A HARASSED CONGRECATION.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13382, 3 April 1912, Page 6

A HARASSED CONGRECATION.

STAND TO PRAY AND SIT TO SING

( United '■•Press-' Association. 3

Dun&din, April 2

. A remarkable position in regard to tho I'ort Chalmers Church was discussed at a meeting of the Presbytery of Dunedin to-day* In this churcli the worshippers stand for .prayer, and sit for praise, while- nothing is sung except the. Psalms and tho paraphrases, thereof. .. - >

It appears that ono or two members stood to sing, and sat to .pray, and the result was a threat of lejr.il proceedings for a breach of the tit'x> dpeds. The congregation have been so harassed that though they are. persuaded that they have committed no breach of the title deeds, they decided that the terms of tJio deeds have become intolerable, .and that it is no use,.continuing-under them

The deeds of the church stimulated that if the terms .are not fulfilled the property is to bo sold, ami tho proceeds ■devoted to the foreign mission fund of tho Presbyterian Church. It now devolves on the Deacon;;' O;;urt of tile church to sell the -church, and to send tho proceds over to the mission fund. Tho <*on£:rcgation is anxious to retain the property under the n?w ocJicUtions. Tho committee, of the -''Presbytery was authorised to consult with tho Doacons' Court of the Port Chalmers'• church if th:> latter desired it.