Albany, N.Y.-First Unitarian Society: Our large congregations continue even with poor weather. Dr. Brundage has just finished a series of three sermons on Jesus, which rank with his best. On January 10 he preached by request on a former topic,"Why do we Liberals pray?" Some of his other sermons have been "Tolerance in Politics as well as in Religion," "The Future of Democracy," "Fidelity to Principle," "The Message of Emerson," "Ian Maclaren's Life Creed." Topics like these and the excellent music rendered by Mr. Robertson's orchestra draw the people. When they have come once, they continue coming, and are soon desiring to unite with us. Some sixty have united with us during the past three months. So, when the anniversary of the reorganization of our society occurs in March, we shall have some two hundred and twenty-five members.

We expect Rev. Robert Collyer of New York to preach the anniversary sermon on the Sunday before, and Rev. Edward Everett Hale and others to address the midweek service.

Commencing last November, we hold every two months a society meeting and social. Reports are received from the various committees and departments of the church. Then general discussion of church work follows. New members are introduced and welcomed. The two we have had so far have been thoroughly enjoyed, and have been very beneficial.

The Unity Club with its various sections, meeting on successive weeks, has been working along different lines. The social section has ministered to the social life of the society by giving dramatic entertainments, after which music and dancing were enjoyed. With the aid of a stereopticon Prof. White is conducting the literary section on a trip through Europe. Each evening several papers upon special points of interest to be touched upon in the trip are read by other members. They have been through Scotland, England, and through Europe on the way to Paris. The ethical and religious section has studied the

"Service,"

topics, "Truth," "Worship," "Who is the Infidel?" and "The Authority of Conscience." Dr. Durand with the sociological and philanthropic section is studying Gladden's "Tools and the Man." This department will, for its practical work, cooperate with the manager of the Albany Boys' Club.

The Bible class on Friday evenings is having an interesting course of study on "The Hebrew Prophets as the Social and Political Reformers of their Day," and how far the principles manifest then are effective to-day. Our visitors have been: on October 4 George W. Stone, who spoke on "Why do we need a Unitarian Church?" November 15, Rev. D. W. Morehouse, on "Truth-seeking"; November 22, Mr. Howe; and December 13, Rev. S. M. Crothers, on "Truth and Illusion in Religion." Rev. Mr. Morehouse also preached on January 17, when Dr. Brundage was ill.

The girls of the intermediate and junior departments of the Sunday-school gave a supper and entertainment on December 11, which was pronounced a success by all present.

The Christmas celebration was held on December 30, at which the kindergarten furnished by far the most interesting part of the entertainment.

The Post-office Mission Committee have decided to commence publishing soon a series of Dr. Brundage's sermons.

Ann Arbor, Mich.-Mr. Sunderland has been giving lectures on "India" to crowded houses, some of the lectures on Sunday evenings and some on week nights. The subjects upon which he has spoken so far are: "From Ann Arbor to India: Glimpseз of Scenes by the Way"; "India, the Wonderland of the World"; "Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta, the Capitals of Modern British India"; "Picturesque India: Village Life, Jungles, and Himalayas"; "Delhi and Agra, the Capitals of the Great Mogul Empire: Their History and their Splendid Ruins"; "Benares, the Sacred City of India: Its Temples, Shrines, Palaces, and

Religious Life." Most of these lectures have been finely illustrated with stereopticon views made from pictures brought by Mr. Sunderland from India.

Arlington, Mass.-Thursday, February 4, the fifth anniversary of the ordination and installation of Rev. Frederic Gill was observed by the holding of a parish party, which was largely attended. Mr. Ĥ. H. Ceiley has resigned the superintendency of the Sunday-school after twenty years of faithful service. The Alliance is actively at work in weekly meetings, and at its monthly literary and social meetings is enjoying the series of papers contained in the following programme: "Alliance Work," "Constantinople," "The Prince of India," "Woman's Work," "Training of Young People for Church Work," "College Settlements," "The Newspaper." The Sunday afternoon organ recitals, begun last year, have been continued this winter, and are well attended.

