OWING to the strong hold Romanising teaching has in the Church of England, it is generally thought that the Romanising tendency is confined to that denomination, but to those who are watching the trend of ecclesiastical movements it is well known that Nonconformists are also taking a prominent part in this disloyal and dishonest movement. For the enlightenment of those of our readers who are not aware of what is going on in this direction, we are taking the liberty of printing part of an article in the September “Churchman’s Magazine” by A. M. A. in which he exposes the notorious Dr Orchard, and gives some disquieting facts.
“Dr W. E. Orchard,” he says, “was appointed to the historic King’s Weigh House Congregational Chapel in 1914. Since that time he has completely altered the character of the services and has compiled a Prayer Book akin to Roman and Anglo-Catholic Missals. Indeed, his services can be followed easily from Roman Catholic service books. The whole round of Saints’ Days is kept according to the Roman Calendar. He has all the services and extravagances that were so strongly denounced by the Report of the Royal Commission on Ecclesiastical Discipline, issued in 1906. His prayer book is far in advance of the Deposited Book so recently rejected twice by Parliament. His preaching and writings are distinctly sacerdotal and liberal, and he belittles and antagonises the old orthodox beliefs and fundamental doctrines of evangelical faith. He has asserted in the pulpit and in the Press that he is charged with introducing a priestly system, and teaching Romanism. To which he says: “I do not deny these charges.” The Trust Deeds which bind him to his Congregational Church, covenant for the standards of the Protestant Faith, but he deliberately flouts them, and is set on making his Church the centre of Free Church Romanism.
“He was secretly ordained a priest (although previously ordained as a Presbyterian minister) by Bishop Vernon Herford, who claims that his orders are accepted by Church of Rome and the Greek Church. He refused to answer questions on the point of this secret ordination, and managed to keep it a secret for upwards of six years. The facts are, he was first made a deacon in a private chapel at Oxford, then a Priest in his own Church at Easter, 1917. He has constructed a Romish reredos, with a large crucifix as the central feature, a table built on the papal style with eight large candles, which he designates the High Altar (he has a second altar for special services). Upon this structure he has set up a ‘Tabernacle,’ wherein is reserved—a consecrated wafer—the Host! before which a red lamp burns continually. Devotees are taught to worship this presence, and the most extravagant services are held in connection with it, e.g., ‘Mass of the Presanctified’ and ‘Benediction.’ Many old worshippers have been obliged to leave, and a new set of worshippers has gathered. He uses the Roman ‘Stations of the Cross,’ and has introduced the ‘Confessional,’ which Bp. Samuel Wilberforce characterised as ‘the crowning curse of Popery.’ He publicly announces on his notice board daily Mass, and he uses the ‘English Hymnal,’ an extremely popish hymn book, used by the most advanced Anglo-Catholics. Numbers of his immediate helpers have seen the dishonesty of their position and have joined the Church of Rome, e.g., Rev. Stanley James (his assistant), verted in July 1923. Several former lady members of his congregation are now nuns in Anglican and Roman Convents. Dr Orchard published the assertion in 1926 that there were ‘67 parsons’ (with hundreds of laity) in definite membership of the Society of Free Catholics. There were 10 Methodists, 9 Congregationalists, 8 Presbyterians, 5 Baptists (the rest Unitarians and Undenominational). He steadfastly refuses to name them, and secrecy enshrouds much of the propaganda. In many Churches contention and controversy has been aroused by Dr Orchard’s freak Catholicism, and the attempts of members of the Free Catholic Society. Wesleyan.—At Syton, Leicestershire, by Rev. J. A. C. Copson, a leading member of the executive, and near by, at Swithland, the chapel is a regular popish place of devotion, etc. At Blackwell, near Birmingham, the introduction of candles and ceremonial. At Kingsway Hall, London, a little chapel with Romish pictures. Dr E. J. B. Kirlian, Rev. A. J. Short, Rev. J. E. Rattenbury have been tainted. Baptist.—At Belvoir Street, Leicester, an upheaval by the minister, Rev. T. A. Bampton, once on the executive of the Society of Free Catholics. At Chaminster Road, Bournemouth, the minister joined Rome, at Princes Gate, Liverpool, enlightenment caused minister to change. Congregational.—At Derby, Brixton, Streatham Hill, Lewisham, Burton-on-Trent, Bedminster, Bristol, Oxford, Wellingboro, Southend-on-Sea, Monmouth, Islington, Alford, Lincoln, Halifax, Fleetwood. Erdington, near Birmingham, Presbyterian; Old Meeting, Birmingham, Unitarian.”