EXTRAORDINARY SCENE IN A CHURCH.

Evening Star, Issue 3977, 23 November 1875, Page 3

EXTRAORDINARY SCENE IN A CHURCH.

The Independent Church at Collingwood (Victoria) was on the evening of Sunday, the 7th insfc., the scene of an extraordinary occurrence, While the pastor, the JRev. T. L. Wilson, was reading—evidently under the influence of deep feeling—a paper, temperate in tone, explaining the difficulties the congregation had been placed in through the action of some of the trustees, a Mr Emerson called out “It’s a lie.” This produced a great sensation, when Mr Wil-;on said he hoped they would remember they were in the bouse of God, and that no further interruption weuld take place. Mr Wilson had not proceeded with his reading very far, when Mr i'merson again called out, “ Be is telling lies ; he has told some already,” with othe- offensive remarks. This produced great astonishment, and several cried out “Shame, shame.” Great indignation was felt hv the congregation at this time, and on Mr Wilson stating that; such conduct was very unbecoming and that an oflicer must he sent for if continued, Mr Emerson shouted out, “ Vou are a deliberate liar, and 1 tell you so.” At this there were manifestations of great sensation on the part of the audience ; the only person who appeared unmoved was the reverend gentleman himself. After a brief pause, he conclud d his paper by stating that after what they had witnessed that night, after their feelings had been so grossly outraged, selfrespect compelled him at once to cease his labors in that building. Strong expressions of sympathy for the pastor were manifested by the congregation, and several gentlemen at once formed themselves into a condolence committee, and have decided to get up a testimonial to Mr Wilson, and also an address.