CLOSED CHURCHES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15504, 10 January 1914, Page 4

CLOSED CHURCHES.

Sir,— am sorry for " Visitor," not because he has not found all tie churches always open—for some are, and probably quite plenty of them to serve any good purpose within tho narrow area of this town—but because he has bent himself to the idea which would "localise" the Deity. Let " Visitor " profit by his visit to Auckland by realising, as Stephen in Acts vii.4B, and Paul in Acts xvii.24, or as High Churchman Keble, of those who:—

In this loud stunning tide of human care and crime, With whom the melodies abide of the ever • lasting chime, Who carry music in their heart. Through dusty lane and wrangling mart. Plying their daily task with busier leet. Because their sweet souls »■ holy strain, repeat.

Let "Visitor" think further of the frequent (perhaps necessary) result of the localising idea. He will know what I mean if lie thinks of scenes he-way have seen or read of in Eastern or Western churches—no need to hurt feelings by saying what. H;S.

*Sir,— correspondent " Visitor " must surely have visited the Anglican Cathedral very early, on the morning when he found it locked. The vicar (Canon MacMurrayl is away at present, but I 'have inquired into the matter, and I am told that the verger opens the cathedral every morning at 7.30 o'clock, and that it'is never closed till-5 p.m. Certainly this has been the case during the few days I have. been here:as "priest in charge," and I have no.reason to suppose that it is. not the regular custom. May I take this opportunity of. informing visitors that the clergy are moat anxious to provide every opportunity to those who wish to use the church for meditation or restj and that the "priest in charge" may bo seen at the cathedral from 9 till 10 every morning, and at any other time by appointment ? , , M. W. BrarMimn, Temporarily Priest in Charge.