Beverly, Mass.-Rev. Benjamin R. Bulkeley of Unity Church, Chicago, after due consideration has decided to decline the call given him by the First Parish of Beverly, Mass.

Brockton, Mass.-The fourth monthly meeting of the Unitarian Club of Brockton and vicinity was held in the vestry of the Unity Church Thursday evening, February 18. The musical part of the post-prandial entertainment was furnished by Mr. Charles A. Mills of East Bridgewater, basso, and Mr. Harry Grover, violinist, both of whose selections were well received. It was expected that Rev. Edward A. Horton of Boston would be the speaker of the evening, but he was prevented from attending by illness. The club was fortunate in having in his stead Rev. S. H. Roblin, the successor of the late Dr. Miner and pastor of the First Universalist Church of Boston, and Rev. Albert Walkley of Brighton. They both spoke on the subject, "Forecasts of the Twentieth Century." Mr. Roblin believed that the twentieth century would see many and great changes, both socially and in the mechanic arts. He closed with a plea that Unitarians be loyal to their organization. Rev. Mr. Walkley declared that the questions of the twentieth century are to be of a social nature. The book which is to dominate the twentieth century is the Bible, but better understood than now. The man who is going to dominate that century is neither the pope nor Plato, but Jesus. His life stands for progress, liberty, Godhood, and manhood. The dominant idea of the twentieth century will be selfsacrifice, a word at present somewhat shunned by Unitarians.

Chelsea, Mass.-Two hundred and fifty people sat down to an elegantly appointed turkey supper on the evening of January 26, given under the auspices of the Women's Alliance. Speeches, dramatic reading, social converse, gave charm to the occasion; and the entertainment added to the treasury the approximate sum of $60. The fine work and success of our Branch is due to Mrs. Reccord, the zealous young president, who leads and directs her forces with unerring judgment. The February meeting was addressed by Rev. Stopford Brooke and Mrs. Emily Fifield. At the meeting it was voted that the treasurer of the Branch pay to the treasurer of the church the sum of $100. The Unity Club will give a dramatic entertainment early in March for the benefit of the church.

Chicago, Ill.-First Church: The Women's Associate Alliance held its regular bimonthly meeting in the parlors of the church on Thursday morning, February 4. After hearing the reports of different officers and missions, the meeting was addressed by Rev. Ida C. Hultin, of Moline, Ill., and by Mr. Edwards, a former pupil in the school conducted by Rev. Pitt Dillingham at Calhoun, S.C. Mr. Edwards is studying at the Moody Institute in this city, and intends to return to Calhoun as a minister. After the addresses, lunch was served by the ladies of the church. The meeting was well attended, about sixty-five ladies being present, and was thoroughly enjoyable. The course of lectures upon "Six Leaders in Christianity," begun January 10 at Masonic Hall, was finished February 14. On the whole, the lectures have been a success, so much so that Mr. Fenn has been encouraged to repeat them at the First Church, giving them in the study on successive Friday evenings, beginning February 5. Hereafter, the afternoon services at Masonic Hall will be discontinued, and services will be held at eight o'clock Sunday evenings instead. This change has been made because it has been found that a greater number can come in the evening than in the afternoon. The new chapel is getting well along toward completion. The men are at present working upon the interior.

Unity Church: Much satisfaction is expressed in Unity Church over the fact that Mr. Bulkeley is to remain with us, he having declined the call recently extended to him by the First Church of Beverly, Mass. The union meeting of teachers and officers in the Liberal Sunday-schools of Chicago and vicinity, which was held at the church on Tuesday evening, February 9, proved even more of a success than had been anticipated. About eighty visitors were entertained at supper, while the officers and

teachers of Unity Sunday-school raised the total to nearly one hundred. Fourteen schools were represented: five Unitarian, five Universalist, three Ethical Culture, one Independent. The first address, "The Problem of Sunday-school Work," was delivered by Rev. Allen W. Gould, and was a strong presentation of the urgent need for Sundayschool work. Mr. Gould was followed by Mr. Albert Scheible, who spoke on the subject, "Personal Contact between Teacher and Scholar," urging the advantages to be gained by the teacher through closer personal knowledge of his scholars, and illustrating, by incidents from his own experience, various ways in which this might be accomplished. Mr. Scheible's paper was followed by a discussion, in which the representatives of the different schools took part, and in the course of which many interesting ideas were developed. All present felt that such meetings would be most interesting and helpful; and, accordingly, a committee was appointed to formulate plans for a permanent organization. The next meeting will probably be held at All Souls' Church during the second or third week of

March.

