Hartlip Parish Magazine - July, 1917.

Dear Friends,

Not for a long time has there been so much illness in the Parish as during the last few months, especially amongst the older people: which still continues, and in several cases rather seriously.

Doubtless the prolonged winterly weather has rendered them more susceptible to attack; together with the sudden advent of hot weather, which has proved to be too much for them.

Emma Cornford, - who never recovered from the strain of nursing her husband night and day till his death just two years ago, had kept about doing her house duties until June 1, when she suddenly collapsed. The doctor was called in, but she gradually got worse, and passed peacefully away early on Sunday morning, June 3. She was the last of her generation, and like her late sister, she was one of nature's gentlewomen.

Such was her sense of duty, although her means were very limited, that only a very short time before her death she insisted on giving me her usual subscription to the Graveyard Fund, declaring that she would not be a loser thereby.

After about a year's uncertainty as to the fate of Mark Albert Attwood, who was reported "wounded and missing," his parents have now been officially informed that he is dead. Our sympathy is freely extended to his family in the loss of a brave son and brother, for he joined up in the early days of the war to fight for King and Country.

But he has the honour of giving his life in the great cause of freeing Europe from the designed yoke and bondage of cruel Germany; and also has the distinction of being the FIRST from Hartlip who in this war has made "the Great Sacrifice."

As I write, the official news is to hand that Charles Wm. Skinner, 78th Batt. Gren. Guards, Winnipeg, was killed in Vimy Ridge battle.

The Canadians fought most heroically in that great "push" to take "the ridge," which they succeeded in doing, to their lasting honour. But the price was a heavy one, and so it is that one of our families, like so many in Canada, are mourning to-day the loss of a brave son and brother.

Edward Thos. Apps, 3rd Buffs, is also reported killed to-day. Like so many of our Kentish men

he has nobly done his bit, and made "the Great Sacrifice" and none can do more. We sympathise sincerely with his father and sister.

And in the excitement of the great happenings at the front, we would not forget those who have been sent back - badly wounded; and others though not suffering from the Huns' shot or shell are "sick and weak." We would have them know we don't forget them, and sincerely wish them a speedy return to health and strength.

We continue our Intercession services regularly and remember by name every man who is serving his country in the war, from Hartlip, each Wednesday evening. It would be rather nice to see more people - especially the relatives - attend to intercede at the Throne of Grace for the men who are risking everything for us, by sea, land and air. It must hearten them out there to know that we never tire, going to Church regularly, to join together in prayer for them. And as Sunday comes round they think of us in the little Church at home, "met together with one accord in one place."

Has the Blessed Lord not said, "Where two or three are gathered together in My Name there am I in the midst?" Oh, what we lose every Lord's Day from not being one of those in God's House.

Your faithful friend and Pastor,

J. S. McMILLAN.

OFFERTORIES.
				£	s.	d.
May	6	-	Quota	0	5	1
"	13	-	Church Expenses	0	14	3
"	17	-	Friends of Clergy Corporation	0	5	9
"	20	-	Church Expenses	0	10	8
"	27	-	Diocesan Church Fund - Quota	0	19	7
Two Wednesdays - Church Orphan School				0	2	8
May	24 and 25 - S.P.C.K.			0	2	7

BURIAL.
"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord"
June	6	-	Emma Cornford, aged 63 years.

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