Hartlip Parish Magazine - December, 1919.

Dear Friends,

Ere you read this the Appeal for the "Church Porch War Memorial" will be in your hands, it has been purposely held back for months so as not to interfere with the other Memorial. But now it is imperative to appeal for Funds, that the work may be put in hand ere prices get higher, so I trust for that reason, and also for the sake of the "Glorious Dead," as also for the sake of the "Gallant Living," you, and the latter, will respond generously to that appeal. About half the cost is already subscribed. A plan of the work hangs in the Porch.

Owing to the scarcity of singing boys available for the Choir just now, we have had to invite the assistance - which has been most readily given - of ladies' voices. They sit in front, on the north side of the Choir with the men behind, and practise every Thursday evening. This has made a marked improvement in our singing, and tends to the greater Glory of God in our worship.

We also welcome back four of our men to the Choir, who during the War, were serving their King and Country at home or abroad, and doubtless must often have been reminded of the old Church when singing, whether on the Western Front, or in an Italian village, or even among the Judæn Hills, the hymns we so much love.

A new venture was initiated on Friday, November 14, in our dear old Church, when an Organ Recital was given at 7 p.m. by Mr. E. W. Chaney, organist of Gillingham (Kent) Parish Church, who fully displayed his remarkable ability in using to the utmost the power and scope, the light and shade, the sweetness and beauty of our valuable organ, all of which were fully brought out in the various pieces played.

Mr. P. S. Wadey, of All Souls, Camberwell, with his excellent tenor voice, sang "Comfort ye, my people" and "O rest in the Lord," which were very much appreciated.

This is the first of a series of Organ Recitals which our young organist, Mr. J. Rogers, who is full of enthusiasm, has arranged; and the venture was justified both by the good attendance and the generous offertory in aid of the Porch Memorial. We congratulate Mr. Rogers, and trust the next will be as great a musical treat, and as well attended. It goes without saying that on these, as on all other occasions, our Parish Church offers a welcome to every parishioner.

We must all be interested in the success of the "League of Nations." The American partisans have hit it hard. However, we should all pray earnestly that ere long it may be fully accomplished, because it aims at the peace of the world.

We are now in the season of Advent, with its solemn message of preparation for the Lord's second coming. He has been speaking to us in unmistakable ways during the past five years. Let us be ever ready to listen to His calls and strive to be as men who wait for their Lord's return.

And the Advent Season should be the preparation for a suitable keeping and due observance of the gladsome Festival of Christmas. Oh, may He in truth come down into very many waiting hearts in this our village; and may every communicant endeavour to be in the Lord's House that or the following days to receive His Body and His Blood in the Holy Sacrament.

May you and all yours enjoy a peaceful and joyful Xmastide, and God's blessing be upon you, and especially upon our sick ones.

Your faithful Friend,

J. SMEDLEY McMILLAN.

HOLY BAPTISM.
"Suffer the little Children to come unto Me."
Nov.2-Kathleen Eveline, daughter of Alfred John and Clara Ann Philpott.
"2-Irene May, daughter of Percy and Emily Ward.
"2-Gladys Emily, daughter of Percy and Emily Ward.
CALENDAR.
Dec.9-Organ Recital in Church at 7 p.m. Collection for Porch Memorial.
"14-Take Ember Envelopes home.
"17, 19, 20 - Ember Days.
"21-Return Ember Pence Envelopes, please.
"25-CHRISTMAS DAY.
8.0, Holy Communion.
11.0, Mattins and Sermon.
12.0, Holy Communion.
"26-St. Stephen. Holy Communion, 10.30.
"27-St. John, E. Holy Communion, 10.30.
"28-Innocents' Day, last Sunday in year.