On Lord's-day, February 23rd, Sermons were preached in Peter Street Chapel; in the morning by the Rev. J. Henshaw, and that in the evening by the Rev. T. Allin. On Monday evening, the annual Missionary Meeting was held in the same place, when Mr. Alderman Kershaw presided. The meeting, which was one of great interest, was addressed by the Chairman, and the Revs. P. J. Wright, C. Atkinson, J. Howard, J. Henshaw, J. Nicholas, W. Shuttleworth, and Messrs. Makinson and Brooks.

On Sabbath, February 23rd, Sermons were preached in Bethesda Chapel, Pendleton, by Messrs. Makinson and J. Mills; and on Tuesday evening, the 25th, the public meeting was held, when John Hewitt, Esq. was called to the chair; and the cause of Missions ably pleaded by the Revs. P. J. Wright, C. Atkinson, T. G. Lee, (Independent,) and Mr. Makinson.

At Eccles, on Lord's-day, February 23rd, Sermons were also preached in behalf of our Missions; in the morning by Mr. J Mills, and in the evening by the Rev. J. Henshaw. The Missionary Meeting was held on the following Wednesday evening, when the chair was occupied by our esteemed friend Mr. A. Simpson, and the meeting addressed by the Revs. J. Nicholas, J. Henshaw, Messrs. E. W. Makinson and J. Mills. At all the meetings the feeling was most delightful and the collections liberal.

We are also endeavouring to raise one hundred pounds, to reduce the debt, and form a new Trust Deed for our Chapel at Altrincham. A meeting for this purpose was held on Tuesday evening, February 4th; the Rev. T. Allin in the chair. The Chairman, with his usual ability, stated the object of the meeting, when the friends generously came forward to assist us in this good cause. Nearly eighty pounds are already promised, and we hope the whole will be raised by August next, so that the estate may be placed in comfortable circumstances.

J. H.

BARNSLEY.-On Sunday, February 23rd, Sermons were preached in New Street Chapel, Barnsley, by the Revs. A. Scott and J. Wynne, in behalf of the New Connexion Missions; and on Monday evening, the 24th, a public meeting was held in the same place; Dr. Smith having kindly consented to preside on the occasion The report was read by the Rev. W. Beresford, and interesting addresses were delivered by the Revs. B. Beddow, (Independent); J. Griffith, (Wesleyan Association); M. Mills, from Dewsbury; J. Wynne, and other Ministers and Friends.

On Tuesday evening, the 25th, a similar meeting was held in our Chapel at Mapplewell; the Rev. W. Seaton in the chair. Appropriate and affecting addresses were delivered by the Revs. M. Mills, W. Beresford, J. Wynne, and Messrs. W. Abbott, J. Silverwood, and D. Wilkinson. These meetings were highly interesting and spiritual in their character; and the collections surpassed those of the preceding year.

At the villages of Midgeley and Crigglestone, though the people are very poor, yet amidst their various trials they have manifested their love and attachment to the Missionary cause by holding tea parties, which have each realized an amount that could not possibly be raised in any other way. Truly it may be said, they have done what they could; and if all places in the Connexion would raise in proportion to their ability, as these poor people have done, there would be no deficiency in the funds to increase our sphere of Missionary exertions.

W. SEATON.

BIRMINGHAM CIRCUIT.-On Sunday, the 23rd of February, the anniversary Sermons were preached in our Chapel at Lichfield, in the morning and evening, by Mr. Thomas Harris, our senior Local Preacher in this Circuit. On the Monday evening following, the annual meeting was held in the above Chapel, at which Mr. Pattison presided; and on the following evening, a public meeting was also held in our Chapel at Ogley Hay. It is worthy of remark, that the small Chapel at the latter place las been erected, and a Society formed in connection with it, since the last Conference.

On Sunday, the 9th of March, the anniversary Sermons were preached in our two Chapels in Oxford Street and Unett Street, Birmingham; the Rev. Samuel Jones officiating at Oxford Street in the morning and at Unett Street in the evening; and the Rev. G. Goodall preaching at Unett Street in the morning, and at Oxford Street in the evening.

