CHURCH DISPUTE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 107, 8 May 1934, Page 6

CHURCH DISPUTE

VICAR VERSUS BISHOP INCIDENTS AT CAMBRIDGE. REV. BELL’S ACCUSATIONS. [ Per Press Association. ) CAMBRIDGE, May 7. It was not unexpected that there were sensational happenings at Cambridge yesterday in connection with the Anglican Parish Church troubles. When the Rev. Mr. 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 was set up an altar. Interviewed. Mr. Bell reiterating his contention that he was still vicar of Cambridge, said that meanwhile the services would be held .by him at this chapel, which was designated the “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 Communions at his chapel, and stated that it was filled to capacity. Referring to the district services, Mr. Bell said that he celebrated Communion during the morning at Christ Church. Ohaupo, without hindrance. He said that he had been informed by the church warden of 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 by Mr. Bell was the nailing to the main door of St. Andrew’s Church at about noon yesterday of a declaration accusing the Bishop of the sin of schism in holding services without Mr. Bell’s authority. He further charges the Bishop with unlawfully declaring the living vacant, and calls upon the Bishop to repent and make restitution without delay.

STATEMENT BY REV. BELL. [ Per Press Association. ] CAMBRIDGE, May 5. In an interview regarding Sunday services, the Rev. R. G. Bell says:— “I have said that I shall continue to act as Vicar of Cambridge unless forcibly prevented, and I adhere to determination. After all, I have the honour of priesthood to maintain, and I will not in any circumstances, if L can posibly avoid it, be made a party to any unseemly happening in the church. For the avoidance of all unseemliness, but without prejudice to the claim that I am still Vicar of Cambridge, I shall not attempt to conduct services at any times at which services may be arranged by the Bishop. However, having given due warning to ali concerned of the possibility of the legality of the whole of the recent proceedings being called in question. I shall myself attempt to hold services at other times. It will remain to be seen whether or not any attempt is made forcibly to prevent my so doing. “On Sunday next I shall content myself with celebrating Holy Communion in St.’Andrew’s Church at 7

a.m. I shall possibly say my offices in the church privately during the day. In addition to this one public service, I shall also arrange for the instruction of children as usual at 10 a.m.’’ Regarding his claim that he is still Vicar of Cambridge, Mr. Bell says that reference to the Standing Commission of the question of interpretation of the parish statute of the Synod of the Diocese of Waikato having reference to the convening of meetings of parishioners will decide the point very quickly, or at least within the course of a few weeks.