[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—The letter by Mr.
Jethro Sable in your last week's issue contains a truth but not the whole truth. He complains that for six years no clergyman has manifested any interest in him or his household. It is, I regret to say, true that, generally speaking, London clergy do not visit their people. Now, Sir, this is my experience. Nine months ago I became vicar of this parish in North West London. The congregation at church was small. I determined to make a regular systematic attack on my people in visiting them. I sent them circulars, &c., of the special preachers. I sent many of them a " Christmas Greeting" ; and have done much to make the services alive nd interesting. I have developed the social activities, &c., &e. What are the results ? When I call to visit the people living in the more expensive flats they receive me most kindly and Chat in a very friendly way—but when Sunday comes and look round the church to see a new face I am disappointed. The poorer people have responded best in every way.
My church fabric is dilapidated. The poorer folk are giving arse their pennies to make God's House beautiful. The people
living in more expensive flats, £300 per annum, are most inter- ested in the restoration scheme but " You know, Vicar, times are hard and money is tight." Yet on Sundays I see some of them go off to golf and motoring.
Mr. Sable has struck an unfortunate patch but there are two sides to the story.—I am, Sir, &o.,
J. LEE FEATHERSTONE,
21Iaida Vale, N.W. 8. Vicar of Emmanuel Church.
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