Hartlip Parish Magazine. February, 1922.

St. Leonards-on-Sea.

January 19th, 1922.

Dear Friends,

As soon as I was able to move we came here, in the hope that the change and this sunny place would quickly pick me up. We have made the most of the fine days, with the result that I feel much stronger, and hope to be home next week and take my duty.

Some of my clerical neighbours, particularly at Rochester and Gillingham, helped me splendidly in my time of need; as did the Rev. H. T. Young on several occasions, to whom I would express my profound gratitude: especially to Mr. Parker, who deprived himself of home and family on Christmas Day in order to help me out.

On Friday, December 23rd, the Choir Boys were entertained by Colonel and Mrs. Locke, at Dane House, to tea and games, and evidently had a most enjoyable time.

The Church as usual was tastefully decorated by kind helpers for the Festival of the Incarnation. The services were taken by the Rev. W. Parker of King's School, Rochester. I understand the services were bright, the Anthem being well rendered. At 3.30 p.m., Carols. were sung by the Choir, at the close of Evening Prayer, and were much enjoyed. I would express my appreciation to Organist and Choir.

On the last day of the year, a very pretty Wedding took place in our Church, when the bridegroom was Mr. Richard J. Ongley, one of our Parochial Church Councillors, and the bride Miss Edith Gertrude Homewood of Newington. We wish them every happiness in the home they are furnishing in Hartlip. It was a great disappointent to me not to be able to take this wedding, which had long been my hope; but the Rev. C. Reinold kindly came and helped me out.

Another disappointment (amongst others), was my not being able to be present at the Sunday School Treat, which took place in the Schoolroom, on Wednesday, January 4th, when the children as usual very much enjoyed themselves. After their games, "Father Christmas" arrived; he was so well got up and so carefully disguised that probably very few recognised his identity. He then brought forth goodly things, in the old way, for all the juniors present.

The Sunday School Prizes for the year 1921, were presented at the Children's Service on New Year's Day, by the Rev. W. Parker.

Two deaths have occurred of men, both non-parishioners, who were diversely connected with Hartlip. On the morrow of Christmas Day, Mr. Walter Chas. Stunt, of Lorenden, Ospringe, had a seizure, which left him speechless. It was hoped he might perchance rally, but this was not to be, and he passed away on January 12th. He was a

strong and zealous Churchman and generous supporter of her societies. He will be much missed in Ospringe Parish and neighbourhood. He will also be much missed by some of us here, for as one of our School Trustees, he was of great use to us, by reason of his wide and long experience and ripe judgement.

Our late parishioner Mr. Thos. Kitchingharn, Sen., who had been under the doctor for a time, then in Middlesex Hospital; and on his return, we understood, was making progress. I was distressed to hear by letter of his death on January 14th, at his home in Rainham. Our sincere sympathy goes out to Mrs. Kitchingham and her family in their sad bereavement.

Another death of one, though not of Hartlip, viz.:- Mr. Frank Glass, baker, Rainham. I had known him for seventeen years, he was always obliging, pleasant and courteous, and a devoted son.

Some of you may be thinking that there will be no Parish Almanac this year. I have it ready however, and hope, as per usual, to bring it round myself on our return home. It has three pictures, the sublect of which is "The Love that can't grow old." The centre one speaks for itself, showing the love of the young man and maiden under the tree; while the old couple on the bridge illustrates "The true love that, can't grow old." While the picture on the left, gives us the idea of work, which we should love, because Jesus Christ worked, and therefore He made work honourable. Then the one on the right shows us the Place we should all love, viz.:— the Church of God; and if we love it (and of course Him too), we shall feel drawn to go there Sunday by Sunday, as the hymn writer says so truly:

"We love the place o' God
Wherein Thine honour dwells.
The joy of Thine abode
No earthly joy excels."

I remain, your Faithful Friend and Pastor,

J. SMEDLEY McMILLAN.

Holy Matrimony.
Dec.31.-Richard Jesse Ongley and Edith Gertrude Homewood.
Calendar.
Feb.2.-The Purification of the B.V.M.. Holy Communion 10 a.m.
"12.-Septuagesima. Preacher 11 and 6.30 The Ven. the Archdeacon of Maidstone.
"19.-Sexagesima.
"24.-St, Matthias. A. & M. Holy Communion 10 a.m.
"26.-Quinquagisima.
"28.-Eve of Ash Wednesday.