The following Monday evening the usual annual meeting was held in Oxford Street Chapel; our respected Local Preacher, Mr. James Beswick in the chair; when the report was read by the Secretary, and addresses were delivered by the Chairman, and the Revs. George Dawson, (Baptist Minister); G. Goodall; Samuel Jones; Ralph Waller, and our respected Ministers, J. Poxon and J. Wright.

The following evening a similar service was held in Unett Street Chapel; Richard

Barlow, Esq. in the chair; and after the report had been read by the Secretary, the meeting was addressed by the Chairman, and the Revs. George Goodall, S. Jones, R. Waller, J. Poxon, and J. Wright. Our collections this year rather exceed those of last year.

JOHN HARRIS, Sec.

·TRURO CIRCUIT.-On Lord's-day, March 2nd, three Sermons were preached in Salem Chapel, St. Agnes, by the Revs. J. H. Robinson and J. Wilson; and on the following Tuesday evening a Missionary Meeting was held in the same place, when our esteemed friend, Mr. Uglow, presided; and the meeting was addressed by the Revs. J. H. Robinson, J. Merchant, J. Wilson, and Whatters, (Independent), and by Mr.

M. Courtenay.

On Lord's-day, March 9th, three Sermons were preached in Ebenezer Chapel, Truro, by the Revs. J. H. Robinson and J. Merchant; and on the Monday evening a public meeting was held, when John Baynard, Esq. (Independent) took the chair; and the meeting was addressed by the Revs. J. H. Robinson; Moore, (Independent); Tucket, (Baptist); Merchant; Wilson, and by Messrs, Uglow and Courtenay,

Services were also held at Breage and Chacewater, when the Rev. Messrs. Robinson, Merchant and Wilson, assisted by some other friends, officiated. The congregations at every place were large, the collections were good, and in some instances exceeded those of the past year.

The visit of Mr. Robinson will be remembered by our people with the liveliest sentiments of affection and gratitude; and we entertain the hope that from the effects produced by his sermons and addresses, more vigorous exertions will be made in behalf of our Missions, and that our Circuit will become even more distinguished than at present, for its Missionary spirit and liberality.

W. B.

CHESTER CIRCUIT.-March 9th, 1845, Sermons were preached in Pepper-Street Chapel, Chester, in aid of our Missions to Ireland and Canada. In the morning by the Rev. T. Waterhouse, and in the evening by the Rev. J. Wilson, of Liverpool.

On the following Tuesday evening a Missionary Meeting was held in the same Chapel, the attendance being more numerous than usual. The Rev. J. Wilson occupied the chair, and an excellent report was read by Mr. W. Dunning. The Revs. Boycott, Atkinson, Waterhouse, Cocker, Marchment, and Mr. J. Mills, of Altrincham, addressed the audience with good effect. The amount of collections exceeded the expectations of the friends.

F. W.

ALNWICK CIRCUIT-On Monday, March 10th, our Missionary Meeting was held, over which Mr. T. Allan presided. Mr. J. Allan read the report, and excellent ad dresses were delivered by the Revs. W. Cooke, (General Secretary); J. Stead and G. Richards, (Independent); T. Lucas, (Wesleyan); G. Thompson, (Scotch Church); D. Donaldson, (Relief Church); and Revs. Ker and Wallace, (Scotch Secession Church). A delightful feeling pervaded the meeting, and a deep impression was evidently produced in favour of our Missions.

On the following evening the Rev. W. Cooke preached a most excellent and im pressive Missionary Sermon. The collections slightly exceeded those of the preceding year.

G. GRUNDY.

HANLEY CIRCUIT-The annual Missionary Meeting was held at Upper Hanley, on Monday, March 10th; W. Ridgway, Esq., of Northwood, in the chair. The report was read by the Rev. J. Simon, and the meeting was addressed by the Ministers in the Circuit, and by the Revs. R. Jukes, (Primitive Methodist); J. Bromley, (Wesleyan); and Mr. S. C. Mellor.

On Easter Sunday, the Missionary Sermon was preached in Ebenezer Chapel, Newcastle, by the Rev. J. Hilton. On Easter Tuesday we had the usual Missionary tea party and public meeting. The chair was taken by the same respected individual, and addresses were delivered by our own Ministers and Friends.

