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CHURCH REGISTER.

in each congregation shall form a committee to further the interests and carry out the objects of the auxiliary, under the sanction of the church.

(e.) Executive. That there be an executive committee of ladies, who shall from time to time advise with the officers of the Home Mission as to the special work which shall be taken up by the auxiliary. The executive to have a minute and corresponding secretary, who shall be elected annually.

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(f) Representatives. The auxiliary shall be represented on the Home Missionary Committee by such of its members as may from time to time be mutually agreed upon by the executive of the Auxiliary and the General Home Missionary Committee.

(9) Accounts.-The accounts of the auxiliary shall be kept separate, in the regular books of the Home Missionary Society.

(h.) Annual Meeting.-That an annual meeting be arranged, to take place at the Association, to be conducted by ladies only.

8. Personal Member -Rev. W. V. Young, late of the New Mill Baptist Church, Tring, was received as a personal member of the Conference, upon the motion of Revs. J. Fletcher and F. J. Bird.

9. Vote of Sympathy.-With reference to the recent death of Mr. W. Quiney, of Commercial Road Church, E., the following resolution, moved by Mr. W. Morgan (Praed Street), and seconded by Rev. J. Batey, was passed in silence, the Conference standing:-"That this Conference of General Baptist Churches desires to express its deep sense of loss in the death of Mr. W. Quiney, who was one of its oldest and most attached members. That we gratefully recognise the regularity of his attendance, his fidelity to General Baptist principles, and his faithful Christian character, and that in recording his decease we pray that we who have lost a member so loyal, that the church who has had taken from it a deacon so worthy, that the widow who has been bereaved of a husband so honoured, and the family who have lost a father so beloved, may find that God is able to make all grace abound, even converting this trial into an abundant blessing."

10. Progress.-It was resolved, upon the motion of Rev J. Batey, seconded by Rev. R. P. Cook, "That this Conference hears with much pleasure of the effort of the friends at Landport to build a new church and schools, and very heartily commends the effort to the sympathy and help of the Connexion."

11. Reports from Churches.-The reports from the churches represented at the Conference were of a pleasing character, most of them supplying abundant matter for gratitude.

12. Public Questions. -- Resolutions were passed unanimously as follows:(a.) Moved by Rev. C. Clark, and seconded by Mr. W. C. James (Paddington), "That this Conference, deploring the manifold evils which exist as the result of the sale of intoxicating liquors on the Lord's-day, heartily rejoices at the introduction of a measure to Parliament for the total closing of public-houses on that day, and urges upon the Government the duty of affording every facility they can command, so that such measure may speedily become law; and that copies of this resolution be sent to the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary." (b.) Moved by Rev. F. J. Bird, and seconded by Mr. E. C. Palmer (Portsmouth), "That, having regard to the importance of all measures for the public good being founded on principles of justice, morality, and religion, this Conference expresses its conviction that the Acts of Parliament known as the Contagious Diseases Acts (Women) are contrary to those principles, and earnestly implores Her Majesty's Government to facilitate their early repeal; and that copies of this resolution be sent to the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for War, and the Home Secretary."

The business session was closed with prayer by Rev. J. F. Smythe, and about a hundred friends sat down to tea in the lecture hall.

13. Public Meeting.-The President delivered his Inaugural Address at the evening meeting, subject:-"How to make the most and best of the evangelising power in our churches." Rev. R. P. Cook, Mr. Alfred Edwards (Ealing), Revs. W. V. Young, J. Batey, and C. Clark, took part in the subsequent discussion. Thanks were accorded to the President for his Address, to Mr. E. Cayford for his occupancy of the chair during 1882, and to the friends at Ealing for the kindness they had shown in entertaining the Conference.

W. J. AVERY, Secretary.

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CHURCHES.

CHURCH REGISTER.

EPWORTH -Anniversary sermons March 18. Preacher, Rev. W. Orton. Collection on behalf of the Trust Funds. Attendance good. A public tea, at which over 170 sat down, in the Methodist New Connexion School-room, on Monday afternoon, the following ladies presiding at the trays:-Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. T. Ashmell, Mrs. G. Tonge, Mrs. J. A. Walker, Mrs. John Tonge, Mrs. J. E. Gibson, and the Misses Standring. A public meeting in the same place in the evening, Mr. Mayhew, of Misterton, in the chair. Addresses by Revs. W. Orton, S. P. Barker, J. Stutterd, and M. B. Stamp; Mr. Thornton, of Misterton, and Councillor Willey, of Retford. Thanks to all helpers were moved by Rev. W. M. Anderson, seconded by Mr. T. Ashmell, and heartily carried. Attendance large. Meeting lively and interesting.

