CHURCH EXTENSION AT ALDERSHOT. tTo TES EDITOR OF ITS nSPECTATOR.")
SIE,—May I beg for space in your columns to bring to the notice of soldiers and their friends, and of the public generally, a matter that I feel convinced I am justified in calling of general interest? Briefly stated, an attempt is being made to meet the spiritual needs of what was a few years ago the village of Aldershot, but is now a rapidly growing town, with a civilian population of nearly twenty thousand, entirely created by the demands of the military camp. The Bishop of Winchester appointed a Commission which reported a grave deficiency in church accommodation in Aldershot, and the pressing need for (1) the enlargement of the small parish church ; (2) the erection of a new church in another part of the parish. This was a year ago. Since then 23,000 has been collected, and the foundation-stone of the new church is to be laid by H.R.H. Princess Christian on May 8th next. ELM. the King and H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught have generously supported the fund, and the parishioners them- selves are doing their utmost ; but 26,000 more is needed, and it is to bring to the notice of all who desire this soldiers' town to become in moral and religious matters a better home for the greatest camp of the Empire that I ask the hospitality of your columns. A meeting was held at 3 Grosvenor Place last week (the Hon. W. F. Smith, M.P., in the chair), when the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of Winchester, General the Hon. Sir Neville Lyttelton, and the Right Hon. St. John Brodriek all united in urging that this appeal is a matter of national importance. Donations will be thankfully received by the Rev. C. E. Hoyle, The Vicarage, Aldershot, or by the London and County or Capital and Counties Banks, Aldershot.—I am, Sir, &c.,
F. EIISTACK, Major-General (Member of Local Committee).
Aldershot.
[We break our rule in regard to the publishing of local appeals because, though this one may seem local, it is in truth of national importance. We therefore sincerely trust that General Eustace's appeal will meet with a very generous response. It is of vital importance that the large number of men who are undergoing military training at Aldershot should not be without the moral and spiritual influences derived from divine worship.—En. Spectator.] ,
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