The former was a delightful exemplification of Christian union and affection. Both were distinguished by a most excellent feeling, and a stronger proof of increased attachment to our Missionary cause in the increase of our collections.

G. BRADSHAW.

BOSTON CIRCUIT.-The annual services in aid of our Missionary Society have been

characterized by a sanctified ardour. The sermons were preached by the Rev. W. Mills, from Nottingham, on Lord's-day, March 23rd, whose chaste and fervid eloquence stimulated the zeal of the audience for the glory of the Most High God. On the Tuesday evening following, a public meeting was held for the same object, when the chair was ably occupied by Mr. Noble, (Baptist). Addresses were delivered by the Revs. T. W Mathews, (General Baptist), B. Farrington, (Particular Baptist), Mills, Flather, and J. Stephenson, (Primitive Methodist). A holy excitement was sustained from the commencement to the close, and all pronounced it one of the most interesting meetings they had ever attended. The contributions, though not equal to our wishes, were liberal, considering the withering destitution which has overspread this district.

SOCIAL TEA MEETING AT CHESTER.

ON Good Friday, a social tea meeting was held in Pepper Street Chapel, in aid of the Trust Estate. The attendance was more numerous than anticipated, and the friends came forward spontaneously and liberally to assist in accomplishing the proposed object. At the close of the meeting the Secretary announced the amount promised that evening to be the handsome sum of £557, which was received with lively bursts of joy; and the Trustees feel greatly encouraged to proceed in making applications to those who may yet be likely to assist them. As the case is a very pressing one, we shall thankfully receive the assistance of sympathising friends from any part of the Connexion. It is believed that this timely and vigorous effort will rescue our Trustees from danger, interest the public in their favour, and be the means of establishing our cause in this city.

THOMAS WATERHOUSE.

LAYING OF THE FOUNDATION STONE OF A NEW CHAPEL AT HIGHER HURST, ASHTON CIRCUIT.

ON Good Friday, March 21st, the first stone of a New Chapel at Higher Hurst, was laid by John Whittaker, Esq., under circumstances of unusual interest and promise. The friends at Hurst, with many others from the different congregations in our own and the neighbouring Circuits, met at the old Chapel, about half-past two o'clock, P.M. where they were joined by the children of the Sunday-school, and moved in procession to the intended site of the new edifice. On arriving there, the Rev. G. Hallatt commenced the service by giving out the hymn

"" 'Except the Lord conduct the plan," &c.

which being sung by the vast concourse of persons assembled to witness the ceremony, the Rev. J. Poxon offered up the dedicatory prayer. The Rev. J. Hudston then deposited in the cavity of the stone a glass bottle, containing all the coins of the present reign from half a farthing to half a crown, also a Circuit Preachers' Plan, and the following record: "The foundation stone of this building, intended for the use of the body of Evangelical Protestant Dissenters, denominated the Methodist New Connexion, wherein they may worship God, keep Christ's ordinances, and preach his holy gospel, was laid by John Whittaker, Esq, of Higher Hurst, (in whose munificence the erection originated), on Good Friday, March 21st in the year of our Lord, 1845. W. Hayley, Esq., Architect; Rev. John Hudston, Rev. George Hallatt, Ministers of the Ashton Circuit.

Mr. Hudston now presented Mr. Whittaker with a beautiful silver trowel, which the Committee had provided for his use on the occasion. It bore the following inscription: "Presented to JOHN WHITTAKER, ESQ., on the occasion of his laying the first stone of the Methodist New Connexion Chapel, Higher Hurst, March 21st, 1845."

As Mr. H. placed the trowel in Mr. Whittaker's hand, he said, “You will please, Sir, accept this as a trifling but permanent expression, on our part, of that admiration and esteem with which we regard the generosity you have manifested, and to which, under the Divine blessing, with the combined liberality of numerous friends, we are indebted for this happy and auspicious day." The usual form of laying the stone

having been gone through, Mr. Whittaker made a few appropriate remarks, which were followed by an address from Mr. Hudston, briefly stating the objects for which the edifice was about to be raised.

