unique work in carrying the Unitarian gospel into a territory far removed from the usual missionary activities.

Kennebunk, Me.-The work at the First Parish has opened with a marked enthusiasm this year. Our church has been thoroughly renovated during the summer, both above and below, and pulpit and pews given

a new coat of varnish.

The Sunday-school library of 1,200 volumes has been newly catalogued, and a large number of catalogues printed, so that the scholars may have the privilege of selecting their books for themselves. Every book in the library has been re-covered and renumbered, and we are now able to present a thorough equipment in the way of literature to all attending the school.

The morning congregations were never larger than at present, and the numbers in the Sunday school are constantly on the increase. The Bible class is studying the creeds of the different churches with much enthusiasm and interest.

At the evening service Mr. Prescott is giving a series of lectures upon the Higher Criticism of the Bible.

Laconia, N.H.-Our church in Laconia is taking a new lease of life under the pastorate of Rev. G. H. Rice. Besides the morning service and Sunday-school, he has a vesper service at four in the afternoon, and is conducting a service in the evening in the opera house at Lakeport. Lakeport is a suburb of Laconia; and services are held there chiefly for the purpose of interesting the people in the work that is going on in the church proper. The vesper services attract an average congregation of one hundred and fifty. As a result of all this activity, new families are being added to the congregation every Sunday. Mr. Rice feels confident "that there is a splendid winter's work in store for the church, and that it will be upon a prosperous basis. The members are all enthusiastic, and are co-operating in a way that is vastly encouraging."

Littleton, N.H.-Rev. W. C. Litchfield, formerly of Middleboro, Mass., has received and accepted a unanimous call to

the church in Littleton. He has already entered upon his work, the benefit of which is to be perceived in the renewed activities of the society and the increase of the congregations.

Madison, Wis. The evening lectures delivered by Mr. Simonds at the opera house last winter proved so successful that another course is to be given by him the present season. The subjects are as follows: "Conditions of Success: A Lecture

to Young Men and Women"; "Days of the Heart and Home"; "Daniel Webster"; "An Evening with Jesus in Judea: The Master as a Reformer"; "Daniel O'Connell, Ireland's Uncrowned King"; "Fathers of the American Republic: Suggested by Forefathers' Day." Under the able leadership of Mrs. McCue, the guild is in a flourishing condition, the Saturday night meetprofitable, and attracting many students of ings of the club proving both pleasant and the State University.

Milford, N.H.-The Church Calendar" prepared for the season contains several things of interest. There are three regular courses of lectures,-First, a free Sunday evening course, the first Sunday in the month, November to April, with such speakers as Profs. Dolbear of Tufts, Emerton and Ropes of Harvard Divinity School, who are to discourse on special topics of interest to scholars and Biblical students. The third Sunday evening of every month is devoted to vespers and concerts. Second, Unity Club course, mouthly, from November to May, with following list of speakers: Rev. H. H. Lincoln, Maj. W. R. Warner, Profs. H. C. Morrison and W. L. Whittemore, and Miss Alice Elizabeth Rich, and Rev. Joshua Young, D.D., the closing entertainment a musicale. Several socials will be held in Eagle Hall, and an organ and vocal concert, with such artists as Mr. Howard M. Dow, Mr. Arthur M. Dow, Mr. Frederick Hahn, Miss Margaret Powell. The Third Course (and sixth season), the "Popular Lecture Course," as follows: Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, Rev. James M. Pullman, Frank B. Sanborn, Esq., Rev. W. H. Morrison, Prof. A. E. Dolbear, Col. Thomas Wentworth Higginson. These lectures of the three courses are regularly and successfully sustained in the interests of the public on lines of intellectual and moral elevation, and are well patronized by the thinking public. The "Calendar" has on its first page the following appeals to worship and to breadth of mind: from Martineau, "Reverence the holy custom. Shelter from heedless slight the living impulse that week by week calls you hither to remember, to aspire, to pray. Bring only the pure, lowly, childlike heart, tender to everything except the sins you must confess,full of hope for the world and trust in God"; and this from Dharmapala: "Peace, blessings, and salutations! Learn to think without prejudice, love all things for love's sake, express your convictions freely, lead a life of purity, and the sunlight of truth will illuminate you."