The The

HEANOR, Derby Road.-(1.) Reopening Services.-These took place March 18. Rev. E. Stevenson preached morning and evening, and Rev. C. W. Butler of East Wood, (Congregationalist), in the afternoon. The friends were glad to be able to worship in the chapel, after being deprived of that privilege for four months by the fire that took place on the first Sunday in Dec. last, after the morning service. Verily it was through providence that the entire buildings were not demolished. Had it been after the evening service there would not have been the least chance of preservation. heating apparatus was the cause, entire restoration has cost about £116. The disaster causing some alterations, the insurance has not met the amount by £45; but through the success of a recent effort we are able, within a few pounds, to cope with the deficit, although such a loss is hard to bear on account of the heavy debt.-(2.) Concert.-The annual concert was given in the lower hall on Good Friday, by the choir and children of the Sunday-school, conducted by Mr. J. Buxton. Mr. J. Lockton presided at the harmonium. In the afternoon upwards of 200 to tea. Net proceeds £14 15s. Mr. T. Woolley, of Long Eaton, presided. (3.) Bazaar.-A bazaar was opened in the Town Hall on Easter Tuesday. The proceedings commenced by singing, and Mr. W. Fletcher, of Stapleford, offered prayer. Mr. Baldwin, of Nottingham, gave a very suitable address. The pastor, Rev. E. Hilton, then called upon Mrs. W. Smith, of Mill Hay House, to open the bazaar. Mrs. Smith congratulated the ladies on the artistic taste which had been shown in the arrangement of the stalls, and after further words of congratulation

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and encouragement declared the bazaar open. Sale commenced, and was resumed on Wednesday and Thursday. At the close £140 had been realized. This amount exceeded the expectations of the workers, as the bazaar had been got up within three months. Upwards of £30 worth of goods remain over for a future sale. The ladies of the church and congregation deserve praise for their energy and perseverance in raising so large a sum in so short a time. The deacons desire to express their cordial thanks to all friends who have in any way assisted them in their enterprise. The pastor commences his second year's ministry much encouraged by the success of the past, both financially and spiritually.

GRANTHAM.-Special anniversary services were conducted on April 8, by the Rev. D. C. Chapman, of Bacup, Lancashire, in connection with the Oxford Street Chapel, to appreciative congregations. The usual tea meeting was held on Monday, April 9, and the public meeting in the evening was presided over by Mr. Alderman Dickinson the first part, then by Mr. J. S. Chesterton, one of the deacons. Stirring addresses were given by the Revs. D. C. Chapman, J. J. Fitch (of Nottingham), W. Whitby and Mr. F. Houseman (Primitive Methodists), and Mr. Gibson, Secretary of the church. Collections not quite so good as last year.

LONDON, Bethnal Green Road.-We have only space to call attention to the advertisement about the Bazaar, to be opened by Lord Shaftesbury, on May 29. Our friends need help.

LONDON, Crouch End.-Anniversary sermons were preached on Sunday, March 11, by the Rev. J. Batey, and Mr. S. B. Newling, of the G. B Preacher's Institute. On Good Friday a public tea was held, when 108 sat down. At the aftermeeting two of the students and other friends gave addresses. Songs, solos, and recitations, were given at intervals. This, the first anniversary of the place since its adoption as a preaching station of the Institute, was a complete success both as to congregations and collections.

LONGTON. A grand fancy fair was held March 15-18. It was opened by Alderman Edwards, in the absence of J. S. Balfour, Esq., M.P., whose Parliamentary duties detained him in London. Mr. Balfour sent a contribution of £20; Messrs. H. Coghill gave £25, W. M. Grose, £20, and R. Johnson, £15. Total receipts, £400,

LOUTH, Eastgate.-On March 29th the members of the church and congregation arranged a very pleasant surprise for their pastor, Rev. C. Payne, and his family, to

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CHURCH REGISTER.

celebrate the third anniversary of his second settlement among them. The programme included a social tea, a musical service, familiar talks, and a surprise donation," consisting of the products of the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdom. These "love tokens," as they were called, were of the most varied character, including wheat, tea, sugar, oranges, soap, sandstone, eggs, linen, silk, carpeting, wickerwork, and a handsome donation of silver and gold. Nearly every household was represented in these gifts. "Familiar Talks" revealed a depth of affection for the pastor and his family more precious than the material gifts. Reference was frequently made to the unbroken harmony and the continuous and increasing growth the church has enjoyed during the present pastorate. The church, though small in numbers, is well organized, united, active, and benevolent. Its increased vitality and strength are attributed to the Head of the church.

