The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1899-02-25
MORE RITUALISM.
Rev. Mr.. Pyle Of Grace
Church, Greenville Clas-
sed With Father
Elmendorf.
DEssENsION AMONG THE MEMBERS
The Rector Tried to Make
Choir Boys Confess Has
Despotic Notions.

The question of auricular confession
which is troubling the members OF the
Church of the Holy Cross threatens to
seriously affect Grace Episcopal Church,
al Ocean and Pearsall avenues, of which
the Rev Perciyal C. Pyle is rector. A
prominent members told a News" re-
porter that there have been many threats
of designations because of the ritualistic
tendencies <of Mr.. Pyle and the views
he holds on confession. 1t was stated
authenticity that the rector had gained
the disfayor of several of the most
prominent members by advocating con-
fession and preaching on that subject.
1.-THE action of the congregation of Mr.
Elmendorfs church in protesting against
the high church tactics employed by the
majority of the younger Episcopal clergy
men," the Grace Church member said, is
seconded by very nearly ever member IN
the congregation of Grace Church Our
pastor would like to run the church ac-
cording to his own views, but we object
to any extreme High Church method Of
conducting services.
HE would undoubtedly conduct the
services according to extreme High
Church views if his congregation would
allow it. Should he go any further than
he has already, have no doubt that the
designations of the pillars of the church
would be Immediately sent in. truly be-
lieve that the young rectors are instructed
to employ High Church methods. But
they dare not because of the strong feel
ing of the church members against them.
There are very few in Grace Church who
coincide with Mr.. Pyle's views.
when the choir was organized last NO
vember a great amount of difficulty was
experienced in getting the requisite,
number of young men. The pastor told
them that they could not join the choir
unless they went to confession and bowed
before the altar. This they refused to
do The rector finally gave up attempt
ing to force the choir boys to confess and
they have never done it,
1.-THE Episcopalians of today, to my
mind, are not in favor of having the ser
vices conducted in a high church manner
There are of course, people who favor
such views but there are few in Grace
Church. AS I said before. should the
rector attempt to run his church accord
ing to his way of thinking the congrega-
tion would not tolerate it. The result
would be even worse than that which fol-
lowed the high handed action Of Mr.. FL
mendorf.
soThere is dissension in the church, but
it is kept quiet and the members dislike
to talk. However, Mr.. Pyle has not
reached the height attained by Mr. Ell
mendorf, much as he would like to-"
MIR. Pyle was asked his opinion on the
question of auricular confession, short
time ago. and he said he considered it the
duty of all to attend confession. He also
upheld the Rev. Augustine Elmendorf
There have been no designations as yet,
but it is said by many that there is
trouble brewing. An interesting time is
expected when the next election of the
vestry takes place, as it is said that sew
eral members of that body are opposed to
auricular confession.
The introduction of surpliced choir.
after the confession difficulty had been
surmounted, is said to have resulted IN
benefit to the church. Some of the mem
bers say the congregation has greatly in
creased. Last Sunday the church was so
crowded that it was impossible to get
seats.
Aside from his ritualistic tendencies Mr..
Pyle is greatly liked by a large number
of his parishioners. He has worked hard
to accomplish many needed improvements
and his efforts have won him the love OF
many of his congregation. These say If
Mr.. Pyle will only curb his ritualistic ten
denotes the church Will soon increase IN
numbers They say if he does this more
commodious building will soon be needed.
Mr.. Pyle is strongly in favor of the
project His plan is to have the, new
church erected on the corner of the church
property, as the church now sits back
considerable distance from each street
The present church would then probably
be used as a parish hall and aTrectory
would be built facing on Pearsall avenue.
Mr.. Pyle would like to have the new
building without delay, but he says the
church cannot see its way to any such
movement at the present