assisted as well as unassisted, to make annual collections on behalf of the Cheshire Home Mission funds. The report from Oct., 1870, to Oct., 1871, showed an income of £186 16s. 8d., an expenditure of £200, and a deficit of £13 3s. 4d. The Congleton chapel, which has undergone extensive alterations and repairs, has cost for heating cleaning, lighting, &c., £376, towards which had been raised in subscriptions and collections £220, leaving a debt of £156.

III. That the Rev. E. K. Everett, of Nantwich, be requested to continue as pastor of the Audlem church also.

IV. That Mr. Ford, of Congleton, and all ministers of contributing but unassisted churches, be added to the Home Mission Conference, and that reports be sent from Home Mission stations to the half-yearly meetings of the Home Mission Conference.

V. That the resignation of the Rev. T. E. Rawlings, pastor of the church at Congleton, and the supply of its pulpit for the next six months, be left for the consideration and arrangement of the Home Mission Conference.

VI. That our hearty thanks be presented to the Rev. E. K. Everett for his earnest, thoughtful, and profitable sermon.

VII. That we sympathize with the friends at Macclesfield in their desire for a new chapel on a better site in the town, and that we help them to the best of our ability.

VIII. That the next Conference be at Nantwich, on the first Tuesday in April, 1872, and that Rev. Isaac Watts be the preacher, or in case of failure, Rev. W. March.

IX. That a topic for discussion at the close of the business be suggested and announced by the Home Mission ConferWILLIAM MARCH, Sec.

ence.

The LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Lineholme on Oct. 2. The morning service was opened by the Rev. J. Preston, and the sermon was from Col. i. 19, by the Rev. W. H. Allen, of Burnley. The attendance in the morning was unusually good, and a large number met for business in the afternoon. The chair was occupied by the Rev. R. Silby. The reports on the whole were encouraging. Baptized 24, and candidates 13.

Resolved,

I. That the question relating to local preachers be taken up at our next Confer

ence.

II. That we express our sympathy with the churches at Bacup and Allerton in their chapel-building projects, and assure them that we shall be happy to consider their cases as soon as we can with a view to help them.

III. That the church at West Vale be cordially received into this Conference.

IV. The Rev. T. Goadby, B.A., desiring the appointment of a superintendent who should see to the canvassing of our churches on behalf of the Centenary Fund -resolved, that the Rev. J. Maden, jun., be appointed superintendent of this centenary business in this district.

V. That we very heartily welcome the Rev. E. W. Cantrell (late of Louth and now of Todmorden) into this Conference.

VI. That the Revs. C. Springthorpe, W. Gray, and J. Maden be a committee to consider our present Conference arrangements with a view to their improvement.

VII. That the next Conference be held in Infirmary Street chapel, Bradford, and that the Rev. R. Silby be the preacher, and in case of failure, the Rev. E. W. Cantrell. JAMES MADEN, Sec.

The LONDON CONFERENCE met at Praed Street on Oct. 4th. The Rev. J. Clifford, M.A., LL.B., presided in the afternoon, and the Rev. J. Batey offered prayer.

I. The reports of the churches stated 23 baptized, 14 received, and 16 candidates. Seven churches not having reported, the sec. was requested again to write to them, earnestly urging them to report to the next Conference. The report from Rushall received special consideration, and the sec. was desired to obtain from the church further explanation as to its condition, and, if practicable, to visit it.

II. The sec. having reported that the trustees were not willing to sell the Aylesbury chapel property, brethren Clifford, Lawton, Cayford, and Chapman were requested to confer and act concerning it as they deemed best.

III. The committee appointed to consider the communication from the committee of the General Baptist Assembly reported that "They recommend that the invitation to the ministers and other members of the Conference to meet the Assembly Committee be accepted." The report was received, and the time for meeting was left to be fixed by Revs. J. H. Atkinson and J. C. Means.

IV. The Rev. J. Clifford was re-appointed sec. to arrange for the ensuing Foreign Missionary Meetings, and the Revs. Dr. Burns, Harcourt, and J. G. Pike were requested to act as the reserve deputation.

V. The next Conference to be held at Tring, or in case of failure, at Wendover; Rev. J. H. Atkinson to be the preacher, and Rev. J. G. Pike to be the writer of the paper on "What to do with our small churches."

VI. The Rev. J. H. Atkinson introduced the subject of Home Mission work in the

London district. After some discussion it was resolved, "That this Conference, having considered the general state of Home Mission work amongst us as a body, warmly recommend united action throughout all the churches and Conference, so that the strength of the whole denomination may be concentrated upon establishing one church at a time; that one such church be formed every year, or every two years, as may be practicable; that this recommendation be sent as a case to the next Association; and also that before that time it be forwarded to the secretaries of all the Conferences."

