A DISGRACEFUL SCENE AT A FUNERAL.

Poverty Bay Standard, 4 September 1875, Page 2

A DISGRACEFUL SCENE AT A FUNERAL.

A scandalous disturbance occurred at the funeral of the late Baron Pigott, on w 5, at Sherfield Churchyard, near Basingstoke. The Baron had been dead more than a week, but it was not till a day before .the funeral that his two sons, who are members of the,sect known as the “ Plymouth Brethren,” intimitated that they did not wish the Church service to be used. Mr. Osborne Morgan’s opinion was at once telegraphed for, and he replied that the clergyman was bound to read the service, but that if interfered with, he might refuse to continue if, but could Dot stop the burying. The clergyman , went early to the churchyard, and exhorted the crowds to seemly and decent behaviour. He then met the funeral at the gate, and proceeded with the words, “ I am the Resurrection and the Life,” when some of the mourners shouted to him to stop, and others to go on. Meanwhile the bearers, commanded by one of the baron’s sons, pushed along and threw the coffin into the grave near the gate. The clergyman shut his book and walked quietly away. The churchwardens have served a notice on the solicitor for the two sons, stating that they hold them legally responsible for stopping the rector in the performance of his duty.