The sun., 1894-12-26
MASS AND INCENSE AGAIN.
FATHER WATSON WIDENs THE
BREACH nv mrs CHURCH.

First Celebration or High Church Services
on Chri-tn,as Day In KinsstOn-n ntshoP
| Potter Called Upon 60 Settle the Troubie'
KtNosroN, Dec. o5.-The Rev. Lewis T. Watt
son Of 81. Johns Episcopal Church widened the
| breach between the factions into which his con-
gregaton is now divided by the use OF the In
cense and sanctus bell at the services at 10
O'Clock this morning. At the services at z
O'Clock and $3.50 o'clock he had dispensed with
the innovations.
This ia the first Christmas Day on which high
church services were celebrated. As all MEM
bers of the church hope TO pertake Of commu-
nion on that one day. It was thought he would
dispense with the innovation at the main SER
vice. Not only did Father Watson offend the
oldeI members but he preached sermon on the
subject defending his position.
All the genuflections. bowling OF the head, and
priestly vestments so distateful to the one fac
tion are still in vogue, and tend 10 increase the
feeling which exists between the two parties,
one Of which consists OF the older and conserve
tive portion of the congregation, and the other.
which supports Father Watson, consists OF the
younger element.
On dec. 9 Father Watson first introduced the
use OF incense and tho sanctus bell In the SER
vices. which he calls high mass. On the Sunday
following incense was not used. but on the third
Sunday OF the month he returned to the use Of IL.
A faction. of which Mr.. Charles Bruyn. Presi-
dent Of the Ulster County Bank. is the leader.
withdrew their financial support from the
church, but did not withdraw from the MEM
bership.
Their opposition is not directed at Father
Watson personally but against his high
church proclivities. Mr.. Bruyn and several
members Of the parish called on Bishop Potter
in New York and made verbal protest against
the customs adopted by Father Watson. argu-
ing that his innovations would wreck the parish,
to % Bishop Potter to be settled definitely, bishop
Potter appointed a commission, consisting of
Episcopal I SS Il ChuTch s NsswbufsR; % u Archdescon
Thomas OF Cornwall, and the Rev, Mr.. Ackely
and refer their findings TO him.
The Commission will meet In the st. Paul's
pss % from both factions viii appear
before them and submit their reasons.
Father Watson. who says he is an American
authority. The other side declare that It's use is
not sanctioned by the Book Of Common Prayer.
Decker a member OF the yestry. said to-day.
!" Both sides win be satisfied with the verdict
cision is adverse, will do doubt advise Father
Watson to return 70 the old form OF services,
1T Is impossible to say what he really may
do. Because of the form OF government of the
reStor IN PARISH wthdrsw He almost
preme In the government OF his own church
Father Watson is in an almost independent
position. Several months ago he handed in his
resignation. because his American Catholic
Cnurch tendencies were not approved by several
members OF the vestry. He left the meeting
when the resignation was being considered. The
his decision. When he reentered the room he
said he would come back. but only on the condi- |
tion that he be allowed to choose an assistant
and that his mission work be not hindered.
Both requests were granted, and the Rev. |
Charles Mercer Hall became his assistant. |
Emboldened by his success Father Watson |
continued to introduce new customs until the
present time"
When many OF the members withdrew. tho |
yestry decided that none OF them would resign. |
but that they would allow affairs to follow their
course, hoping that In time everything would |
erence OF the matter to the Bishop by the Arch |
OF Orange Is satisfactory to both sides.
and will settle the question In Kingston for |
many years to come.
The church has a larger number Of attendants |
than ever before in its history, and is better Off |
financially. Father Watson is a hard worker |
and wins friends. His services are approved, |
except by the older members. About 200 MEM |
bers partook OF communion to-day. The mem
bcrship Of the parish Is about $50.
Now that the matter has been referred to
Bishop Potter, the feeling between the factions
Is not so bitter. Both sides are awaiting quietly
the Bishops decision. In the mean time Father
Watson will continue TO celebrate high mass.
Notwithstanding all the dissenson, no one has
a bitter word to say against Father Wattson.
The conservative members acknowledge that he
IL a hard worker. but say he has no right, as
stranger. to disturb an old parish.
Their reply to all his arguments Is that he
ought to unite with the Roman Catholic Church
II he believes In the use OF incense.
Ii was impossible 10 learn from Father Watt
son to-day his views on the commission what
he intended to do IL the decision was adverse.