This is a second story of this kind but I publish it because I think it re-inforces the essential daftness of some Victorian parsons. To me, these silly tales of hats &c. echo faintly the sea of faith's melancholy, long, withdrawing roar. (- Matthew Arnold's Dover Beach was being composed just about this time.) :
"At the Mary Steps Easter meeting, when the business was concluded, Mr Upright put on his hat, The Rector (Rev. R Shutte) exclaimed 'Take off your hat, my good fellow!'
Mr.U.- Never mind my hat.
The Rector - Do take it off.
Mr. U - Will you hold it then?
The Rector - Yes, with pleasure.
Mr Upright took off his hat and handed it to the Rector, who dropped it on the floor at the foot of the font.
The incident caused a good laugh in the church. Very shortly after, another amiable parishioner clapped his tile on and grinned, in expectation that the Rector would remove it, but his reverence took no notice of the offender."
One has to feel sorry for the grinning parishioner who was deemed unworthy of the rector's notice.
Source The Western Times, 30th April 1859.
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