Vicar Vanishes In A Cloud of Steam

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 846, 14 December 1929, Page 22

Vicar Vanishes In A Cloud of Steam

Pulpit Adventure Stops A Sermon . . . Woman Runs, But Leaves Collection Money . . . SHE congregation in St. - Cuthbert’s Church, Durham, was amazed to see the vicar, the Rev. William Glynue, suddenly disappear in a cloud of steam as he stood in the pulpit. He had just given out the text of his sermon when there was a sudden bubbling noise, and then an escape of steam. The noise grew louder and the steam swept through the church. The congregation became alarmed, and the vicar, through a cloud of steam, noticed that some of them were scrambling from their seats and making for the door. Remembered the Collection “Be patient, my people; do not fear. It is hot water in the pipes,” he called to them, and to some extent allayed the alarm. He abandoned his sermon, gave out the last hymn, and, remaining bravely at his post, in spite of the risk of an explosion, announced the collection. One woman member of the congre-

gation bolted out without her coat and umbrella, leaving a coin on her seat for the collection. “After announcing my text the second time,” said the vicar to a pressman, “I heard a noise underneath the steps, and looking over the side of the pulpit I saw steam coming up. The heating apparatus was recently restored and it was found that the safety valve was not functioning.