Mann's comments appearing in both the dailies Monday morning. The result was that at an adjourned meeting of the Young Women's Christian Association Monday evening the action of the previous meeting was rescinded by a vote of eighty-five to sixty-nine; and this excellent organization stands, as before, on a pronounced unsectarian basis, its doors open to good women of any church or of no church.

Pasadena, Cal.-Universalists and Unitarians have worshipped together for years, and a large and influential congregation exists, whereas, if separate organizations were attempted, neither would have any considerable success.

Peabody, Mass.-The annual meeting of the First Unitarian Church was held May 3. A favorable condition of the finances was reported. A communication was read, notifying the society of a bequest of $5,000 from the estate of the late Jonathan King, the income to be used for the expenses of the church. Appropriate resolutions were adopted. The resignation of the pastor, who has been settled here for twenty-three years, was read and received with regret. It was voted to refer the resignation to the Standing Committee, with instructions to retain Mr. Hudson, if possible.

Portland, Ore. The thirteenth session of the Pacific Unitarian Conference was

held at the church from May 5 to 10, inclu

sive.

Dr. Horatio Stebbins of San Francisco preached the opening sermon Wednesday evening. After the service there was a reception in the chapel, given under the auspices of the Women's Auxiliary. The next day a business meeting was held in the forenoon, after which Rev. A. J. Wells of San Francisco read a paper on "Unitarianism and the Christianity of Jesus." After luncheon there were interesting papers by Rev. Alfred W. Martin of Tacoma, Rev. Oliver Fairfield of Spokane, and Mr. Charles A. Murdock of San Francisco. Discussions followed each of these papers. In the evening there were addresses by President Chapman of the University of Oregon and Rev. William R. Alger of Boston. The latter's address, "Things Seen and Temporal a Revelation of Things Unseen and Eternal," was especially fine.

Friday morning there were papers by Rev. George R. Dodson of Alameda and Mrs. Flora H. Padgham. Mr. Dodson's subject was "Unitarianism and the Philosophy of Evolution." Mrs. Padgham talked of "The Sunday-school and Kindergarten Methods." After a business meeting, with election of officers, etc., luncheon was served, as on the day before, by the women of the church. The annual session of the Women's Uni

tarian Conference of this coast was held in the afternoon. After devotional exercises, led by Rev. Eliza Tupper Wilkes, Mrs. Eliot gave the address of welcome, to which Mrs. Wilkes responded. After the business of the conference had been transacted there were papers by Miss Bertha Shafter of Oakland and Mrs. Ralph Wilbur. Discussions followed these papers. The meeting closed with the retiring president's address by Mrs. Wilkes. In the evening there was a platform meeting with a number of brief addresses.

The Sunday-school took its annual outing on Saturday. The visitors to the conference went as guests of the Portland church. The excursion was, as usual, up the gorge of the Columbia, and made by steamer.

Rev. Mr. Alger preached the conference sermon Sunday morning. During the service Mr. Frank Percival Smedley was ordained to the ministry. There was a platform meeting in the evening, with short addresses by Dr. Eliot, Dr. Stebbins, Mr. Smedley, and others. The men of the conference were entertained by the Channing Club at dinner Monday evening. A number of the delegates have pronounced this the pleasantest and most successful session the conference has ever held.

Proctor Academy, N.H.-The Unitarian Educational Society has received the following letters of donation of a welcome addi

tion to its educational facilities:

"To the Trustees of Proctor Academy,-I hereby give to you, for the use of the students of Proctor Academy, the collection of dried plants begun by Miss Emily Robinson, late of Manchester, upon the conditions that it be called the Emily Robinson Herbarium' and that suitable provision be made for its preservation and convenient use. The collection now numbers three hundred and fifteen specimens, representing eighty orders, accurately named and numbered by the latest edition of Gray's 'Manual of the Botany of the Northern United States.' My hope is that it may be an inspiration to the study of beautiful common things and the nucleus of a large and increasingly valuable collection. ALICE MARSHALL.

"Manchester, N.H., March 24, 1897.”

A letter to the teachers and pupils of Proctor Academy, Andover, N.II., by Miss Marshall, accompanied the letter of donation, and contains the following statement concerning the origin of the collection :—

"Until about two years ago there lived in the city of Manchester a woman whose living was earned by the hard work of her hands, but whose spirit was not bounded by the four walls of her work-room.

