertainment. Any time he may come again, he will have a large audience.
JENNIE ALEXANDER, Sec. Course.
MERRILLAN, WIS.
Wm. R. Bennett's lecture on "The Man Who Can" was one of the finest numbers in our course. Every one was loud in praises of him both as a lecturer and a tenor soloist. He will be sure to be met by a crowded house when he  comes  again.
(PROF.)  C. L. HILL, Mgr. Course.
MELLEN, WIS. Wm. R. Bennett lectured to a large and apprecia¬tive audience in our city lecture course, last Decem¬ber, and his work was very satisfactory. The sub¬ject, "The Man Who Can" was very ably handled and proved to be very instructive as well as enter-taming.                                 C. F. PETERSON, Sec.
MANTORVILLE,  MINN.,  MARCH  4, 1904.
Mr. Wm. R. Bennett, on the occasion of his second visit here was greeted by a very large and apprecia¬tive audience at K. P. hall. For two hours Mr. Ben¬nett entertainer his hearers with a forceful and earnest presentation of his views concerning the ideals of the Twentieth Century. Mr. Bennett is a de¬cided optimist and if his sociological views of life were realized, this world would be an ideal one. Mr. Bennett is a sympathetic and fluent speaker, a fine soloist, an agreeable entertainer, and if he should ever make a third visit to Mantorville he will be assured of a Hearing.
MISS ELISE ALDER, President of the "Study Club."
WYOCENA, WIS.
William Rainey Bennett's lecture, "The Man Who Can," and his song recital proved a great treat for our people. He has the faculty of making the truth clear and plain in a way that awakens and inspires both young and old, while his songs are simply cap¬tivating. Those present have been asking for his return and the committee have already attempted to get him back the same season to make our course pay out, but were disappointed that he had no open time.                            (MRS.) J. M. BUSHNELL,
Sec. Wyocena, Wis., Lecture Course.
DARTFORD, WIS.,  MARCH 3, 1904. Wm. R. Bennett, Esq., Marion, Ind.
Dear Sir:— I take pleasure in testifying to the ex¬cellence of your lecture delivered here on "The Man Who Can." It was generally appreciated by the audience. The lecture bristled with good points which were forcibly and eloquently driven home. Very truly yours, (JUDGE) S. G. POTTER, Pres't. Com.
ROCTON, ILL.
In our lecture course this season we have had good numbers, and all gave good satisfaction, but I can truly say that Mr. Wm. R. Bennett gave the most enthusiastic satisfaction of any. "He's worth the price of the whole course" was the common re¬mark when he had finished his entertainment. He surely carried  the place here.
(PROF.) D. FRANK FAWCETT, Mgr.
ROCHESTER,  MICH.
Rev. W. Rainey Bennett gave the second number of our Lecture Course Dec. 11, and I am pleased to say he simply captured our large audience, and held it to the last. He is one of the very best en¬tertainers we have had in Rochester. He is a fine orator, full of wit and humor. As a tenor soloist, we have never had his superior.
A. L. CRAFT, Manager.
WESTFIELD,   WIS.
Mr. William R. Bennett, Marion, Ind.
Dear Sir:—"It was a plain case of getting more than one's money's worth," was the verdict of every one after hearing your song recital and lecture. Your attraction pleased immensely and has aroused an interest for such things in those who were before indifferent.    We want you back next year.
(PROF.)  J. H. WHEELOCK,
Mgr. Westfield, Wis.
WINSLOW,  ILL.
I heartily endorse the "Man Who Can."    It is full of humor and sense. It cannot fail to please   any in¬telligent audience. The singing was also very taking Mr. Bennett will be a success any where he goes. (PROF.)   JOHN  TRAFZER,  Mgr.
A few More Options
ALPHA,   ILL.,  MARCH  8,  1904. Wm. R. Bennett, Marion, Ind.
Dear Sir:— You lectured here to a large audience on the "Twentieth Century Ideals. You held the at¬tention of the audience for about two hours and many said that they could have listened to you for two hours more. That was the second time you have lectured here and many have expressed a de¬sire to have you return next year.        Yours,
R. KNOX.
EAU CLAIRE, WIS., APRIL 3, 1901. He is a young man of very fine physical presence. He has a rich melodious voice.    He is an advanced thinker, a great student of social problems, a ripe scholar, a good orator, and a man with a message. (DR.)   J. W. FRIZZELL, First Congregational Church.
WESTBROOK   (MINN.)   TIMES.
