ECCLESIASTICAL MILLINERY.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 743, 22 March 1877, Page 2

ECCLESIASTICAL MILLINERY.

How : high Ohurohisaj leads to Ritualism, and' what Ritualism ends in, may be gatherod from the particulars of the performance which has lately caused so much excitement in the parish' church of Hatcham, and which has been briefly alluded to in our telegrams. It appears that the Rev. Mr Tooth, Vicar of Hasham, has been for some time past in the habit, of celebrating the Holy Communion in the following manner:— The service is preceded by a procession moving from the vestry to the Communion table, upon which, or the 'ledge immediately abpre which, candles have jnst been lighted. This procession consists of boys in cassocks carrying incense, lighted

candles, and a criioifix on a pole, and is attended by Mr Tooth himself or by his curate in an alb, girdle, amice, stole, and a chasuble*, with a cap called a Biretfea on his head. Having arrived at the Communion table the service proceeds. The different vesels are incensed. The Biretta is taken off the head and laid with ceremony on the table. Water is mixed with the wine.; Th% Prayer, of Consecration is said with the back of the celebrant turned to.; the congregation. The celebrant kneels at certain parts of it, and afterwards elevates the sacred elements above his hend. He makes the sign of the cross in the air towards the congregation; the "Angus Dei" is sang; the great bell of the church is tolled; two boys hold up lighted candles high in the air and retire; and the Holy Communion is then received either by the celebrant: .himself alone or by himself and. one Other person. All this is not casual but apparently habitual. On one Sunday an addition was made to tne ceremonies ;by placing six little figures of angels witn gilt wings on the Communion table. The suit was undefended, and Lord Penzance said ;-—"lt is not to be wondered at that it should be so, as the facts are beyond dispute, and , the law under the existing decisions beyond question." A monition was issued to the respondent admonishing him to'refrain from various practices in future. It seems he denied the authority of the Court of Arches, and resisted its orders;, and the result has been, according to latest telegrams, that the Bishop's nominee has been placed in charge of the cure, and Mr Tooth released from prison r;ow that he is succeeded.