ANNOUNCEMENT.

The address of Rev. T. B. Forbush is 395 Poplar Street, Memphis, Tenn.

Rev. George W. Solley, Deerfield, Mass., having satisfied the Committee on Fellowship of his fitness for the Unitarian ministry, is hereby commended to our ministers and churches.

D. M. WILSON, Chairman.

D. W. MOREHOUSE, Secretary.

Albany, N.Y.-The Sunday evening services of the First Unitarian Church, under the pastoral care of Rev. Dr. Brundage, are greatly increasing in attendance and interest. In addition to the ability and eloquence of the pastor, two factors have contributed to produce this good result. The first is the engagement of an excellent orchestra, and the second is the judicious use of the daily press of the city in advertising the meetings. The services are held in Odd Fellows' Temple, in a large hall which will seat nearly eleven hundred people. For the last three or four Sundays the congregations have run up to nearly seven hundred. Mr. Archibald M. Howe spoke with great acceptance, on a recent Sunday evening, on "Our Liberal Gospel, from a Layman's Standpoint. "'

Ann Arbor, Mich.-Rev. J. T. Sunderland and family returned in August from their year abroad. Mrs. Sunderland, the son and two daughters, spent most of the year in Berlin in study. Mr. Sunderland went on a mission to India on behalf of the British and Foreign Unitarian Association, spending the winter there. On his way back he was met by Mrs. Sunderland in Cairo; and the two spent a month together travelling in Egypt, a month making a tour through Palestine, and a month in Greece and Italy. The year proved very rich and profitable to all. Their travels in the East will be of especial value to Mr. and Mrs. Sunderland, in their pulpit and Bible Class work, and in all their work with the students of the university. Mr. Sunderland resumed charge of the church

here on the 1st of September. In his first sermon, on "A Year of Life," he gave a brief summary of his year's travels and experiences abroad. The sermon has since been printed as the opening number of the College Town Pulpit for 1896-97. He has spoken upon several other themes connected with his travels, and in January will begin an extended series of lectures upon "India, some of the lectures to be illustrated with stereopticon views. Mrs. Sunderland is giving a series of fifteen lectures to her large Bible Class of students, on "The Life and Teachings of Jesus in the Light of Travel in the Holy Land." She has also given illustrated lectures in the Unity Club course on "Rome, "Florence," and "Venice." Notwithstanding the hard times, the university has this year a larger number of students than ever; and the Unitarian church is getting quite its full proportion of them. A special reception for students was given in the church parlors on October 5, and socials to which students are invited are held regularly each month. Up to this time the Unity Club lecture course has included lectures by Dr. Rexford of Columbus, Ohio, Rev. Lee S. McCollester of Detroit, Prof. W. B. Hinsdale and Mrs. M. Louise Walker of this city, and Rev. W. W. Fenn of Chicago, besides those of Mrs. Sunderland already mentioned. Mr. Fenn's subject was "Tennyson's Idyls of the King." The lecture was a great treat. On Sunday evening, December 13, a "Special Whittier Service" was held in the church, in connection with the poet's birthday. Whittier hymns were sung; a large portrait of the poet, wreathed with green, stood on the platform; and addresses were made by Judge W. D. Harriman, Mrs. Ida C. Finney, and Mr. Sunderland.

Athol, Mass.-Second Church: A correspondent writes: "Mrs. Fifield visited our church recently, and organized a Branch of the National Women's Alliance with some thirty chartered members. At the union Thanksgiving service, in which all the local churches united, Rev. Carl G. Horst preached the sermon. The first Sunday in each month a vesper service is held in

Belmont, Mass.-There was a large gathering of the parishioners and friends of Rev. Hilary Bygrave and his wife in the Unitarian church, Nov. 20. The church parlors were beautifully decorated with choice flowers, and a glorious log-fire

burned on the open hearth. The occasion was the tenth anniversary of Mr. Bygrave's installation as pastor of the church, which the Ladies' Aid Society celebrated in a royal way. For more than an hour there was a steady stream of people coming forward to offer their congratulations to the pastor and his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Bygrave were made the recipients of many useful gifts, one of which was a mysteriously covered bowl, which, in one of his most felicitous speeches, Mr. Winthrop L. Chenery presented in behalf of the society, with the stipulation that it was not to be opened until they got home. It proved to have in it more than a hundred small silk bags, which contained United States bills and gold and silver coins. In the course of the evening, refreshments were served, and everybody seemed to be in a most delightful frame of mind; and the general wish was expressed, when the people came to bid good-night to the pastor and his wife, that their stay in Belmont might be long continued.