George W. Stone will speak on "Unitarian Beginnings," January 17, and will preach in the morning; also Alexander Phillips

was

Milton, Mass.-The Unitarian Church, which has been undergoing repairs, was again opened for service November 29. The First Unitarian Society of Milton was gathered April 24, 1678; and the stately, oldfashioned meeting-house now in use erected in 1787. In 1835 it was turned around, and the galleries were removed. It was enlarged and repaired in 1851, and again in 1870. The service in recognition of its re-opening was brief, but impressive and beautiful, including an organ prelude, the singing of several hymns, responsive reading, led by Rev. Robert S. Morison, scripture reading, by Rev. Frederick B. Mott, prayer by Rev. Edward Everett Hale, and sermon by Rev. Charles C. Everett. Following the sermon, Rev. Roderick Stebbins, pastor of the church, made a vigorous address congratulating the society on its prosperity and the energy with which the new work had been accomplished.

Neponset, Mass.-The guild rally held at the Church of the Unity Sunday evening, December 6, was The a great success. neighborhood guilds of Quincy, Wollaston, Lower Mills, and Meeting-house Hill sent delegations; and a large number, filling the vestry, listened to an earnest and inspiring address from Rev. Thomas Van Ness president of the Young People's Religious Union. Brief addresses from representatives of the different guilds followed, and earnest questionings as to the methods and spirit of carrying on the work. Such meetings will do great things for our young people.

Newport, R.I.-On the evening of November 24 a reception was given to the congregation of Channing Memorial Church by the pastor, Rev. George W. Cutter. The church parlors were beautifully decorated by the ladies of the society with Turkish rugs and curtains, flowers, ferns, palms, and potted plants. The pleasing effect was still more heightened by festoons of smilax, hung with colored lanterns containing incandescent lights. In the centre of the east room was a superb cross made of pearl-white electric globes, bordered with vines. It was a large, happy, enthusiastic gathering, and Dr. Cutter was assisted in receiving his hosts of friends by Dr. and Mrs. A. F. Squire and Dr. and Mrs. C. A. Brackett. The company was entertained by vocal and instrumental music and selections of readings. During the evening, Dr. Squire made a brief address, speaking in behalf of all present, in which he expressed sympathy for their pastor in his recent troubles, congratulated him that his honor and Christian character had

their high regard for him as a man and a minister, and presented him with a handsome silk purse, begging him to accept it as a slight token of their esteem and affection. Dr. Cutter was completely taken by surprise by this speech and testimonial, but responded earnestly and with much feeling, heartily thanking the people for all their kindness, loyalty, and devotion.

Oakland, Cal. At the last ministers'

meeting, Rev. A. J. Wells, of the San Francisco Second Unitarian Church, read a charming paper on "Worship." The Unitarian Club met in San Francisco, Monday, Nov. 23. The topic for discussion was "Lessons of the Campaign." The addresses were by Prof. Howison of the State University, whose utterances during the campaign were statesmanlike and strong. United States Senator Perkins, Hon. John P. Irish, who has done such work for the cause of sound money, and Congressman Maguire, who is a silver and single-tax advocate. The club is in most flourishing condition, with one hundred and thirty-five members, and a surplus in its treasury.

The Liberal Faith. Text-book, Mr. Dole's "Catechism of the Liberal Faith."

(1) The Field of Religion. What we seek to know in religion. Chapters I., II., III., IV., V. Bible Reference, Psalm xix. Literature: Tennyson, "Flower in the Crannied Wall"; Clough, "It fortifies my soul to know"; Eliza Scudder, "I cannot find Thee."

(2) The Test of Religion. How we know truth from error in religion. Authority and inspiration in literature. Chapters VI., VII., VIII, IX. Bible Reference: Proverbs viii., 2 Timothy iii. 16, 17. Literature: Keats, "On reading Chapman's Homer"; Helen Hunt Jackson, "Thought"; Emerson, "Out from the heart of nature rolled"; Matthew Arnold's "Morality"; Selections from M. D. Conway's "Anthology."

(3) The final authority in the souls of the best men and women, which are expressed in the best books, cannot find full expression in any book. Chapters X., XI., XII., XIII. Bible Reference, Isaiah vi. 1-8. Literature: selection from Carlyle's "Heroes and Hero Worship"; Matthew Arnold's

was "Christ's Message to Man." Rev. George C. Baldwin read from Scripture and made the prayer. Rev. William G. Richardson gave the first address on "Christ's Message to Childhood"; Rev. Charles Conklin followed with "Christ's Message to Youth"; Rev. Philip S. Moxom took up "Christ's Message to Manhood and Womanhood"; and the pastor, Rev. Bradley Gilman, concluded with "Christ's Message to Old Age." The church was beautifully decorated with Christmas greens, and appropriate music was rendered by the choir.

