Forward Movements. PROPOSED NEW CHAPEL AT HORNSEY (NORTH LONDON). TRAVELLERS to London by the Great Northern Railway can scarcely have failed to observe the rapid rate at which building operations have been recently going on in the neighbourhood of the Alexandra Palace, and north of Finsbury Park Station. In the Ministers' Fraternal Association it has for some time past been felt very desirable to have a good General Baptist Chapel erected in that district to supersede the present hired building at Crouch End. Aided by a Committee representing the London churches, they have now secured a site (75 feet frontage and 111 feet depth) in the Ferme Park Road for £525, and it is their intention, as soon as possible, to raise a building upon it that shall be called "Ferme Park Chapel." Help is urgently needed to raise a Building Fund, so that there shall be no delay to the work; and friends throughout the denomination are earnestly requested to forward contributions to Dr. Clifford, the Rev. J. Batey (Treasurer pro tem.), or the London and South Western Bank, Finsbury Park, Ñ. NEW SCHOOL ROOMS AT LOUGHBOROUGH (Baxter Gate). SCHOOL rooms well ventilated, lighted, and warmed, have been erected at the rear of the old ones, which will now be converted into class-rooms. Accommodation is provided for 250 more scholars. The rooms were opened on Feb. 11th. Preacher the Rev. Charles Clark, of London. Large tea meeting. Good congregation. Proceeds £30. Sunday, February 24th, two Sermons by the Rev. J. Alcorn, of Lytham. Collections £18. Tea and service of song, March 12th. Total cost of new schools about £700. Amount already realized £455. Amounts promised £40. Amount wanted £205. THE THOMAS COOPER MEMORIAL CHAPEL. THE friends at Lincoln purpose rebuilding their chapel in St. Benedict's Square. Dr. Clifford says, "It is surely high time for our friends at Lincoln to ' arise and build.' The present edifice is ill-adapted to their work. The large and growing city offers a most promising sphere for consecrated endeavour; and the church has the faith, self-sacrifice, and venture which are the best auguries of success. May this appeal to the generosity of the Christian public meet with a free response. Personally I shall be glad to do my utmost to render aid." The Rev. W. Orton, J. Jolly, B.A., and T. Barrass unite in a similar hearty commendation of this endeavour. Mr. Cooper, the well-known and widely-honoured "Defender of the Faith," is a member of the church. We trust that a wide-spread and liberal response will greet the appeal set forth more fully in the advertisement on another page. OPENING OF NEW SCHOOL AT WALSALL (VICABage Walk). THE admirable and handsome new building which has just been erected by the side of the chapel known to all readers of this Magazine as the first-born of the Home Mission Unification Scheme, was opened on March 3rd. 230 sat down to tea. The public meeting in the chapel was presided over by the pastor (Rev. A. H. Lee), in the unavoidable absence of the Mayor (J. H. Smith, Esq.) Speakers: Revs. W. Lees, of Crewe, S. S. Allsop, of Burton, and J. Fletcher, of London. Several ministers of the town were also present. The enterprise of the church and congregation, and the excellence of the building, met with the hearty commendation of all. The builder, Mr. A. Lynex, and the architect, Mr. H. E. Lavender, both of Walsall, were highly complimented. The main school is 45ft. 9in. long, by 32ft. wide, and is 16ft. from the floor to the wallplate. As it is ceiled up the rafters for some distance, the centre is considerably higher. The room seems excellently proportional, and is admirably adapted for meetings, that being one of the objects with which it has been designed. Immediately behind the main school is that for the infants, which is 15ft. wide and 27ft. long. From the lobby at the back of the infants' department access is gained to the old school-room, which it is designed to utilize by converting it into class-rooms. From the same lobby a broad flight of stairs, of very easy gradient and with no awkward turnings, leads to the upper class-rooms, of which there are two of convenient size. The kitchen or cellar, in which the heating apparatus is fixed, is approached by steps from the same lobby-the old entrance, from the back of the chapel, being also retained. The result of these arrangements is the maximum of convenience for all the purposes for which a school can be needed. The rooms are all well lighted, the windows being so arranged as to give uninterrupted light to each class. The gasfitting has been carried out by Messrs. Chesterton and Sons. The light is supplied by two large pendants in the centre and brackets on the walls. These are painted chocolate and blue, picked out with red in flattened colours, and are both effective and tasteful. The heating is by means of hot water pipes, which have been put in under the direction and superintendence of Mr. T. Gamesou. The total cost including furnishing, is expected to be about £1,000, towards which between £400 and £500 has been received or promised. It is proposed to hold a bazaar in April, and from this it is hoped that a considerable amount will be realised, so that no more than £250 or £300 will remain unpaid upon the buildings. Cash received for College Building Fund. All information for this department should reach REV. J. FLETCHER by the 16th of the month. CONFERENCES. CHESHIRE. The next meeting will be EASTERN.