INCIDENT IN A CHURCH.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9098, 19 March 1908, Page 2

INCIDENT IN A CHURCH.

A LUNATIC’S THREAT. Press Association. Christchurch, March 13. An unusual experience betel the Rev. T. Tait, of St. Paul’s Church, yesterday. Just as Mr Tait was finishing his morning sermon he noticed a young man coming in at the front door. The man wended Ins way quietly down the left aisle, hesitated fota moment when he got near the pulpit, and then walked over to the other side of it, evidently with a view to finding some means of getting on to'the platform. Being unsuccessful in his search, he came right round the pulpit and mounted the steps. He was then, of course, lost to sight by the congregation, although visible to the preacher. Up to this point none of the worshippers in the church had attempted to molest the man, but presently a couple of elders, recognising that some sinister motive was actuating his movements, arose from their seats with a view to'flnding out what had become of himt During this embarrasing interlude Mr Tait could plainly see the man mounting the steps and watching him intently with one foot on the platform. The intruder glared at the preacher for some couple of minutes. The situation was extremely perplexing to Mr Tait, but he continued his sermon, keeping an eye on the man till the elders came to the rescue, and conducted him outside. . During the afternoon tbs incident had a sensational sequel. About 5.30, just as Mr Tait was preparing for the evening service, the man came to the manse in Latimer Square and demanded to see Mr Tait. He refused to give bis name to the maid and when Mr Tait went out he commenced to talk wildly, and to say lie was endowed with power to work miracles. He was very earnest in impressing on Mr Tait that he had had a revelation on Thursday_ last, reiterating the statement that if the reverend gentleman persisted in preaching that evening he would shoot him, aud it would be the last sermon he would ever deliver. The alleged miracle worker had blood on his collar aud temple, aud, pointing proudly to it, stated the Alimghty had- placed it there. When the stranger had departed Mr Tait rang up the police, but another source the latter had hesu inioriued that the lunatic was in the vicinity of St. Paul’s button-holing passersby and beseeching them to come aud hear him preach that night in Mr Tait’s church. Accordingly, Sergeant Bird went down aud arrested him. He was taken to the policestation. and this morning was com, mitted to the Suunyside Mental Hospital on a charge of lunacy.