THE CATHEDRAL SCHEME

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3138, 17 July 1917, Page 7

THE CATHEDRAL SCHEME

Sir,—The generous words in which fho Rev. A. iM. Johnson,- in tho course of his sermon on Sunday morning, commended tho cathedral schemo to the wholehearted support: of tho par.ishionors of fit. Paul's should be an inspiration and a challenge to every parish in tho diocese. If Ml. Paul's is for tho schemo, who can be against it? St. Paul's is tho ~-nother churoh of tho diocese. It has a history of whic-h it has a. right to bo proud. Many sacral associations aro linked to it. It. has played a noblo part in connection with tho foundation and upbuilding of (ho Anglican Church in (his Dominion. Jt is tho pro-CVithedral, and it is only natural that tile peoplo of SI, Paul's should have- hoped and expected that a stately cathedral would ono day ariso on the silo, now occupied by their parish c-hurch. But the final decision of tho Synod that: tho cathedral shall bo built upon St. Mark's sito has given tho death' blow'to this long-cherishod bope. Tho reasons in favour of this decision aro overwhelmingly strong, hut it .must, nevertheless, have caused some disappointment; to the parishioners of St. Paul's. Jul; they havo accepted the verdict in a very fine spirit. Mr. Johnson's broad-minded and appeal in support of the cathedral schemo is sure to evoke an enthusiastic response. His commendation is not qualified by any reservations or conditions. Ho has acted splendidly, and ono feels certain that his generous and dignified attitude will bo fully endorsod by tho people of St. Paul's. They aro not going to whine or com plain.. Tliov aro going to do their duty. They will not allow any parish in tho dioceso to outstrip theni in »al for 'tho erection of a cathedral to tho glory of God and as a memorial to tho bravo lads who havo <licd for us in this terrible war. Tho erection of a worthy memorial is finch an obvious duty that no-right-minded man or woman can think of shirking il:. and it: is in Hie highest degree appropriate that such a memorial should be associated with a great religinu& foundation. Religion alone, can give tho full assurance Hint self-sacrifice is something moreMian splendid folly. The. cathedral will stand as a pledito and prophecy of a future life. If; will speak of a God who cares so much for men mid for nior.il values that ITo camirit let them perisli. The best in human culture, writes Mr. Balfnnr, whether associated with beauty. goodness, or l;imwledire requires God for its support. The caliiedral will bo a constant reminder of this truth.—l am, etc.. CNR 01'' ST. PAUL'S.