A DISBANDED CHOIR

Evening Star, Issue 19002, 25 July 1925, Page 10

A DISBANDED CHOIR

RECTOR'S ACTION CRITICISED

REINSTATEMENT DEMANDED, Tbe action of the rector of Church Kirk, at Accrington, Lancashire, the Rot. It. Newman, in disbanding the choir owing to the refusal! of certain members to bow to the altar, was the subject of a brief discussion at the vestry and parochial meeting recently. One speaker, in critising the rector’s action, said the rector might have been justified in asking the choir to bow, but be was not justified in compelling them. In a long and carefully prepared statement the rector said the point at issue was not a matter of ceremonial, though that was a remote cause, but whether » choir need conform to an incumbent's directions only so far as it chose. The result of that would bo anarchy. He had directed the hoys in the choir to bow to the altar, and told the men he would be glad if they would do so, but left it optional. His reasons for tbe direction were that bowing to the altar was an expression of their reverence. For some weeks the choir did bow to tho altar, hut on Palm Sunday he noticed that one boy did not, and on being questioned he arid his mother did nob wish him to do so. If there were parents wno objected, their proper course was to have told him that if he persisted they would have to withdraw their children, but not tell them to disobey him.

On Easter Sunday morning none of the boys bowed to the altar, and it was clear that concerted action hod been taken and that the support of the choir men was counted upon. “ Now, when a pistol is held at your head only Iwo courses are open to you, either to put your hands up or take away the pistol. I decided to take away the pistol.” It was either the choir's resignation or bis own. The crisis had not arisen because be desired everybody to bo High Church, but because be' had to'defend certain principles against attack. At the close of his remarks .the rector offered to accept a motion from anyone present, and a resolution was proposed disapproving of the practice of bowing to the altar and tlflimnding the reinstatement of tho choir. To this an amendment was moved expressing confidence in Iho rector. On being put to the vote the resolution was carried by a majority of about 50 in a meeting of 150.