Hartlip Parish Magazine - September, 1917.

Dear Friends,

We have had many novel experiences in our Parish during the past thirteen years, but none of the nature of that on Sunday, July 29, when (for the first time, as far as one is aware) we held a "Memorial Service" for those from this parish who have fallen in the war.

The S.P.C.K. had published a special Form of Service for such occasions, of which I secured from the London depot an ample supply which, together with suitable hymns, made a very appropriate and touching service, which the large congregation seemed fully to enter into. The three heroes of whom we thought that evening were Mark Albert Attwood, Rifle Brigade, age 20, reported missing June, 1916, officially reported killed last June; Chas. William Skinner, age 20 on joining the 78th Batt. Canadians, fell April 9 last in the great battle of Vimy Ridge; Edward Thos. Apps was 22 when he joined 3rd Batt. Buffs in August, 1915. He fell May 3, 1917.

These men, we believe, fell at their post doing their part in the historic struggle for freedom from German world power.

The third anniversary of the outbreak of war fell this year on a Saturday, but Sunday, August 5, we observed as being more convenient; we used special Forms of Service morning and evening, when we had very good congregations, especially at 6.30. The services being of a special character to suit the commencement of the fourth year of war, were such as to compel the attention of heart and mind, and make us ask ourselves had we fully appreciated the bountiful mercy of God lavished upon us during the past three years, and also if we realised what we owe to the gallant men on sea and land and in the air who stand between us and the enemy.

What better are we than the Serbs, Poles, Belgians and Montenegrins or Armenians? For while they have lost everything, we by comparison have lost nothing, we can fully say on this occasion: "surely goodness and mercy have followed us," especially during the past three years of war.

As announced a month ago, we had on August 8 a small sale for War Funds in the Vicarage garden. The weather was sunny till opening time, 3.30, when a few drops fell with increasing showers at intervals which compelled us to close about 7 p.m., but not before we had taken some £24, which was exceedingly good, considering the day. The net amount will be less seeing some things had to be bought. But a few things are still being sold, and one or

two outstanding amounts have still to come in, after which we shall be able to state the NET satisfactory result.

St. Michael's Day falls on a Saturday this time, which is an awkward day to observe the Dedication Festival (our church's birthday). It may therefore be necessary to keep the Festival next day, i.e. the Sunday, but this has not been settled (at the time of writing my letter), so must be announced during the month, as also the date of the Harvest Thanksgiving.

I would remind you of the three Ember Days, Sept. 19, 21 and 22, when we are bidden to pray for those about to be ordained. And they the days when we usually contribute our penny for each day towards the expenditure of training men for holy orders. See Calendar below.

I am sure many of you will be very pleased to hear that Major Locke's brother, viz., C. Montagu Luck, has been promoted a Brigadier-General for his valuable work in the Water Transport Dept. in Flanders; therefore I offer Brigadier-General C. Montagu Luck our heartfelt congratulations. I may say that he has a warm place in his heart for our old and infirm people at Christmas time.

As many of you may have observed, the brick-layers, carpenters and painters have been very busy for three weeks at the Vicarage, outbuildinqs and fences.

This was not my choice, but "the Dilapidations Act" requires that this work be done at certain periods: therefore I am complying with the law in having all this expensive work done: which is also in connection with our Dilapidation Easter Day Offerings.

Your faithful friend and Pastor,

J. S. McMILLAN.

OFFERTORIES IN JULY.
				£	s.	d.
June	1	-	Quota	0	10	7
"	8	-	Church Expenses	0	19	2
"	15	-	Sick and Poor	0	13	8
"	22	-	Church Expenses	1	8	7
"	29	-	Organ and Choir Fund	0	19	8
Wednesday - Clergy Orphan Schools				0	4	5
"		- S.P.C.K.		0	3	7

CALENDAR.
Sept.	16	-	Take Ember Envelope home for pence.
"	19, 21 and 22 - Ember Days.
"	23	-	Return Ember Pence Envelopes.
"	29	-	St. Michael and All Angels: 10.30 a.m., Holy Communion.

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