ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 June 1941, Page 2

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

ANNUAL CHURCH PARADE. GATHERING AT ST. MATTHEW'S. | Every year, throughout the Dominion, a church parade of members of the St. John Ambulance is held on the Sunday nearest to the anniversary of the birth of St. John the Baptist. This year the observance fell last Sunday and the local parade w'-s held at St. Matthew's .Anglican Church. There was a large muster of members. Under the direction of the Divisional Commander, members marched into the church. There was a large congregation and appropriate hymns and psalms were selected. The Ven. Archdeacon E. J. Rich, Vicar of the parish, said that all were proud to see the Order so well represented at their annual parade. He said that in their remarkable zeal for help in time of need, they were a shining example to the world and perhaps more than in any other way, this ready response to service for others was an ideal that should help to inspire all. It was in every way a lead that was emphatically needed at all times and specially now when the Empire and her Allies were beset by so many and so great dangers and needed every atom of help possible. Therefore he would urge on all. in the church and outside, to follow the lead given by the Order of St. John. There were thirty-four members of the division on parade. They were led by Mrs Whitehouse, Superintendent, and with her were associated Mrs IV. Stuart. Commander of the Voluntary Aids, and Mrs McKenzie, Lady Ambulance Officer. Owing to illness the Divisional Secretary. Mrs H. H. Thompson, was absent. The Men's Division was taking part in the Home Guard manoeuvres. In all the churches there were prayers for the great order and its members and for the success of the Allied forces.