Chicopee, Mass.- Rev. W. W. Peck has received and accepted a unanimous invitation to the pastorate of our church in this town.

Concord, N.H.-At the regular Sunday morning service on April 4 we had the great pleasure of listening to Mr. George W. Stone of Boston, treasurer of the American Unitarian Association, who gave a very interesting address upon the needs and opportunities of the Association in the different departments of their work. In the evening Mr. Stone spoke before the Channing Guild on "Immortality." Easter Sunday was a perfect spring day, and was observed with special services.

The decorations of the church at the morning service were very beautiful, consisting of palms, Easter lilies, and white tulips, which had been arranged by the King's Daughters in a most artistic manner. The choir rendered appropriate musical selections. Rev. Frank L. Phalen took as his text a part of the twenty-second verse of the fifteenth chapter of Corinthians,-"In Christ shall all be made alive."

The sermon was one of the most helpful and hopeful of the many strong ones that have been delivered from the pulpit by the present pastor; and the large congregation drew from it lessons of value, as well as thoughts of beauty and striking word-pictures. An Easter service was held in the Sunday-school, directly following the morning service. The chapel was well filled, and the exercises were of a very interesting character, consisting of addresses by our pastor, Rev. F. L. Phalen, superintendent, Dr. A. F. Sumner, and by Prof. Batchelder, readings and recitations by members of the school, and carols by the children. The Easter service in the new service book was used. The singing by the school was a very enjoyable feature. They were assisted by the choir, and accompanied by violin and piano; and the beautiful Easter carols were sung with much spirit.

At 6.30 in the chapel Channing Guild observed the day with an appropriate service, participated in by different members of the society.

At the morning service the annual contribution of the church to the American Unitarian Association was taken, and the Sunday-school sent its usual Easter offering to the Children's Mission in Boston.

Deerfield, Mass.-The two hundred and eleventh annual parish meeting of the First Congregational Church here was held on Friday evening, April 9, and proved a very

After this the company left the tables to hear the reports of the parish officers and carry on other necessary business. The parish had most encouraging reports from treasurer and executive committee, showing a balance in the treasury to be applied to the floating debt of the church. The Sunday-school has been reorganized, the graded lessons on the life of Jesus adopted, together with a marking system and examinations. The first Sunday in the month has been set apart as benevolent Sunday, and the treasurer reports a balance of $15 in the treasury. The Ladies' Society is in a flourishing condition, having expended $519.75 during the year, which includes $253 paid on a parish note of $300, which they assumed last year. The Lend a Hand Club, which was organized in January 21 of this year, has now seventy-nine members. They have paid $50 to the parish, $11 toward the Ladies' Society dishes, and are now carpeting the church and upholstering the antique mahogany pulpit.

After hearing all this, with a report from Mr. Solley on the benevolences of the church, the company listened to a solo by Miss Hannah Clapp, and then to a vigorous talk from Archibald Howe, Esq., of Boston and Cambridge. Mr. Howe's words were full of religious zeal, of sense, and of humor; and they left his hearers in a glow.

The pastor and church enter upon this new year with hopefulness and vigor. On Easter Sunday there was the largest congregation which has been seen in the church for years. In the morning six children and one adult were baptized, and three persons were admitted to the church. In the evening the Sunday-school gave a choral service, with recitations and offerings from the children of contributions for the Children's Mission in Boston and of flowers for the sick people at home.

Dorchester, Mass.-Christ Church has inaugurated an attractive preliminary to the ordinary Sunday morning service. "Beginning with Sunday, March 21, the regular morning service will be preceded by an organ recital, fifteen minutes in length, commencing at 10.30. These programmes will be made up of works from the classical

composers, and also of compositions by modern writers." The annual parish meeting, March 15, was well attended; and encouraging reports were heard, and officers chosen for the ensuing year. The pastor, Rev. B. A. Goodridge, spoke of the gratifying increase of strength and spirit that the church has shown during the year. The next need is to complete the church building. -The First Parish expects to dedicate the new church May 6. The annual business meeting of the parish was held April 12 at Winthrop Hall, Robert Swan, moderator.

