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In December the village was heading for its second Christmas of warfare.
From the pulpit of the parish church Dr Anderson declared that, "We are all probably agreed that the present hour is one of great disappointment and grave national anxiety."
On Sunday the 12th a memorial service was held in the parish church for the ten members of the congregation and six parishioners who had fallen in the war so far. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, there was a large congregation present.
In December the power of prayer was obviously a dividing issue.
'On Sunday first intercessionary services will be held in all the churches on behalf of the national cause and that of our Allies. The weekly meetings have not been attended as one might have expected, and the churches appear to be very lukewarm about the power of prayer to affect the issues. At the front the army chaplains tell us the very reverse is the case, and that the men gladly flock to the services.'
Perhaps the editor of the Advertiser should have called upon the services of Pte Joseph Foster, of Gavieside, who was serving with a machine gun section, either in France or Egypt, and who during his period of training 'conducted very successful religious services amongst the troops at an English town.'
In true Christmas spirit the directors of the Oil Company decided to send festive gifts to oil workers serving abroad with the army and the Womens Work Party was as busy as ever.
'In the village and district Christmas was ushered in quietly, and the joy which is usually associated with the festive season was not much in evidence this year. This is doubtless due to the effects of the war which is now having a restraining influence on all forms of enjoyment.'
'It was our second war Christmas, but there is a feeling of hope that ere the bells ring out again the glad message, the clang of warfare may be hushed, and a long and enduring peace may be handed down as a dearly won heritage to our children.'
'GREAT events will happen for us in the year 1916. It should be for us, the year of victory. But the world may be sure we shall face whatever has to come with confidence and high heart. The spirit of our race has been tested in the past 17 months and found as true and as strong as of old.
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