Egerton Street Baptist Church

Annual Report

April 1943

During the past year sixteen members and adherents enlisted in the Armed Forces, making a total of forty-eight now serving for King and Country. Eleven are with the Navy, eighteen with the Army and nineteen with the Airforce.

We are proud of the calibre of our young men and women, for several have distinguished themselves and their names will not be forgotten when this conflict is ended. It was with deep regret that we learned of the death of Jack Ryckman "killed in action over Malta." He was a valued member of our Sunday School. Jack won his commission for "meritorious service in the field of operation," and was a hero in as much as he paid the supreme sacrifice.

We must not forget Bert Crampton, wounded at Dieppe, and Gordon Fletcher, wounded in operations over Berlin, and all those who are serving so valiantly, and stand ready to make the supreme sacrifice if needed.

We are pleased to have Jack Malone and Don Ross back from overseas. Don has just recently returned to England, while Jack is now an instructor with the R.C.A.F. at St. Huberts, P.Q. and has received his promotion for his splendid work, as with Bob Hay, who received his commission for "devotion to duty" on the West Coast.

This is but a synopsis of what our young men and women are doing, but it has spurred on the members of the War Services Committee to do all they can for them. In every letter received, mention has been made of appreciation for the work being done and words of encouragement for us to carry on. We have tried in every way to maintain a close contact with them and their church. Boxes were packed and sent to those overseas and on duty in the Navy, also gifts to those serving in Canada.

The monthly bulletin is sent regularly, in which we endeavour to give them the latest news and activities. Greeting cards are sent with respect to Birthdays and to cheer any who may be ill or confined to hospital. On approval of the committee, Fred Hinton arranged through the "Christian Commandos" of Toronto, to send scriptural tracts each week to the men and women on active service.

We realize that our work has been made possible through the efforts of our church organizations and Sunday School classes; therefore we take this opportunity of expressing our appreciation to these groups for their support and encouragement. Special thanks to the S.F.O. Class and Men's Brotherhood for the placing of the colours in our church auditorium, which we hope will be an everlasting reminder that we must not fail those who have faith in us.

Yours respectfully,
War Services Committee