CONFERENCES.

MIDLAND CONFERENCE.-The spring meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 4th, at Ilkeston (Queen Street). Morning at 11.0, devotional meeting, with sermon by Rev. F. Pickbourne. Afternoon at 2.0, business session, with reports from churches. Evening at 7.0, public meeting.

ROBERT SILBY, Secretary.

EASTERN CONFERENCE. The next meeting of this Conference will be held at March, on Thursday, April 3rd. At eleven o'clock the Rev. G. H. Bennett, of Bourne, will preach a sermon. At two o'clock, business, and afterwards a paper by brother C. Payne, of Louth, upon "American Church Life." A public meeting will be held in the evening in support of the Home Mission.

CHAS. BARKER, Secretary.

THE LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE for the winter session was held at Tetley Street Chapel, Bradford, on the 16th of January. Morning service at 10 30: reading and prayer by Rev. W. Sharman; sermon by Rev. D. McCallum from 1 Tim. iii. 16. Business at 2.0 p.m. Prayer by Mr. Binns. The reports of the churches showed twenty-nine baptized and eight candidates.

The following rosolutions were passed: 1. That Rev. J. Lawton be appointed to solicit and receive subscriptions, &c., for the G. B. Building Fund in this district.

2. That a meeting of lay preachers be called on next conference day to consider and report on the Southern Conference scheme.

3. That Rev. J Dearden having retired from the work of the regular ministry, after more than twenty years' faithful service at Lydgate, this Conference desires to express its high appreciation of his character and work, and wishes for him, in his retirement, all spiritual blessing and peace and joy to the end of his days.

4. That the officers for the coming year be-President, Mr. Joseph Horsfall; Vice-President, Mr. G. Scott; Treasurer, Mr. J. Lister; Business Committee, Revs. J. K. Chappelle, D. McCallum. W. Dyson, and Mr. Jos. Thomas, of Birchcliffe.

5. That this Conference hereby expresses its full confidence in the Government of the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, and earnestly hopes that a Bill for the large extension of the county franchise, to be followed by another for the redistribution of Parliamentary seats, may speedily become law, and that other neglected measures of Liberal legislation for Great Britain may be pressed forward this session.

6. That the next Conference be at Shore, on Whit-Wednesday; that the Secretary preach in the morning, and that brethren Wood and Williams, of Bradford, and McCallum and Riley, of Burnley, be the speakers in the evening. W. GRAY, Secretary.

CHURCHES.

BIRMINGHAM, Lombard Street.-27614 to hand. Many thanks.

BIRMINGHAM, Longmore Street.—The annual church and congregational tea meeting was held on Jan. 28th. Numbers large. A very enthusiastic and encouraging meeting followed the tea, the pastor, A. T. Prout, presiding. Addresses by various deacons and friends.

BOSTON.-At the church meeting held Jan. 21st, special reference was made to that day being the thirteenth anniversary of the death of Rev. Thos. Wright Mathews. Mr. Ward spoke in suitable terms of the influence of his life as being still felt in the church; also that it was through Mr. M. that pastor Oncken had been led into the Baptist faith, and by him was baptized. Officers for the year were elected, the various agencies of the church were reported as in a vigorous condition, and during the year nearly £700 had been raised from all sources.

COVENTRY, Gosford Street. --The second anniversary of the Rev. C. Hood, as pastor of the church, was celebrated by a tea and public meeting on Jan. 28th. Mr. Hood presided, and rejoiced that they had been permitted to beautify the chapel and to enjoy two years of unbroken peace and harmony. Addresses were delivered by Revs. E. W. Cantrell and W. T. Rosevear.

LIVERPOOL, Richmond Chapel (pastor, Rev. J H. Atkinson). -- Before us is the church manual for 1884. We have been much interested in the account given of work done and of societies and institu

tions maintained. Truly our friend, the pastor, appears as a king-bee in a hive of workers. Three mission-rooms are worked; 750 scholars taught in the schools. Contributions to foreign missions are £187-to the Liverpool hospital, £77. Our own College at Nottingham is not forgotten, £5 being the gift for the past year. A special feature of the domestic misson just started is a course of instruction by a medical doctor, on the best methods of treating injury or sudden illness-open to district and sick visitors, &c.