At the election of officers for the ensuing year Mr. H. J. Nazro resigned from the Standing Committee, of which he has been a member for the last thirty years. A vote of thanks was given him by the parish for his long and faithful service. The officers for the ensuing year are: Richard C. Humphreys, treasurer: William Channing Clapp, clerk; John P. May, auditor.

The Standing Committee is as follows: J. Homer Pierce, Henry Hall, and W. P. Stone.

-The Third Religious Society held its annual parish meeting April 12. Preceding the business supper was served in the Parish Hall, after which the pastor, Rev. Frederick B. Mott, spoke of the history and the present opportunities of the church. At the business meeting Dr. J. H. Daly was chosen moderator; Mr. Edwin R. De Long was made assessor; C. E. Churchill, clerk; Mr. Henry Richardson, treasurer; and Messrs. Henry D. Pope and H. Arnold Pope, auditors; Mr. Arthur W. Whittemore, collector; and Mr. George Dexter, Mr. Henry P. Cooke, Mrs. Dudley Talbot, and Mrs. Ě. R. De Long, Music Committee. The treasurer reported the society free from all debt, and its financial affairs in excellent condition.

The income of the society, both from pew rents and legacies, is steadily increasing.

Dover, N.H.-The church here has doubled its numbers under Dr. Duren J. H. Ward. He is presenting the gospel of rational Christianity so forcibly as to make religion one of the chief topics of conversation in the city. In his own home he has established a printing-press from which he issues weekly, for free distribution, short extracts from his own and other sermons. These help to inspire and guide to a great extent the prevalent religious interest.

Duluth, Minn.-The Unity Club meetings during March have been unusually interesting, particularly that of March 1, when the subject was "Mrs. Humphry Ward." The subjects for the other two meetings were "Socialism" and "Municipal Govern ment in the United States and Europe."... The Women's Auxiliary held a social and literary meeting at the residence of one of

its members on Tuesday P.M., March 2. The subject for discussion at the last meeting was "Favorite Hymns and Hymn Writers." Hymns by Mrs. Stowe, Mr. Hosmer, Cardinal Newman, Samuel Longfellow, and others were read or recited and brief sketches of the author given.

Ellsworth, Me.-The church, which has been closed for about two years, has been revived, and, with Rev. W. H. Hunt for minister, is prospering remarkably, as is evidenced by congregations of one hundred and fifty and even two hundred, and a Sunday-school of about one hundred.

Exeter, N.H.-Rev. John C. Kimball of Hartford closed his engagement with the First Unitarian Church March 28. Mr. Kimball has supplied the pulpit here with the greatest satisfaction to the parish for ten Sundays.

Fall River, Mass.-On March 21, Rev. Arthur M. Knapp closed a ministry of five and one-half years over the Unitarian Society, preaching a sermon on the theme, "Thirty Years in the Ministry," in which he said that, although now leaving the ministerial profession, he was glad he adopted it when a young man. A farewell reception was tendered to Mr. and Mrs. Knapp, in the church vestry, on the Thursday evening previous. A purse was given to him by the male members of the society, and a brooch to Mrs. Knapp by the ladies.

Farmington, Me.-Rev. W. H. Ramsay continues to deepen and extend a higher spiritual life through all this region. His regular congregation strengthens from month to month. He is attracting the pu pils of the Normal School in large numbers; and his afternoons and evenings are fully occupied in preaching to a congregation of about sixty at Fairbanks Mills, and another of from fifty to one hundred at Temple, and still another of fifty or more at New Sharon.

Franklin, N.H.-The Franklin Ministerial Union is an association of clergymen of different denominations, the attendance having included representatives of the Baptist, Congregationalist, Methodist, Christian, Free Baptist, and Unitarian churches of the vicinity, the usual attendance being from nine to twelve in number. The union is now in its second year; and the meetings have been entirely fraternal, although the religious questions discussed have involved wide differences of opinion. Rev. E. S. Elder has presented able papers upon the "Gospel of John," "The Apocryphal Literature as an Aid to New Testament Interpretation," and "The Growth of the Bible." Rev. J. B.