VII. The Revs. J. C. Means and J. Marten were introduced to, and briefly addressed the Conference; and brethren Clifford and Harcourt were appointed to represent the Conference at the meetings of the General Baptist Assembly at Whitsuntide.

In the evening a Home Missionary meeting was held. The Rev. J. Marten prayed. Addresses were delivered by Rev. J. Sage, on "The power in the church for doing good;" by Rev. J. Lawton, on "A pure gospel for our own dear country more and more ;" and by Rev. J. G. Pike, on "Means of inflaming zeal in church work." JOHN SAGE, Sec.

CHAPELS.

BILLINGSHURST, near Horsham, Sussex.The fourth anniversary of the settlement of the Rev. J. F. Kennard was commemorated on the 24th and 25th Sept. On Sunday, 24th, sermons were preached by the Rev. F. R. Young. On Monday a wellattended tea meeting was held. After tea the chair was taken by Mr. Kennard, and addresses of an evangelical character were delivered by the Revs. F. R. Young, J. C. Means, and Harris (Independent) of Billingshurst.

CHELLASTON—The anniversary services were preached in the above place of worship, Sept. 24, in the afternoon by Rev. T. Goadby, B.A., and in the evening by Mr. H. A. Blount. The weather was very unfavourable, but collections good.

HALIFAX-New Chapel at Ovenden.-The corner-stone of this sanctuary was laid on Saturday, Sept. 16th, by J. M. Bowman, Esq., in the place of his brother, F. H. Bowman, Esq., of Halifax, who was unexpectedly prevented through a bereavement. The building is in the Gothic style, with an entrance in front, at each side; will be a nice roomy place of worship, with classrooms at each end, and gallery. Having a high pitched open roof, the ventilation will be good. The cost of the ground is

over £400, but there is sufficient room on which to erect a larger chapel at some future time, in addition to the one now building. The estimated outlay upon present chapel and ground, boundary walls, &c., is £1500, towards which about £600 has been given or promised. Amongst the contributors are Sir Francis Crossley, Bart., M.P., £100; Miles Birkbeck, Esq., £100; Mrs. Pegg, Chesham, £25; John Crossley, Esq., £10; E. Akroyd, Esq., M.P., £10; &c. Rev. T. Gill, of West Vale, read the Scriptures; Rev. W. Gray, of Birchcliffe, prayed; Rev. I. Preston, of Halifax, explained the principles and belief of the denomination; Rev. B. Wood, of Bradford, gave an address; Revs. J. Andrews, of Clayton, and R. Hardy, of Queensbury, also took part. A public tea meeting was held afterwards, when speeches favourable to the object were made. The results of the day's proceedings amounted to £35. The architect is Mr. Horsfield, of Halifax. This part of the town is nearly new, and no provision has been made for education, so our friends intend furnishing the school in such a manner that an efficient day school may be conducted therein, under the Halifax School Board.

HITCHIN, Walsworth Road.-On Sunday, Oct. 8, two sermons were preached by the Rev. W. Evans, and on the Monday afternoon a sermon by the Rev. J. Clifford, M.A., LL.B., and in the evening addresses by the above gentlemen and the ministers of the town. The pastor, Rev. J. H. Atkinson, gave some account of the work of the church during the past year, and the treasurer, R. Johnson, Esq., gave a financial statement. About £300 has been raised for every object. The congregations were large, and the meeting a very good one. The gross proceeds of the anniversary nearly reached £60, including most of the provisions for tea and one hundred and eighty trays given by members and friends of the church and congregation.

LONDON, Praed Street.-Anniversary sermons were preached on Oct. 15, morning and evening, by the pastor, and in the afternoon by Mr. H. Varley. At the public meeting on the 16th, addresses were given by the Revs. J. Harcourt, J. C. Means, J. G. Pike, W. Stott, J. O. Fellowes, and Messrs. Arundel, Cayford, and Dexter. Mr. Clifford presented his thirteenth annual report as pastor, from which the following statements are taken. Sixty-eight have been added to the church during the year, and forty-two of these by baptism. Death, transfers, and erasures leave the nett gain in members at fourteen. The financial summary of receipts for the year is :Church funds, £387 7s.; Sunday schools (Praed Street and Hall Park), £80 18s. 1d.; Society for Ministering to the Poor, £71;