LONDON, Commercial Road. The tenth anniversary of Rev. J. Fletcher's pastorate was celebrated by a tea and public meeting on Feb. 12th. The pastor presided, and reported general harmony and prosperity. The membership has steadily increased, and for the tenth time in succession the weekly offering has gone beyond the previous year. The sum of £109 5s. Od. has been raised and spent during the year in improving the school-room, and more money has been raised in 1883 for the work of the school (from which fifteen have been added to the church during the year), more for the poor, more for the Christian Instruction Society, more for the Foreign Mission, more for the Home Mission, and more for the College, than in the year before. A Christian band has recently been started for the spiritual welfare of the younger members of the church, and is well attended. The receipts of the year from all sources (but raised almost exclusively from within the church and congregation) amount to £864. The meeting was a very hearty one, and was addressed by Revs. J. Hillman (Baptist) and J. R. Fisher (Congregationalist), Mr. Gillmore and Mr. Woodward (deacons).

LONGFORD, Salem Chapel.-The annual tea meeting of the members took place on Feb. 5th. A very encouraging report was given. The pastor (Rev. Jno. R. Parker) presided, and the large meeting was addressed by the deacons and other friends. The members number 316, and the spacious chapel continues to be well filled. The branch interest at Sowe is showing signs of great spiritual prosperity. Considering the sad state of the weaving trade, the general feeling was one of great thankfulness.

MACCLESFIELD. -The annual church meeting was held on Jan. 24th, the pastor in the chair. The financial statement by the Secretary was very satisfactory, and indicated vigour and self-sacrifice in all departments. The

statement by the pastor showed thirty additions during the year, and sixtyeight during Mr. Dowen's three years' pastorate. The Sunday-school was reported in a very healthy condition. The church has been recently canvassed for subscribers; result-the list is doubled in number.

MARKET HARBOROUGH.-The church, which has been for a long time in an uncomfortable and dilapidated condition, is now about to undergo important alterations, at a cost of about £400, the contract being taken by W. Martin, Junr. The closing services and meetings have been held as follows:-On Feb. 9th a substantial tea was provided at 5.0 pm. Nearly one hundred present. After tea the choir in a creditable manner gave a service of song, "Uncle Tom," the connective reading being given by Mr. W. Cotes. On Sunday, Feb. 10, two excellent sermons by Rev. J. Wild. Good congregations. On Feb. 11 the closing meeting was held at 7.30 p.m., when interesting and humorous addresses were delivered by the Rev. J. Wild, W. E. Morris, and S. Harper; and Mr. Cotes gave a statement of the work done since the settlement of Mr. Wild Satisfactory collections were taken at the close of each service and meeting in aid of the renovation fund. This is a bold outlay, and the friends deserve every encouragement. For re-opening services see advertisement.

SHEFFIELD, Cemetery Road.-On Jan. 24th, S. Hoyland, Esq., gave a lecture in aid of the Band of Hope. Subject-"A talk on Phrenology." The Rev. E. Carrington presided. The lecture was very interesting and instructive, and was accompanied by the examination of a number of heads.-The young men of the Bible class gave a miscellaneous entertainment on Feb. 4th, which was very largely attended, the object being the renovation of their class-room Since tho settlement of the Rev. E. Carrington the congregation has been steadily increasing. On Sunday, Feb. 10th, nearly a dozen of the senior scholars decided for Christ. Mr. Carrington's earnestness and zeal have been the means of stimulating the members of the church, and we are expecting great things in the future.

SPALDING.-The annual tea meeting of the church and congregation was better attended than in the prévious year. The pastor in the chair. Addresses by Messrs. W. Parker, J. T. Atton, S. B. Newling, and E. Newling (of London).