Harrison has presented the subjects of "Bribery at Elections," "Educational Reform," and a review of Driver's "Introduction to the Old Testament." Rev. Lyman Clark has read papers upon "Reform of Elections," "Some Early Writers of the Bible," or "The Hexateuch and the World's

Progress." Rev. Mr. Jenks of the Baptist church recently reviewed Prof. Green's book upon the higher criticism, in opposition to the conclusious of Driver and many others. Papers of interest by many others have been considered. The president of the union is Rev. John Thorpe, Congregationalist, of East Andover, N.H. The unsectarian basis of the union has worked with entire

satisfaction. The meetings have been held once in two weeks during a large portion of the year. Biblical studies have been prominent; and all in attendance must have felt that the meetings have been helpful, the bracing freedom of criticism and the cordial fellowship being among the pleasant features of the union.

Harvard, Mass.-At the annual meet

ing of the First Congregational Parish, reports showed that the different depart

ments of the church work were in a most harmonious and satisfactory condition. The congregations have held well up to their best. The Sunday-school has increased in numbers. The Ladies' Circle has given a successful series of socials once in four weeks throughout the season. The Y. P. R. U. organized during the last year has been a marked success in every way, adding new strength and vigor to the church. By a unanimous vote, the members present expressed their hearty approval and appreciation of the efforts of their pastor. Rev. J. P. Sheafe, and hoped that the cordial relations of pastor and people might long continue.

Laconia, N.H.-A difficult problem presented by the condition of the church here has been magnificently solved by Rev. G. H. Rice. Six months ago he was placed in charge; and in that short time he has doubled the strength of the morning congregation, has held vespers, attended by over one hundred and fifty on the average, and has maintained evening services in the opera house at Lakeport, gathering an aver age attendance of full three hundred interested people. It is likely the Lakeport movement will be organized.

Leicester, Mass.- Rev. Samuel May, who founded the Unitarian church in 1833, celebrated his eighty-seventh birthday on Sunday, April 11. The children of the Sunday-school, to whom he has been giving lessons lately upon the Beatitudes, rose and recited them in concert. Then one of their

Los Angeles, Cal.-After a most enthusiastic special business meeting of the members of Unity Church, at which it was urged large and growing society would be most upon the pastor that the interests of this seriously disturbed if he insisted upon resigning, Rev. J. S. Thomson consented to withdraw his resignation.

Malden, Mass.-After a very successful pastorate of thirteen years, Rev. Benjamin H. Bailey has resigned, to take effect May 1. His retirement will be severely felt in the town of Malden, where he has been a

popular, prominent, and valuable citizen, in addition to the large work he has done as preacher and pastor.

Meadville, Penn.- The new Catalogue of the Theological School for 1896-97 is now published, and shows a Senior Class of eight to graduate next June. These coming ministers represent six States, -two from New York, two from Ohio, and one from each of the following: California, Michigan, New Hampshire, Massachusetts. There are also five special students not taking the full course: eight Middle Class and seven Juniors make a total of twenty-eight students now in the school. We notice some improvements in the order of studies, notably, more time given, under Prof. Barber, to ministerial work, lectures on the conduct of public worship, church extension, and Sunday-school work. Prof. Gilman has developed his sociological course. The lectures by non-resident professors are an attractive feature.

Westall, who is preaching here, finds that some seventy-five or more families are interested in the movement. He has inspired a rapid increase of the congregation, which is now considering migration to a larger hall.

Melrose Highlands, Mass.-Rev. H. A.

Meredith, N.H.-A number of people here, dissatisfied with remaining at home, called upon Rev. D. M. Wilson, the superintendent, for his services. He preached to about sixty, and was followed by Rev. Perry Marshall, who held two other services. A Sunday circle was formed, and our literature is read every week.

Milton, Mass.-The annual meeting of the parish was held in the Parish Parlor, Monday afternoon, April 5, at three o'clock. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Boardman. Mr. J. B. Tileston was chosen moderator, and Mr. S. A. Morse clerk. . Mr. John Lindsley, Mrs. John Lindsley, and Mr. Gorham P. Faucon were admitted to membership.

