On This Day, 12 March 1917

Birmingham Daily Gazette

Monday 12 March 1917

NATIONAL SERVICE FOR ALL

APPEAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AT THE CHURCHES

Yesterday was observed as National Service Sunday in Birmingham, and appeals were made from the pulpit inviting men to enrol in the new industrial army. This scheme for promoting national service was initiated by the Lord Mayor, and at his suggestion the heads of all religious denominations invited the clergy to make an appeal for industrial recruits. A letter from the Bishop of Birmingham (Dr. Russell Wakefield) was read at all the churches of the diocese, in which he said: “I firmly believe if we all do our best we shall greatly shorten this war and get our loved ones back to us comparatively soon.” The official of the Brotherhood and adult school movement heartily cooperated in the scheme. A letter was sent out to each of the 150 societies in the district suggesting that the scheme should be fully explained at yesterday’s gatherings, and at many of the meetings speakers were provided by the Birmingham National Service Committee.