STOKE-ON-TRENT. A rejoicing tea meeting was held in the schools on 21st January, to celebrate the extinction of the debt of £600. After tea Rev. Sim Hirst presided over a large meeting, being supported by the six deacons and Messrs. Grose, Stubbs, and Leadbeater. The total amount raised was £642 0s. 11d., or £42 more than the sum originally contemplated. Towards this sum Mr. W. M. Grose generously contributed £300. -Most successful evangelistic services were held from 27th Jan. to 1st Feb., conducted by Mr. Frank Russell, one of Mr. Spurgeon's evangelists. The congregations were large, and over a hundred professed conversion. Some of the cases were especially pleasing.

COALVILLE.-On Jan. 21st, after a largely attended social tea, a presentation, consisting of a purse of twenty guineas, was made by Mr. Jas. Gutteridge, on behalf of the church and congregation, to the Rev. F. and Mrs. Pick bourne, on the occasion of their recent marriage. Other gifts, comprising a very valuable hat and umbrella stand and a very handsome toast rack, were presented by Mr. C. Hardington, on behalf of the young men's Bible class, and by Miss E. Hull, on behalf of the young women's Bible class. During the evening, selections of music, both vocal and instrumental, were given by Mrs. W. D. Stableford, Mrs. J. Gutteridge, Miss Bertenshaw, Mr. J. H. Starkey, and Mr. W. Moss. Very appropriate speeches were made by Messrs. Bertenshaw and W. D. Stableford. The meeting was large, hearty, and enthusiastic, and one long to be remembered.

FLEET.-At the annual gathering of teachers and friends on Feb. 11th, Mrs. Barker, the pastor's wife, was presented with an exceedingly handsome Queen's blue china tea service. The presentation

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was made, on behalf of the choir, teachers, elder scholars, and other friends, by Mr. E. Larrington, who, in a characteristic speech, explained that the present was an expression of grateful esteem for Mrs. Barker's long services in connection with playing the harmonium, singing, and teaching the adult class of girls. He, and others who followed, testified to the affection all entertained for both pastor's wife and pastor. A breakfast cup and saucer to match, generously given by the lady at whose establishment the purchase of the service was made, was included for Mr. Barker, who, for his wife and himself, in suitable terms acknowledged the great kindness then and all along experienced by them both.

LOUTH, Eastgate.-(1) In connection with a recent "sale of work," which yielded over £33, Mr. F. M. Thompson was presented with a handsome sofa cushion, in acknowledgment of his valuable services in various departments of church work.-(2) On Jan. 25th, Mrs. Payne's S. S. class presented her with six Al electro-plated forks, a cut glass sugar basin and cream jug, with an address neatly executed, expressive of their high appreciation of her services. During the four years Mrs. Payne has had charge of this class it has supplied the church with thirteen members and the school with six teachers.

SHEFFIELD, Cemetery Road.-Some of the most earnest workers in connection with the above place of worship have left for foreign parts. At the annual Band of Hope meeting Mr. Bradley was presented with a writing case and a set of books on the occasion of his departure for New Zealand; and at the annual Sunday school teachers' tea Mr. J. E. Chambers and Miss Dockerill were suitably remembered.

WENDOVER-The chapel has just been re-opened, after unique alterations and additions. The pastor, Rev. J. W. Callaway, was architect and surveyor throughout, to the entire satisfaction of the people. He made no charge for his services, and thus the expenses were limited to £225 98. 8d. The whole amount has been raised. At the annual meeting in Feb., Mr. Pearce (deacon), on behalf of the church and congregation, presented to Mr. and Mrs. Callaway a purse containing £11 10s., in token of their gratitude and esteem for the labours named above, and expressed the hope of the subscribers that it would enable the good pastor and his wife to take a needful holiday.

GRANTHAM, Oxford Street.-On Feb. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, a bazaar was held in the Temperance Hall towards reducing the debt of £300. The bazaar opened by the mayor, G. S. Hannett, Esq, accompanied by the mayoress. The proceeds amounted to about £50.

was

The

GREAT GRIMSBY, Zion Church. --The congregation under the pastoral care of the Rev. William Orton held a bazaar on January 16th, 17th, and 18th, to defray the cost of a new heating apparatus for their chapel and school - room. bazaar was opened by a luncheon, at which Mr. John Wintringham presided. The mayor, Dr. Keetley, and the mayoress were present, with several of the town councillors and friends from various congregations of the town and neighbourhood. There was a good attendance throughout, and though it was not expected to raise more than £100-the cost of the apparatus-yet it was found at the close that the net proceeds exceeded £150.

