The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-07-23
WORE A SHIRT WAIST
QUESTIONABLE GARMENT COSTS A
CHURCH USHER HIS
POSITION
OBJECTED TO BY THE PASTOR
Rev. DR.. TheO. sedgwick Thinks
Cents Should Be Worn in
the House of
God.

The shirt waist invaded the sacred
precincts of ST. Johns Episcopal church,
on Mackubin street and Portland avenue,
last Sunday, and resulted in the resigna-
ton of one of the ushers after a lively
argument with the rector, Rev. Theo.
Sedgwick. Not satisfied with creating
this much mischief the omnipresent
shirt waist has caused something in the
nature of a small-sized dissension and
the congregation of ST. Johns, which is
divided on the question:
Snail the shirt waist be worn in
church?'
During the Sunday evening services
at the above mentioned ecclesiastical
edifice, William c. Keim, who is employ
ed in the general freight department of
the Northern Pacific railway, and is
quite widely known on St Anthony Hill,
has been wont to act in the capacity
of usher and attend those of the con-
gregation to places where there is a
likelihood of catching a stray breeze or
two while listening to Rev. Mr.. Sedg
wicks discourses.
Last Sunday night, as will be plainly
remembered by all St. Paulites, was
warm, very warm; in fact it was insuffer-
ably hot. Even the generally cool and
placid environment of st. Johns church
was not spared from the blazing heat
waves that enveloped the city in their
deadly clutches.
Mr.. Keim mad suffered from the heat
as much as anyone, and prior to the
services bethought himself of the wisdom
of attiring himself in the latest style of
mems regalia, viz: the shirt waist. He
acted upon the suggestion and donned
a beautiful white garment, one calcu-
lated not only to give its wearer much
cool comfort but also to provoke the
admiration of all on account of its per-
feet fit and general charming tout en-
semble, Surrounding this apogee Of
the shirtmaker's art was a modest but
catchy effect in a blue stock tie.
Attired as above Mr. Keim gracefully
escorted those of the st. Johns con-
gregation who had braved the blasting
elements in order to attend divine service
The rector, in the cool retreat Of his
study, where he remained until time to
occupy the pupit, was not aware of the
innovation being carried on in the main
body of the ediflce When he did ascend
the pulpit steps and take his place he
was shocked. The sight of Mr.. keim
escorting the worshipers to their seats
attired, as he was, in shirt waist was
too much for DR. Sedgwck to stand for
a considerable period
The sermon over, the pastor beckoned
to the twentieth century church usher
and, drawing him to one side, admonished
him IN strong terms Tor ms hayward
ness.
''Mr. Keim," said the pastor in stern
tones of indignation, surprise and pain,
Il am astonished. Hereafter you will
kindly attend to your duties in this
church with your coat on"
Mr.. Keim resented the pastors words
and bravely stood his ground, defending
the shirt waist in language that would
have done credit to a great orator. The
American flag was never more valOrously
defended by Patrick Henry than was the
popular shirt waist by Mr.. Keim, who
ended by remarking that if his manner
of dress was not to he liking Of DR..
Sedgwick, the latter would have to pro-
vide a successor for the office of usher
in St. Johns church. The resignation
was promptly accepted.
The affair soon spread through the
congregation and some have taken sides
with the shirt waist and Mr. Keim. while
others are standing by DR.. Sedgwick
And yet the question remains unsolved:
snail the shirt waist be worn in
church,"