World War I Era
1914-1920

Technological marvels such as electricity, autos, and moving pictures ushered in the twentieth century. New inventions eased the burden of much manual work as well as they entertained. As World War I approached, other inventions (tank, submarine, airplane, and poison gas) made killing terribly efficient.

Our own rector, Rev. C. Clark Kennedy, served in the “Great War” as a Chaplain. He was gassed at Sorcy, France, on the western front. Though disabled, he continued to serve in England as a Senior Chaplain. The Prince of Wales bestowed on him the Military Cross for his outstanding work. Rev. Kennedy never fully recovered and died six years after returning home.

Perhaps motivated by her husband’s suffering, Mrs. Kennedy organized and became the first president of the Stratford Visiting Nurse Association. Its organizational meetings were held in our rectory. Her visionary work continues to make effective contributions to our town’s welfare today.

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