Dr. Pierce reported for the Parish Committee that "the past year has been chiefly notable for the renovation of the interior of the meeting-house. As is usually the case, much more had to be done than was or could have been anticipated; but everything has been thoroughly done, and to the apparent satisfaction of everybody."

Moline, Ill.-Miss Hultin has recently preached a series of powerful sermons, tak ing for her themes "Belief in God," "Dependence on the Divine," "Conscious Cooperation with the Divine," "Willing Co-operation with the Divine," "Incarnation," "Is Living Worth the Struggle?"

Montclair, N.J.-Last March a meeting was held at the home of Mrs. F. A. Angell, to consider the advisability of forming a Branch of the National Alliance of Unitarian and Other Liberal Christian Women. A number of women were present at this meeting; and they heard an interesting address by Mrs. E. N. Bell of Rutherford, the New Jersey director of the National Alliance. Mrs. Bell showed the desirability of organizing a Branch; and her advice was adopted at once, the organization being speedily perfected.

Arrangements were made for meetings twice a month. These were attended by women only, who steadily grew more and more interested until the experiment became an accepted fact.

The great increase of interest soon introduced the question as to whether or not the men might also be interested in the movement; and a meeting was held March 31, at which both men and women were present.

Rev. Edward Hale, pastor of the Unitarian church of Orange, spoke upon "Conviction and Toleration"; and after the address an informal talk followed. It was decided at the meeting to hold union meetings fortnightly, while the women's meetings will also be continued. The formation of the Branch has attracted the attention of many prominent in Unitarian circles, and distinguished speakers will be heard in the near future.

Plans are being matured for a Sundayschool, which will begin in the early fall, it now being almost too late to arrange the school before vacation time. The Sundayschool is earnestly advocated even by those

who do not particularly desire a church at once, as only in this way can the children obtain instruction in the tenets of their

particular creed.

Natick, Mass.-The series of Unitarian

services given here have been attended by congregations averaging about three hundred and rising at times to over four hundred. The interest continues unabated.

Neponset, Mass.-The guild of the Church of the Unity held a very interesting special service on Temperance, Sunday evening, April 11, using the Dr. William G. Eliot memorial service. Rev. Mr. Hosmer gave a sketch of Dr. Eliot's noble labors in St. Louis; and Rev. Alfred Noon, secretary of the Massachusetts Total Abstinence Society, followed, with an address on the three points made prominent by Dr. Eliot in his temperance work,-namely, Total Abstinence, Moral Suasion, Legislation.

New Haven, Conn.-A gentleman living in a suburb of New Haven has sent to the New England Superintendent $30 as a nest egg for the encouragement of Unitarian preaching in that city. He was delighted with the services held some years ago and is persuaded a society might be Are there not successfully established. others who would like to contribute to this fund? Unitarians who are graduates of Yale should discern here an opportunity for the exercise of their loyalty and generosity.

Newington, N.H.-Rev. Alfred Gooding of Portsmouth has been doing missionary preaching here. Now every third Sunday our preachers are called upon, and welcomed by fully a hundred eager listeners.

New London, Conn.-The movement here is prospering. Rev. J. F. Tucker, who threw himself into the work here with rare devotion, is meeting with a larger and more generous response than he had anticipated. He has arrested the attention of the city, and his congregations are steadily growing.

Newton, Mass.-Rev. F. B. Hornbrooke is giving in his church parlors a series of Friday evening talks on Browning's "Ring and the Book." Mrs. Hornbrooke recently gave a notable lecture on "The Destruction of Birds for Ornamentation," which was repeated in All Souls' Church, Roxbury.

Newton Centre, Mass.-A recent event in this church worthy of special notice was the large gathering of members of all the young people's religious societies of the place,-Congregational, Baptist, Methodist, and Episcopalian,-in the parlors of the Unitarian church, to partake of the hospi

tality of the Hale Union, and to confer together about the formation of an association for Christian work. Representatives of the different societies described their methods and activities, and others made cordial and earnest addresses in favor of co-operation in all ways where association would be practicable. The new booklet hymnal of the Y. P. R. U. was used, a Methodist leading the singing. And it was singing! By unanimous vote steps were taken to form the union, and then the throng of young people discussed the refreshments.

