There is a new method of administering the communion recently inaugurated in the Central Church at Rochester, N. Y., which, bitterly opposed at first, has won its way into favor with the members, and has been imitated by other churches in the vicinity. The reform was initiated by Dr. Forbes, professor of chemistry in the Rochester University, who is a member of the church. Rochester has recently been going through a process of hygienic reformation in various lines, and the crusade against the general use of the communion cup marks the most radical change yet made.
Upward of 300 communicants participated in the communion at the Central Church, which has a larger congregation than any other Presbyterian church in the city. It is an orthodox church, and resents any effort at change in its creeds or services. As in most churches, the communion wine is handed around in large cups, each communicant taking a sip and passing the cup on to his neighbor. When Dr. Forbes appeared at a meeting of the Governing Board of the church and declared that this system was not only offensive but also criminally dangerous, and that in the interest of decency and the general health some change ought to be made at once, he stirred up a hornets' nest about his ears. The older and more orthodox declared that it was little short of impious to think of making any change, and that the danger was purely mythical and began and ended in the imagination of a few health fanatics.
"Very well," said Dr. Forbes; "I'll prove that the danger is real if you will give me an opportunity. After the next communion, turn over to me one of the cups, with what wine is left in it, for analysis and examination."
