The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01

in an appearance. A large white cross ON
the long black curtains behind the altar had
a very striking effect, and the crucifx on
the altar was yelled. Six candles were burn
ing on the superaltar, which is by no means
a general use on Good Friday. The officiant,
who wore a cope, sang the 18th and 18th
chapters of st. John (the second lesson and
Gospel for the day., and the different parts
of Our Lord, Judas, the Chief Priests and
others were taken by choirmen. To those
educated to the use" and, indeed. to any
one who has been at the -OberammergaI
play, there can be no doubt that the effect
was most solemn and devotional. 1t must
be admitted, however. that ii was rather
strong meat for Mr.. Kensit. Nevertheless,
he followed the ~lections in his Bible, and
knelt when others did. even when during
the latter part of the narration the people.
who were standing at the time. all fell
down at the words, He gave up the ghost"
When some co iects from he Western rte,
but not for the most part in the Prayer
Book, had been said. and the o~fficiant had
Invested himself Of his cope. the Office Of
the Veneration Of the Cross commencedI
The priest removed the cross from the altar
and unveiled the cruiix-the wood OF he
lower part of the cross had not been covered
saying, as he removed each portion of the
veil, Behold the wood Of the Cross" TO
which the responses was Let us adore it"
He then placed it on one Of the steps OF tbs
altar. He then came down TO the end OF
the chancel, knelt down, went up to the
tOpmost step. and then knelt down again TO
kiss the cruifix. The vicar, who was nor
robed, did likewise, and was followed by
the choristers. Then the men Of the con-
gresation approached. and when nearly all
had kissed the sacred figure Mr.. Kensie
went up. Instead, however, of kneeling he
seized the cruihx. and, shouting out, said:
In the name of God, | denounce this idoia-
try in the Church OF England; God help
me-" He then carried ii down the chancel.
Immediately confusion reigned. The clergy
conducted themselves with great dignity
and calmness, but man. laity clustered
around Mr. Kensit and seized the cross
from his hands. In the terrific excitement
which took place, and which seemed 10 az
feet both parties alike, 1t was almost I'm
possible TO gather exactly what occurred.
but words were banded on both sides in a
ago at st. CONGRATULATIONS.
A policeman was sent for and Mr.. Kensit
was given into custody by the vicar. who
subsequently proceeded to the K~ensington
police station and charged him with will
fully disturbing the congregation by taking
hold of the crucifix and behaving in a riot
Gus and indecent manner during divine
service at St. Cuthberts Church, Philbeach
Gardens. in the Parish OF kensington." AIr.
Kensit was admitted TO bail. A local trades
man who had heard him lecture, but did not
otherwise know him., Offering himself as
surety. 1t will be enough here TO describe
the distress, not to say anguish, which, on
such a day. was caused to "devout women
not a few" approaching, to use Keble's
words,
ITO that dear home safe in Thy wounded
side.
Where only broken hearts their sin ans
shame may hide"
The countenances OF many who felt them
selves outraged in their dearest affections
would have inspired a poet or painter, but
the mass OF the congregation. men ana
women alike behaved with great ~self~ro-
straint.