Miss Maude Rayden made ecclesiastical history when, in spite of the Bishop of London's disapproval, she conducted the three hours'
service at St. Botolph's Church, Bishopsgate. This is understood to be the first instance where a woman preacher has officiated at such a service in an Anglican church.
Two years ago Miss Rayden received a similar invitation, but at the ]ast moment the Bishop of London formally inhibited the service, and instead Miss Rayden preached in the church hall.
On this occasion the Pish not actually issue a—prohibition, but intimated that it would be without his sanction and against his wish.
The service attracted a large congregation, including many clergymen, which filled every part of the church, and a number of worshippers had to stand in the aisles and at_the back of the gallery.
For the benefit of those who were unacquainted with the nature of the service the rector, the Rev. Hudson Shaw, explained the order of worship, and said that its spirit was wholly devotional.
Mr. Shaw said he regretted that Miss Rayden made her appearance in the church without the approval of their beloved Bishop, but at least it was without any inhibition.
The inhibition of two years ago he believed was not lawful. They were not breaking any known law of the Church. In inviting Miss Rayden to preach he was acting on the best interpretation of the law he could get, and he understood that he was within his rights.
Miss Rayden, who showed little trace of her recent illness, preached in a clear ~voice which reached every part of the church on the Seven Sayings of Christ from the Cross.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.