"ABODE OF LOVE,"

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 106, 3 May 1909, Page 6

"ABODE OF LOVE,"

DEFAULTING CLERGYMAN

EXPELLED, FROM THE CHURCH

LONDON, March 13. With imposing and impressive rites the decree of deposition from Holy Orders of the Rev. Hugh Smith Pigott, head of the Agapemone, Spaxton, near Bridgwater, was pronounced on Saturday afternoon m Wells Cathedral by the Bishop of Bath and Wells. The unfrocking was performed in the presence of a large body of ecclesiastics and laymen, but Pigott did not put in an appearance. This is the first time such a ceremony has ever taken place in the ancient cathedral. The Bishop, m full episcopal robes, surrounded by the officers of his court, seated on a chair near the holy table, stated that this was the case which many persons thought had brought shame and sorrow upon not. only the Church of England, but the whole Christian community. It might appear strange that there had been no charge brought against Pigott for the blasphemous utterances with which he was credited, but there was grave doubt whether, under the Clergy Discipline Act, a prosecution for blasphemy could have been undertaken. He then, in grave tones, pronounced the«entence that, as Pigott had been guilty of open and notorious sin, he be entirely deposed and degraded from the office of priest and deacon. The congregation, having prayed for Pigott's repentance and amendment, the organ pealed forth a mournful dirge, and the solemn proceeding concluded. Many ladies were present at the ceremony.