The

best in literature belonged to her by right of appreciation. All nature appealed to her, and had her constant love and study. This herbarium was one of the joys of her life. Many a night when too tired to sleep, she has turned over its leaves and found calm and rest. Every plant has its story of wayside or wood or field, of frequent walk or rarer drive. She often said that some time, when she was done with it, and it was large and valuable, she would give it to a school, hoping it might show to some one else the paths that had been so pleasant to her. In the fulfilment of that intention and with the same hope the Emily Robinson Herbarium is now given to you."

Letters of thankful acceptance of this consecrated gift were returned to Miss Alice Marshall, friend of the late Miss Emily Robinson, by President J. C. A. Hill, for the trustees, and Rev. James F. Norton, principal, for the teachers and students. J. M. Fellows, Esq., of Manchester kindly offers to defray the cost of proper provision for the preservation and use of the collection.

Providence, R.I.-The children of the First Congregational Sunday-school in Providence celebrated Dr. Hale's birthday a few weeks ago by a very successful birthday party, the only drawback being the absence of Dr. Hale himself. As soon as the children could be brought to order, they were grouped according to their birthday months. January, heading the procession, led them to their seats. They seemed to be interested in listening to anecdotes of Dr. Hale's boyhood days, and in what Mr. Lord could tell them of his own personal experiences with him.

was

The principal attraction was the poem recited by twelve boys and girls, which prepared the way for the birthday-cake, brought in at the last moment, with the seventy-five candles all lighted. It just at dusk when the cake appeared, and the sudden glare of so many candles made quite an impression on the party. All the little folks joined in sending birthday greetings to Dr. Hale; and, after some music and a game or two, the good time came to an end..

-The First Congregational Church Branch of the Women's Alliance in Providence, R. I., have held a series of most entertaining and instructive meetings during the past winter. Very interesting papers were contributed by members on the following subjects: "Bible Folk-lore," "Old Testament Prose, " "The Poetry of the Bible, and "New Testament Writings." January Miss Tolman of Boston read her paper on "Should Rich Women work for Money?" and in March Miss Rice, supervisor of drawing in the public schools, gave

a

In

most enjoyable paper on "Art in the Public Schools." A simple tea was served

at the close of each meeting, which added much to the sociability and pleasure of the occasion.

Revere, Mass.-Since Rev. S. L. Elberfeld was ordained pastor of the First Unitarian Society in January last, the society has grown in numbers and in interest. The congregation has doubled. The Sundayschool attendance averages about a hundred, and has reached one hundred and eighteen. All departments are flourishing. On several Sunday evenings stereopticon lectures were given, which attracted audiences larger than the seating capacity of the church, many being turned away for lack of room. The topics most popular were "The Civil War," "Napoleon," and "Ben-Hur."

Last Sunday evening the young people held the first meeting of the Tuckerman Union in connection with the National Young People's Religious Union. Mr. Warren of the Hale Union, Newton Centre, spoke most interestingly of this union's work, reading to the blind and sick in families and hospitals, giving entertainments at Parker Memorial, Boston, and the like. Mr. Whiton of the Chelsea union told of their work done and difficul

ties overcome. These words of encouragement were spoken to about sixty interested young people. The movement bids fair to be a success. The new Union Hymnal Leaflet" was used.

Salem, Mass.-The guilds of Salem and vicinity have held two notable meetings recently at the East Church, Salem. The This first was on Sunday evening, May 2. was a religious meeting attended by young people from Danvers, Beverly, Marblehead, and Salem. Each guild was asked to furnish on an original paper the subject, "What can Young People do to spread the Liberal Faith?" The papers were carefully prepared, and were very optimistic and enthusiastic in spirit. The second meeting was on Friday evening, May 14, when the same guilds united in a social. The first part of the evening was spent in listening to music and readings, after which refreshments were served in the parlors of the East Church parish house. cial pains were taken to introduce members of the various guilds to each other, and a very enjoyable season was passed.

Spe

A specially interesting meeting of the Barton Square Alliance was held at Mrs. Daniel Low's on Friday afternoon, May 14. It was the annual meeting. After the routine business there were duets on violin and piano. A bountiful collation served.

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Southern Unitarian Conference.-The twelfth annual meeting of the Southern Conference of Unitarian and Other Christian Churches was held in Memphis, Tenn., April 27-29.