Church Poor Fund, £71 2s. 2d.; Temperance Society, £14 2s. 3d ; Dorcas Society, £10 6s. 8d.; Mutual Improvement Society, £13 1s. 3d.; Centenary Fund, £31 16s; Chilwell College, £15 16s.; Foreign Missions, £74 6s. 6d.; Bible Classes, £2 4s.; London Baptist Association, £22 15s.; New Chapel Fund (inclusive of interest), £569. Total, £1363 14s. 11d. It was stated that the Westbourne Park freehold site, costing £2560, was paid for, and that about £200 were in hand for the new chapel. The church is aiming to increase that sum by £700 during its next year, and the pastor has engaged to get £200 out of the £700. It seems not to be generally known that, though we are building a new chapel at Westbourne Park, we shall also retain and renovate Praed Street chapel. The great difficulty in chapel-building in London is getting a site; therefore, though we have only a lease of thirty-five years at Praed Street, yet since the position is so extremely good, and holding the lease will give us the strongest claim in renewing it, we feel that it would be a serious mistake to part with our present building. We could sell at once, and get into our new chapel in a very short time. We are not, however, consulting our own comfort and convenience, but the glory of the Saviour's kingdom; and therefore we mean by patience and self-sacrifice to do the double work of first building the new chapel and then of renovating the old one. The new site is three quarters of a mile from Praed Street, and two-thirds of our five hundred members reside nearer to Westbourne Park Place than to Praed Street chapel; so that with two pastors, and about two hundred members at one chapel and three hundred at the other, we hope to do much more effective service in the kingdom of Christ than we are doing now. Will not friends aid us? Our own ministers commend the work, and Drs. Brock and Landels, and Rev. C. H. Spurgeon, have spoken and written well of it. Friends, help us, and please help right early.

Commercial Road, East.-Jubilee Services. On Sunday, Oct. 8th, two sermons were preached in connection with the jubilee of our chapel; that in the morning by our pastor, Rev. J. G. Pike, and that in the evening by Rev. J. Harcourt (Borough Road). On Tuesday, Oct. 10th, we had a tea and public meeting, which were well attended. It was stated that "we celebrate the jubilee entirely free from debt." The treasurer of the church, Mr. C. Attersley, announced he had a small balance in hand, whilst the bazaar held in the last week of September had more than accomplished the object which the committee had striven

for. In spite of difficulties-there had been only three months for preparation, the weather was most unpropitious, and the expenses probably as heavy as they would prove with a much larger bazaarthe ladies were enabled to pay from the gross receipt of £71 the bill for repairs and for painting the exterior of the chapel, and also to present the pastor with a purse of ten sovereigns. The Rev. J. Clifford, Revs. R. Thomas, M.A., E. Price, J. Benn (Independent), A. G. Brown, J. T. Wigner, and J. H. Jeffries, took part in this most joyful, profitable service.

LOUGHBOROUGH, Baxter Gate.—Sept. 25, the annual tea meeting of the members was held, and addresses were delivered by the pastor, and Messrs. Read, Adcock, Tuckwood, and Warren. After a comparatively long dearth, we trust there are symptoms of revival.

SHORE.-Re-opening of Chapel after Enlargement. For some time it has been necessary to increase the chapel accommodation at Shore, and the work was vigorously and unitedly undertaken in the spring of the present year, and has very happily been brought to a consummation without any serious drawback, or accident to workmen. Strangers and friends from a distance speak of the chapel in eulogistic terms. The acoustic properties of the building are excellent; all the pews are arranged so that from every part of the chapel the pulpit is looked at with directness and ease. The place will now accommodate about six hundred people. Opening sermons were preached by the Revs. J. Clifford, M.A., LL.B., J. Burns, D.D., C. Williams, and J. Maden, on Sept. 29, Oct. 1st and 8th. The actual cost has been about £1120. This sum has been realized from the subscriptions promised, a bazaar held, and proceeds of opening services. The people on Sunday, the 8th, in their zeal and generosity, gave a few pounds more than were needed to clear off the debt; but, after a few months, £100 more will be required for pointing, outside work, &c. The original estimate, when that is, done, will be exceeded by about £20. The friends have given nobly and worked well, and the kindness of those who have helped them they will hold in very grateful remembrance. The chapel is an ornament and a convenience to the district, and reflects honour on the pastor, people, and workmen, whose combined labours have been crowned with such signal success. The design is Italian, and the front has double doorway with circular pillars and carved capitals-a triple arch over them, and windows on each side to light the lobby and staircase; large three-light centre window above, with ornamental head and inscrip

