“EXCLUDED FROM CHURCH.”

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume IV, Issue 242, 26 September 1914, Page 1 (Supplement)

“EXCLUDED FROM CHURCH.”

STOP LADY’S ACTION AGAINST A VICAR. —* — The jury stopped the hearing of the case in the King's Bench, London, in which Miss Alice Hancock, of Barndale Road. Maida Vale, sued the Rev. John Clayfield Stepliens (incumbent of Christ Church. Paddington), Dr. E. Parker Young (a church official), Mr. F. G. Ford (sidesman), and Mr. IVilliam Hampton. It may be recalled that the lady appeared in person and claimed damages from one or other of the defendants tor alleged slander, assault, and illegal exclusion from the church. The Rev. J. C. Stephene gave evidence in defence. Asked to “speak up as though he wore in the pulpit,” the witness explained that he was the incumbent of the place of worship in question. It was a private chapel, he s.vd. and the public could be refused admittance. When he first came to the place ns a curate he noticed that Miss Hancock’s voice “dominated the whole building.” (Laughter.) In the Communion responses, which were rendered musically, she would start before the choir and congregation and “say”.them in a loud voice—“a Protestant voice,” as she herself V-ad put it. (Laughter.) Was there anything else to complain about? —Well, her general fidgettiness. (Laughter.) She largely monopolised the prayer meetings, and nobody else had much chance of singing. Miss Hancock (cross-examining): Did you not once tell m® that you wished you had fifty to support me in the gallery —Xo, said the vicar, with some emphasis. Did you send me a Christmas card?— Yes, I send them to nearly everyone in my congregation. When Miss Hancock lead the verse on her card the vicar said they were beautiful words, but not specially chos en. As stated, the jury stopped the case, and after they had returned a verdict for the defendants judgment was entered accordingly, with cost?.