THE BISHOP OF DUNEDIN.

Otago Witness, Issue 823, 6 September 1867, Page 14

THE BISHOP OF DUNEDIN.

(To the Editor of the Otago Witness.,}

Sir — The following extract from the Haehney and Kin/jaland Gazette will, perhaps, set at rest the minds of many who have hitherto felt unceitain as to the principles of the reverend gentleman who has been appointed to guide and govern the Episcopal Church of this Province. I am, &c. , H. St. Matthias', Barrett's grove. The feast of Dedication is being cele- J brated at the Church of St. Matthias, Stoke Newington, with all the pomp and ceremony which the state of the funds and the liberality of the congregation will permit it to be kept. On Thursday, the services began at seven in the morning, when the Holy Communion (choral) was administered. At eight, the Communion again (plain) ; Matins at ten, Holy Communion (choral), with a sermon at eleven, and Even-song with sermon and "Te Deum" at eleven in th c evening. The church was decorated with flowers and evergreens, formed into crosses and other ingenious devices. The chancel presented a singular and extraordinary appearance. On the altar was a gilt cross, on either side of which were three long lighttd tapers, and a magnificent display of flowers. Four large candelabra filled with lighted wax candles, flickered in front of the altar. At the entrance of the chancel, a temporary screen had been erected, decorated with flowers and evergreens, surmounted by a large cross, with lighted tapers on loth sides as before. A number of crosses and other ornamentations were arranged upon the side walls. The Thursday evening service was a full choral one, the sermon being preache-d by the Lord Bishop of Dunedin, who favoured the congregation with | another defence and eulogy of Ritualism. At the conclusion of th« sermon, a " Te Deum" was performed by the choir, during which time the Rev. Mr L^ Geyt and two other clergymen knelt in front of the altar and were incensed by two boys. A procession was next formed, consisting of a cross, two banners, part of the choir, another banner, remainder of the choir, banner, six clergymen, two boys with incense, Mr Le Geyt gorgeously arrayed in his ritualistic vestments, man bearing the crozier, then the Lord Bishop of Dunedin, and lastly, a magnificent tanner. In this order they paraded the church, singing as they went, many of the congregation bowing and kneeling while they passed ty-