The

MARKET HARBOROUGH.-A public tea and meeting was held on Good Friday. Chairman, T. Scarborough, Esq. Special effort for the contemplated Chapel Renovation Fund. We need help very much.

NANTWICH.-The quarterly tea meeting was held on Tuesday, April 10, in the Baptist Sunday-school. About 50 sat down. Afterwards a meeting was presided over by the pastor, the Rev. P. Williams, who, after singing and prayer, referred more especially to the interesting and pleasing duty he had been asked to discharge that evening, namely, to present Miss Ann Fitton with an illuminated and framed address, and a purse containing ten sovereigns, in appreciation of her efficient and self-sacrificing labours in presiding at the harmonium for a period of eleven years. The address was signed on behalf of the church and congregation by the Rev. P. Williams, and Messrs. E. Birchall (treasurer), R. Forey (secretary), and J. Galley (deacon). Mrs. R. P. Cook, wife of the former pastor of the chapel, and now of London, made graceful reference to the kind way in which Miss Fitton had always discharged her duty in various matters affecting the interest of the cause. She had proved herself a most valuable worker, ready and willing to do all that she could. Miss Salisbury said she was exceedingly pleased to be there that evening, and to have taken a share along with Miss Birchall in collecting subscriptions for the testimonial.-Addresses were also delivered by Messrs. W. Johnson, R. Forey, J. Blount, T. J. Galley, S. Galley, and J. Gregory. During the evening several pieces were sung by the choir, consisting

of duets, solos, and anthems. Recitations were also given. The meeting was brought to a close by the doxology and benediction.

NORWICH, St. Clement's.-An enthusiastic tea and public meeting on April 12th, in celebration of the ninth anniversary of the present pastorate. The choir very efficiently rendered the Service of Song entitled "Bunyan's Holy War," the connective readings being given by Mr. W. Bampton Taylor, of Regent's Park College. The pastor also sang an Oriya solo. Short speeches were also given. H. Trevor, Esq., presided.

SUTTON BONINGTON.-On Lord's-day March 4th, anniversary sermons were preached by Mr. Sharman, of Nottingham. Monday 5th, public tea meeting, after which H. Godkin, Esq., of Loughborough, gave his popular lecture, "a Century of Dissent." Collections at close. Mr. B. Baldwin in the chair.

THURLASTON.-March 11th, two sermons were preached by Mr. C. Farmer, of Derby. Collections for the chapel funds. At the close of the afternoon service several scholars were presented with bibles on their leaving the school. Weather bad, congregations good, collections liberal.

WHITWICK.-The anniversary was held on Easter Sunday, when two practical sermons were preached by the Rev. J. Askew, of Burton-on-Trent. On Monday, the annual tea meeting was held in the school-room, when a large company assembled. A public meeting afterwards in the, chapel, under the presidency of the pastor, W. Slater. Stirring addresses were given by Revs. Hagen and Pickbourne, of Coalville, C. Haddon, of Bardon, and a cheering report by C. J. Church. Meeting hearty and enthusiastic. proceeds in advance of previous years.

SCHOOLS.

Net

ARNOLD, near Nottingham.-On Tuesday, March 27, the ceremony of Laying the Memorial Stones of a NEW Sunday School Building in the above village, was performed by Mrs. J. Robinson, of "Pelham House," Sherwood, and Mrs. G. Brailsford, of Nottingham. The building will be two stories high and 51 feet two inches long, by 25 feet three inches wide, with eight class rooms and kitchen on the ground floor, and a Large Lecture Hall on the first floor, to accommodate 500 children. The architect is Mr. J. R. Swift, of Arnold. The school, numbering 300 children and 34 teachers, assembled at two o'clock, and marched in procession through the village to the site, singing en route. At three o'clock there was a large attendance of friends. After sing

CHURCH REGISTER.

