SCENE IN CHURCH

Hokitika Guardian, 14 February 1933, Page 8

SCENE IN CHURCH

FRICTION WITH RECTOR

SEVERAL PEOPLE WALK OUT

SYDNEY, February 9

Friction between t..e buct. Ji. 1). Xoc-CbicK, Liio rector of St. Stephen's, n.:.iHo.u; Park,' Sydney, ,;;nd a small aiiv.ujoh ot las' eongiegativ.ii culminated .«.»>/ Sunday in a ur.timmc scene at uie i.ose of ti.e evening service. ciic uispate has centred round the ceromo.iuu cioss whicxi has been kept in the church, and exception has been ii.K.n ij a unmoor or other practices utid u.v some parishioners to incline to ji.ign A, much doctrine. The church-' »aidcns were divided 6'n the point, some support.iig tile lector and others vontcsii -g his .igl.t to make the innov>.iiif(.s, Recently, however, the ohO ectois pretested to the Church author-' i wes. 'There was no hitch in the accustomed smoothness of last Sunday night’s service, Air Rettick delivering his sermon without any hint’ of what was to follow. During tire singing of the closing hymn, however, lie* left the sanctuary and entered the vestry. Ag tho organist was about to commence the closing voluntary and the congregation was preparing to leave, Mr Rettick re-entered and advanced clown the chancel toward the nave of the church, holding up his hand for s.lence, and it was noticed that he removed his vestments. “It have something to say to you to-night which' win decide whether 1 continue here/as ’your rector or leave,” Mr Kettick announced, adding, “I would ask those who are hot in agreement with me to leave the church.” About 11 members of the congregation then, walked out. “Would it not be better to call a meeting of parishioners and discuss the matter there?” asked a member of the congregation. “This is the right time, the right place and the right way,” replied Mr Rettick, who then explained IIL4 reasons for fnaki.’ig the innovations to which exception had been taken and appealed to the people for their support. The remaining members of the congregation signed declarations of their satisfaction with the conduct or the 1 services, and of confidence in Mr Ret-j tick. It was net till tint signing of j these declarations had commenced, and, a hymn was called for, that it was I noticed that the organist had left the church. The choirmaster took his place and parishioners sang enthusiastically as tho declarations were passed from hand to hand. Since Sunday, about 400 people have, signified their approval of Mr Rettick’s method of conducting the service. Mr Rettick stated later that the cross was first carried in a combined “procession of witness” in connection witlr the National appeal of the Coun.--c-il of Churches about two years ag°Noneomformist Churches, had combined with the Church of England when the cross was carried. Since then, said Mr Rettick, the cross had remained in St. Sephen’s, and was' used on festal occasions. The overwhelming vote of confidence had shown he said, that the actions of the wardens, who exercised their powers unduly, were unnecessary. It is understood that the Church authorities have decided to take no action in the dispute.