VICAR FINED FOR PLAY IN CHURCH.

Shannon News, 17 July 1925, Page 4

VICAR FINED FOR PLAY IN CHURCH.

WIG. AND BARE FEET. A vicar who appeared in the role of angel in "The Way to Bethlehem" was fined £4 4/ at Harlow for producing that play in his church, without a license. It was stated to be the firßt case of its kind in England, and the vicar the, riov. Douglas Montague Heath, of St. John's, Hatfield Broad Oak, was allowed 14 days in which to consider whether he should appeal.

Police-sergeant Young stated that a play of three acts was performed on a stage in front of the altar. The church was filled with people, and there was only one door. Child in Danger.

In the first act the vicar wore a white costume with a wig, and he had bare feet. The other characters were Joseph and Mary, merchants, shepherds, the landlord of the inn and children, all in eastern costumes.

There,.were two naked flame candles on ' the stage, added the officer, and a child was nearly caught alight when "Joseph" pulled the child's arm away from the candle. A collection was taken, but there was no charge for admission. The vicar stated this was a religious! mystery play and was part of the religious instruction he gave to his people. There was no advertising of it, only an announcement in the church. He regarded it as a religious service. He lost money; the collection did notpay expenses.

The chairman said there was great: danger to the audience from the circumstances in which the play was given with naked lights and only one door, and that opening inwards.