So the meeting took place. Father Tanton. dressed in black. was the dominating figure on the stage In the Hall were many people with whom he had grown up lot Summerside was his home town They were now leading citizens. prominent in business and in the service clubs. lle lectured them on the Apostolic Successiont and the necessity of it for valid sacraments. indeed for a valid church, and how they would have to accept it if they were to have union with the Anglicans. If any ofthose present had been thinking ofChurch Union as the United Church taking over the Anglican Church. they were very soon made aware that Staff Tanton did not see it that way. Before long he had become the focus of attention in the room. The attnospherc became heated. Some of his old school chums were on their feet shouting at him. He sat there like the Rock ofGibraltar. speaking his mind in an even voice. and making no

compromise of what he believed. They were disturbed by his display of

conviction. deeply offended by his unwillingness to compromise. l was afraid that the shouting and the insults that were being hurled at him might trigger a heart attack. But after a while the meeting ended. and the gathering fell upon the spread oftea and sandwiches and cakes that usually adorns such occasions as ifnothing had happened. And everybody was friendly again. Staffgot a cup oftea. came over to me. winked. and said. "How did I do?"

(Robert C. Tue/r)

Father Tan/(m relaxed in retirement.

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