Hartlip Parish Magazine - July, 1918.

Dear Friends,

We now possess an abbreviated history of the parish, in the list of Vicars, which hangs on the N.W. Wall of the Church, and which was unveiled by Major Locke a short time ago, when we had a bright brief service suitable to the occasion. It is not every parish that possesses such a complete list, nor that is able to trace back to its first Vicar, nearly 700 years ago, viz. 1225 A.D. The list handed to me began with 1534 A.D., but to find out those who ministered here during the previous 309 years has entailed a search during the last 13 years, in our Hartlip Records, at Canterbury, at Rochester, at Lambeth Palace Library, at the Record Office, Chancery Lane, London, etc., etc. But the completion of a task brings a sense of joyful relief.

The Hartlip War Savings Association keeps quietly on at its patriotic War Work: and the member feel that in lending their money thus, they are helping on the cause of Freedom, Liberty and Justice for the World, and so helping the Allies to defeat the enemy of mankind. Perhaps some one says, "Oh, think of the waste going on." That may be true, but if the Huns win this war we shall writhe in slavery under their heels all our life for they will not ask us to lend our money, but will take it. Therefore let us be loyal citizens by lending the Country all we can, and so help to win and end the war. At the six-monthly audit, May 27, our takings were just over £200.

Whatever coins are put in the Alms Box at the Intercession Services for the present, go to the Church Army Fund to provide Huts and Tents for the men at the front, who appreciate very much these places of rest and recreation. In the recent German advance the C.A. lost some 55 of these places, which cost from £300 - £500 each to equip. Therefore in helping this Fund, we are helping our men in one of the best of ways.

No thoughtful person can enter the Church without being struck with the improved appearance

of the side Chapel. Indeed, I found a cyclist there the other day, who said, "I always come in here, whenever I pass through the village." Thank God for that. Now this is just what our Churches should be; a haven, or a magnet for souls, in life's battle and rush where they can be alone with God, which is often most difficult in small houses, and large families. I sincerely trust our beautiful Church will be made use of more and more in this way: where you may often go and plead with God for some soul at the front or for quiet thought and meditation.

Now in order to make the side chapel still more what it might be a brass cross is on order towards which one or two subscriptions have been given: a carpet for same 10ft. by 4ft.: a frontal: two brass candlesticks: kneelers, etc. I should be glad to receive offers of any of those, or subscriptions, towards the cost of such.

We hope to hold a "War Sale" as usual towards the end of July, together with a S.P.G. Stall: and trust you will bear this in mind, and give it your hearty support; the aim of which is to help our brave heroes, in these terrible battles, and in their after sufferings and weariness.

Your faithful friend and Vicar,

J. S. McMILLAN.

HOLY MATRIMONY.
"Those, whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder."
June12-Henry Thomas Milner Skinner and Ida Lucy Beales.
CALENDAR.
July-Mondays, 6.30 p.m. Wednesdays, 7.30 p.m. Intercessions.
Fridays, 6.30 p.m., War Litany.
"25-St. James, A.M. Holy Communion, 10.30 a.m.