tion stone; four slightly projecting ashlar pilasters in the front, returned at the sides, and bold projecting cornice and frieze. The side elevation has windows on the ground-floor, with segmental arches, and the gallery windows have semi-circular heads and key-stones. The stone has been got on the ground adjoining, is a very good sample of the white sandstone, and is well worked. The whole of the pewing in the chapel bottom is of pitch-pine; it is a beautiful selection of that kind of wood, and the workmanship superior. The pews are made to lean back, are fitted with book boards, have stall ends and low doors, and are very complete and comfortable. The pulpit is of elegant design, with double staircase, small circular pillars, carved capitals, and arches, very completely finished, neat, and commodious. The ceiling of the chapel has panels deeply recessed, having moulds round them; suitable plaster trusses are under the beams, plaster architraves around the window heads, and plaster capitals to the iron pillars under the gallery. The chapel is lighted by two large star-light pendants in the gallery, and by six small ones in the bottom. The whole place is effectively warmed by small hotwater pipes, put in by Mr. J. P. Longbottom, of Blackburn. It has been altered from designs by Mr. T. Horsfield, architect, Halifax, and the works carried out under his inspection.

TROWBRIDGE, Wilts.-The forty-fourth anniversary of the settlement of the Rev. Samuel Marten was commemorated on Sunday, Oct. 8th, when two sermons were preached-in the morning by the Rev. J. Marten, of Peckham, and in the evening by the pastor; and the beautiful chapel, which will seat 500 persons, was full. On Tuesday, 10th, the anniversary tea meeting was held. About 360 persons met. Afterwards the chair was taken by the Rev. S. Marten, and addresses were delivered by the chairman, and by Rev. D. Batchelor, Mr. Jacob Hawkins, one of the deacons, Revs. J. Callwell (Presbyterian), of Glenarm, Ireland, J. C. Means, of London, and John Marten, of Peckham; Messrs. Rison and J. Smith (Independents), of Trowbridge, and the Rev. J. A. Brinkworth, of Shepton Mallet.

WHITTLESEY.-On Thursday, Sept. 14, the jubilee and harvest thanksgiving services were held. The Rev. T. Barrass, of Peterborough, preached at three o'clock, and a goodly number met at the public tea meeting. At seven o'clock a public meeting was held. A review of the church's history was read by the pastor, after which the following took part in the meeting:Revs. W. Telfer (Independent), S. S. Allsop (March), H. Watts (Barnsley), T. Barrass (Peterborough), and Messrs. Baldwin and

Crofts.-On Sunday, Sept. 17, two sermons were preached by the Rev. W. Orton, of Bourn. Proceeds £14 11s.

SCHOOLS.

BURNLEY.-The school premises in connection with Enon Chapel, Burnley, have just been thoroughly repaired and decorated. A new pitch pine platform has been erected, the gas fittings renewed, and both schools and class-rooms partially refitted and furnished. The comfort and convenience of the place is greatly increased, and the whole now presents an exceedingly neat and elegant appearance. On Sunday, Sept. 24, the anniversary sermons preached by the Rev. Dr. Burns, to crowded congregations. Rev. W. H. Allen, pastor, addressed the scholars, teachers, and friends, in the morning. Collections, £103 12s. 7d.

were

HYSON GREEN, near Nottingham.-New School Room. Great inconvenience in Sunday school teaching has been experienced for several years in consequence of the smallness of the rooms. Many applications to attend as scholars have been refused. Therefore, at the beginning of this year, the church and congregation (composed entirely of working people) decided to help the teachers to build a commodious and suitable room, and promised subscriptions to the extent of £90. Gentlemen residing in Nottingham and the neighbourhood have given £69 5s. The committee have also borrowed £120, which it is intended to obtain ultimately from the Nottingham Building Society, to be repaid by yearly instalments. The school room was opened on Thursday, Sept. 21. Tea was given to the scholars (numbering 190), also a commemorative card. After the scholars had taken tea and walked through the village in procession, two hundred friends sat down to tea in the new room. In the evening a public meeting was held in the chapel, the Mayor of Nottingham, John Manning, Esq., in the chair, the chapel was crowded in every part. Addresses were given by various ministers, the choir also giving their aid, and a very interesting meeting was the result. on Sunday, Sept. 24, three services were held for the benefit of the building fund; in the morning a sermon by the Rev. S. Cox, in the afternoon an address by the Rev. S. Chester, and in the evening the Rev. T. Ryder preached. Collections, £9 10s. 10d. The cost of the new room will be about £320; of this sum the committee have received or borrowed nearly £290, leaving £30 or more to balance. The committee earnestly appeal, through these pages, to the Christian public, and all those who take an interest in Sunday

Also

school work, for this amount. The room is situated in a very populous but poor neighbourhood; and to show how it is appreciated, twenty scholars have been added since the opening, all of whom have been waiting for room being found for them. The room will seat comfortably 250 scholars. Subscriptions will be gladly received by the Rev. C. Forth, New Basford, near Nottingham.

