CHURCH CUSTOM
SIR,—May I comment briefly on two points raised by John Betjeman in his article con- tained in your issue of December 30.
First it would appear reasonably obvious to me that the reason for what he chooses to call 'bag collectors' standing at the chancel steps for the elevation of alms is so that this part of the service can be conducted in dignified silence. Would Mr. Betjeman prefer it to be marred by the scuffling of the footsteps of those who had collected alms returning to their pews? Incidentally it is news to me that the honourable position of sidesman is con- fined to bank managers and ex-Service men.
Secondly, Mr. Betjeman must live in a particularly snobbish part of England' At the church at which I am accustomed to worship the lessons at this year's service of nine lessons and nine carols were read by seven choristers, a sidesman and the patron of the living.—Yours faithfully.
DEVONSHIRE Edensor House, Bakewell, Derbyshire
Previous page
