RIVAL SERVICES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 106, 7 May 1934, Page 9

RIVAL SERVICES.

CAMBRIDGE PARISH.

MR. BELL FINDS DOOR LOCKED

SETS UP PRIVATE CHAPEL.

(From Our Own Curresnondent.)

CAMBRIDGE, Sundav

When the Rev. G. G. Bell arrived at St. George's Anglican Church shortly before 7 a.m. to-day, with the intention of conducting a service, he found the door locked, and to keep faith with his promise to his supporters he decided to hold early Communion services at a private chapel In Bryce Street, where lie set up an altar. Earlier, in the week, the living of St. Andrew's having been declared vacant. Bishop (Sherrington, acting meanwhile as vicar, announced services at St. Andrew's, while Mr. Bell also declared his intention to cater for his supporters with services at times not to clash. To a representative of the "Star" Mr. Bell reiterated his contention that he is still vicar of Cambridge, and said that meanwhile services would be held by him at the private chapel, which he had designated the "Parish Church of St. Francis.'' .The bishop held three well-attended services yesterday at St. Andrew's, but made no reference to the dispute other than to say that he would hold services regularly, as previously. Mr. Bell held two Communion services at his chapel, which was filled. He also celebrated Communion during the morning at Christ Church, Ohaupo.. Mr. Bell said he had been informed by the church wardens of St. Stephen's, Tamahere, that they would decline to hand over the- keys to tho bishop. The latest move of Mr. Bell in support of his expressed statement to carry on was the nailing to the main door o'f St. Andrew's Church yesterday of a declaration accusing the bishop of, the sin of schism in holding services without his authority. He further charges the bishop with unlawfully declaring his living vacant, and calls* upon the bishop to repent and make restitution without delay.