Page:Distinguished Churchmen.djvu/395

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THE REV. JOHN COX EDGHILL, D.D.
345

others is highly appreciated. The influence of the ladies with the soldiers is most striking. Yes; there is great need of lay agents who are loyal to the Church. I ought not to refrain from mentioning the good work done by the Church of England Soldiers' Institute Association, and its most energetic and devoted secretary, Colonel Hughes, C.B., C.M.S. It has helped to build a large number of institutes, which are doing splendid work.”

“Is there anything more you would like to add about the services?”

“It may, perhaps, be of interest to mention that collections are made at the parade services from the whole congregation once a month. These collections are disposed of for any religious or charitable objects in connection with the Church of England, which the chaplains or churchwardens desire to aid, subject to the approval of the General Officer Commanding. Then it is important to note what happens, in order to keep up the continuity of the work. On the removal of a regiment, or any body of troops from a station, it is the custom for the chaplain to send a list of the communicants, lay helpers, Sunday school teachers, etc., to the chaplain in charge of the station to which they are moved. On the removal from a station, the chaplain himself leaves, for the information of his successor, similar lists and full details of the work he has carried on. The general officers—it is