The opening sermon was given by Rev. John Snyder of St. Louis, Mo., on the evening of the 27th. It was an admirable discussion of the grounds upon which we claim the Christian name, while we reject so many of the doctrines which are held vital by the vast majority of Christian churches, and was warmly received by a large audience. The business meeting of the directors was held Wednesday morning at nine o'clock, H. S. Spinning of Memphis in the chair. The meeting considered the needs of the growing Unitarian churches in the South, and recommended certain plans for the consideration of the conference. After a devotional meeting led by Rev. T. B. Forbush of Memphis, the opening business session of the conference was called to order by the chairman of the directors at ten o'clock. In the absence of the president and secretary, both of whom were unavoidably detained, Rev. T. B. Forbush was chosen president pro tem., and Rev. Marion F. Ham of Chattanooga, secretary pro tem. The morning hour was devoted to hearing and considering reports of officers, committees, and churches, and in introducing matters for the consideration of the Business Committee.

At three o'clock the Southern Associate Alliance held its annual meeting. This meeting was called to order, and presided over by Mrs. Charles L. Moss of St. Louis, vice-president of the National Alliance for the South. After preliminary business, interesting reports were read from fifteen of the sixteen Branch Alliances. Mrs. Moss made a clear and comprehensive address upon the general work of the Alliance. Rev. Mr. Snyder gave a very fine talk upon the value of the Alliance, and of woman's work to the churches. The Alliance voted $10 of the small fund in its treasury to Richmond, Va., and $5 to Highlands, N.C. Wednesday evening was devoted to a platform meeting in charge of C. J. K. Jones of Louisville, Ky. dresses were made by Mrs. Miles Meriwether, on "Church Work," Rev. John Snyder, on "Man: His Nature and Destiny," and Rev. C. J. K. Jones, on "The Bible: A Part of God's Revelation." These addresses were attentively listened to by an audience which crowded the little

hall.

Rev.

Ad

Thursday morning's devotional service was led by Rev. Marion F. Ham of Chattanooga. The business session was resumed. Officers were chosen for the ensuing year. Resolutions expressing the

sense of the conference that the South

should have adequate representation on the

board of the American Unitarian Association, and that the American Unitarian Association's interests in the South needed proper watch and supervision, were adopted. Resolutions of sympathy were also adopted for Rev. Dr. J. H. Heywocd, in his increasing ill-health and feebleness, and for

Rev. Walter C. Pierce, on account of his recent severe sickness. Votes of thanks were given the Memphis church for its abundant hospitality, and to the press of the city for its full and admirable reports of the conference. At eleven o'clock Rev. Mr. Ham, the newly chosen pastor at Chattanooga, read a sermon on Unitarianism and Christianity," affirming that Unitarianism was not the Christianity of the creeds, but was the religion of Jesus. This was followed by a wise and thoughtful paper by Mrs. Bowser of Louisville, on The Value of the Sunday-school, which, in Mrs. Bowser's absence, was read by Miss Williams of Louisville. After a halfhour's discussion the conference adjourned. Thursday afternoon a very enjoyable reception was given to delegates and friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Anderson.

The conference closed with a sermon on "The Scientific Proofs of Immortality,) by Rev. C. J. K. Jones, which was greatly enjoyed by a large congregation.

Springfield, Mass.-Church of the Unity: April 18, Easter. A special feature of our Easter services, supplementing the floral decorations, excellent music and Easter sermon, was the use of two new offertory plates. One is in memory of Sidney Kibbe, and the other in memory of Mrs. Jean Bleloch Townshend. On each of these is a silver name plate, and the base of each is carved of wood taken from the pulpit of the old Unitarian church built in 1819. The children's service at noon, consisting of Easter carols and a sermon story, was followed by the distribution of potted pansies to the members of the Sunday-school.

April 22. The Springfield Branch of the National Alliance of Unitarian and Other Liberal Christian Women, held its annual meeting. Mrs. George A. Denison read Mrs. G. S. Stebbins's paper on "Later Unitarianism." The annual reports were given, and next year's work outlined. Mrs. John MacDuffie was re-elected president for the coming year, and Miss Annie Bailey, secretary.

April 25. Rev. James De Normandie occupied the pulpit in exchange with Mr. Gilman.

Florence Hubbard;

April 30. Entertainment by the Unity Dramatic Club at Fisk's casino, Brightwood. A three-act comedy entitled "Uncle," preceded by a curtain-raiser, "Place aux Dames." The cast (“Place aux Dames"): Juliette, Miss Minnie White; Ophelia, Miss Portia, Miss Julia Webster; Lady Macbeth, Miss Frances Garfield. ("Uncle"): Paul Beaumont, Joseph F. Pynchon; Peter Fletcher, George A. Bacon; Uncle, John Mason; Pastry Cook's Man, George K. Townsley; Mrs. Beaumont, Miss Marion H. Sterns; Emily Mon

trose, Miss Cicely Buscall; Sarah Jane, Miss Beatrice Hamilton. Music by the Alpha Mandolin and Guitar Club.