"We are," said he, "about to build a house, not for merchandise, or science, or art, but for religion-for God! Literally can we adopt the language of the patriarch Jacob, and say, 'This stone which we have set for a pillar shall be God's house.' Most solemnly do we name his name upon it, and set it apart to his worship and service. Within its walls, when reared, we shall deposit his word, observe his ordinances, and adoringly celebrate his perfections. Here on the Lord's-day, and at other periods, will devout worshippers assemble to swell the anthem of praise, and breathe forth into the ear of their Father in heaven the utterances of an anxious, or a gladdened heart. This house shall be called a house of prayer; the place to which Israelites indeed, shall resort to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God, through Jesus Christ. From this spot will holy incense ascend to the throne of the Eternal, for a sweet smelling savour, and here, in the congregation of his people, will the name of Jehovah be glorified; and we believingly anticipate that this house will be the place of God's presence. That presence will indeed lack the visible symbol which it had in the Jewish tabernacle and temple; there will be no material cloud of glory, no pillar of fire to awe the bodily senses; still on the ground of his own gracious promise we expect that here the eye and heart of God will be fixed, and to his faithful servants who worship him in spirit and in truth he will manifest himself as he does not to the world; while, as the sublime joys of his presence thrill and enrapture their hearts, they will exclaim, 'Lo! God is here! How awful is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!'

"But this edifice will not only be a house of prayer, it will also be a house of instruction. It will contain an oracle as well as an altar. Under its roof will the messenger of truth ascend, Sabbath after Sabbath, the sacred desk, from thence to expound, apply, and enforce the word of God. By him the claims of a pure and Scriptural morality will be asserted, and its precepts so explained and enforced, that all may read their duty as they run the course of their being, and know, in all the varying circumstances, and diversified relations of life, how to act the Christian. By him, too, wili the violated law speak out its thunders, and the gospel, in strains sweet as those which angels use, articulate its promises of pardon and peace. Yes! we wish most definitely to proclaim it this day in your hearing, that the ministry here maintained and exercised, will be emphatically and pre-eminently the ministry of reconciliation. Its peculiar theme will be the gospel, as a message of mercy from God to sinners-its distinctive symbol, the cross of Christ-and its anxiously sought for, and highest results, the salvation of the lost and the guilty. It will be a ministry dwelling continually on the character and work of the Son of God, and making it its chief business to set forth his unsearchable riches. He will be exhibited by it as the Saviour of men-their divine, all-sufficient, and ever-accessible Saviourable and willing to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him, because, by his sacrifice and intercession, God can be just, and yet the justifier of the ungodly.'

"And those who proclaim these glorious truths will, we trust, have an anointing from the Holy One, so that they shall be the ministration of the Spirit, and this house become, not only the house of devotion and instruction, but likewise a house of blessing. To-day we build for eternity. We know that the results of our work will flow on beyond the limitations of time, and be felt in the world to come; and we hopefully anticipate that it will tell benignly and graciously on deathless souls-that it will lessen the number of those that go down to the abodes of despair and perdition, and augment the number of those who, clad in light and splendour, surround the throne of the Eternal in heaven. Of this, our Zion, we devoutly desire, and confidently expect, that it will be said, This and that man were born there;' for surely the Highest himself will bless her, and make her as a fruitful hill. Here, then, believers walking in the fear of God, and the comforts of the Holy Ghost will be multiplied. Here many a heart (God grant the number may be very many) once dead in trespasses and sins,once the seat of everything base, sensual and devilish, once a miniature hell, shall feel the quickening, renovating, and harmonizing influence of divine truth; and the sinner shall be transformed into the saint-the vassal of Satan into the child of Godand the expectant of wrath into the heir of everlasting life.

We

"Such are the objects we contemplate in the erection of this sacred edifice; such the purposes for which we arise and build. We devote the building to holy uses. solemnly, devoutly, and joyously set it apart for the worship of God, the communion of saints, and the proclamation of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.'