MINISTERIAL.

REV. D. ASQUITH has resigned, and will terminate his ministry at Nuneaton in six months.

REV. E. HILTON is leaving Heanor, having accepted a unanimous invitation to Sinalley, coupled with an invitation for him to act as supervising pastor of the church at Kilburn. He will commence his labours at each place early in March Mr. Hilton has done a good work during his two years' ministry at Hoanor, and leaves behind him a good temperance cause-the first in the history of the church.

REV. J. HUBBARD, of Barlestone, has tendered his resignation as co-pastor of the Barton church, having accepted a hearty invitation to Heptonstall Slack. He hopes to enter on his new sphere the first Sunday in May.

REV. A. H. SMITH has left Coningsby. J. Sellars, deacon.

REV. HENRY WOOD, late of Orissa, has accepted the pastorate of the church at Long Eaton, and hopes to commence his work on the first Sunday in March.

BAPTISMS.

BIRMINGHAM, Lombard Street.-Four, by E. W. Cantrell.

BIRMINGHAM, Longmore Street.-Three, by A.

T. Prout.

CHESHAM.-Five, by W. Bampton Taylor.
DERBY, St. Mary's Gate. - Five, by T. R.
Stevenson.

GRANTHAM.-Two, by D. C. Chapman.
GRIMSBY.-One, by W. Orton.

KIRKBY-IN-ASHFIELD.-Six, by W. Mills. All from the Sunday School.

LEICESTER, Archdeacon Lane.-Three, by W. Bishop.

LEICESTER, Friar Lane.-Three, by G. Eales, M.A.

LONDON, Commercial Road. -Two, by J. Fletcher.

LONDON, Westbourne Park.-Eight, by Dr. Clifford.

LONGFORD, Union Place.-Three, by H. J. Hodson.

LOUTH, Eastgate.-Five, by C. Payne.
MACCLESFIELD.-Three, by Z. T. Dowen.
SHEFFIELD, Cemetery Road.-Two, by E. Car-
rington.

SMALLEY AND KILBURN.-Six, by G. Love.
SPALDING.-Six, by J. C. Jones, M.A.
STANTON HILL.-Six, by J. Harvey.
TODMORDEN.-One, by W. March.

MARRIAGES.

LEE-GAMESON.-February 12th, at Vicarage Walk Chapel, Walsall, by Rev. W. Lees, of Crewe, and Rev. A. A. Cole, of Walsall, the Rev. A. Hampden Lee to Miss Gameson, elder daughter of Mr. T. Gameson. The presents to the bride and bridegroom were very numerous and handsome.

UNWIN-GOODWIN.-Dec. 27th, at Park Lane Chapel, Poynton, by the pastor, Joseph Unwin, of Poynton, to Hannah Marie Lockett Goodwin, of Hednesford, Staffordshire.

OBITUARY.

HACKETT, RICHARD, was born at Barlestone, July 29th, 1816. Brought up amid the inflnences of a religious home, he early gave his heart to God, and was baptized at Barton Feb. 26th, 1832. A few years after he went to reside in London, and united with the friends at Church Street, and became an intimate friend and zealous co-worker with the late Dr. Burns. When he returned to Barton it was to use his enlarged experiences for its good. For years he gave out the hymns in a sweet and impressive manner, and materially assisted the church with his earthly abundance. Ministers ever found in him a ready helper and sympathizing friend. In the early part of the year he fell into a state of great weakness and lassitude, which increased until the end. He evinced his love for God's house by persistently attending in spite of his condition. His resig nation and hopefulness were patient and light, and as death drew near his faith became increasingly strong. As the beautiful morn of August 20th, 1883, dawned upon the world, his spirit soared to a brighter realm to meet his wife and child, his Saviour and God. He was interred at Barton, the service being conducted by Rev. G. Needham and the writer. A few Sundays after, the former preached his funeral sermon to a large congregation. He has left behind him an only surviving daughter to mourn his loss, and a name that will long remain fragrant to the multitude who knew his worth. J. H.