St. Cloud, Minn.-A farewell reception was given to Rev. Carlton F. Brown and his wife at the parlors of Unity Church. Mr. Brown has had a successful pastorate here of three years, and has now resigned to accept the call to Helena, Mont.

Toronto, Can.-On Tuesday evening, May 4, Mr. Oscar B. Hawes was ordained and installed as pastor of the First Unitarian Society. In spite of the exceedingly unpleasant weather the church was well filled. The services were of great interest, and gave the adherents of Unitarianism in Toronto an opportuity to hear some of the representative ministers of their faith. Rev. Dr. James T. Bixby of Yonkers, N. Y., gave the invocation; and Rev. D. W. Morehouse read the Scriptures.

gave the Slicer of

The sermon was preached by Rev. Merle St. C. Wright of the Lenox Avenue Church, New York, who forcibly and earnestly defined Unitarianism as a gospel founded exclusively upon reason, but reason in its richest, truest sense. After the sermon Rev. W. C. Gannett ordaining prayer. Rev. T. R. Buffalo, N. Y., gave the charge to the minister; and he urged Mr. Hawes to remember that the church existed for the community, and that, in order to justify his employment as a minister, he should show that the church under his guidance could do something to improve the condition of the community. On behalf of the ministry the right hand of fellowship was given Mr. Hawes by Rev. S. R. Calthrop of Syracuse, who incidentally gave some interesting experiences of his own, based on a ministry extending over a period of thirtyseven years. Then Mr. S. C. Smoke, on behalf of the congregation, extended hearty welcome to the new pastor, promising him every possible assistance in his pastoral work.

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The charge to the people was delivered by Rev. Alexander T. Bowser of Wilmington, Del., who was at one time pastor of the Toronto Unitarian church. He impressed upon the members of the society the necessity of working in unity with the pastor, and of aiding him by all the means in their power to make Toronto a centre of rational Christianity in Canada. Some excellent music enriched the services. One hymn, by Samuel Longfellow, was read by Rev. Dr. William M. Brundage of Albany. The benediction was pronounced by the pastor, Rev. Oscar B. Hawes.

Troy, N.Y.-Our Unitarian church in this city is enjoying a season of growth and prosperity. The congregations have increased since the settlement of Rev. J. H. Crooker as pastor three months ago,

so that at present they are the largest in the history of the society. Mr. and Mrs. Crooker (Rev. Florence Kollock) have been very cordially received by the people in general; and already they have become participants in the higher life of the community. The Sunday-school is well organized. The "Children's Neighborhood Library'' is doing a valuable work, reaching about five hundred girls and boys. A Young People's Club is just finishing a very interesting series of studies of Lowell, and the attendance is now about fifty. A course of five addresses has just been finished by Mrs. Crooker, on "Woman's Work in the Church," before the Alliance. These have been largely attended, and reported at length in the city papers. The membership of the Alliance has risen from twentyfive to sixty. The Union Lenten services, in which this society joined with the Universalist church, were very largely attended; and they brought the people of both congregations into most friendly relations. The members of the Unitarian church are at present hopeful and enthusiastic. Mr. and Mrs. Crooker express great satisfaction over the social warmth and general activity displayed by this congregation.

Both

Unitarian Grove Meeting at Weirs, N.H.-The twentieth annual gathering occurs this year the last week in July, from Monday, the 26th, through Sunday, August 1. So many have enjoyed these occasions in times past that it is hoped this season's meeting may be in the nature of a reunion, and that the old friends will take this opportunity to renew their acquaintance of years past. A most attractive week is planned. The ministers, who are sometimes overlooked in these meetings, are to have a day of their own, when, besides papers of interest from several of our best-known clergymen to which everybody will be welcome, there will be an informal "camp-fire" exchange of thought and experience.

Friday, July 30, many of the young people's guilds in New Hampshire and adjoining States will be represented; and a pleasant and enthusiastic meeting for mutual aid and acquaintance is promised. Better arrangements and accommodations will be prepared than ever before, and the excursions on the lake by launches to carry small parties for an evening's enjoyment are provided. Other features will be announced later.

