Auckland Church Matters.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXV, Issue 10007, 25 November 1908, Page 4

Auckland Church Matters.

il'kk Pkkss Association.) AiiL-klanil. November 24. An unfortunate situation lias arisen in connection with the parish of Si. Paul's. Syruonds street. 'I he vestrymen have resigned owing t<> the divergence of their views on certain matters from those of the vicar, the Rev. (.'. A. ii. Watson. The main points at i.-sw- concern the question uf ritual or ceremonial. Prior to coming to St. Paul's. Mr Watson was the Anglican clergyman at Stratford, ami it was known that lie had what he termed high church tendencies in his conduct ot the affairs of St. Paul's. It is felt by a certain section of the congregation with leanings the other way that the vicar has Perhaps gone to undesirable lengths in this direction. Another factor in the resignation of at least one of the vestrymen referred to has been Mr Watson's views on the temperance nuestioii, but this, appears to be only a side issue. The matters of ritual and church finance form the graver aspect of the present situation. Inquiries made to-day amongst members of "the church elicited the fail that objection is taken in some quarters to the wear's practii c of having a processional cro.-s carri .1 by the sacristan .it the head of processions during baptismal and children's services. This is not done at ordinary matins or evensong, but only at the 'services named. It appears, however, to be the practical cause of objection. Another ceremonial to which some [ of the congregation take exception is that i t early communion services two candles are '•' at the altar. This practice also is n.-.t in vogue at nrdintry services. Another cause of objection on the part of some parishioners is the custom of bowing to the altar. Owing to a very general :■ ■icenre on the part of those interested., it d ; d not transpire what the minor complaints of the objectors are. One gentleman stated his opinion that the Rev. Mr Watson was showing too much tendency towards high church practices, and he and some others thought that sort of thing should be "nipped in the bud.'" From another source it wis learned that in addition to the vestrymen who have already resigned, two more are expected to resign, whilst certain members of the i ongregat : on have threatened to leave th« church. "A lot of us think that the vicar is going too far." said one parishioner. "When he came no here he promised he would not do anything startling. It seems principally the older parishioners who object to the vicar's alleged ritualistic practices. It was ascertained thai another section of the congregation holds Mr Watson in very high esteem. It is asserted that- he has brought about a great spiritm! revival in the parish. As to his ceremonials, one of his supporters said : ""They are quite in order, and are done in England every dav." Ther" ; s ~o question whatever about Mr Watson's deep earnestness and sincerity. He has done a wonderful amount* of good for the church, and through him ,t number of voting men attend who never did so before.