EXTRAORDINARY SCENE IN A CHURCH.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 448, 20 November 1875, Page 2

EXTRAORDINARY SCENE IN A CHURCH.

{From the Melbourne Age.) Last Sunday night, after the Rev F. Law* son Wilson, minister of the Wellington street Independent Church, Collingwood, had finished his discourse, he proceeded to read a papei-, explaining to the congregation the difficulties iu which they were placed through the conduct of some of the trustees of the building in which they worshipped. The paper was temperate in its tone, and all personalities were carefully avoided, although the preacher appeared to be laboring under the influence of deep feeling. The congregation listened with attention to Mr Wilson, wno read two documents he received from the trustees, and was explaining the financial state of the church. Mr Emerson, Langridge street, then called out, " It'B a lie." This produced a great sensation, when Mr Wilson sad he hoped they would remember they were in the house of God, and that no further interruption would take place. He then referred to the Land Mortgage Bank calling in the money, and said he had reason to believe, from what had been said to him at the bank, that some of the trustees had influenced the bank to do this. On this Mr Emerson called out, " He is telling lies ; he has told some already," with other offensive remarks. This produced great astonishment, and several cried out, " Shame, shame. " Great indignation was felt by the congregation at this time, and on Mr Wilson stating that Buch conduct was very unbecoming and that an officer must be sent for if continued.

Mr Emerson shouted out, " You are a delibetite liar, and I tell you so." At this there Ware manifestations of great sensation on the part of the audience; the only person who appeared unmoved was the reverend gentleman himßelf. After a brief pause, he concluded his paper by reviewing the good which had resulted from his ministrations in that place, and thanked them for the many expressions of sympathy he had received from them during this trial, and said that such had been his growing attachment to them and their families, that it was in his heart to live and die with them, but God showed that otherwise was His plan, and to His will it was well they should bow ; and after whit they had witnessed that night, after their feelings had been so grossly outraged, self-respect compelled him at once to cease his labors in that building. As to the (future, he could inform them that such was the state of his health that it was absolutely necessary he should have a rest from all anxiety for a week or two, but that he would preach to them during November, of which due publicity would be given, and would then inform them what course he intended to pursue. At this moment Mr John Aird, a deacon and church treasurer, handed a paper to Mr Wilson to read to the congregation. This was done, and the congregation were informed that Mr Aird resigned his position in the church irom that night. The choir and churchkeeper have since done the same. 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. This address is being signed by a large number of Mr Wilson's church and congregation.