Seene in Church

Hokitika Guardian, 5 July 1922, Page 3

Seene in Church

CLERGYMAN'S OUTBURST

LA UXC'ESTOX, June 22. Extraordinary scones occurred in the Trinity Church of England, Launceston. following an inter-church mission in the city which lasted for ten day*. . Exception was taken by the congregation of Trinity Church as to what was regarded as “high church practices” by the rector (the licv E. G. Mus-t-fin nip i and his assistant (the Rev \\ . (i. SeholfieH). It was alleged that they were encouraging the confessional, hm'i church ritual and other practices, to which the congregation objected. Following ‘in announcement in a local paper, the church was packed at tie next service in anticipation of trouble. The Rev W. G. Scholfield made reference to the crowd at *’ ■• hack of the church and asked: "V Inare you here? Arc you prompted by the same motives that cause people Hi go to picture palaces? Are you here to see tit-hits and spicy hits? There is lio funny business here, everything is square and above hoard.”

Mr Schofield. wlu»e garment was a black cassock, walked tip the aisle, and as he approached the stops leading to the chancel, he beseeched, in loud tones. Divine help. He repeated his appeal, and then, kneeling on the floor ot the chancel; stretched out hisjums and asked that they might he supported. Four little hoys seated in the front seat of the church immediately responded to his appeal, two supporting one arm, and two the other. Then the rector appeared and ascended the chancel. One by one members of the congregation,*principally women, went forward, knelt down, and held up their rector’s arms also. In loud, dramatic tones, Mr Schofield said: “Wo believe in confession to God through man. We have got the children, and we have been told m the Bible •that a little child shall lead us. His voice rising as lie grew more and more excited, he shouted: “We want a dinkydi square man.” Then, in shriller tones he called out: “Tt takes a hit of guts, chaps, to do it!” . The incident has aroused strong feeling in Launceston, and a petition has been forwardd to Bishop Hays, appealing against these practices.