A MINISTER AND DANCING.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 483, 25 June 1890, Page 3

A MINISTER AND DANCING.

A Disorderly Scene in Dixon Hall. A conversazione of the members and friends of Govanhiil Established Church was held recently in the Dixon Hall, Glasgow, for the purpose of celebrating the extinction of the church debt. Rev. John Muir presided, and there was a large attendance. Everything passed off satisfactorily till after the votes of thanks were accorded, when The pastor arose and appeared much excited. He made reference to the fact that a rumour had got abroad during last week that a dance would take place at the close of this conversazione, but he, having discovered that such was really being arranged, had taken steps to prevent it, and on Sabbath last intimated from the pulpit at both diets that no dance would take place. Notwithstanding all that, he was informed now that the hall had been taken from eleven till two in the morning, and a dance arranged for. He held that the hall was in possession of the Govanhiil Church Conversazione Committee, and Btated that he would not allow such to take place. He called upon them, in the name of God, to refrain from carrying any such intentions into practice. Should anyone persist, he would denounce them publicly. The scene which afterwards took place was a most unseemly one. The minister, after having declared his determination to stand there till the gases were screwed off at two o’clock in the morning (if necessary) and protest against such violation of Church laws, stood erect on the platform, surrounded by many of bis elders and managers, while on the floor of tho hall the crowd as determinedly waited to see the result. Knots gathered, and opinions for and against the minister were freely expressed. Ladies and gentlemen with slippers in hand were anxious to get started to the dance. The M.C. walked about impatiently awaiting instructions from those who authorised his presence, the orchestra was ready to begin, but the min ster was immovable.

Ultimately, about half-past eleven o’clock, the dance party organisers gave way to tho wishes of the minister, and the dance was postponed till some other evening. This was intimated to the minister, and slowly the gathering dispersed, and the gas was turned off.