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In 1913 the Holy Week Mission was started and church life began to flourish in the Faith. The sung Mass on Saint's days was begun and the Sunday school children were encouraged to attend to act as the choir — the reward was breakfast at the Vicarage!

On Whitsunday 1912 the Sung Mass replaced Mattins at 11 o'clock — a move well received generally. Mattins was still the service used at the Parade.

In 1915 the Mission Church of St. Francis was opened in Melville Road by the Dean of Winchester. In these days it was possible to reach Melville Road by footpath, which is now Coulmere Road, Lee Road and across the 'cabbage field'. This ,was quite pleasant in fine weather but in the winter and wet weather this could prove hazardous, there being no lights and for part of the way a ditch ran alongside the path. The other approach to that part of the parish was by way of Forton Road, Mill Lane and San Diego Road — a very long way round but certainly more pleasant in inclement weather.

In the Summer of 1914 Fr. Sweet, the Assistant Curate, left to become a Naval Chaplain. Sad to say, he was killed on H.M.S. Natal in December 1915. The-Tabernacle on the Lady Chapel altar was given in his memory.

In February 1916 Fr. Play foot, who was priest-in-charge, died. Who will forget his funeral? After a Solemn Requiem in the morning the Committal took place in the afternoon. This was attended by most of the clergy in the town and Deanery, as well as many priests from Portsmouth. After the service in church a procession was formed and went to Anns Hill Cemetery — followed by the congregation.

Fr. Carey was offered the living of The Sacred Trinity, Salford in 1918, but the Bishop of Manchester refused to induct him unless he promised not to use eucharistic vestments and for two years the case was being heard in the courts. Judgement was eventually given that vestments were legal but that altar lights were illegal! Lights were used at that time in Manchester Cathedral but not vestments!

November 11 1918 saw the signing of the Armistice between the Allies and Germany. To celebrate this happy event a great service of Thanksgiving was held in the evening and the following morning a High Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated in gratitude to Almighty God that hostilities had ended and in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for their country.

Fr. Carey left the parish to become vicar of St. Saviour's Church, St. Albans in 1922 and in December of that year the Rev. R. O'Gorman Power became the fifth vicar of St. John's.

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