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express their thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who have contributed to the success of the anniversary.-Barnsley Chronicle.

NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE DISTRICT.-The autumnal meeting of this district was held on Thursday, October 13, at Brougham-street Chapel, Sunderland, and was well attended, nearly fifty representatives being present. The Rev. A. Gilbert was appointed chairman; Rev. J. Truscott, secretary; Rev. W. H. C. Harris, sub-secretary. It was reported that the Rev. W. Reed (Sunderland) was seriously ill, and a vote of condolence with him was heartily passed. The Convener, the Secretary, Revs. A. Holliday (Darlington), R. D. Maud (Newcastle), W. Francis (North Shields), and Mr. Lincoln (South Shields), were appointed the Theological Examination Committee for the coming year. Encouraging reports were given from nearly all the circuits in the district; in many instances most gratifying results had been seen, whilst in others there were evident signs of a deepening spiritual tone in the Churches, and of a consequent awakening to a sense of the religious needs and requirements of the masses. At the close of the reports it was resolved, "That this meeting rejoices to hear that there are signs of prosperity in the circuits represented, and would urge upon our people the necessity of evangelistic efforts to reach those outside our Churches. The question of the appointment of a missionary to South Bank was referred back to the Middleborough Circuit for further consideration. The following resolution, passed by the General Committee of the Newcastle District Methodist Ecumenical Conference was submitted to the meeting and unanimously confirined, "That, considering the waste, rivalries, and confusion arising from different Methodist bodies occupying the same field, the committee respectfully requests the superintendent of each Methodist circuit in this district to take such steps as may be considered advisable to promote unity of action amongst the various branches of Methodism." It was gratifying to find that in some parts of the district efforts are being made to carry out the spirit of this resolution. Special attention was called to a circular emanating from the mission officials, and the necessity of increased effort and liberality, in view of the extending responsibilities of the fund, was earnestly pressed upon the district. It was decided, on the invitation of the friends, to hold the next district meeting at South Shields. Votes of thanks to the Brougham-street triends for their hospitality, to the chairman, and the secretary, and to Revs. W. H. C. Harris, S. F. Waterhouse, and E. O. Dinsley for services rendered brought the proceedings of an interesting and agreeable district meeting to a close. In the evening, a public meeting was held in Brougham-street Chapel, and was presided over by Mr. Alderman Berkley of Jarrow. Addresses were delivered by Rev. R. D. Maud on 66 Activity in the Cause of Christ;" Rev. W. Francis, "Our Young Men;" Rev. R. Bell, "Earnestness;' and Rev. Wright, "A Visit to the Ecumenical Council."

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STANHILL.-Saturday, October 1, was the occasion of a ceremony of some little importance to the inhabitants-the laying of the corner stones of a new school. The want of a school has long been felt, as at present the chapel is utilised as a Sunday-school, great inconvenience being the result. The present structure has been in existence since 1837. The present edifice was enlarged in 1864 to meet the growing wants of the people. The new Sunday-school, which is being erected at a cost of £500 (which sum includes benches for the chapel as well), will adjoin the chapel, and the communication will be by a door leading from the school to the chapel. The new building, which includes a cellar 13 ft. by 9 ft. 8 in. in height, will be 25 ft. square, and 45 ft. in height, and is estimated to hold 300 scholars. The new school, it is expected, will be completed early in the next year. The mason work of the building is entrusted to Mr. W. H. Bury, Stanhill. The

procession started from the chapel and marched to Stanhill House, the residence of Mr. William Metcalf, and sang two hymns, afterwards marching back to the site of the new school, where the Rev. W. C. Rank read several passages of Scripture, followed by a hymn and prayer by the Rev. James Barker, after which Mr. J. S. Brown addressed the people. He said he had lived in Stanhill for sixty years, and he had never witnessed such a scene as it presented that day. The Rev. James Barker, in presenting Mrs. Furness with a silver trowel and a mallet with which to lay the first stone, said he was glad that God had put it into her heart in her day and generation to do good. That the work of building a Sunday. school was a good work was manifest to anyone who had lived at Stanhill and had visited it for any length of time, for he took it that the very best people that lived in the village were there and had connection with that Sunday-school. He knew the interest Mrs. Furness took in religious education. He also knew the sympathy she had with the soul's salvation, and he trusted that her labours that day would help in both directions. He read the inscription as follows:-"Presented to Mrs. R. Furness, of Church, on the occasion of her laying the memorial stone of a new school at Stanhill in connection with the United Methodist Free Church, October 1st, 1881." Mrs. Furness acknowledged the gift, and declared the stone duly laid in the usual manner. The Rev. J. Renshaw, in presenting Mrs. E. Woolley with a trowel with an inscription similar to the above, said he was sure a deep interest was attached to everything they did that day, and he trusted it would be beneficial to them who were present and many yet unborn. In this life people would be influenced by the efforts which would be put forth in connection with that Sundayschool, and when their heads were laid low and their spirits had fled he trusted that many would rise up there and bless the day that that ceremony was ever performed. It would be a blessing not only to Mrs. Woolley but her children for the part she had taken in that work that day. Mrs. E. Woolley received the gift and performed the ceremony. The Rev. W. C. Rank made a similar presentation to Mr. William Metcalf, who laid the third stone, and said it was always a very pleasing thing to find men of position connected with any village taking an interest in the welfare of the people who had to labour for them, and he thought at Stanhill they were highly honoured indeed to find one of the greatest employers of labour-if not the greatest -taking such a great interest in the welfare of the people. Mr. Metcalf then laid the third stone, after which Mr. Woolley made a speech, in which he said that if there was any place which had a claim to be the established Church it was the one at Stanhill, and he was sure if there were people deserving of support it was those in whose interests they assembled that day. The churches in the neighbourhood owed a great deal to the one in which they stood. There was a church at Stanhill when there were no chapels at any of the neighbouring places, and those places owed their existence to the men and women who had been associated with Stanhill in its early days. He was sure they would ever look upon that as the mother Church of the circuit with those feelings which became children looking up unto their parents. He was glad that they had some there that day who were connected with the place in its earlier days. They had not uch men as William Grimshaw, Thomas Pemberton, and Mr. Openshaw in their midst, but they respected those men for work they did years ago; and he trusted there would spring up young men to take the place of those who had gone before to carry on the work of God in their midst. Mr. R. Furness also thanked them for honouring his wife, and remarked that that was the first stone that had been laid for a Sabbath-school in Stanhill. Mr. Metcalf, in returning thanks, said he had no religious scruples in helping any religious denomination where he thought their aim was the welfare of the human family without inculcating what he called superstition. At the close