Bradford

Brattleboro, Vt. Rev. E. Leavitt has received a unanimous call to All Souls' Church, Washington, D.C.

Brockton, Mass.-The second monthly meeting of the Unitarian Club for the present season was held in the vestry of the Unity Church on the evening of December 17.

After a substantial banquet, the musical entertainment for the evening was furnished by Mrs. Ralph R. Littlefield, soprano, and Mr. W. C. Mackinley, violinist. The speaker of the evening was Rev. Arthur May Knapp of Fall River, Mass. His subject was "Japan." Rev. Mr. Knapp spent four years among the Japanese as a teacher, under the direction of the American Unitarian Association. He found Japan a very interesting country. Though secluded from the rest of the world for two hundred and fifty years, it did not relapse into barbarism, but gave its full attention to the refinement of the people, making the art of refinement and politeness the first consideration. But they do things the reverse of us in every detail of social and industrial life. In conclusion, Rev. Mr. Knapp spoke of the missionary methods of the Unitarians in Japan, and the readiness with which the Japanese grasp an idea or learn a language.

At the annual sale of pews in December, the premiums reached a higher figure than has ever been known in the history of this church, showing the renewed interest under Dr. Shippen's able administration.

Brookline, Mass.-The Congregationalist, Unitarian, Baptist, Universalist, and Methodist churches united in the house of the last named in a Thanksgiving service, -the minister of the First Parish, Rev. W. H. Lyon, giving the sermon on "The Faith of the Republic."

-Christ Church in Longwood, Rev. C. D. Bradlee, D.D., pastor, is rejoicing in a sudden and substantial growth. For the last four years Dr. Bradlee has conducted services in this chapel continuously, against great discouragements. The foundation of the trust is so peculiar that for years the church was closed, and many predicted that Dr. Bradlee could not succeed in his enterprise; but the gains, though slight, have been steady from year to year, until now, in the larger access of population, the growth is remarkable. Many who went to Dr. Savage's society, and others, are coming into the church; and lately meetings have been held for organization. A committee of eleven has been appointed to canvass the neighborhood, and to invite all Unitarians to join in this movement. The number of families already interested is surprisingly large, and others are added daily. It is not the intention of Dr. Bradlee to continue much longer as pastor of Christ Church, for he finds that his strength is not quite equal to the work. He has announced that in a short time he will resign his charge into other hands. The work he has done is now being appreciated; and it is recognized that he has held through these years the one post which may prove the mother church of several societies to be established in the newer Boston which is springing up in Brookline and the adjacent parts of Boston.

Chelsea, Mass.-The December meeting of the Woman's Alliance was addressed by the ladies of the Church of the Disciples Branch. The Chelsea Branch announces for January and February a course of four entertainments: January 4, Mrs. Alice Kent Robertson, reading, presumably from Shakspere or Browning; January 19, Rev. William H. Lyon, Salem Witchcraft'; February 1, Rev. Margaret B. Barnard, "Thomas Carlyle"; February 15, stereopticon lecture.

Christmas was observed by a pleasant entertainment for the upper department of the Sunday-school on Christmas Eve, and an entertainment and Christmas-tree for the kindergarten department on Christmas Day.

The fair which was held on the evenings of November 19, 20, and 21, under the

CO

auspices of the Women's Alliance, operative with the Social Circle, was a success. The net profit will be given to the church. At the close of the sale, the ladies of the society presented Mrs. Reccord, president of the Branch, with a beautifully decorated ice-pitcher, in appreciation of her untiring efforts in conducting the affair. The Alliance announces for January a course of four entertainments of great excellence. The Unity Club met on December 2, and organized a class for the study of Emerson, "as a thinker, and in his relation as a man to the life of his time." The church service, on Sunday morning, November 29, was conducted by Rev. Margaret B. Barnard.