ing a hymn prayer was offered by Mr. W. Richardson, who afterwards read a short report, and Rev. J. R. Godfrey, of Bulwell, gave an appropriate address. The memorial stones were laid, offerings were placed thereon, and a collection was made amounting, altogether, to £103 14s. The children were treated with a large bun each, in commemoration of the event, and at 4.30 over 150 partook of an excellent tea in the British schools. At seven o'clock a public meeting was held in the "Ebenezer" Chapel, kindly lent by our New Connexion friends. Mr. Alderman Cropper presided, and after a very satisfactory report by Mr. Richardson, Secretary to the Building Committee, suitable and earnest addresses were given by Messrs. Godfrey, Mellors, and Sharman. The total of day's proceedings amounted to £120 17s. 8d. The Building Committee gratefully acknowledge the liberal donations from Nottingham gentlemen, and the sympathy and hearty co-operation received from numerous friends in Arnold and the vicinity. As stated last month the ultimate outlay in new school and chapel will be £2,000. It is a bold undertaking, and we trust that so good a beginning may be crowned with success. Such efforts as these should be encouraged to the utmost.

BIRCHCLIFFE.-A novel and interesting gathering took place on Good Friday. Some months before it had been decided to have a meeting of "Old Scholars." Plans were soon matured by an efficient committee. A circular of invitation was duly drawn up and sent out to the extent of several hundreds, and advertisements were inserted in the local papers. As the result nearly 600 assembled. They came from Manchester, Stalybridge, Rochdale, Littleborough, Bacup, Burnley, and Todmorden, on the one hand, and from Sowerby Bridge, West Vale, Halifax, Brighouse, Saltaire, Bradford, and Stockton-on-Tees, on the other. An excellent meat tea was served in the school-room from three to six o'clock, for which a collection was made at the tables. The pastor presided at the evening meeting in the chapel, and gave a cordial welcome to all. Addresses were given by the Superintendents of the school; also by Mr. Jackson of Saltaire, Mr. Worsick of Halifax, Mr. Jackson of Grimsworth, Mr. Greenwood of Littleborough, Mr. Webster of Manchester, and Mr. Pickles of Hebden Bridge, all of them old scholars of the Birchcliffe school. Special hymns were printed for the occasion, and the chapel choir got up a few choruses, all of which were well rendered; and this long-to-be-remembered meeting was brought to a close about nine o'clock by the pastor's prayer, and by the con

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gregation singing the old farewell hymn, beginning, "Farewell, my friends beloved," etc. All felt it to be a good time.

DENHOLME (Southgate).-The Memorial Stone of a NEW SCHOOL was laid on Saturday, April 14, by E. Wadsworth, Esq., Cleckheaton. A procession of teachers, scholars, members, and friends, marched through the village, headed by the Denholme Brass Band. After going through the main street the procession halted in front of the school, and the ceremony of laying the stone commenced. The trowel and mallet were presented to Mr. Wadsworth by the pastor, who referred to the high esteem in which Mr. Wadsworth was held by the people of the village, and also to the £66 he himself had been able to collect, and which he laid on the memorial stone. Mr. Wadsworth spoke of the benefit likely to accrue in after life to those who in their youth had been accustomed to attend a Sunday-school. He also said that the Sunday-school supplied a want in education which Board Schools but very slightly touched, viz., "Teaching to the young the principles of the Christian religion." Mr. Wadsworth having laid the stone, presented to the New School Committee a cheque for £25. The Rev. W. Dyson then spoke on "The Claims of the Sunday-school upon public sympathy." After the service the people adjourned to the chapel to a meat tea. A public meeting was held in the evening, when addresses were delivered by the Revs. B. Wood, W. Gray, W. Hambly, and J. Phillips. The proceeds for the day were: Per Rev. J. Taylor's collecting, £66; laid on the stone, £8 17s. 6d. ; E. Wadsworth, Esq., £25; collection at service, £4 11s. 8d.-Total £104 6s. 5d. The school is on the class-room system, having one large meeting-room on the ground floor, one smaller class-room, and a kitchen. Above there is a large assembly-hall 31 feet by 66 feet, eapable of seating 400 people. Up each side there are class-rooms affording accommodation for nearly 300 scholars. The outlay will be a little over £1,200.

KILBOURNE, Derby.-School sermons were preached in the Wesleyan Chapel, (kindly lent for the occasion) by Mr. T. H. Bennett, of Derby. Collections, £10.

KIRKBY-IN-ASHFIELD.-The friends at Kirkby are bestirring themselves in the direction of a NEW SCHOOL. They have long felt the need for this, but the land until recently was unobtainable. A site has now been purchased adjoining the chapel. Mr. E. Beastall has been appointed Treasurer, and the friends have £35 in hand towards the £250 they hope to raise.

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MINISTERIAL.

CHURCH REGISTER.

