Hartlip Parish Magazine. May, 1921.

Dear Friends,

Several of these items were excluded in last month's Magazine: The tragic depth of our Rural Dean, the Rev. J. G. Easton, was sudden in the extreme, occuring as it did in Newington Village, after preaching at Halstow Church. He was a great friend, and never refused if possible, my invitation to preach. We shall miss him and his visits to our Church very much indeed.

It is likely that we never had a more impressive Lantern Service than that on Good Friday evening last, certainly the slides were beautiful. The Easter Services were bright and helpful, with both good congregations and collections, and the Church was bedecked with lovely Spring flowers.

The Vestry Meeting was held in the Schoolroom on Tuesday, March 29th, at 6.30 p.m., with a fair attendance. The accounts showed a substantial balance on the right side, notwithstanding the fact that we had contributed to the varied work of the Church at Home and Abroad, and to charitable objects of various kinds, which was a most encouraging result. Lieutenant-Colonel Locke was nominated by the Vicar, and Sir William Haggard elected People's Warden for another year, and the same Six Sidesmen. The Annual Parochial Church Meeting followed at 7.30, when a good number attended. The P. C. Council were re-elected for the coming year, Colonel Locke being chosen to go to the Diocesan Conference; as he was already on one of its Committees. The Vicar read the Report of the Council's work for the past year, which was adopted and passed. A return was then made of the Collecting Cards for the Organ Cleaning Fund by each member of the Council, this amounted to £32, which together with Recital Offertories and a subscription, totalled nearly £38, leaving one or two cards still to be returned. Norman and Beard's estimate for the work being £67, it was thought well to have another.

Two of our oldest parishioners (present and past), were laid to rest in our Churchyard in Easter Week:- Elizabeth (Mrs. Henry) Hales had been in failing health for many years, and not being seen in the Village, was unknown to some. She was the eldest sister of Mr. George Godden. Her increasing weakness was bourne with christian cheerfulness, and the gap left must be sorely felt by him who mourns a true helpmate.

Sarah Blackman died at Milton Regis, where she went about 12 years ago to live near her daughter. Her husband, William Blackman, died at Lower Hartlip, twenty years ago. They were both much respected, and many were sorry when she left the parish.

Since beginning my letter I have heard of the death of James Rayner's widow at the age of 75. Many will remember him as the genial smiling road-foreman who died in May, 1915, leaving a

devoted and mourning widow, who was a martyr to rheumatism and chest affections, possibly the result of laborious work in former years. It is with profound regret that one records "the passing" of the older generation, for their true heartedness and gentleness of manner are perennials which seem to be passing out of cultivation.

On Sunday, May 1st, an appeal will be made in every Church in the land, on behalf of the Central Board of Finance of the Church of England. This Board is under the control of the National Assembly of the Church of England, and seeing that every one on the Electoral Roll of the Parish is represented in the Diocesan Conference and every Diocese is represented on the Board of Finance; therefore every Parish is indirectly represented on it. Hence we can see how it is up to us to give all we possibly can on May 1st on behalf of the general work of our Church, when she calls upon us to provide the means by which this work can be done. We contributed a substantial sum a year ago. Let us improve on that, if possible, this time. Dear friends, it is well now and then to discover how deep is our love to the Lord Jesus Christ; because if it is true and real, we shall want to help on His work to the utmost of our power. Here is an opportunity, put it to the test, for methinks that where our heart is there our money will go also. Please put your offering in the small envelope sent you and bring it to the Church on. May lst.

Rogation Tuesday, May 3rd, is the date (D.V.) for our Annual Open-Air Service in the Church-Yard, at 7 p.m. (if wet, in the Church). Everybody is invited, of course, for the crops have to do with each of us and this is an occasion when all can join in petitioning for their success.

Your faithful Friend and Pastor,

J. SMEDLEY McMILLAN.

Holy Matrimony.
"Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder."
Mar.26.-Stanley John Clinch and Bertha Flor-ence Mills.
Burials.
"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."
Mar.30.-Elizabeth Hales, aged 83 years.
Apl.2.-Sarah Blackman, aged 88 years.
Calendar.
May3.-ROGATION OPEN AIR SERVICE in Church yard, Tuesday, 7 p.m. Service Forms provided.
"5.-ASCENSION DAY.
9.0, Service for the School Children:
10.0, Holy. Communion.
7.30, Short Festival Service.
"11.-Confirmation at Newington Church.
"15.-WHIT SUNDAY. 8 & 12, Holy Communion
3.0, Children's Service.
"16.-Monday in Whit-week. Holy Communion, 10 a.m.