HARTLIP PARISH MAGAZINE.

MAY, 1912.

Dear Friends,

When writing my last letter the Coal Strike was maiming the country; since then it has practically ended, for which we must be very thankful, and trust that all concerned have learnt some never-to-be-forgotten lessons.

Our Lenten Week-night Services are always well attended, but this year showed an improvement, and even more appreciation.

I am sure we were all built up in things spiritual by the entrancing discourses of the Rev. J. G. Easton, for which I feel much indebted to him. Doubtless it was the result of this, as shown (1st) in the larger than ever congregation at the Lantern Service on Good Friday evening, when we had beautiful pictures illustrating the last scenes in our Lord's life, and (2nd) in the largest-on-record number of Communicants on Easter Day, viz., 68 at 8 a.m. and 27 at noon, then on the Monday and Tuesday, including the sick there were 14, making a total of 109. This is 23 in excess of the next highest number, viz., in 1907, which is not accounted for by visitors, for there were few in the village this year; but I trust it is an indication of a widespread desire to live near to God.

The Easter Services were bright and very well attended. The decorations were not elaborate; but were arranged with great taste and no little labour, with the result that, to quote one of many expressions, "no Church ever looked prettier." I trust all-our helpers will therefore feel fully repaid for their labour of love bestowed on the House of God.

The Annual Vestry was held in the Schoolroom on Thursday, April 11, at 7 p.m. It was once more my privilege to thank the Churchwardens for their work during the past year, and also my pleasure again to nominate Mr. R. G. E. Locke as my Warden, while Mr. T. E. Denson was unanimously elected as the People's. Then followed the election of Sidesmen, the duties of which, were amusingly read by the Chairman. The Accounts, presented by Mr. Locke, were passed as most satisfactory, with a decided balance in hand, although £20 was allocated a year ago to the Heating Fund. This latter Fund had also succeeded surprisingly seeing that since September some £176 had been raised for it; then to this was voted £15 from the Church Accounts balance, leaving only £11 to be raised.

A special vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Locke for this magnificent result, as also to Mrs. McMillan for collecting some £26 for the same.

The Vicar proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the Auditors, the Organist, Sunday School Teachers, Sidesmen, and Bellringers.

I hope, D.V, again to hold an Open-Air Rogation Service in the Churchyard on Rogation

Tuesday, May 14, at 7 p.m., as an act of penitence for the past, and also to intercede on behalf of the seeds and crops that God's blessing may rest upon them.

This is a very ancient custom which the good people of old practised, and which we are trying to revive, and thereby acknowledge more fully that it is in very truth "God that giveth the increase." I heartily invite all my parishioners, without exception, to this Service, which was so appreciated last year.

The Anniversary of the Ascension of our Lord falls two days later, viz., the 16th; as it was an event of such vital importance to the Christian Church, we ought to observe it. The Services will be found below.

Whitsunday is on the 26th; that tells us of power given to the little band, who were met together in faith and prayer. Oh, let us assemble together at His Table and His House on that day, and expect to be "endued" with a little "power from on high."

The terrible disaster that befel the "Titanic" Mail Steamer about midnight on Sunday, April 14, is appalling in the extreme. On the calmest of nights over 2,300 people were sailing the Atlantic, confident in the safety of that gigantic craft, when suddenly she crashed into an iceberg, and ere help could arrive she went down, and thereby 1,635 souls were ushered into Eternity. Lord, have mercy upon them. Verily, no soul is saved till it enters at last the fair haven where it would be.

Yours sincerely,

J. S. McMillan.

OFFERTORIES FOR MARCH.
£s.d.
March3-Church Expenses198
"10-Sunday School Fund125
"17-Church Expenses01811
"24-Diocesan C.E.T.S.145
"25-A.C.S.020
"31-Organ and Choir Fund108
CALENDAR.
May14-Open-Air Rogation Service in Churchyard at 7 p.m. (in Church if wet).
"16-Ascension Day.
8.30, Children's Service.
10.30, Holy Communion.
8 p.m., Evening Service.
"19-Empire Sunday. Higher Duties of Citizens.
"26-Whitsunday.
8.0 and noon, Holy Communion.
"27-Holy Communion, 10.30 a.m.