Hartlip Parish Magazine - November, 1918.

Dear Friends,

When will the Huns cease their atrocities at sea? They have added one more to the list for which we trust ere long they will have to answer; by the sinking of the Irish cross-Channel Steamship Leinster, on October 10, without a moment's warning. Words fail to express our indignation.

Not only was the loss of life great, but we are grieved to say that one born in Hartlip was amongst the number, viz.: Capt. Harold Locke, who must have been known to many of you. He had lived in Ireland for a number of years, and was crossing over to England on military duty. Our profound sympathy goes out to his widow in her sudden and great bereavement; to his sorrowing sisters, as also to his many brothers who are serving in different parts of the world.

This week in which I write has been a very sad one for the parish, and will long be remembered as one of trouble and sorrow. On Wednesday evening, October 16, as we left the Church after the 7.0 Intercession Service, lo! the sky was lit up by a fierce fire, which turned out to be the thatched cottage, on the lower road, occupied by Fred Attwood and family. There was a difficulty in getting water, and in the meanwhile the fire got the upper hand and gutted the building. We sympathise with Mr. and Mrs. Attwood in losing their home and so many of their possessions; and also with Mr. H. Hales in the loss of his picturesque cottage. The moral of this catastrophe is that it is the bounden duty of every householder to insure his possessions in case of fire. The premium is a mere pittance compared with the benefit secured.

That same night (1.30 a.m.) there passed away, after a brief illness, Ellen, the devoted wife of Gunner Albert Cork, of double pneumonia, following upon influenza. So suddenly did this illness develop, that her husband only with difficulty got home in time to find her in a conscious state. This is a really sad case of a happy home being torn asunder by death. May the Divine Consoler compose and comfort the heartbroken husband as he returns to serve his King and Country, and he assuredly carries with him the profound sympathy of his native place.

On Friday, October 18, a letter arrived with the news that Pte. Fred Rayfield had died of wounds on the Western Front. He joined up in Canada, finished his training on Salisbury Plain and went out some three months ago. His last letter, as usual, so cheery and happy, also arrived on the 18th. So another name is

added to our Roll of Honour (hanging in the side chapel), of one who did his bit and gave his All for Truth and Justice. I trust this great thought may be a comfort and joy to his sorrowing parents and sister.

It was very pleasing to see the Festival of the Dedication of the Church, September 29, St Michael's Day - so well observed this year, and the good congregation at 6.30 p.m., who joined so heartily in our bright Evensong, when the sermon was preached by Rev. J. Palliser David, Vicar of Strood. The offertories that day (£2 3s. 7d.), for the Royal Agricultural Institution, were the best for years.

Our services were very wholehearted and congregational on the occasion of our Thanksgiving for the Harvest on Sunday, October 13, when we had a great multitude in the evening who listened with rapt attention to the well-thought-out discourse by Canon La Touche. The collections (£4 10s.) for the day, which I am glad to say were in excess of any since the year 1904, were duly forwarded to St. Bart. Hospital, Rochester, together with about a bushel of very fine apples, various vegetables, grapes and beautiful flowers, all of which were a handsome contribution to the Hospital larder, and have been gratefully acknowledged.

As you know, November 29, being the eve of St. Andrew's, is the Day of Intercession for Foreign Missions. From November 24 to December 1, a push is being organized in this Deanery with the object of stirring up greater interest in Foreign Mission work. This work should be our first care, if not we are very second-hand Christians indeed. For was it not our Lord's last command, "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to EVERY CREATURE, baptizing them," etc. Therefore seeing this, was HIS WISH, it ought to be our business to see it done. A Deputation is coming to preach on Sunday, November 24, at 3 o'clock. Further particulars of this week will be put on the Notice Board.

Your faithful friend and Vicar,

J. S. McMILLAN.

CALENDAR.
Nov.24 - Dec. 1 - Foreign Missions Week.
"24-Special Service - Deputation gives address, 3 o'clock.
"30-Holy Communion, 10.30 a.m.