Chicago: First Church.-The ladies held their annual fair and supper in the church parlors on the afternoon and evening of December 9. While financially their efforts were satisfactory, it was socially that they achieved marked success. There was a very good attendance, and all appeared to enjoy themselves thoroughly, thus increasing the feeling of sociability and good will. The Sunday-school had a Christmas festival on the 26th of December. A Christinas-tree and a magic lantern were brought into service, to the delight of the children. Mr. Fenn conducted the vesper service at the University of Chicago on December 6, speaking on the subject, "The Truth of Character." The service was held in Kent Theatre, and the audience was a very large one. Work on the chapel on 57th Street is progressing very well indeed. Thanks to the mild weather, the builders were enabled to get the roof sheathed and papered by the middle of December, and now the interior can be finished off regardless of the weather.

-Unity Church: On Thursday, December 3, the Associate Alliance met in the parlors of the church, about eighty being present. Dr. Ayres, secretary of the Bureau of Charities, delivered an informal address on the subject "The Problem of the Poor," which was exceedingly interesting, as it embodied the results of much observation and study. An animated discussion followed the address, which was participated in by various members of the Alliance, and also by Mr. Fenn of the First Church.

dren took place. On Saturday, December 26, the "Saturdays" provided an entertainment of games and music for the sewing school of the Elm Street Settlement. The work of the settlement received a set-back this fall through the loss of last year's workers. Their place has been supplied, however, and the work has been reorganized on the lines adopted by other settlements of the city. More than twenty clubs and classes of various sorts meet there weekly, and it is hoped this year to extend the work more widely than ever before.

-Third Church: The disastrous fire which destroyed the building of the Third Church has not crippled its activity. The various clubs and societies, of which there are several, are meeting as usual at the homes of the church members, and are steadily carrying forward the work in their respective departments.

the Unitarian church, on Sunday, NovemConcord, N.H.-The morning service in ber 22, was of unusual interest, as that day marked the beginning of the fifth year of the very successful pastorate of Rev. Frank L. Phalen. A large audience was present. Mr. Phalen spoke feelingly of the unanimity of thought and action between pastor and people during his pastorate in this city, of their work together in the past, and of his hopes for the future. The topic of his sermon was, "What You See Depends upon where You Stand," which was suggested by a visit, during vacation, to "The Old Man of the Mountain," in Franconia Notch. His discourse throughout was a masterpiece of feeling and eloquence, and was listened to with the closest attention.

On Sunday, November 29, the pulpit was Quincy, Mass. occupied by Rev. James E. Bagley of Mr. Bagley's subject was,

As a Matter of Course," taking for his text: "Fret not thyself. Trust in the Lord, and wait patiently for him.' His sermon was a most practical and helpful

one.

received from the branch Alliances which

showed that the work was in a fairly prosperous condition in the different churches. After the meeting luncheon was served by the members of the Unity Church Alliance. Mr. Bulkeley still continues his visits to Hobart, Ind., preaching there once in two or three weeks. On Sunday, December 27, special Christmas services were held in the church and Sunday-school, and on the 30th the annual Christmas festival for the chil

topic was "Obligations of Kinship."

His

The first regular meeting of the Channing Guild was held on Sunday evening, December 13. It was unanimously voted to join Young People's Religious Union. The Women's Alliance, assisted by the

the

King's Daughters, held their annual Christmas sale on the afternoon and evening of December 9. The various attractive tables

were liberally patronized, as was the chicken-pie supper, which was served at six o'clock. The social part of the sale was more attractive than ever this year; and the affair, both social and financially, was a marked success.

Dorchester, Mass.-Christ Church: Our services at five o'clock on Sunday afternoon are proving interesting and helpful. The Young People's Society has done efficient work in carrying them on thus far, and is full of zeal for the remainder of the series. The first was on November 8, when Mr. Goodridge spoke on "Youth.' November 15 there was a large gathering to listen to Miss Jennie Dean, who spoke in the interest of the Colored Industrial School at Manassas. Mrs. Bernard Whitman was also present, and gave an interesting account of a visit she had made to the school. Special music has been provided at the meetings thus far, and has added much to the enjoyment of them.