Concord, N.H.-The gentlemen of the Unitarian church gave their third annual turkey supper Tuesday evening, February 9, from 5.30 to 8 P.M. It was very successful in every respect. More than three hundred persons availed themselves of the opportunity to patronize the supper. The gentlemen had every detail carefully arranged, and they were carried out to the complete satisfaction of all who attended.

A pleasing entertainment was given in the chapel at 8 P.M. by the young ladies of the St. Theresa Circle, consisting of music and two short plays, one of which was written by a member of the circle.

Rev. Frank L. Phalen is giving a series of exceedingly interesting and helpful addresses before the Channing Guild on "The Life of Jesus from the Unitarian Standpoint." The subjects of the three which he has already given are: "The Birth of Jesus," "The Home of Jesus," and "The Development of Jesus." The guild meets in the chapel every Sunday evening at 6.30, and the interest shown by the members and their friends is very encouraging.

The subjects of some of Rev. F. L. Phalen's recent sermons have been: "The Best Kind of Christianity"; "From Adam to Christ: The Path of Evolution"; "Our Bible: Its Friends and its Foes"; "Hard Sayings in the New Testament"; "Salvation: The Kind we need."

Deerfield, Mass.- The Lend a Hand Club recently formed in the First Congre

gational Society already numbers fifty members among the young people of the church. The club has pledged itself to raise $50, to be handed in to the church treasury at the parish meeting in April; and it has other plans for usefulness in the future.

Gouverneur, N.Y.- Rev. Hasket D. call to the Unitarian church of this place. Catlin of Eastport, Me., has accepted the

Ithaca, N.Y.-The annual meeting of the trustees and congregation took place recently. The attendance was large; while the reports of the various activities in the church were remarkable from a financial standpoint, showing, as they did, that every organization in the church closed the year with a balance on hand after all indebtedness was paid. Those interested in the welfare of the church take up the work of the new year with hearts filled with gratitude and courage.

The labors of our pastor have not been confined to Ithaca, but have taken the message for which our church stands to several of the neighboring towns, and also to places in Pennsylvania. The message has been welcomed with gladness, and has brought peace to many doubting souls. The congregation of the church in Ithaca has increased to some extent; and we feel sure that the influence of this liberal church is felt more and more each succeeding year, while prejudice and misunderstanding are surely disappearing. We think this kindlier feeling has been strengthened by the very cordial relations that exist between our pastor and the other ministers of Ithaca. May the new year bring greater opportunities for doing good, and draw together in a closer union those to whom the spirit of the Unitarian Church is dear! A large audience listened with great interest to Rev. J. W. Chadwick last Sunday.

New Brighton, N.Y.-A call has been extended to Rev. Hobart Clark, recently of Plainfield, N. J.

Newburgh, N.Y.-On January 28 the pastor, Rev. A. H. Grant, was most agreeably surprised by the sudden appearance at his home of thirty or forty members of the congregation; and the surprise and pleasure were increased when Mrs. Carstens, in a very neat speech, presented the pastor with a double eagle and, what was of far greater value, the assurance of the personal regard of the members of the church.. Games and refreshments followed, and the evening passed quickly away to take its place with the unnumbered yesterdays; but the memory of it and the good will that it implied will ever remain to brighten the heart of the pastor.

Plainfield, NJ.-The installation of Rev. A. C. Nickerson as pastor of All Souls' Church took place on the evening of January 19 in the presence of a large and interested audience. The service was opened with an invocation by Rev. F. S. C. Wicks of Passaic, followed by Scripture reading by A. H. Howe of Westfield. A hymn composed by Rev. Robert Collyer of New York was then sung by the congregation, after which the sermon was preached by Rev. Samuel A. Eliot of Brooklyn. Mr. Eliot read the tenth chapter of 2 Kings, taking from it the text, "The arrow of the Lord's deliverance." His sermon was a very suggestive one, and full of practical illustra

tions.

