UPROAR IN CHURCH

Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1933, Page 3

UPROAR IN CHURCH

DISSENSION IN PARISH

“GET OUT OF THAT PULPIT.”

LONDON, January 10. Twelve people alleged to have participated in incidents at the old Cornish Parish Church cf St. Hilary were summoned at Penzance to answer accusations that they ‘‘did disturb one clergyman in Holy Orders, namely, Canon Frederick Robert Carr, while ministering or celebrating divine service on December 11, 1&32.” One of the defendants is chairman of the district council.

MV Eric Thomas, counsel for the prosecution, referred to dissension in the parish and the granting of a faculty by a Consistory Court for the removal of certain ornaments' from the church.

As Canon Carr entered the clmrch in procession on December 11, lie said about 70 people sang a hymn, and as he was unable to continue the service lie called the police officers present to take names of the interrupters. When Canon Carr was in the pulpit one person shouted,' “Down with Popery” and “Get oiit of. that pulpit with those vestments on.” Canon Carr gave evidence of -the disturbance. Mr Hancock (defending): Did you know that things were happening at St Hilary’s which led to action in the Consistory Court? Canon Carr: Yes.

Are you aware that by an order of the Consistory Court the Vicar of St Hilary was ordered to remove certain things?—l am.

Dd you know that he did not obey that order ?- —I did. "What - are your reasons for approving of the disobeyance of the order? —] would refuse to obey any Court. You have gone further than I thought you would.—l would rather resign my living.

Sd you would refuse to obey • the Court?—T would.

Miss Anne Maria King, one of the defendants, said that a faculty was granted to her and other petitioners for the removal of certain ornaments from St Hilary Church. They removed some of them, but they bad snee been replaced. Mr Hancock submitted that- there could he no conviction against any person for disturbing a divine service within the meaning of the Book of Common Prayer!

Mr Nalder, who appeared for two defendants,, said that the attitude of certain members of the clergy apparently was to ignore the. civil courts when they thought fit and to uphold them only in such matters as the collection of tithes.

By a substantial majority tlie magistrate decided to dismiss tlie summonses. There was a brief outburst of applause in the Court when decision was announced.