-Unitarian Church, Richmond Street: Large congregations have attended the special series of sermons by Rev. Frederick B. Mott, on "The Revival of Our Faith,' -"The Fatherhood of God, "The Brotherhood of Man, "The Leadership of Jesus, "Salvation by Character, 66 The Progress of Mankind," "Onward and Upward Forever."

-A series of afternoon lectures, at the Parish Hall, Richmond Street, are to be given on the following dates: January 6, "Carlyle, by Rev. John Cuckson; January 13, "Lowell," by Rev. William H. Lyon, D. D.; January 20, Matthew Arnold, by Rev. Francis B. Hornbrooke; January 27, "Enjoyment of Poetry, by Rev. Samuel M. Crothers. At three

o'clock.

Ellsworth, Me.-Rev. W. R. Hunt has accepted the call extended to him by the Unitarian church, and is now actively at work. The people are delighted with him and their prospects, and are going forward as enthusiastically as at any previous time in their history. The congregations are large, both morning and evening; and our church is taking its rightful place in the city.

England: HALIFAX.—The successful series of gatherings which have been held at Northgate-end, in celebration of the bicentenary of the chapel, were, on Tuesday night, brought to a fitting conclusion by a conversazione, which took place in the schoolroom. There was a crowded attendance. A comprehensive exhibition of documents, etc., associated, not only with Northgate-end, but with Halifax Borough gener

ally, were on view, and they were inspected with much interest. The first and last of the trust deeds of the chapel, not unnaturally, were scanned with curiosity, and the early books belonging to the place possessed a fascinating interest, as did the manuscript of a sermon written and preached by the Rev. John Ralph, a former pastor, the first in which Unitarianism was boldly proclaimed within the old chapel walls. An old funeral bill was noteworthy, showing that in 1689, a leg of mutton could be purchased for 1s. 11d., but that for a single lemon no less than 1s. had to be given. There was also a most interesting exhibit of clothing as worn in the olden time.

WOOLWICH.-The new congregation at Woolwich, under the ministry of the Rev. L. Jenkins Jones, is making continued and steady progress. Steps are now being taken to secure, if possible, a suitable site for building a congregational hall or schoolroom, with space for a church building later, as at Kilburn. An appeal will shortly be made to the generosity of the Unitarian public on behalf of Woolwich. On Wednesday evening, November 25, the Rev. W. Copeland Bowie conducted a brief service,

and delivered a lecture on "The Future Life" to a large and appreciative audience.

PLYMOUTH.-A Lay Preachers' Union : A meeting of Unitarian lay preachers and others of the Three Towns and district was held in the upper vestry of Treville Street Chapel, on Friday evening, December 11. It was decided to form a Unitarian Lay Preachers' Union, including the Three Towns and district. A resolution to this effect was proposed by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Cock, and unanimously carried. Dr. Vawdrey kindly consented to take the secretaryship pro tem. The following were present at the meeting Messrs. Wright, Ramsden, Cock, Weekes, Widger, Dr. Vawdrey, Miss Cooper, the ministers of Plymouth, Devonport, and Tavistock, and Rev. T. B. Broadrick, who conducted the proceedings.

SHEPTON MALLET.-On Tuesday, December 8, the first social meeting of the 1896-97 session of the Unitarian Circle of Religious Fellowship was held in the Cowl Street schoolroom, which had been most effectively decorated for the occasion. Miss Tagart of Hampstead gave an encouraging and interesting address, mainly dealing with her recent visit to Hungary and the conditions and prospects of Unitarianism in that country. Tasteful and well-rendered and friends; and the meeting concluded musical selections were given by members with a hearty vote of thanks to the visitor, also to those who had contributed in any way to the success of the evening. The present session opened with a special service in the church, when Rev. Lindsey T. Badcock delivered an address on "Our

Hymn-book, ' illustrated by appropriate music given by the organist and choir. The society, now in its third year, was formed with the object of binding the members together in a common interest for the furtherance of all branches of church work, and the confirmation of their faith in the doctrines of Christ, as understood by Unitarians; and it has already proved most helpful both to minister and congregation.