Washington, D.C.- About forty-five young persons united with the church on Easter Sunday. In the evening the Sunday-school, which numbers two hundred and fifty, had charge of the exercises, with addresses by Rev. Clay MacCauley, Hon. G. H. Bond, and others. The confirmation class has this year numbered one hundred and twenty-five.

Watertown. The annual meeting of the First Parish has recently been held. The Report of the Parish Committee shows a very satisfactory condition of the finances, there being a surplus in the treasury after paying running expenses. The Sunday-school is in a better condition than for many years. The Women's Alliance, the Dramatic Club, the Unitarian Club and the Ladies' Society for the Relief of the Sick are doing effective work. The report of the committee sums up the situation in the following words:

"The addition to the church property during the last ten years has been very considerable. The Unitarian Building, the renovation of the interior of the church, the recent addition to the church to properly house the new organ, and the conversion of the former unsightly yard into the wellkept lawn are constant witnesses to the devotion and loyalty of the members of the parish to the old place of worship handed down to them by their predecessors."

Waverley, Mass.-Easter Sunday afternoon the Lord's Supper was commemorated for the first time in the new Unitarian church, using the communion service presented them by the Third Congregational Church of Cambridge.

West Roxbury, Mass.-Easter Sunday was appropriately observed in the First Parish. The pulpit and platform were artistically decorated with potted plants and cut flowers. At ten o'clock the Sundayschool gathered for their service, consisting of carols, responsive reading, and a short address by Mr. Hussey, after which each child received a potted plant. At the regular church service a 'cellist accompanied the usual solos, and communion followed the service. The last vesper service of the season was held at five o'clock, and was largely attended. Mrs. Morgan of Roxbury was the soloist, and Mr. Hussey preached on "The Resurrection and the Life." It has been very gratifying to see how the interest in these services has continued through the year. Mr. Hussey has given of his best, and the many who have listened to the inspiring words must have felt strengthened

for the duties of the week.

On April 28 an entertainment in aid of the Floating Hospital was given by the younger members of the Sunday-school, under the direction of Mrs. Chamberlayne. The tableaux, representing a number of the Munsey's Magazine, showed much thought in preparation, and were a credit both to the children and director. Piano and violin solos and recitations followed the tableaux. The sum of $35 was realized.

At the annual meeting of the Unitarian Club the following officers were elected:

president, C. W. Sparhawk; vice-president, C. W. Whittemore; secretary, Curtis Clapp, Jr.; treasurer, C. F. Bruce; Executive Committee, H. I. Smith, E. C. Wade, Rev. A. R. Hussey. The club is in good financial condition, and shows a membership of nearly fifty. The subject under discussion for the evening, "The Golden Rule in Business," brought forth many ideas as to its applicability. The last Sunday-school party was held May 7.

At the annual meeting of the Alliance the following officers were elected: president, Miss M. J. Rogers; vice-president, Mrs. J. V. Pool; secretary, Mrs. H. Pope; treasurer, Mrs. A. J. Seaward. A committee was also appointed to look over and pack the literature, to be sent away by the Alliance. A contribution was sent to the Norfolk Alliance, Dorchester, for their May sale.

Miss Lovejoy read the paper for the afternoon in the Arlington Street Church. As the present building is of recent date, she was able to read a description of it from the Boston Transcript, written at the time of its dedication; and but little alteration has been made in the building since.

The last meeting of the Alliance for this season was held May 10. Several committees were appointed to carry on the next season's work. $15 was appropriated toward the church debt; and an urgent appeal was made by the president for increased activity in Alliance work, particularly in bringing in the young people.

The paper for the afternoon was read by Mr. Hussey on the Church of the Disciples. As this paper closed the series on the old churches of Boston, Mr. Hussey gave a short review of the year's work, and then told in a clear and interesting manner the history of the Church of the Disciples, which was the first church to start in Boston as a distinctive Unitarian society. The history of the church was the story of Dr. Clarke's life, which in its purity and simplicity stood in striking contrast to the religious sentiment of the day.

At the annual parish meeting six new members were voted into the society, and the following officers elected: moderator, C. W. C. Rhoades; clerk, Edward C. Wade; treasurer, Charles M. Seaver; collector, Lawrence Manley; Standing Committee, Linus Faunce, A. M. Newton, F. A. Drew. $500 was appropriated for music. The Subscription Committee was enlarged, and will work for parish as well as denominational purposes.

Windsor, Vt.-Mr. C. E. Ordway, a graduate from Meadville last June, has received an urgent call from the Unitarian church in this town.