PARISHIONERS OBJECT TO VICAR'S SERVICE

Chronicle (Levin), 31 July 1947, Page 5

PARISHIONERS OBJECT TO VICAR'S SERVICE

XEW PLY.MOETM, July 29. Disagreement between the parishiou ers of iioly Trinity Chureh, Fitzroy, and the Vicar, the Iiev. J. 0. A. Zim niernian, over the form of service to lnused in chureh is stated to be the reason for tlie removal of the vicai f ro ni the cure by the Bishop of Wai kato (the Kt. Iiev. C. A. CherringLon, following representations by churci. menibers. The removal of _Mr. Zimmerman ano ihe appointment of Canon W Turner, vicar of Kt. Aiilan's, Claude lands, liainilton, to suceeed him weri disclosed on Kunday xiight by Bishoi Cherrington. Canon Turner, after his appoinLmern to Kt. Aidan's, was the central ligun in a dispute in whieh the vestrv demon strated disapproeal by ordering tlu locking of the doors of the chureh against him. Aecording to chureh otficials, the position in Holy Trinity paroehiai district ha« steadily deteriorated in tio last 18 months, with the rift between the vicar and his parishioners steadih widening. Aleetings were held o. parishioners, who agreed that the posi tion could not be allowed to eontinue and they gave Mr. Zimmerman the opportunity of seeking a transfer. This, it is understood, he declined to do. A' the recent Diocesan Synod the situation was placed before the Bishop, it is stated, and he was told that it wa.impossible for the chureh to carry 01. under existing conditions beeause oi inadequate suiiport from the parishion ers. The principal eause of the church people 's opposition was the type ot service Alr. Zimmerman was con ducting. The parishioners explained that this was what members of the Church of England terin a " Fligh Chureh" service. This service th parish would not accept and tlu congregations dwtndled, with the cou sequent falling olf in the church 's linances. Mr. Zimmerman was appointed to the cure about. four years ago, but the '•hurch oiiiciais had no voice in hi selection. Kome members withhehl their support but olhers endeavoured to carrv on. They did so until tlie p isition in their view became impossible. Tlie latest development is stated to be the outcome of representations made to the? Bishop by representative : of Holy Trinity Church. Replacement of Mr. Zimmerinaii bv Canon Turner will, however, be discussed by the vestry tomorrow night.