the organist, who had refused to play, also tended to increase the gloom, which seemed to attach itself to the service. Since then, the exodus - if we may so call it - has continued, and we see no other prospect at present than the fulfilment of our prediction that there would be a wider breach than ever between pastor and congregation. As an illustration of this sad state of things, only ten persons were seen coming out from the service on Friday morning last. We might greatly extend these remarks, but reserving further observations for another opportunity, we will try to believe that, for the present, a still tongue maketh a wise end.
Letter to the Editor of Brett's Gazette. "Sir. - Having been a regular visitor to St. Leonards for upwards of five years, and feeling a great interest in all that concerns its welfare. I trust that I may be considered justified in the following remarks. On the Sunday before last, as I have always done while staying here. I took my family to St Leonards church. To my great surprise, in addition to a small congregation, there was no organ and when I enquired the cause of this great change, I was enlightened as to the breach between the Incumbent and the parishioners, whom I am given to understand, have left the church, en masse. Whilst truly deploring this state of things, I certainly could not allow my family to attend the church under the circumstances, and although the Rev. Dr. Willis officiates and not the incumbent, I should consider it countenancing the cause of this evil should I allow myself or any of my family to attend the service. Dr. Willis being the incumbent's nominee and friend, and not the Diocesans. Moreover. I am afraid it will compel me to remove from this most pleasant part of the town, as it is a great and serious drawback having no place of worship near, where one can conscientiously attend. This unhappy state of things will greatly affect the welfare of this part of the town, as I am certain that it will influence other persons who are in the habit of visiting this beautiful watering place, in like manner as it has myself, and very probably prevent some from visiting this place at all. I do not know whether any steps have yet been taken to rectify this unhappy state of things, but I should hope that the parishioners, in the interest of the place will see it their duty to do something in the matter, as apart from its being incumbent on then as a religious duty to do all in their power strenuously to oppose and put a stop to such a scandal, its injurious effects upon the prosperity of this highly favoured watering place, will soon make themselves manifest. Trusting soon to see a better state of things in this town. I subscribe myself an Annual Visitor. Marina. August, 1864.
Dr. Willis and the Gazette. The following letter from the Rev. or Willis, (a schoolmaster at Upper Waze Hill) and the Editor’s reply, were published in the St. Leonards and Hastings Gazette of September, 3rd, 1864.-