After the singing of a hymn which was written for a former installation of Mr. Nickerson, prayer was offered by Rev. D. W. Morehouse. The right hand of fellowship was given by Rev. George H. Badger of Rutherford, giving his New England brother a hearty welcome to the more hospitable climate of New Jersey. The charge to the new pastor was given by Rev. Stephen H. Camp of Brooklyn. The charge to the people was given by Rev. W. I. Nichols, secretary of the Charities' Aid Society of Brooklyn. Another hymn was sung by the congregation, after which the benediction was pronounced by the new pastor, Mr. Nickerson. During the service F. H. Hebard presided at the organ, and Charles Lewis acted as precentor. The church was very prettily decorated with flowers and ferns. After the service nearly all remained to meet the new pastor, and become better acquainted with him.

Portland, Ore.-The church has begun its work for the new year with a good attendance and bright prospects. The Christmas evergreens, exceptionally pretty and tasteful in their arrangement, are still festooned from chandelier to wall. The evening service has given place to vespers, held at a quarter of five every Sunday. Much interest is taken in the art class of the Fraternity, held on Tuesday evenings. The course of study this winter is "A General Outline of the History of Art." The Fraternity has been favored with several good lectures, the one on "The Renaissance," by Dr. Eliot, being especially delightful. Mr. Wilbur continues his talks to children before the regular morning sermon. These are enjoyed quite as much by grown people as by boys and girls.

Quincy, Mass.-The ladies of the Unitarian Parish inaugurated a year ago a series of monthly sociables, which have proved a complete success, bringing together as never before the members of the parish.

Things run smoothly in the ancient church. Shortly after the settlement of the present pastor, Rev. E. C. Butler, a four o'clock vesper service was begun. It took a little time for the people to understand that the innovation had come to stay; but, when they did, they also came, and filled up the house. The various activities of the society are reaching out their hands in many directions.

The Fragment Society wishes its friends to know something of the work it has been doing. With a membership of only about sixty ladies, it has, in the past three years, replaced the beautiful silk damask curtain back of the pulpit, at a cost of $700; finished off a room 30× 30 in the basement of the chapel, to be used as a supper-room, at a cost of $100; lighted by electricity and heated by hot water, at a cost of $280; and the appointments for said room amounting to $150.

Last year it began its work with an empty treasury, and by its own efforts raised $600 for its own and $100 for the church treasury. Besides raising all this money, it has made and disposed of a hundred and forty-one articles of clothing, furnished shoes, stockings, rubbers, and under-flannels to many poor women and chil dren. We are now working to raise $3,000 for a new organ, and I have no doubt that the next time you hear from us have gained our hearts' desire.

we shall

Somerville, Mass.-A very enjoyable occasion was the second open meeting of the Women's Branch Alliance of the First Unitarian Church of Somerville, which was held in the ladies' parlor on Friday, Febru ary 5, at three o'clock. The president, Mrs. Martha Perry Lowe, opened the meeting: and the secretary, Mrs. Boyer, read an interesting report. This was followed by very pleasant informal talks on work done by the different visiting Alliances, which were represented by ladies from Cambridgeport, Roxbury, Arlington, and West Somerville. A song was then rendered very sweetly by Miss Maud Richards. The event of the afternoon was a stirring address by Rev. Leslie W. Sprague, of the Church of the Unity, Boston. He spoke of evangeli cal Unitarianism as loyalty to Unitarian thought and its propagation, and also of what women may do to help increase church attendance by their influence in their own home circle, especially among the young people. Mrs. Lowe's remarks which followed were of great interest, as also her fine reading of her original poem, entitled "Clovis and Clotilda," king and queen of the Franks. A song by Miss Richards came next, after which the company adjourned to the hall below, and a social hour

was enjoyed. Light refreshments were served; and the pleasure was further enhanced by the sweet mandolin music contributed by the Misses Caro and Louise Vreeland, with piano accompaniment. This Alliance held the first of their open meetings for the winter on December 18, at which time Mrs. Emily A. Fifield of Boston inspired the ladies by her clear and enthusiastic account of the possibilities in Alliwork. Miss Pollard of Cambridge entertained the ladies by two songs delight fully given. A lively discussion followed, during which Miss Yates of Charleston, S.C., gave an account of Southern work.

ance

The regular Alliance meetings are held on

the first and third Fridays of the month, every third meeting being an open one, to which all ladies of the parish are cordially invited. Mrs. A. N. Tufts, 37 Heath Street.

