PARISH OF CAMBRIDGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22256, 8 May 1934, Page 9

PARISH OF CAMBRIDGE

ATTITUDE OF THE VICAR SEPARATE CHURCH ESTABLISHED •. (Pee United Pkess Association.) CAMBRIDGE, May 7. Much interest was taken at Cambridge yesterday in the Anglican parish church troubles. When the Rev. Gordon Bell arrived at the Parish Church of St. An l drews a little before 7 a.m., he found the doors securely locked, but iu order to keep faith with his promise to his supporters he decided to hold early Communions at a private chapel in Bryce street, and there set up an altar. Mr Bell, in an interview, reiterating his contention that he was still tbe_ Vicar of Cambridge, said that meanwhile services would he held by him at this chapel, which he has designated the “ Parish Church of St. Francis.” The bishop held three well-attended services during the day at St. Andrew’s, but made no reference to the dispute other than to say that be would hold services regularly as previously. Mr Bell held two communions at his chapel, aud stated that it was filled to capacity. Referring to the district services, Mr Bell said he had celebrated communion during the morning at Christ Church, Ohaupo, without hindrance. He said he had been informed by the churchwardens of St. Stephens, Tamahere, that they would decline to hand over the keys to the bishop as a protest against the deof the vicar of big living. Mr Bell nailed to the main door of St. Andrew’s Church at about noon yesterday a declaration accusing the bishop of the sin of schism in holding services without his (Mr Bell’s) authority. He further charges the bishop with unlawfully declaring his living vacant, and calls upon the bishop to repent and make restitution without delay.