It was not a very large audience which greeted William Rainey Bennett, the lecturer, last Saturday evening, but those who were there are almost unani¬mous in saying that it was the most entertaining lecture ever given in Westbrook. It was not the dry, deep kind, which appealed only to the learned scholar, nor was it of the pathetic sort which brought up sad reflections and gloom and tears, but it was crisp and sparkling with anecdote, brilliant witicisms and obvious morals, which kept the audi¬ence in a state of good humor from start to finish. Mr. Bennett has a happy faculty of mixing the chaff and good wheat in such proportion as to make it keenly relished.
DEFOREST (WIS.) TIMES. The lecture given by W. R. Bennett at the high school last Thursday evening was very well attend¬ed and proved a success in every way. Those who were present enjoyed a rare treat, as Mr. Bennett is a very able and entertaining speaker. His lecture was the best thing heard here for a long time. He is clear and logical in thought, brilliant in descrip¬tion and graceful in delivery. While his message is the thing he nevertheless finds opportunities for apt illustrations, wit and humor, and it is a wonder that one man can entertain an audience the way Mr. Ben¬nett did. He is an accomplished tenor soloist and rendered a number of songs before the lecture in a pleasing manner.
GALENA, ILL. He is a strong manly man. He has a winning personality, an expressive face and a well stored mind. He is intellectually tall, with a pleasing voice and manner and a great heart full of love for humanity. His words always live. He says good things and bright things in an entertaining way. Mr. Bennett loves to dwell on the sunny side of life; while through all he says, there is evident sound thought and a serious purpose. He is an optimist — sees the humor and laughs; the crowd laughs with him. He is dramatic in presentation, vivid in de¬scription, eloquent in his climaxes.— The Galena Gazette.
PRAIRIE  DU   SAC,  WIS.
Rev. Wm. Rainey Bennett gave the commence¬ment address at Tabor's Opera House on Friday evening last, the subject being "The Man Who Can." It was interesting from beginning to end, full of good sense, and contained enough witticism to hold the close attention of the audience throughout. It was a good lesson for the young man of today. He is an excellent tenor soloist, and his selections were a treat to the large audience. 
Lecture on "The Man Who Can" Delivered to Teachers. Rev. Wm. R. Bennett, of Marion, Ind., was heard in his lecture, "The Man Who Can' at Wells Opera House last evening, his appearance being under the auspecise of the teachers' summer school. Rev. Bennett is a singer as well as a speaker. He pos¬sesses an exceptionally fine tenor voice. He gave a song recital previous to his lecture and the general numbers were greatly appreciated. His lecture was a taking bit of inspiration to the young man, a forceful plea for greater usefulness and high ideals in life. He was favored with the close attention of his audience, amused his hearers with his humor and stories, with which he illustrated his points, making his talk entertaining as well as instructive. He has a good natured countenance, and a dra¬matic style which are qualities that he uses with good effect in describing the way to the higher walks and the sunny side of life.
CAMBRIA (WIS.) BLADE. The lecture by Wm. Rainey Bennett at the Music hall Wednesday night was attended by a fair audi¬ence who despite the discomforts they were obliged to endure from a cold hall, were highly entertained and were well pleased with the extra number of the course. Mr. Bennett's singing was pleasing and his discourse was a unique and interesting one on the subject of "20th Century Ideals," in which he pre¬sented many new ideas in a very convincing man¬ner. He is a fine speaker and very witty. (Return date).
CAMERON (WIS.) NEWS. The first number of the lecture course has come and gone and those who missed it, missed a rare treat. Mr. Bennett gave his famous lecture, "The Man Who Can" and it was especially for young peo¬ple and those who did not hear it lost a splendid opportunity. His tenor solos captivated his hearers and the lecture was beyond description; not the or¬dinary dry and tiresome lectures we usually have, but while humorous and pleasing was extremely in¬structive.
DARLINGTON (WIS.) DEMOCRAT. In Cyrano Up-to-date. The "star" of the occasion was unquestionably W. R. Bennett. His was the character required to render a large part of the music and his magnificent high-tenor voice and his rare musical accomplish¬ments were fully equal to the occasion. The effect was much heightened by his splendid stage appear¬ance and clever acting.
MONTELLO (WIS.) NEWS. The lecture given at the opera house Monday evening by W. R. Bennett was greatly enjoyed by the large audience. Mr. Bennett is one of the best lecturers in the country and it is a source of great pleasure to hear him, as his remarks are such that a person hearing them cannot help but derive bene¬fit from them. Such lectures are what makes better men and women.
A Few of his Popular Songs.
"The Holy City," by Adams. "For All Eternity," by Mascheroni. "The Heavenly Song," by Gray. "My Rosary," by Nevin. "Etaine," by  Van de Water. "Absent," by Metcalf. "Crossing the Bar," by Behrend. "The Sweetest Flower That Blows,"  by Hawley; and many others.