The Church Army In The Field.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 36, Issue 7, 1 October 1945, Page 15

The Church Army In The Field.

(By the Rev. K. Button, C.F.)

Church people m New Zealand have every cause to feel nothing but pride for it's work. It is deserving of, and has received, the highest praise. There is something homely and per sonar about the Church Army (at least that is what I have found m, this Regiment). It is good to see how the men seek if out and find their way to it at every opportunity. There is a traditional way of running it here which gives one the impression that the men run it themselves and that it is their show. There doesn't seem to be any private property m one sense, because all the Church Army has belongs unreservedly to the men. - Tea is turned on at regular hours, but there is never anything to stop anyone putting on a brew for himself if he feels like it and anybody round about joins m. The Church Army does the welfare work entirely, and the spiritual work of the Padre I do entirely myself. The Church Army keeps me supplied with such things as cigarettes and biscuits which one often finds . occasion to distribute. Generally Church Services and Holy Communion, especially, are held at the Church Army. It is great when one has a Confirmation or Bible Class, to find a cup of tea for all with biscuits or cake, unexpectedly brought m. The Church Army is most thoughtful. One or two reflections .... All our Church Army personnel have been combatants m the field. This gives them an immediate understanding of the men. The division „ of labour into spiritual and welfare works excellently. We can each do our own jobs best if we 'do them ourselves, while, each has the full sympathy and understanding .of ' the other. Both are more than fulltime jobs and the Church Army is recognised as having a close connection with the Padre. Every Churchman may be unreservedly proud of the Church Army's work and it. is satisfying m the extreme to see how quickly the men respond and. show their gratitude for what is done for them. I think it is a weakness if a Padre has to depend upon doing wel- . fare work, m getting the sympathy of the men. I believe that the Church Army's work m the Field depends on the men who do it and we could not have had better men and no one who knows our Church Army would think of denying it.