A CEREMONIAL BANNER

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 13947, 30 April 1909, Page 3

A CEREMONIAL BANNER

Mr. B. Enroth took exception to the banner recently presented to the parish by Mr. Clement Govett. His objections were based on nn artistic standpoint. He moved thnt in the opinion oi the meeting tlio banner should be removed ' from it* place. Mr. R. C. Hughes also took exception to tho banner. lie emphasised the fact that in doing so he intended no slight upon the donor, w bom he honoured. But he objected to the banner as being to ritualistic, and tending towards more ritualism. Mr. C. E. Baker .strongly opposed the motion. Mr. S. W. Shaw, who said that he spoke reluctantly, agreed with Mr. Hughes. He considered that the church had gone far enough, and should stop. Tlie service at pn-sent was a splendid one. If the church went further in the ceremonial the set vice would be spoiled. The Rev. E. Allenson condemned the remarks of these speakers. It was not the right of laymen to interfere with the duties of the clergy, nor the right of the clergy to interfere with tlie duties of the laymen. The Chairman said t it was amazing to him to find people referring'to the beautiful work of art that the banner was in such a way ns he had heard. It had been accepted by himself and the representatives of the parish from the son of the beloved Archdenco" Gcvett. The donor had given it in all good faith and generosity. The speake>had not asked for it nor wished for it. but now it was thore he was vorv glad to have it. Tho banner w:;s no Dart of the congregation's wofshin. In any case, it corild not now bo removed by j either the sneaker or the vestry. It \ could only be removed on an injunction from the bishop of the diocese. The motion was lost by a large majority. | Mr. Shaw then moved another motion, thp snbstancp nf which wns thjvt any attempt tp further impair the simplicity of the service of St. Mary's | Church would be ouposed to the relisrion and inimical to the interests of the church. Mr. J. Cook seconded the motion. There was a danger of the congregation naming too much attention to material things, and it w-as well for Mr Shaw to give a warning note now. Mr. M'Kellar and Mr. R. C. Hunrhes endorsed these remarks. The speakers made it clear that they did not intend the motion as a vote of censure. The Chairman said he was sure the motion wos not intended to be one of censure. Rut be had no intention of ironairing the simplicity of tho service, and never had any. Hcartv votes of thanks to the vicar, the retiring vestry. to Mr. E. B. Kingdon (who had octed ns warden for five years) closed the ireeting.