South Yorkshire Times September 30, 1950

“Best Service In The World”

Circuit Rally Message at Swinton

“The greatest service in the world is to be found in serving those who can do nothing in return; serving them for Christ’s sake, when all that they can say is ‘thank you,’ and then they might not even say that.”

These words were spoken last night by a man who spent the years of depression after the first world war among the workless in London. Author of eight books—including the religious best seller “Christ of the Thames Embankment”—the Rev. W. J. Smart told Mexborough and Swinton Methodists at their Autumn Circuit Rally at Swinton of the London Mission and of its ultimate success in bringing to the notice of the London County Council the plight of these men “ostracised by society.”

The Rev Smart had earlier addressed a service conducted by the Rev. T. Harper, of Mexborough, when the organist was Mrs. V. J. Peck. Following tea, community hymn singing preceded the evening meeting, and was led by Mr. A. Rimmer at the organ.

The Rev. Harper presided and the choir sang “0 come let us worship,” the tenor soloist being Mr. E. Charity.