Hartlip Parish Magazine - November, 1920.

Dear Friends,

We duly observed the "Birthday" of our Parish Church on September 29th when we offered our Thanksgiving (which Eucharist means) at 10.30 a.m. Then our Evensong of Praise to the Father of All for His gift of our beautiful House of Prayer, for which we should be thankful, and express it by our regularly worshipping Him there "in spirit and in Truth." We were glad to see our friend the Rev. A. Reeve, who preached to a good congregation. The collections which amounted to £2/2/0 went to the Royal Agricultural Society.

On October 10th we rendered to Almighty God our humble thanks for "the kindly fruits of the earth." Tunstall "Thanksgiving" being that day, the Rector and I exchanged at 11 a.m. Canon Denham preached to a crowded congregation at 6.30 p.m. (perhaps the greatest we have ever had) showing that, in the midst of our gladness there is often a note of sadness. The gifts of fruit, flowers. &c. were gratuitously taken to Rochester hospital on the Monday by a kind volunteer. The collections which totalled £5/16/8 were in aid of the same Hospital. The Church was decorated with choice flowers on both occasions, for which I express to those concerned my appreciation.

The much anticipated and prepared for S.P.G. Exhibition was duly held on October 14th. At 12 o'clock a band of our loyal men arrived, and soon transformed the School, putting up the large platform and also the six portable Stalls; the holders of which soon draped them and arranged attractively the exhibits. By 3 o'clock all was in readiness, when a goodly audience found the room colour a blaze of colour and curios; with a stall full of fascinuating books, alluringly displayed. After a hymn and prayers the Vicar explained that he had got excemption from the Entertainment Tax, on condition that the whole takings went to S.P.G. He then called on Col. Locke to open the Exhibition, who in declaring it open made a speech on the importance of Missioniary enterprise in all lands, and the binding obligation on every Christian to assist in the same; recalling the part he took with others in his school days in connection with this work. Mr. Perry proposed a vote of thanks to Col. Locke. Then the Guild of children in costume rendered some Native Melodies, which were much appreciated. The curios were then looked at, and tea at 6d. each was served at 4 o'clock. The addmission from 3-5.30 was 6d., but at 4.30 children were admitted at 3.d. From 5.30-7 we closed. At 7 o'clock we re-opened, the admission being 3d. for all ages, when the room was soon crowded, and it became difficult for all to view the curios. Mr. Perry gave most interesting talks on Japan, China, etc. which were listened to with rapt attention. The children sung some Native Melodies

to which the throng eagerly listened and heartily applauded. At 9 o'clock we brought to a close another most successful Exhibition, and I sincerely hope that it may bring home to us the vital necessity of supporting the Missionary Societies not once and again, but regularly. The money taken (at the door and for teas) was £3/7/0, and at the book stall £2/13/10. Those responsible for the stalls were:- India, Mrs. Lewis Hales; Japan, Lady Haggard; Central Africa, Mrs. J. Harris; Australasia, Miss Fausset Osborne; China, Mrs, Rainey; Books, Mrs. Locke; South Africa, Mrs. Labrum. I warmly appreciate the help of (1) the men before and after: (2) the stall holders and assistants: (3) the children in practicing the melodies so persistently and rendering so excellently: (4) the men in charge of the door: (5) the tea makers.

On October we laid to rest in our churchyard John Clout, who had been a great sufferer for some time, being in constantb pain. He was a ringer for many years at our Church. Though the home is being given up, we are glad to know that relations are providing for the younger ones.

November 7th, the Sunday before Armistice Day, will be observed throughout the country by Thanksgiving and Memorial Services. We shall use special forms that day, and the collections to train ex-Soldiers for the Ministry. Generals Haig and Allenby beg us to give freely.

November 14th is Red-Cross Sunday, when we are asked by those in authority to generously give as far as we can to the support of this all important work.

There are soume subscriptions quite due for: (1) the magazine for 1920, I should be glad to have them at once:(2) the Churchyard, it is only by the help of the many that we can keep tidy the place where your dead lie.

Your faithful Friend and Pastor,

J. SMEDLEY MCMILLAN.

BURIAL.
Oct.6-John Clout, aged 53 years.
HOLY BAPTISM.
Oct.10-Basil Henry, Son of Henry T. M. and Ida L. Skinner, Rainham.
Calendar.
Nov.1-"All Saints" H.C. at 10.30 a.m.
"7-Collections for training soldiers.
"11-Armistice Day - Services will be published
"14-Collections for RED CROSS work
"28-ADVENT SUNDAY
"30-St. Andrew A.M. H.C. at 10.30 a.m.