-The forthcoming meetings are postponed from April 3rd to Thursday, April 17th. Place, MARCH. Morning preacher, Rev. G. H. Bennett. At 2.0 pm. business, and paper on "American Church Life" by C. Payne. Home Missionary meeting in the evening. CHARLES BARKER, Secretary. SOUTHERN.-The Spring meetings will be held at Westbourne Park chapel on Wednesday, April 22. Business at 3.0 p.m. At 5.0 Rev. F. J. Bird will read a paper on "The Claims of the Church upon those seeking fellowship therewith, and how to enforce them." Discussion to follow. Tea at 60; price 6d. each. At 7.30 Rev. J. Batey will preside, and deliver his address as chairman for the year; subject-"A forgotten record called to mind." Speeches will follow by Rev. W. Harvey Smith, Messrs. T. Grigsby and A. H. Moore. ROBERT P. Cook, Secretary. WARWICKSHIRE. - The Spring meetings will be held at Polesworth, April 21. Reports on Inter-visitation Scheme Paper by Mr. Harrison, President of the Walsall Sunday School Union, on "The relation of children to the kingdom of God" Deputation from the Baptist Union, &c. NEWS OF THE CHURCHES. MIDLAND-Spring Conference held at Ilkeston (Queen Street), March 4th. In the absence of Rev. F. Pickbourne, the appointed preacher, through indisposition, Rev. J. G. Pike gave an admirable impromptu address on Foreign Mission work, for which he was cordially thanked; and brethren T. R. Stevenson and H. Wood followed on the same theme. In the afternoon the Rev. C. Springthorpe, president for the year, took the chair. The church at Leake was received into the Conference, and recommended to the Association. It was resolved, after reading of correspondence from Local Preachers' Associations, that no further action be taken by this Conference with regard to "case" printed on page 30 of Year Book. Revs. G. Eales, M.A., of Friar Lane, Leicester; R. Pursey, of Beeston; and H. Wood, of Long Eaton, were welcomed into the Conference. The reports from the churches were very gratifying. Baptized since last Spring 494 Resolved,-"That the Conference very cordially commend the appeal for help from Wirksworth to the sympathy and assistance of the churches and friends." The next Conference is to be held on Whit-Wednesday, at Barton. The morning sermon by Rev. A. C. Perriam. Paper in the afternoon by Rev. W. H. Tetley; subject "The differences and divisions in churches, and how to deal with them." At the evening meeting addresses were given by Rev. T. R. Stevenson, on "How to fill our places of worship;" and by Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M A., on "The attitude of the church with regard to present-day scepticism." R. SILBY, Secretary. CHURCHES. BERKHAMSTEAD.-On Feb. 27, a Band of Hope was inaugurated. Rev. J. F. Smythe presided, and Rev. Mr. Scorey, of the Baptist Total Abstinence Association, gave an address, after which officers were appointed and members were enrolled. On March 4th, Alan Reid's Sacred Cantata, "Ruth," was performed in the chapel, under the auspices of the Berkhamstead and Northchurch Nonconformist Association. Mr. Hodges, head master of the Board school, was conductor, and Mr. D. Osborn, organist. Miss Day took the 149 HUGGLESCOTE. The annual church meeting was held on Shrove Tuesday. The cash account was satisfactory. The work of the year included a bazaar, which had realized nearly £400, and the enlargement of the infants' room at a cost of nearly £100. It is now proposed to paint and decorate the chapel. A sale of work to meet the outlay will be held in the autumn. A resolution was passed expressing good wishes for Rev. H. Wood, with hearty thanks for the ready help rendered by him at week-evening_and other services during his stay at Hugglescote since his return from India. LONDON, New Bethnal Green Road.The 243rd anniversary of church, 2nd of present chapel, and 6th of pastor's settlement, took place on Feb. 24th and 25th. Revs. J. A. Brinkworth and Dr. Dawson Burns preached on the Sunday. On Monday the chair was taken by J. T. Hart, Esq.; addresses by Revs. G. W. M'Cree, W. T. Moore, M.A. (Editor of the "Christian Commonwealth”), J. A. Brinkworth, W. Harvey Smith (pastor), and Mr. G. F. Treverton. The pastor reported a net gain of 26 members, and an increase of £26 on weekly offertory. All institutions of the church in a healthy condition. Total income from all sources nearly £700. During the meeting, Mr. T. N. Dyer, in the name of the church and congregation, presented to Mr. F. T. Treverton, the much-esteemed organist of the chapel, a handsomely bound copy of "English Baptists," and a purse of gold, in recognition of his valuable gratuitous services for the past two years. The net result of the anniversary was £113 in money and promises, and a store of fresh energy for the new year. LONDON, Westbourne Park.