SAINT JOHN’S DAY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 19 June 1937, Page 9

SAINT JOHN’S DAY

ANNUAL CHURCH PARADE TO-MORROW’S SERVICE C'onsonaiil witli branches in most parts ol the Empire the Nelson sub-centre ol the St. IJohn Ambulance Association will Hold its annual church parade on the Sunday in the week in which St. John s Day falls—this year in All Saints Church at the evening service, on Sunday, 20th June.

The Rev. Neill Chambers is to deliver a special address, and has kindly consented to a retiring collection to be taken up for the funds ol the Opthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem. A quotation from H. V. Morton’s “In the Steps of the Master,” is of interest at this time: I remember that there is still one place in the Holy Land where a crusading order performs its original function —the care of the sick. This is tlie eye hospital of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, whose Priory in Clerkenwell is, by tlie way, one of the most interesting places in London. Tlie revival of the Grand Priory of England over a century ago, and tlie magnificent work it has done since for the care of the sick in peace and war, justify that over-used word 'romance.'

“The cross of tlie Order lies in Jerusalem above tlie eye hospital whose full name is like a fanfare of crusading trumpets. Inside the white modern building tnere are no politics! Moslem, Christian, and Jew are all received and caved for under the authority of one of the most brilliant opthalmic' surgeons in the world. Attendances at this hospital anually number over 80,000, and more than 3,000 operations are performed every year.” Those unable to attend the service and who would like to make a contribution to help to carry on this great work, may leave their donations with the Rev. Neill Chambers, All Saints’ Vicarage, or with the Hon. Secretary, Mr F. W. Huggins, 12? Trafalgar street.