of the ceremony a collection was made, which realised altogether £72 12s., which added to what had been previously got makes the total sum over £250. A tea meeting was held in the chapel afterwards, and was presided over by Mr. Metcalf, and addresses were delivered by the following gentlemen:-The Revs. James Barker, W. C. Rank, Renshaw, Edmonson, and Messrs. J. S. Brown, J. Bradley, and others.

FREE METHODIST TEMPERANCE LEAGUE.-The committee of this new Connexional organisation met on the 17th of October, in the lecture-room of Surreystreet Chapel, Sheffield. The treasurer of the League, Thomas Watson, Esq., J.P., was in the chair. There was a good attendance of the members of the committee, who transacted a considerable amount of routine business, as well as considering important propositions for the working of the League and pushing on its operations with vigour in the future. Leave was to be asked of the Governors to form a branch at Ashville College. Steps are to be taken to enrol personal members of the League, in addition to those who may be members, by belonging to affiliated societies or branches. The May district meetings are to be asked to appoint district Temperance secretaries. The treasurer kindly renewed his generous promise of £50 per year for three years towards the support of a travelling secretary and organising agent. It is sincerely hoped that other temperance friends in the Connexion will liberally support this scheme. The secretary was asked to arrange, if possible, with the friends at Leeds for a conference and public meeting in November. The treasurer and the secretary were appointed to represent the League at the meeting of the Alliance. In the evening

a tea and public meeting were held, when the claims of temperance and the Connexional League were advocated by Revs. J. Swann Withington, J. S. Balmer, S. Beavan, T. W. Townend, and C. Crabtree. During the early part of the meeting the treasurer presided, but having to leave he was succeeded in that position by the Rev. J. Thornley, the League secretary. The Surrey-street choir rendered very good and acceptable service during the evening. Friends who may wish to become members of the League may do so by sending their names and a subscription, not less than 1s., to the secretary, Rev. J. Thornley, 13, Winter-street, Sheffield. Subscriptions will also be gladly received by Thomas Watson, Esq., J.P., treasurer, Horse Carrs, Rochdale. One of the Sheffield papers, the Independent, reports: The Rev. J. S. Withington (Connexional editor), who announced himself as a teetotaller of forty-six years' standing, referred to the change in regard to the temperance question evidenced in religious, medical, and legislative action. Referring to Ireland, he said that if they continued to have a Government the principal members of which most certainly feared the Lord, he believed that the sister isle would emerge safely from the hurricane through which she was now passing. Their late member, John Arthur Roebuck, once said in his place in Parliament, in one of those terribly incisive sentences which came from his eloquent lips, that there was no possibility of cleansing and renovating Ireland unless she were submerged for twenty-four hours under the waves of the Atlantic. But as Christians, they believed there was a better process than that—a strength more potent than mere brutal and murderous force; and, by the exhibition of firmness on the part of the Government, he trusted that one of the most beautiful islands on the face of the earth would be elevated. Her people were grand in their imaginative and poetical power, beautiful in their conceptions, tender in their sympathies, the Italians of the British Empire; and the Government in their present efforts were seeking to make them a righteous and a sober people.

MEMOIR.

MRS. MARY WILLETT.

ARY WILSON was born at Reddish, near Manchester, in the year 1821.

MARY WILSON was born at near

became a scholar in the Sabbath-school held in the Cloth Hall, about the time of the formation of the Wesleyan Association in 1835. From scholar she rose to teacher, which office she held till the time of her marriage to Mr. John Willett. From the Cloth Hall the Church and school removed to Bury-street, and from Bury-street to the new chapel at present occupied in St. Stephen-street, which was built in 1852.