-The annual meeting of the Praed Street, Westbourne Park, and Bosworth Road church was held at Westbourne Park chapel on March 3. Rev. Dr. Clifford presided, and addresses were given on different departments of Christian work by Messrs. Morgan, Stewart, Lilley, Griffiths, Holloway, Cayford, and Revs. W. J. Avery and S. D. Rickards. The report showed a membership of 1,115, and the receipts for 1883 amounted to £4,921. The total contributions since 1877, the year of the opening of Westbourne Park chapel, are a little short of £24,000. LONG SUTTON.-A bazaar in aid of the chapel funds was opened in the Corn Exchange, on Feb. 14, by W. R. Wherry, Esq., of Bourne. Members of all denominations helped. Music, &c, enlivened the proceedings. The friends were cheered after two evenings with a net result of over £40. LOUGHBOROUGH, Wood Gate.-Special sermons in aid of the Building Fund were preached on March 9th by the pastor, C. W. Vick, to large congregations. £66 were needed for interest, repayment to Building Fund, and outstanding bills. The Sunday collections realized £18 13s. 6d. On the Monday a tea meeting was held, £32 3s. 6d. being collected for the trays. A public meeting in the new chapel followed, when the chair was taken by the pastor. The Rev. E. Stevenson, Messrs. Godkin, Baldwin, Coltman, Marshall, and others, delivered addresses, and the balance required was obtainedthe total receipts being £66 4s. 6d. In addition, the members of the Ladies' Sewing Meeting handed in £12 10s. to the Treasurer, to be applied to the reduction of the debt, making between £900 and £1000 they have handed over since the new chapel was commenced. LOUTH, Northgate.-Feb. 17, service of song, compiled by the organists, with original readings by the Rev. E. H Jackson. Proceeds £4 15s, presented to the Louth Hospital. - Feb. 22nd. Through the excellent arrangements of Mr. Burton (one of our deacons) the choir of Mr. Spurgeon's Orphanage, with the head master, visited us. Their singing and hand-bell ringing were highly appreciated by a large assembly in the Town Hall, presided over by the Rev. E. H. Jackson. The next day Mr. Burton remitted more than £40 to Mr. Spurgeon for the Stockwell Orphanage. NETHERTON. - The 20th anniversary took place on Feb. 17th. The pastor, Rev. Leo Humby, preached. The prospects of the church are cheering. NOTTINGHAM, Mansfield Road. — The Hand-book issued on Feb. 29 indicates an addition of six members from other churches and a loss of nine, leaving the present membership 186. The weekly offerings and the subscriptions to the Home Mission are less than in the previous year, but the sums raised for the College, the Foreign Mission, the Dorcas and Benevolent Societies, are higher than before. The aggregate income for all purposes has amounted to £795 8s. 5d. The church has adopted resolutions with a view to providing additional school accommodation. NOTTINGHAM, Old Basford. - The annual tea and public meeting of the Benevolent Society was held on Shrove Tuesday. The Society has 122 subscribers, and during the year £39 15s. 6d. has been bestowed in 312 gifts to the poor of all denominations. POYNTON.-On March 9th the chapel anniversary sermons were preached by Rev. Price Williams, of Nantwich. Collections £7 10s. 9d.-On March 12 the newly-formed Band of Hope held its first meeting, the pastor presiding. Music, recitations, and addresses were given. Between 30 and 40 persons received cards of membership on taking the pledge. SHEFFIELD, Cemetery Road.-On March 11th, a much appreciated lecture, in connection with the Mutual Improvement Society, was given by the president, Rev. E. Carrington, on "Pottery and Potters." The proceeds were devoted to the purchase of new hymn books for the use of strangers at the Sunday services. RETFORD.-On Feb. 27th, the choir from Stockwell Orphanage gave an entertainment in the Town Hall to a crowded and delighted audience. Proceeds, less expenses, £21 15s. WOLVEY.-On Shrove Tuesday a wellattended tea took place, after which the pastor, Rev. W. Rice, gave a lecture on "Billy Bray, the King's Son." The choir gave a pleasing selection of music. SUNDAY SCHOOLS. DERBY, Osmaston Road.-The S. S. anniversary was held on March 9th. Sermons by the Rev. W. H. Tetley. Collection £35 15s. 8d. Anniversary tea and public meeting on March 10th. Rev. W. H. Tetley presided. Excellent report. Addresses by Revs. G. Hunsworth, M.A., J. I. Walsh, and T. Goadby, B.A. The choir gave effective rendering of anthems by Gounod and Stainer. HALIFAX, North Parade.-On March 8th, school sermons by Rev. E. Stevenson. In the afternoon a service of song"Moses, from the Nile to Mount Nebo." Reader, Councillor Storey (a Churchman). Collections £50 78. Annual school tea meeting on March 9th. LONDON, Commercial Road.