MINISTERIAL.

ALLEN, W. H.-Burnley, Enon Chapel.— On Monday evening, Sep. 25, a social gathering of the members of the church and congregation was held to celebrate the first anniversary of the pastor's settlement. A substantial tea was provided by the ladies. The reports presented were of the most encouraging nature. Both school and congregation have considerably increased; the Young Men's Society, with the evening classes, reading room and library, the theological class, sick and clothing funds, and other organizations in connection with the chapel, are in a healthy condition. A Band of Hope and Juvenile Missionary Society are also in course of formation. The meeting, which was in the highest sense a happy and successful one, was addressed by the Revs. Dr. Burns, G. Needham, J. Maden, W. H. Allen (the pastor), and Messrs. E. Heap, J. Kilshaw, and other friends.

BATCHELLOR.-On Oct. 11, a recognition service was held in the General Baptist Chapel, Trowbridge, on occasion of the settlement of the Rev. Daniell Batchellor as assistant to the venerable minister, the Rev. S. Martin, whose growing infirmities have rendered him unequal to the duties of his office. The service was held at seven o'clock, and the chapel was crammed in every part; probably six hundred persons were present, and many were obliged to go away from inability to find room. After the introductory hymn the Rev. Samuel Martin gave an address showing that the service was to be regarded, not as imparting any ministerial authority or qualification, but as solemnizing an important stage in the experience of their young brother, and commending him to the blessing of Almighty God. Mr. Batchelor then gave an interesting account of his religious experience, and of the steps by which he had been providentially guided into his present connection with the Trowbridge congregation. This address was followed by the ordination prayer by the Rev. John Marten, of Peckham. The charge to Mr. Batchellor was given by the Rev. J. C. Means, of London, under whom he had studied for the ministry, and was founded

on 2 Cor. v. 20. The sermon to the people was given by the Rev. John Marten from 2 Peter i. 13.

GREENWOOD, J.- Bathurst Street, Sydney, N. S. W.-The first anniversary of the pastorate of the Rev. J. Greenwood, M.A., was celebrated by special sermons on Sunday, July 30. In the morning the pastor, in the evening the Rev. J. Graham, preached. On the Monday following a tea and public meeting was held. From the report read it appeared that during the year twentyfive members had been added to the church, many of them from the Sunday school. The congregation is increasing, and the various agencies in the church are in active and harmonious operation. The meeting was addressed by the pastor, who occu pied the chair, and the Revs. A. Burdett, S. C. Kent, A. W. Webb, T. Johnson, and others.

PRESTON, I.-A tea meeting commemorating the settlement of Rev. I. Preston at Halifax, two years ago, was held on Oct. 3. Gratitude was expressed for the success attending his labours, and for the peace and harmony which has characterized the operations of the church.

WATTS, ISAAC.-A public tea and recog nition meeting was held on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at the General Baptist Chapel, Macclesfield, in connection with the settlement of Rev. Isaac Watts. A large company par took of tea. The evening meeting was presided over by Rev. R. Kenney, formerly pastor of the church. After singing, reading, and prayer by Rev. T. E. Rawlings, and the opening address by the chairman, Mr. Clarke (deacon) explained the circumstances that led to Mr. Watts' call to the pastorate. The pastor then briefly referred to his conversion, call to the ministry, call to the pastorate of the church at Macclesfield, and doctrinal views. Addresses of welcome and congratulation were then given by Rev. W. March, Rev. E. K. Everitt, and Rev. J. Eglinton (Wesleyan); the Rev. J. Maden spoke upon "The Pastoral Office,' and Rev. P. Prout upon "The Relation of the Church to its Pastor." The Baptists in this town of some 35,000 inhabitants have great need of a new chapel in a more central and accessible position, and the friends of the church have in contemplation the erection of such a building.

REV. WILBERFORCE SAUNDERS, late pastor of the church at Crowle, having resigned the appointment he has held for nearly six years in connection with the United King. dom Alliance, will be glad to preach for churches needing a pastor. Present address-Ipswich.

REV. H. WOOD has accepted an unanimous invitation to the co-pastorate of the Barton church, and commenced his labours on October 22nd.