Church and Chapel
SIR,—I was much interested in the letter which appeared in the Spectator
• of November 23rd. I am writing froM Wales, and this letter has reminded me of the disestablishment of the Church of England in Wales in the year 1920. Prior to that event the feeling between the two forms of worship was extremely bitter, and 'both sections appeared to thrive upon hostility. After the first war, the leaders of the Nonconformist and Established Churches sank their differences in a remarkable manner, due principally to the tactful handling of the late Lord Sankey. After both sides had met and thoroughly thrashed out their differences a
• settlement was arrived at, and a large number of Church endowments Find other properties were transferred to a special fund controlled by 1the County Councils of Wales. At the same time, the title of the Church
in the Principality was altered from the " Church - ofEngland " to the " Church in Wales."
After the change took place it was obvious that both sides had buried the hatchet, the result being that the previous hostility beween Church and Chapel almost vanished. This rapid change was not anticipated by Liberals or Conservatives, and I am of the opinion that the harmony which has existed and steadily increased had the effect of reducing the influence and membership of the Liberal Party. The money which was transferred to the County Councils is now being disbursed in helping deserving institutions in Wales, large sums having already been used for restoring ancient chapels and churches, and for other worthy causes.—
Previous page