After the address, another hymn was sung, and the members and friends repaired to the large school-room, and the warehouse adjoining Mr. Whittaker's mill, where tea

was provided for eight hundred persons. The trays were furnished gratuitously by our inestimable friends the ladies, so that the entire proceeds of the tea meeting (£53) were devoted to the Chapel Fund. The tables being removed, all the friends assembled in the school, when Mr. Whittaker took the chair, and related the circumstances which led to the determination to build the Chapel. The meeting was favoured with the presence of the Rev. P. J. Wright, from Halifax; the Rev. J. H. Robinson, from Liverpool; the Rev. J. Poxon and Mr. R. Barlow, from Birmingham. These brethren, with our esteemed friend the Rev. C. Atkinson, delivered highly eloquent and edifying addresses on various subjects. After a vote of thanks to Mr. Whittaker, the friends separated about half-past nine o'clock, all truly gratified and delighted with the day's proceedings.

For the information of those friends who may know the locality, we may state, that the site fixed upon for the Chapel is an exceedingly eligible plot of land by the new road leading from Mossley Road to Higher Hurst. The Chapel will be built of stone, in the Gothic style; it will be 21 yards long, by 13 yards wide, and is intended to seat about four hundred and fifty persons. The cost of the building, when entirely completed, will be about £1700; and the friends purpose, if possible, leaving it without debt, so that the income from the seat rents may be appropriated to the support of the ministry. Toward this desirable object a subscription list, with a total of £1300, has been obtained. To this sum the friends at Hurst, and we record it with sincere admiration of their liberality, have raised £230, in subscriptions varying from one shilling to twenty pounds. The Messrs. Whittakers have themselves most generously contributed £600; and John Whittaker, Esq., has obtained from his friends subscriptions amounting to £150 besides; while £300 or more, are contributed by the friends in the Ashton and Mossley Circuits. All honour to these men of generous hearts and generous deeds! May they be rewarded for their pious liberality, in this world, a hundred fold; and, in the world to come, may they obtain life everlasting!

The writer cannot close this account without putting it on record, that for the auspicious circumstances under which this house of God is about being built, we are indebted to the esteemed friend by whom the first stone was laid. His generosity provoked others to good works. Anxious that the Chapel should be as efficient as possible for the purpose for which it was to be built, he at once came forward and proposed to do himself" liberal things," if the friends at Hurst, and in the Circuit, would respond in a corresponding manner. The response was given; and he has gone far beyond the munificent sum he at first promised. May there be found many among us to emulate such generous conduct! and may the time soon come when all Chapel debts, whether for new erections, or those already in existence, shall be among the "things that were!"

J. H.

OPENING OF A NEW SCHOOL-ROOM IN BIRMINGHAM.

ON Sunday, the 19th of January, the new School Rooms adjoining Unett Street Chapel, in Birmingham, were opened for the admission of children. Sermons were preached in the Chapel in the morning, by the Rev. R. Waller, of Oldbury, and in the evening by the Rev. J. Poxon, after which collections were made in aid of the building fund. On Monday, the 20th, a tea meeting was held in the room, and a spirited public meeting succeeded that sober repast. After singing and prayer, Joseph Sturge, Esq. was called to the chair, and the meeting was addressed by the Revs. Poxon and Wright, Messrs. J. H. Wilson, (Editor and Proprietor of the Pilot Newspaper, which has always advocated the cause of the New Connexion), Bradburn, Brittain, and Banks, (Wesleyans), Whitehouse, Barlow, and others. The opening excited great interest in the neighbourhood, not only amongst the New Connexion, but friends of other denominations. Before the meeting concluded Mr. Sturge left the chair, which was ably filled by Mr. Beswick, The Secretary, Mr. W. Chamberlain, gave a report of the proceedings of the Trustees, and a statement of the accounts. During the meeting a collection was made, which, with the public and private subscriptions previously received, amounted to £89. This, it is expected, will be made into £100 ere long. The foundation-stone was laid on the 21st of October. The building is lofty and substantial, but exceedingly plain. It is 49 feet 6 inches long, and 21 feet wide, two stories high, and cost, exclusively of the ground, £320. The remainder of the money has been raised on the notes of the Trustees, without mortgage. The rooms will accommodate from four hundred and fifty to five hundred children.