--The 83rd S. S. anniversary was held on March 16th. Preachers, Revs. W. E. Hurndall, M.A., NEWS OF THE CHURCHES. and J. Fletcher. Rev. J. Saunders, B.A., gave an address in the afternoon.-Tea on the 18th. Pastor presided at meeting. Addresses by Revs. W. J. Avery, B. Sackett (Congregationalist), and A. Stirling (Presbyterian). Cordial thanks were given to them, as also to Mr. Cooper, singing conductor, and Mr. Edgecombe, organist, for training the scholars to sing so well. LOUTH, Northgate.-The S. S. superintendents, Messrs. Burton and Godsmark, entertained the teachers and senior scholars at supper on the 6th of March. A pleasant evening was spent with music and speech contributed by the teachers and their scholars. MINISTERIAL. REV. G. BARRANS, of Bridlington Quay, has accepted a cordial invitation to Stafford Street, Walsall, and will commence his work on the first Sunday in April. REV. A. HAMPDEN LEE.-On March 5th a meeting was held in the new school-room of Vicarage Walk Chapel, Walsall, to congratulate the pastor and Mrs. Lee on their recent marriage. Addresses were delivered by Mr. Chesterton, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Whitmore, and Rev. W. Lees. Mr. Harrison, who presided had the pleasure of presenting to Mr. and Mrs. Lee, in the name of the church and congregation, a purse of sovereigns and a very handsome and massive Canterbury, fitted with drawer, &c. Upon the Canterbury was placed a beautifully inlaid inkstand, subscribed for by the young women's Bible class, and presented to Mr. Lee on Sunday afternoon last at the school, of which he is the superintendent. Mr. Lee responded in suitable terms.. By this first meeting in the new school the acoustic properties of the building were proved to be all that could be desired. REV. J. PARKINSON, of Queensbury, has resigned the pastorate. His labours terminated March 14th. 151 LOUGHBOROUGH, Woodgate.-Nine, by C. W. LOUTH, Eastgate.-Three, by C. Payne. MARRIAGES. BOOTH-DAYKIN.-At the Baptist Chapel, Old Basford, on March 11th, by the Rev. J. Maden, Mr. Samuel Middleton Booth, to Miss Sarah Esther Daykin, both of Kimberley. WILSHIRE-BRADLEY.-March 18, at Queen Street, Peterborough, by Rev. T. Barrass, Lewis Wilberforce Wilshire, eldest son of the late Rev. Joseph Wilshire, of St. Mary's Gate, Derby, to Harriet (Hattie) Bradley, of Peterborough. OBITUARIES. For BENNETT, HARRIET.-After a long and trying illness borne with exemplary patience and calm Christian fortitude, Mrs. Saml. Bennett, of Pear Tree House, near Derby, entered into rest on Monday, February 11th, at the age of sixty-three years. In the course of the funeral service on the following Saturday, conducted by the Revs. T. Goadby, B.A., and W. H. Tetley, sincere tributary words were spoken concerning the departed one; and on the following Sunday evening, in the Osmaston Road Church, by a funeral sermon, faithful and encouraging testimony was given to her memory. five-and-forty years she was most honourably and usefully associated with the work and fellowship of the denomination. Her baptismal Vows were made under the ministry of the Rev. J. G, Pike, when the church now meeting in St. Mary's Gate assembled at Brook Street Chapel; and in Mr. Pike's memoir there is a pleasing reference to the occasion when she was baptized with one of her sisters, and nineteen other candidates, as "the largest baptism" the church had known at that period of Mr. Pike's labours in Derby. Of her unblemished consistency in church membership, both the church at St. Mary's Gate and the church at Osmaston Road can bear witness. Her affectionate spirit and amiable disposition greatly endeared her both to her sorrowing husband and to every member of the bereaved family circle. Her conspicuous intelligence, and broad interest in religious truth, gave her a personal influence with her friends and associates, which she wielded with great effect in religious controversy, and in quiet hours of trustful communion. She was greatly beloved and truly respected by all who were aquainted with her. Her end was triumphant and impressive. No fear of death, or tenacious regard for life disturbed her dying hours. She knew she had fought a good fight, had finished her course, had kept the faith, and that henceforth there was laid up for her a crown of righteousness. Many touching and appropriate sayings fell from her lips during the last few days of her pilgrimage. The day before she died a friend seeing from the window of her room some early signs of returning spring alluded to the fact, and her reply, as with uplifted wasted hand she pointed heavenward, was, "There, everlasting spring abides, And never withering flowers." So falling asleep in Jesus, her spirit was sustained and comforted to the very last by happy anticipations of the rest which remains for the people of God. W. H. T. |