"TOO RITUALISTIC."

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 81, 1 May 1909, Page 6

"TOO RITUALISTIC."

ST. MARY'S CEREMONIAL BANNER. At the meeting of St. Mary's parishioners on Thursday; night, Mr. B. Enroth took exception to thi banner recently presented to the parish by Mr. Clement Govett. His objections were based on an artistic standpoint. He moved that in Hie opinion of the meeting the banner should be removed from its place. Mr. R. C. Hughes also took exception to the banner as being too ritualistic, and tending towards more ritualism. Mr. C. E. Baker strongly opposed the motion.

Mr. S. W. Shaw, who said that he spoke reluctantly, agreed with Mr. Hughes. He considered that the churc.i hail gone far enough, and should stop. The service' at present was a splciimd one. if the church went further in the ceremonial the service would lie spoiled The Rev. E. Allanson condemned Hi remarks of these speakers. It.was "lot the right of laymen' to interfere with the duties of the clergy, nor the right "I tiie clergy to interfere Willi the duties of the laymen.

The chairman said it was amazing to him to find people referring to the beautiful work of art that the banner was in such a way as he had heard. It had 'been accepted by himself and the representatives of the parish from the sou of the beloved Archdeacon Guvetl. The banner was no part of the congregation's worship. In any ease it could not now be removed by either the speaker or the vestry. It could only be removed on an injunction, from the" bishop of the diocese. >

The motion was lost by a large majority. Mr. Shaw then moved another motion, the subject of which was that any attempt to further impair the simplicity of the service of St. Mary's Church would be opposed lo the religion and inimical to the interests of the church. Mr. J. Cook seconded the motion. There was a danger of the congrcgatic n jiaying too much attention to material tilings, and it was well for Mr. Shaw to "ive a warning note now. II r. McKcllar and Mr. R. C. Hughes endorsed these remarks.

The speakers made it clear that they did not intend the motion as a vote o*' censure. The chairman said he was sure th; motion was not intended to be one of censure. But he had uo intention of impairing the simplicity ot the service and never had any.