WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS

Southland Times, Issue 25736, 28 July 1945, Page 7

WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS

Sir,—l notice with .pleasure your understanding leader on my motion in the Wellington Synod. May I reply to “B. Christian” by saying my motion was really to shake up the complacency of many so-called church people. The support of the church is generally given by the “faithful few.” On their shoulders fall all the expenses of the church, the small stipend, the keeping of the buildings in repair, insurances, lighting, diocesan claims and every other expense incurred in keeping the church going in the parish. The large majority look on (and some of them are well-to-do) and do nothing and give nothing; but when the services of the church cannot be done without " they rush for the parish priest, and when their special need is satisfied, they drop back to their old ways of giving nothing and doing nothing. After such people’s names in my parish book I put F.8.P.0., meaning “for burial purposes only.” In every other profession, trade or business, wages or income has increased to meet the higher cost (much higher cost) of living, but not so the income of the parson. Fees may go to the clergy, but are seldom used by him for his personal needs. The poor are always with us, and to the poor parson they go for assistance. There are always extra things to be supplied for the church and so most parsons use their fees as tips for those things. Then a certain portion of wedding fees is claimed by the diocesan authorities for some mysterious purpose. I am sure “B. Christian” could not have written his letter had he been a generous supporter of the church. The thing for all to decide is whether they want the services of the church. If they do, then support the church and attend the services. If they don’t, then be independent, and make no claim upon her time or services. K. D. ANDREWS-BAXTER. S. Thomas’s Vicarage, Wellington, July 23, 1945.