ATKINSON, REV. J. H., of Friar Lane, Leicester, has received and accepted a most hearty and unanimous call to the pastorate of Richmond church, Liverpool, and will enter thereupon the first Sunday in June.

LEES, REV. W.-The Walsall Free Press of March 24th says: "The public will hear with surprise that the Rev. W. Lees has, after a pastorate extending over more than twenty years, tendered to his church his resignation. During

Mr. Lees' residence in Walsall he has been closely identified with nearly every movement having for its object the improvement of the people, and on nearly every social and religious platform he has been found. He accepted a call to the Stafford Street Baptist chapel, when it was at its lowest ebb, where for many, many years the cause had only been just kept alive by the faithful adherence of a few attached worshippers, but under Mr. Lees' ministry it soon assumed a healthier phase, and entered upon a course of great prosperity. Mr. Lees has naturally made for himself a very large circle of friends, and his departure from the town next May will be very deeply regretted." Mr. Lees has accepted the hearty and unanimous invitation of the church at Crewe. We wish him every success in the arduous work which awaits him there.

PITTS, REV. G. F.-The public recognition of the Rev. G. F. Pitts (late of Sutterton) as pastor of the church at Gosberton, took place on April 9th. A tea meeting was held, attended by a large number of friends from each of the denominations in the village, and upwards of thirty from Sutterton. In the evening a public meeting was held in the cleaned and re-decorated chapel, presided over by Mr. W. Twelvetrees, who for thirty-five years has belonged to the church and laboured in the Sunday school. Earnest and kind words of welcome were spoken by the Revs. J. C. Jones, M.A. (Spalding), C. Riley (Pinchbeck), Mr. Boyer (Gosberton), Messrs. Taylor, Grey, and Atton (Spalding). The pastor returned thanks for their cordial and unanimous welcome, and expressed the hope that the kind words spoken would be remembered, the good advice given acted upon, and the bright hopes of future prosperity realised.

TOWLER, REV. G.-Mr. Towler (late of Long Sutton) having accepted the pastorate of the church at Audlem, the recognition services took place on Good Friday. As for many years the people

have had no opportunity of witnessing such a ceremony, all the proceedings were marked by much enthusiasm. At three p.m. a sermon was preached by the Rev. P. Williams, who kindly undertook the service in place of the Rev. Isaac Preston, of Tarporley, who, to the great regret of all friends, was then too ill to be present. The introductory part of the service was taken by the Rev. T. Clark, of Market Drayton. The service was followed by a public tea, which was largely attended. In the evening R. Pedley, Esq., J.P., of Crewe, presided. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. G. Towler; P. Williams, of Nantwich; T. Clark, of Market Drayton; and Messrs. Massie and Oaks, of Audlem. Taken altogether the meetings were amongst the most pleasant we have seen for some time, and afforded a good augury for Mr. Towler's future success.

WILD, REV. J., of Woodhouse Eaves, has received and accepted a unanimous invitation to become pastor of the church at Market Harborough. He commences his labours on May 6th.

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BIRCHCLIFFE.-Seven young men, by W. Gray.
BOSTON.-Five, by J. Jolly, B.A.
BOURNE.-Twelve, by G. H. Bennett.
Morton.-Four,

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CARLTON-Five, by W. Bown.

COALVILLE.-Two, by F. Pickbourne.
GRANTHAM.-One, by A. Gibson (deacon).
GRIMSBY.-Four, by W. Orton.

HITCHIN.-Sixteen, by F. J. Bird.
KIMBERLEY.-Three, by W. Bown.

LEICESTER, Dover St.-Seven, by W. Evans.
LINCOLN.-Eleven (two Wesleyans), by B.
Wood, of Bradford.

LONDON, Bethnal Green Road. - Four, by W. Harvey Smith.

LONDON, Commercial Road.

Fletcher.

Three, by J.

LONDON, Praed Street.-Five, by W. J. Avery. LOUTH, Eastgate.-Three, by C. Payne. MACCLESFIELD.-Seven, by Z. T. Dowen. MARKET HARBORO'.-Three, by W. Davison. MELBOURNE.-Three, by R. B. Wallace. NORWICH.-Six (two of another denomination), by G. Taylor.

PETERBOROUGH.-Eight, by T. Barrass. QUORNDON.-Five, by G. Anderson, of Chilwell College.

STALYBRIDGE.-Two, by C. Rushby.

Dukinfield. Two, (one an old lady nearly 70), by C. Rushby.

SUTTON BONINGTON.-Nine, by W. Bown.
WHITWICK.-Three, by W. Slater.

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