ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 148, 30 March 1872, Page 3

ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH.

To the Editor of the Thames Guardian. Sir, —I was very much surprised, and, indeed, I may say grieved, this morning when, upon entering St. George’s Church, I saw the communion table, pulpit, etc., draped in black. Now, sir, Ido not wish to create any dissension amonst the members of the Church, but I must say that the Rev. Mr Lush and the churchwardens have far exceeded their duties in daring to do such a thing, knowing, as most unquestionably they must have done, that many members of the congregation would be /cry much offended at it. Last year the re-itry would not allow the church to be draped in black. I would like to know if they (the vestry) were consulted on this occasion, or not. I fancy not; in fact, I know for a certainty that the matter was not brought forward before them at any meeting. Had it been so, we should not have seen what we did this morning. Now, sir, I contend that no minister or churchwarden has any right to make any innovation on the manner of Church worship which may in the least offend even one of the members of the congregation ; and that this was done this morning is a positive fact, as more than one person who came to attend Divine worship returned home without doing so. I should have thought that the ideas and opinions of a large number of the members of St. George’s Church were well enough known, both to the minister and the churchwardens te prevent their attempting any such practices as they have now done. The “ Cross” controversy showed that many objected to anything tending to High Church practices, and yet, in the face of this, we see our communion table, etc., draped in a manner done only in the highest of High Churches. I again repeat that those who were instrumental in doing what was done this morning are deserving of the severest censure, and I trust too they will not be allowed to escape without receiving their due. I can plainly see what will happen if a stop is not put to it in time. One step was gained (or some parties thought so) when the crosses were allowed to be retained, and, on the strength of that, they are going a little further, and, if not interfered with, will go further still, until some day we shall perhaps find our communion table decorated with wax candles.—l am, Ac.,

A Regular Attendant. Grahamstown, March 29, 1872.