NAILED TO DOOR.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20298, 7 May 1934, Page 8

NAILED TO DOOR.

Notice to Bishop of Waikato. Per Press Association. CAMBRIDGE, May 7. As was expected, there were sensational happenings at Cambridge yesterday in connection with the Anglican parish church troubles. When the Rev R. G. Bell arrived at the parish church of St Andrew’s a little before 7 a.m. he found the doors of the church securely locked. To keep faith with his promise to his supporters, Mr Bell decided to hold early Communions at a private chapel in Bryce Street. Here he set up an altar. Interviewed, Mr Bell, reiterating his contention that he was still vicar of Cambridge, said that meanwhile services would be held by him at this chapel, which he has designated “ 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 he would hold services regularly as previously. Mr Bell held two Communion services at his chapel and stated that it was filled to capacity. Referring to the district services, Mr Bell said he cslebrated Communion during the morning at Christ Church, Ohaupo, without hindrance. He said he had been informed by the church warden at St Stephen’s, Tamahere, that they would decline to hand over the keys to the Bishop as a protest against depriving the vicar of his living. The latest move from Mr Bell was the nailing to the main door of St Andrew’s Church about noon yesterday of a declaration accusing the Bishop of the sin of schism in holding services without Mr Bell’s authority. lie further charges the Bishop with unlawfully declaring the living vacant and , calls upon the Bishop to repent and make restitution without delay.