Newton Highlands, Mass.-"All Souls' Unitarian Church" has been organized here as the result of the good work done, encouraging the liberal movement there by William S. Jones and the late Abel M. Rice, students from Harvard Divinity School. So confident of success is this new church that it has extended a call to Mr. Jones. It is expected that he will accept, and so continue his profitable labors.

Northampton, Mass.-Rev. George C. Cressey has just concluded a course of six sermous explanatory of the main doctrinal

basis of the Unitarian faith. These ser

mons have called forth great interest, and many students and members of other churches have attended. Mr. Cressey has a

large and growing Bible Class and a special study class of students meeting at his house on Sunday evenings.

twenty-seventh

Oak Park, Ill.-The annual meeting, on March 29, was a pleasant and enthusiastic affair. Though the customary supper was not served, fifty-six were present. Had it not been for the important school meeting on the same evening, in which so many of our people are rightly interested, the attendance would have been much larger. The reports from the various societies and officers of the parish were received with applause. Each department of the church was able to report all bills paid, and a balance on hand, as follows: parish, $64.23, with assets of $47 unpaid subscriptions; Sunday-school, $10.14; Ladies' Social Union, $5.90; Y .P. C. U., $15.84; King's Daughters, $4.35; Junior King's Daughters, $10; King's Sons, $4.72; Saturday Night Club, $4.68; Birthday Fund, $4.19.

The most agreeable fact was to find so large a surplus in our parish treasury. A month ago, finding a lack of funds sufficient to pay all bills for the year impending, a call was made on the parish for extra subscriptions. So generous was the response that more than the amount needed was promptly paid. When the fact is considered that the parish had already raised nearly double the ordinary expenses, this

hearty response is a splendid testimonial to the spirit of the people.

Philadelphia, Pa.-The new church of the Spring Garden Unitarian Society, on Girard Avenue, was dedicated with appropriate and impressive services on Tuesday evening, March 30. There was a very large attendance, many persons being present from New York, Brooklyn, Wilmington, Del., and also from the other Unitarian churches in Philadelphia.

Swarts,

Phoenix, Ark.-Rev. A. J. formerly connected with the Methodists, has rallied the liberal elements in this promising young city, and begun service in the Opera House. It is hoped that a firmly established Unitarian society may result. Rev. C. Covell of Illinois, one of our Unitarian ministers, now on a brief vacation in Phoenix, is lending a helping hand.

Portland, Ore.-The Pacific Coast Unitarian Conference is to be held here May 5, 6, and 7. Rev. William R. Alger is to preach the opening sermon and give an essay. Rev. Dr. Stebbins, Mrs. E. T. Wilkes, C. W. Wendte, A. J. Wells, and George R. Dodson will participate. Messrs. Dr. Eliot, Earl M. Wilbur of Port

Rev.

land, and W. E. Copeland of Salem, and others are to speak. Several laymen of prominence will take part. The Woman's Conference is arranging its programme for the occasion.

Portsmouth, N.H.-By the will of the late Miss Charlotte M. Haven, $5,000 is left to the Charity Fund of the South Parish Unitarian Church, $1,000 to the Sundayschool, and $1,000 to the Ladies' Society. Also $6,000 to Meadville Theological School, besides many other bequests to public charities, and $25,000 to Harvard University.

Providence, R.I.-Easter was observed in the Olney Street Church by appropriate services. The pastor, Rev. William F. Furman, spoke to a large audience on "The Sign of the Prophet Jonah."

The usual collection for the American Unitarian Association was taken, and amounted to $50. -The Women's Alliance of the First Congregational Church gave an "Edward Everett Hale Birthday Party" in the chapel parlors on Monday, April 5. The children gathered in the afternoon and, under the direction of Miss Annette Ham, enjoyed an hour of music, recitations, and games. great birthday cake, surrounded by seventyfive candles, was brought in, and shared among them. In the evening the older people came to a chafing-dish supper, and

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