BESSEL'S GREEN.-The second of the moonlight evening services, followed by a social hour, was held December 13, the chapel being nearly filled. The minister, Rev. R. C. Dendy, conducted the worship, and gave a short address. Recitations were contributed by Mr. Gambier Corke, vocal solos by Mrs. Banderet and Mr. Tedman, and violin solos by Miss Ethel Peppercorn. Mr. Banderet presided at the harmonium. Exeter N.H.-A large meeting of the members of the Exeter parish was held a week ago, and a unanimous call extended to Rev. J. A. Bevington of Barnstable.

Fairhaven, Mass.-Rev. William Brunton, formerly of Whitman, Mass., has received and accepted a unanimous call to the church in Fairhaven.

Farmington, Me.-A Young People's Liberal Religious Union has recently been organized with good prospects of success. For two years we have had a Unity Club, which did good work last winter and is still in a prosperous condition. But it was felt that enough was not being done for the purely religious training of our young people. Hence the new organization. At the preliminary meeting it was feared by some that the young people would not be willing to take part, but the result of the first meeting was a pleasing surprise. The subject of study for the present is "The Religious Sects of the United States." Some of the more strictly orthodox members of the Evangelical Congregational Church have been stirred up lately over the unsoundness of their minister, a young Andover graduate, who has been saying critical things about the story of Jonah and the whale. They evidently think, with Mr. Moody, that if the story of Jonah is not true, then they will have "to give up their Christ."

A Baptist brother who has been greatly exercised in his mind over the aggressive policy of the Unitarian folk in these parts, recently told his congregation in Temple that Unitarianism might possibly be a good enough religion for this world, but that, when they came to die, they would need the atonement of the blood of Jesus to prepare them for death. Nevertheless, the Temple people appear very curious to hear what the Unitarian minister has to say when he

preaches there every other Sunday afternoon. A generous response was made to Rev. W. H. Ramsay's appeal for books for Reddington, and they do not need any more lending library in Temple, and would greatly at present; but they are starting a small otherwise. Don't send us old magazines or appreciate the gift of books, religious or back numbers of the Christian Register. Address Rev. W. H. Ramsay, Farmington, Me.

Udell was

Geneva, Ill.- Mr. Howard ordained Tuesday evening, December 1. The following was the order of exercises: voluntary; hymn; reading; hymn; sermon, Rev. W. A. Colledge; ordination, Mr. C. E. Mann; prayer; solo (hymn written for the occasion by Mrs. Udell), Miss Blackman; right hand of fellowship, Rev. B. R. Bulkeley; charge to the minister, Rev. R. F. Johonnot; charge to the people, Rev. Celia Parker Woolley; hymn; benediction, Mr. Udell.

Ithaca, N.Y.-The congregation of the Unitarian church here has increased, and the services are unusually well attended. The pastor has given discourses of such spiritual and intellectual power that much interest has been awakened. The Ethical

Class, under the able leadership of Prof. Rowlee, still enjoys spirited discussions every Sunday on the vital questions of the time.

Alliance, Mrs. C. M. St. John read a paper At the last meeting of the Women's

on "How to cultivate a Taste for Good Reading." Mrs. St. John is the author of "Wordsworth for the Young," and is the owner of a remarkable Wordsworth collec

seen.

tion of manuscripts, rare editions, etc. The The list of books for a child's library was paper was forcible and very suggestive. the most delightful of the many we have find this paper very helpful. The Woman's Any one interested in children would wing of the Women's Alliance and of other Exchange, started under the protecting public-spirited women of Ithaca, has so far have steadily increased, and the high standmet with a cordial reception. The sales ard of workmanship has been maintained.

Let us hope, for the new year, that unity operation with our esteemed pastor may inof aim, loyalty of purpose, and hearty cochurch, which stands for such noble ideals crease the strength and usefulness of this of thought and action.

Kansas. Many friends far and near will regret to learn of the death of Mr. William Bland of Olsburg, Pottowatomie County. Mr. Bland has been an energetic and devoted layman missionary in the cause of the Liberal Faith for some years, and has done