BISHOP JENNER.

Southland Times, Issue 1138, 9 April 1869, Page 3

BISHOP JENNER.

TO THB HDITOR OF TBB OTAQ-O DAILY TIMES. Sib — Being much, puzzled with the contradictory statements published about Bishop Jenner, and having learned that the writer of the enclosed letter was a parishioner of hia, I took the liberty of asking him to give me the real facts of the case, so that I might be able to give an intelligent and unprejudiced vote at the approaching election. I must say I am well pleased with his reply ; and if that is what Mr Young and his friends call Ritualism, I think the more we have of it in the Diocese of Otago and Southland, the better. As Mr Girand has kindly given me liberty to publish hia letter, I have much pleasure in doing so, as I think it will be an agreeable change for the members of the Church of England to be furnished with facts instead of highly-colored newspaper reports. — I am, &c, A Member of St. Paul's Chttbch. Dunedin, March 27.

Orphanage, Christchurch, March 21st, 1869. Deab Sib — I am sorry I have been unable to answer your letter of the 12th inst. before, requesting me to give you a fall account of Bishop Jenner'a actions and practices in his parish at home. I cannot give you a full account in writing as it would take too much paper, but I will try and answer your letter shortly. I took up my abode in the parish of Preston in Kent, in the year 1859, and left there in 1865. For some time during that period I was Parish Churchwarden and a member of the choir, and therefore, had an opportunity of seeing and being with Bishop Jenner. I may safely say that he was beloved by all his parish on account of his great earnestness in the service of the Church, his constant visiting the sick and poor, and his great attention to the education of the children in the parish. The Services of the Church consisted of morning prayer every day at 9 a.m. On Sunday(in the summer months) two services morning and evening, the afternoon being set apart for Sunday school ; during the winter morning and afternoon services, the evening being spent by the Bishop in reading to young and old in the school-room. When I first went to Preston there was only a day school, but a night school was established which the Bishop took great interest in. The congregation also increased very much, and many people came from a distance to hear him. The services were conducted exactly the same as in the adjoining parishes with these exceptions. Holy communion was administered every Sunday instead of once in the month as in many parishes, and a choral service consisting of responses (by Tali's), chanting the psalms, and occasionally an anthem. The Bishop wore the same vestments as the other clergy in the diocese, and the services were conducted as I have stated before. I am sure I am expressing the belief of all that know him intimately, when I say that Bishop Jenner was, and still is, a thorough good and earnest churchman, not a Jesuit in disguise, and I only hope

you will be able to have him at Dunedin as your Bishop. I am onlj sorry I am unable to ex press in writing all I know and feel about Bishop Jenner. — I am, &c, E. Gieaitd.