During the entire history of the Church and school Mr. and Mrs. John Willett have been closely associated therewith, and much credit is due to both for the noble and honourable manner in which they have stood by the cause through evil as well as good report. Mrs. Willett always felt a deep interest in the welfare of the institutions, and stood foremost among the lady friends in support of their funds; that which promoted their peace and prosperity gave her joy and comfort, while that which disturbed their harmonious working gave her anxiety and pain.

Giving her heart to God in very early life, and marrying a husband so closely connected with the Church as local preacher, leader, and Sabbath-school superintendent, religion, by culture and habit, grew and strengthened, until it was a work of pleasure to fear God and keep His commandments. Her piety shone rather in her strict integrity and sound principles than in mere sentiment and emotion. And this is no apology, but the evidence of an intelligent religious life. As her family increased and cares multiplied she realised the advantages of strict rule and consistency of life, and trained her children in those simple elements of the truth which are the sure foundation of good character, and which ripen like the fruits of autumn. She was a woman of remarkable energy and perseverance. To do right, and do it at once, without hesitation and reasoning, was an instinct and a passion. To speak the truth, and speak out, without if or but, whatever might be the consequences, was the uniform habit of her life, and frequently left an impression which led to reflection and reformation. She was always willing to aid any good cause, and was benevolent, generous, and kind; "to do good and to communicate" were sacrifices she proved to be acceptable unto God. With indolence and improvidence she might sometimes be considered hard, but she had proved the advantages of industry and economy, and believed that much of the poverty and misery might be obviated by a wise husbanding of time and resources. She was exceedingly practical, and whatever difficulty came, tried to deal with it so that it might do the least harm, and she might obtain the greatest good from it. She never cried poverty, but with a crust of bread and a seedy garment would be cheerful and independent. She attended to the duties of home and family with a care and constancy which made her a good wife, and a mother trusted, beloved, and obeyed. "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." (Prov. xxxi. 27, 28.) In the "times" that went over the family and circumstances, the changes found her faithful, and developed the graces of the Spirit, which sometimes shone with unclouded lustre. In trial and affliction she proved, "My grace is sufficient for thee." In adversity and darkness she was true and unwavering, never doubting the Divine faithfulness, but hoping to the end. Her last affliction was long, tedious, and very painful. Everything was done that human skill, care, and change of air could do, but for a long time it was seen hat she was doomed to fall. She wanted to live, but, when the time came, she

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was both willing and ready to die. Realising the fact, she patiently bore the pang of separation, and taking leave of her husband and children, she meekly resigned her spirit into the hands of God, who came, and silently released her from pain, and translated her into the kingdom of His dear Son. She died on the 1st of May, 1881, in the 60th year of her age, leaving a husband, four sons, and three daughters to mourn the loss.

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WITHIN the past few days the impressive words of the Master, "What I say

unto you I say unto all, watch, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh,” have had a most impressive significance imparted to them in the sudden removal from our midst of the wife of Mr. Edwin Hall. She has been taken at a time and in a way the most unexpected. While she was yet young, and rapidly regaining her wonted health, after the ordeal of confinement on the first of the present month, she suddenly became unconscious, and in the space of about twenty-four hours went over to the spirits of the just made perfect. Sister Hall was a good woman; she "feared God above many." She was a Christian in life and lip; to her Christ was a living and an abiding presence. "She endured as seeing the invisible." The spirit of her religion was to go the "common round," and to do the "daily task " in the spirit of her Master. She served Christ, and glorified Him in the service. Resolute of spirit, and with a faith as simple as that of a child's, yet strong as that of a giant's, she waged a good warfare, and has now laid hold on eternal life. In every circle she allowed her "light to shine." In the Church she spoke of heaven, and led the way; in her home she diffused the light and sweetness of God. She went out and in, not with the noise of the storm but with the softness and sweetness of the light. She walked in the light, but she is gone; she "walked with God, and God took" her. What a gain is hers, but what a loss is ours. The world has lost a noble example, the Charch a faithful and worthy member, and her dear husband a godly help-meet, and his five dear children a wise and saintly mother. God bless them. In her thirty-sixth year she died "full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost." May the bereaved ones reap the far-off interest of their bitter tears.

ENEAS MCKENZIE, of West Hartlepool (Lyme-street Circuit), on September 27, in his seventy-sixth year. His life was thoroughly consistent with his profession; he was an attached member of the Methodist Free Churches, and ever enjoyed the highest respect of his fellow-members. His sickness was borne with great Christian fortitude, and death was hailed by him as a friend. Like unto Simeon, he just and devout," hence his end was peace.

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WILLIAM BREWSTER, of Beacontree-heath, died October 31, aged 59. For thirty years superintendent of the Sunday-school. [Additional notice next month.] MARY, wife of J. B. Heeles, of Meanwood Hill, near Leeds, died Monday, October 17, aged 73 years. "The memory of the just is blessed."

ELIZABETH HOLT, relict of Benjamin Holt, died at Rochdale, October 22, in her 65th year.

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