TOM-TOMS IN CHURCH

Evening Star, Issue 18812, 10 December 1924, Page 1

TOM-TOMS IN CHURCH

A NOVEL SERVICE. NEW YORK, November 24. Once again the Rev. William Guthrie, rector of Si. Mark’s, in the Bouworio, is the centre of the limelight because of a strange form of worship lie Ims introduced into his church. Mr Guthrie came into conflict with Bishop Manning, who is in charge of tho diocese, because ho persisted in holding ritual dances in tho church. Eventually ho was forbidden to do so. Now the rector is using Indians in his services. With the altar unveiled, two Indians lead the congregation in prayers, while lights are, flashed rhythmically through heavy incense. The intermittent heat of tom-toms (native drums) heightens the already colorful service, as the congregation follows tho intoning voices of tho Indians. Before the .service began tho pastor warned tho congregation to keep perfectly quiet in order not to disturb the “ spiritual mood.”

Bishop Manning declined to comment on tho new service. “I would have held the service even if tho bishop had disapproved,” said Mr Guthrie. “I am creating beautv. Those who oppose my programme would understand if they studied it.”