Disgraceful Scene in a Church.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1667, 25 March 1886, Page 2

Disgraceful Scene m a Church.

'■' Adisgracefnl scene occurred m the Presbyterian Church at' Graf tou, New South Wales, recently. . Several of the trustees, for the purpose of preyenting the usual services, from, being -held on Sunday, slept m the. church on Saturday night, having the doors barricaded to resist. a».y attempt of ' forcible entry by the congregation. About forty persons, principally females, assembled shortly before 11 o'clock on Sunday niornjrig, when the minister, .the Rev J. McKtjy, came oyer from the , manse and sought admission. After trying the keys, and finding that no access would be given, an axe was brought, and au endeavour was made' to force an entry, but after! a blow or two had been given on the front door, the axe! was not used [any further, and ono of the trustees haying come out of the vestry, recommended those outside to deßisJ;^ Some , of the congregation, howeyer, effected an •entrance quickly, a^Jl^yerjß ., followed by the minister. A /general melee then took place. The\ niinisler was kuocked down, and received '^orae rough usage .from those m possession. The trustees ffl^r§~#ventuall.y carned-o.ut, aridilpfcibly %nd" 'unceremoniously 1 ' pitched* on the grass, their coats and walking Bticks and sorae'jags being thrown out after them by the victorious side; ; The minisier then h«ld .the service, which commenced 'at n«lf«paat 1 11. The disturbance was quite, audible m the Wesleyan Church, 100 yds distant, and i rit erf e red witli] the service* there: It is nriderstbod that no iproceedi tigs will be taken on • the part of the ministervbnt it is reported that:'the trustees- contemplate /taking Jfgal a ,pfo-