The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1876-06-24
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
RED TAPE OVER \ CORPSE.


NORTH EAST, June u, 1876.
Quite an unusual scene was witnessed at
the gate of the Protestant Episcopal Gem
etery, in this town, yesterday, which was
the reading of the burial service outside
the gate of the cemetery, by Rev. Mr.. Will
son, the pastor of the M. f. Church in this
town. The circumstances which gave rise
to this unusual occurrence were as follows:
Mr.. w iSon received note informing
him of the death of Mr. n. Honey, with
the circumstances of his death and an invi-
tation to otiiciate at the funeral, the inter-
ment to take place in the cemetery of the
Protestant Episcopal Church. Knowing
the High Church views of the Rector, Mr..
Wilson enclosed the note of invitation he
had received from the relatives of the de-
ceased, accompanied by the following from
himself:
ON. E. PARSONAGE, June 90, 1876.
KEY. MIR. MILLER-!Sr:-I reed the en-
closed note from Mrs. Milburn, last even
ing, and, in order to avoid complication,
| think it proper to submit it to you, and
await your reply.
Yours respectfully, j. A. B. WILSON,
Pastor of the Nj. E. Church.
To the Rev. Mr.. Miller,
Rector of st. Mary's Parish. >
Meeting Mr.. Miller on the street, he
handed him the note in person. After
reading the note, the Reverend gentleman
returned it to him stating that he could
not permit him to officate either in his
church or enclosure; that all service there
must be conducted by himself; intimating,
at the same time, that it was not personal
matter, but that he was SO bound that he
could not do so. MIR. Wilson remarked,
81 am glad that we are not bound by such
restrictions" Mr.. Miller replied, :" | am
glad that we are bound by such restric-
TONS After further conversation, the
gentlemen parted on the best of terms.
\ short time after, Mr.. Wilson received
the following:
"NoRTH EAST, MD, June 90, 1876.
THE REV. ]. A. b. WILsoN-Dear Sir
and Bro.:-I find that our church yard is
not consecrated and that occasionally other
clergymen have OBLIGATED therein, and
though, of course, | prefer to otficiate in
our own enclosure; yet, if you and the
family of the deceased prefer, you have my
permission to otfciate at the grave this
afternoon. Very respectfully,
ENoCH X. MILLER,
Rector St. Mary's."
TO which the following reply was given.
"NoRTH EAST, June 20, 1876
Rev. ENoCH X. MILLER-Deui. SIR
Your favor is at hand. In reply permit
me to say that unless the family very much
desire me to conduct the burial service at
the Craze, | am unwilling to outrage your
feelings by accepting and acting upon your
qualified permission. Allow me, however,
to thank you for your polite concession
and subscribe myself
Yours respectfully and fraternaIly,
JOHN A. b. WILSON.
To the Rev. Enoch X. Miller
The funeral sermon was delivered at the
house, after which Mr.. Wilson explained
the situation to the friends of the deceased,
and told them that Mr.. Miller would con-
duct the services at the grave, if desired :;
but that he could not consent to do so
upon the ungracious permission which had
been given him. The relatives, however,
insisted on his conducting the services,
when he told them if he did it must be
outside the enclosure, and they agreed to
have it at the gate of the cemetery, where
it was held accordingly.
| shall offer no comments, Mr.. Editor,
but simply give you the facts, hoping you
will publish them, as they are already
being misrepresented.
Yours, OBSERVER.