NOVEL FUNERAL CEREMONY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1879, 28 June 1888, Page 3

NOVEL FUNERAL CEREMONY

An elderly and an eccentric preaoher m ftu American town* has, we read, hit upon the decidedly novel idea of preaohlng bis own funeral sermon, the day set apart for the ceremony being a Sunday. The worthy minister, who is considered by those who know him to be a highly intelligent man, has requested his eon to see that a coffin be provided for the oooasion, whjoh he directs shall be perfectly plain aud locked with a padlock. The ooffio. la to be placed by his side m th,e phuroh, and there, m the presence of his friends and family, wh,o are regneited to put on mourning attire, he will relate his life and pay a suitable tribute to hla own memory. The nowa of the novel ceremony baa, it Is stated, spread, and curiosity being excited it Ig thought the ehtjroh where a living man's funeral service ia to bo performed himself will be too small to oontaln the congregation, for the preaoher Is muoh esteemed |n th,!s locality. All arrangements for the accommodation of the Preaa reporters and for the ceremooy have been made j and a.f ter it ia over the preaoher will officiate no more, but will retire to hla home and lead a qalet life aatll the time comes for him to occup; the coffin for good. __________ _____