ULEY cum OWLPEN. During the year 1874, the following Collections were made in Uley and Owlpen Churches: ULEY. Most of our Readers have heard something of the Transit of Venus, which took place on December 9th. It is now more than 100 years since the last Transit occurred, and this one has been eagerly looked forwards to, as it is hoped it will enable us to ascertain correctly the distance of the Sun from the Earth. Nearly all civilized nations sent out expeditions to places from which the Transit was visible, such as Siberia, Egypt, India, Australia, &c. Five expeditions were sent out from England, of which the most interesting to Uley people is the Egyptian, at the head of which is Captain Orde Browne, R.A.. The following is a short extract from an account in the Times of what he observed:-"A small break in the clouds showed Venus distinctly to most of the observers though it was a mere glimpse. The strictest orders had been given not to speak for fear of interfering with the counting time of the observers. Another long break enabled Venus to be brought into the field of all the telescopes, and micrometric measures to be commenced. Alternately hid in a cloud, and visible for a short period, Venus continued her course. The sky was now clear all over the West up to the Zenith, and it was obvious that it was a race as to whether the clouds or Venus should first be clear of the Sun. Happily after one long anxious period of obscurity, the Sun was seen to be passing into the clear sky, and there was still a distinct, unbroken thread of light between Venus and the Sun's limb, and the critical phase of contact was observed." The choice of Cairo as the principal Egyptian station, was made. at the suggestion of Captain Orde Browne, in consequence of observations which showed that the average weather was clearer there than at Alexandria, the place originally thought of and as The Times remarks, "The event proves how wise was the advice given." Much of the success also depended on the accuracy with which the telegraphic communication was carried on by Captain Orde Browne with Suez and Cornwall. The Church has been beautifully decorated for Christmas, thanks to those who bestowed much time and labour upon it, both in preparing the work, and putting it up in the Church. Next month a full account will be given of the first Concert of the Uley Glee Club, which took place on December 30th. CHURCH REGISTER. BAPTISM. Nov. 30-Charles Henry, son of Henry and Jane Smith. WHITMORE, STEAM PRINTER, STAMP OFFICE, LONG STREET, DURSLEY. BERKELEY. We began the New Year as usual with a "Watchnight" Service, beginning at 11.30 p.m. The Service was the same as last year, except that the clock was heard solemnly tolling out the hour of midnight during the interval of silent prayer. It was a bitterly cold night, and the roads dangerously slippery, consequently the attendance was not so good as in former years. On the same night the Choir men were entertained with tea and supper at the Chantry, and spent a pleasant evening together until the bells summoned them away to Church. On Monday, 28th December, the men, who had been coming to the Night School, had tea at the Chantry, and spent the rest of the evening in various games and singing, and on the following night the boys of the Night School, who had attended regularly, had a similar entertainment. There were 13 men and 26 boys. The prizes in the Sunday School were given by the Teachers to the deserving children in their classes on Septuagesima Sunday. The rule this year was, that every child who had attended 100, 80, or 50 times, was to have a prize proportioned to the regularity of attendance: Fifty-nine prizes were given away in the boys' and girls' Schools. On Tuesday, 5th January, the members and associates of the Guild of St. Mary spent a social evening together at the Chantry. There has been very little done hitherto by the Church people of Berkeley to promote the cause of Missionary work at home or abroad. The Clergy have felt for some time that it is not right that so large and wealthy a parish should do nothing to support the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, which is in great need of help. An arrangement has been made therefore for special sermons on the 14th Februrary, to be followed by a Public Meeting in the Town Hall, on the following evening. The Bishop has given notice that a Confirmation will take place in our Parish Church on the 31st March. This leaves but little time for the preparation of candidates, which will be begun as soon as ever the classes can be arranged. The Clergy intend to be much more strict in their requirements than formerly, not so much in knowledge and attainments, as in moral and spiritual fitness for so great and holy an ordinance. The instructions will be in all cases preparatory to First Communion, as well as Confirmation. The Clergy earnestly hope that the Season of Lent, now fast approaching, may be exceedingly blessed to those especially who are endeavouring to lead a holy life in the midst of the temptations and difficulties which surround them in their common every-day world. For a while, at all events, they should strive to live more closely than ever with God, and to have less to do with worldly pleasures and ammusements. Each day should be marked by some special work for God, some "work meet for repentance," so that the love of Jesus may grow and abound amongst us more and more, and we may be fitted for that happy home where sin and sorrow are unknown. There will be special services as usual in the Parish Church on Wednesdays and Fridays, but there will also be a short special service with meditation immediately after Evensong on Sunday nights, which all, who like to come, are earnestly invited to attend. CHURCH REGISTER. BAPTISMS. Dec. 30-William, son of William and Eliza Cole, Ham. وو Mary Ann, daughter of Thomas and Susan Hughes, Ham. Jan. 6-Charles William, son of Thomas and Eliza Taylor, Berkeley. MARRIAGES. Jan. 8-Angus John Robertson to Eliza Jane Davis. 13-Edward Jackson Hardinge to Clarence Catherine Hadley. BURIALS. Emma Taylor, Ham, aged 35 years. George Russ, Thornbury Union, aged 77 years. -00 COALEY. The Rev. J. J. B. Coles, Organizing Secretary to the Additional Curates' Society, will preach on behalf of the same, on the Evening of Sunday, Feb. 21st. Last year £5. 17s. 9d. was transmitted to the Society (see Parish Mag. of March last), and it is hoped, that no less a sum may be sent up this year. The work of the Society is much increased, and last year's receipts were also increased; much more interest is shown to be taken generally in the Society. Last month the sum of £4. 11s. 6d. was sent up to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, and the receipt placed on the Church door. It was made up of the following contributions: Subscriptions, £1. 4s. 6d. ; Box at Sunday School, 7/-; Offertory, £1.; Sale of Needlework, £2. There was neither a sermon or meeting for the Society last year, but it is hoped that one or other may be arranged this year. Lent falls unusually early this year, February 10 being AshWednesday. There will be Morning Service at 11 o'clock, and Evening Service on that day and each Wednesday in Lent (Feb. 17 excepted) at half-past seven. It was noticed that both in Advent and Lent last the Church attendance was not so good on the Wednesday Evenings as on former years. Surely Lent is a Season that should be observed, and one hour each week at public prayer more than usual should not be thought too much to give to God in Lent. The Vicar's Balance Sheet of the Offertory and Church Lighting have been placed on the Church door. The balance of Offertory from 1873 was £4. 16s. 1d., and the Collections amounted to £19. Os. 8d. Of this, £7. 12s. 10d. was given to the poor; £1. 8s. to the Additional Curates' Society; £1. 15s. to the Diocesan Association; £1 to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts; £1. 13s. 2d. to the Choir; and £5. 11s. 1d. to the account for the Lighting of the Church; leaving a balance in hand of £4. 16s. 8d. |