A Parishioner

North of 42nd Street, Manhattan, there are two fashionable Episcopalian churches: St. Bartholomew's (Dr. Leighton Parks, rector), St. Thomas' (Dr. Ernest M. Stires, rector). Rector Parks, urged by conscience, has involved himself in theological controversy. Rector Stires has not.

It became known that one of Rector Parks' parishioners was attending services at Rector Stires' church. She had been for 50 years--ever since she taught Sunday School--a pillar of Rector Parks' church. She had given the church its magnificent Byzantine entrance, a memorial to her husband. She had endowed the church's hospital. She was--is--Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt.* Whether Mrs. Vanderbilt will transfer her allegiance is a matter of conjecture. Rectors Parks and Stires are good friends, the former having ofttimes supported the latter for a bishopric, notably in the election which resulted in the elevation of William T. Manning. Rector Stires is expected to advise Rector Parks' parishioner to remain with the church wherein her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were christened.

*Of all Mrs. Vanderbilts, the senior. Her husband was Cornelius 3rd. Her son is Brigadier General Cornelius. Among other prominent accessions to the St. Thomas' parish under Dr. Stires was a Presbyterian, the late Miss Spence, famed schoolmistress.