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THE NATIONAL SERVICE COMMISSION AND ITS WORK

The churches of America are united in the resolve to serve the moral and religious interests of enlisted men. No matter what the cost it must be done. This means swift, intelligent and united action. First, the appointment of competent chaplains is being furthered on behalf of all Protestants by the Federal Council of Churches. Second, through the Y. M. C. A. the churches are solidly behind this effort. Third, by co-operation with the Fosdick Commission.

In each cantonment are some 40,000 men; for every 3900 there is a chaplain. There is a staff of Y. M. C. A. secretaries manning the "huts." To them must fall all that is done inside the camp. But thousands of soldiers are off duty every day outside the camps where perils confront them. Shall no hand of welcome be extended except from those who have something to gain by it? Shall nothing be done by the churches to assist and supplement the religious effort inside the camp? It is the unanimous judgment of the War Work Commission of the Federal Council; of the Y. M. C. A.; of the Fosdick Commission; and of denominational leaders that groups of local churches must be re-enforced by the denominations to which they belong.

At Ayer, Mass., a Union Church is being erected, outside the grounds, at a cost of $30,000. It will be an outside-the-camp headquarters, a hall for lectures, a place for preaching, and for sacramental services. At Yaphank, Wrightstown, and other places similar work is in progress.

The Congregational National Council instructed its National Service Commission to raise and expend $100,000. Many thousands are needed for immediate use. The entire amount will be required during 1918.

Will you help?

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