Springfield, Mass.-On Friday, January 29, the Unity Club gave a dramatic entertainment in the vestry of the Church of the Unity: two farces were presented, "A Pair of Lunatics" and "Betsy Baker." These, with music, furnished a very pleasant entertainment. The money raised is to be used for church work.

On account of the snow-storm Thursday, January 28, the meeting of the Women's Alliance was postponed one week, thus on Thursday, February 4, there was a joint meeting of the Women's Alliance and the Benevolent Society. Miss Sophia Howard read a paper on "Early American Unitarians." The "Parish Supper" followed at

six o'clock.

Sunday evening, February 14, was given up to an "Elijah service." Nearly half the solos from Mendelssohn's oratorio were rendered by the members of the choir. Mr. Gilman's sermon was on the life and character of Elijah.

February 18 the Women's Alliance invited their friends to supper in the vestry. The after-dinner speaker was Rev. W. M. Brundage, pastor of the First Unitarian Church, Albany. His subject was "The Spirit and Method of the True Liberal in Religion.' At the business meeting preceding the supper the society voted to give $25 to the Unitarian church which is being formed in New London, Conn.

February 22 the King's Daughters gave a Martha Washington tea at the church from 6 to 9. They cleared about $25 from their sale, which is to be used in charitable work.

The Unitarian society has received a bequest of $3,000 from Miss Angelina Stebbins, late of this city. This is to be a permanent fund, of which the interest only is to be expended.

Toronto, Canada.-Rev. Oscar B. Hawes has accepted the call to the double pastorate

Walpole, Mass.-On the evening of February 5 the First Parish Boys' Club held an Oriental bazaar in the Unitarian vestry. A large company was present; and the whole affair was brilliant and entirely successful, securing a large sum of money for the church. The boys wore Japanese costumes, and the decorations were harmonious and appropriate. Candy and fancy articles in

Japanese ware were for sale. An excellent supper was served at gayly appointed tables Each guest, on arriving, was presented to by young ladies in Japanese costumes. the Mikado, who sat, gorgeously attired, upon his throne, his attendants a step

behind him.

Washington, D.C. The pastorate of Rev. E. Bradford Leavitt over All Souls' Church has begun most auspiciously. He preaches to about a thousand persons each Sunday at the two services that he holds. One hundred pews have recently been rented. Mr. Leavitt finds his field of work a splendid one, and full of possibilities. His congregation is enthusiastic and devoted to the Unitarian cause.

Washta, Ia.-We keep up our Sundayschool at Washta, holding meetings every other Sunday. Ferrin, comes a distance of twelve miles to Our superintendent, Horace attend. We have one or two other very zealous workers, such as W. B. Chapman

and I. W. Gleason. When the winter weather moderates a little, the minister at Ida Grove has promised to occasionally preach for us.

Westerly, R.I.-The Westerly church is delighting in the service of Mr. George F. Weeks. He is a gentleman educated as a Methodist, who is minded to take up our Unitarian work. The society expects growth and permanent establishment from the ministrations of Mr. Weeks.

Tolman read her paper, "Should Rich West Roxbury, Mass.-Miss Harriett Women work for Money?" before the Alliance of the Unitarian church on January 25. The meeting was well attended; and a very interesting discussion followed, after which tea was served. On January 30 the ladies of the Alliance held a cake and

candy sale in the church parlors, and made

about $25.

On February 8, in the series of church histories, Mrs. Charles M. Seaver gave an interesting history of our new church, reading many quaint passages from old