Christmas night the customary Christmas party for the Sunday-school was given in Masonic Hall under the auspices of the Unity Club.

Our Sunday-school gives as well as receives at Christmas time. During the week preceding Christmas, all the toys-half-worn or otherwise and all the garments that could be spared, were brought to the parsonage to be taken by the pastor Christmas eve into homes that would otherwise have been without Christmas cheer.

December 27, Christmas Sunday was celebrated. There was Christmas music and a Christmas address at both the morning and evening services. Collections were taken up, the money to be used by the pastor in relief work. At noon the Sundayschool held its service in the front of the church. Christmas carols were sung, and a "sermon story" read by Mr. Gilman.

The Iowa Conference.—The eighteenth annual session of the Iowa Unitarian Association was held at Iowa City, November 18, 19, and 20. The number of voting delegates was forty, the number of visiting delegates eleven, making a total of fiftyone. At the opening meeting on Wednesday afternoon the attendance was larger than at the opening session of any previous conference. A paper on "Religion and Literature' was read by Mr. Harvey, and a very interesting discussion followed. Prof. Patrick of the State University welcomed the conference on behalf of the Iowa

City church. He put very happily the mission of the Unitarian Church as that of the unhampered searcher after religious truth. He thought the need of an organized body of thinkers and workers in this field quite as important as in any other, and felt that the work of the Unitarian Church was only fairly begun.

Rev. Mary A. Safford, president of the conference, responded to this cordial welcome with a hopeful word as to the present and future of the conference; and the conference sermon on "The Opportunity of the Unitarian Church" was then given by Rev. L. D. Cochrane of Perry. It was clear and strong.

The secretary's report showed that six

ministers have been settled within the bounds of the conference during the year, while four have gone to other fields. The report showed thirteen churches and five missions.

Three churches receive financial

aid from the Iowa Unitarian Association and one mission. Three churches are without ministers, and ten ministers are settled in the State. During the year the letters, and travelled two thousand one hunsecretary has written some four hundred

dred miles on behalf of the conference.

The only church where services are not regularly held is at Rock Rapids, and it had been closed previous to our last conference. The missionary committee reported that one mission, that at Ida Grove, had become a church, and is self-supporting as a church as it has been during its mission stage. Its minister is Rev. F. H.

York.

The paper by Mr. Ferrin of Washta on "Is there a Rational Basis for Prayer?" was the most profoundly earnest utterance of the conference. Following naturally, al

most as though it had grown out of it, came the devotional service by Rev. F. M. Bennett as the crown of the morning. The beautiful sermon was from the text, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." The address by Rev. A. G. Wilson of Decorah at 1 P. M. was a strong plea for clearness of thought on the part of Unitarians. The manly personality of the speaker added much to the force of his utterance, and made this new voice doubly welcome among us. In the Sundayschool meeting Mr. Gould, president of the Western Sunday School Society, had his favorite theme, "Better Materials for Teaching," and handled it with his usual tact. Rev. Edward A. Horton, president of the Unitarian Sunday School Society, then spoke on "Better Methods of Teaching." On Thursday evening the largest audience of the conference assembled to hear Messrs. Gould, Horton, and Batchelor speak on "The Old Theology," "The New Theology," and "Modern Liberalism."

Following the reports of churches, which were full of suggestion, and helpful, as well, in fostering neighborly interest and acquaintance with each other's work, came the report of the finance committee by Miss Safford. It showed that $500 in cash has been collected from churches, Sundayschools, and individuals during the year, and from the mission field $372.55, making a total of $872.55.

At twelve o'clock on Friday the devotional service was conducted by Rev. A. K. Beem of Anamosa. The sermon, like that of the day previous, was an uplifting one. It helped to confirm the conference in the belief that a devotional service should end rather than begin the morning session. Mr. Batchelor's noble sermon on "Three Methods of Divine Revelation" was a

fitting crown to three days of excellent work for the Unitarian cause in the State. The following resolutions were passed :"Resolved, That the Christian Register Association be requested to issue a twodollar edition of the Register; second, that the Missionary Council be requested to take steps looking to the conduct of a Western department in the paper; third, that the Register Association be respectfully asked to carefully consider a plan to be submitted by the Old and New Publishing Committee for monthly State edition; fourth, that, if the expectations contained in the above parts of the resolution be realized, that the publication of Old and New as a State paper will be discontinued.

"Resolved, That the delegates of the Young People's Religious Unions of Iowa here assembled recommend the formation of a State Union, for the purpose of annual meeting and mutual encouragement and help, and that a committee of five be appointed at this time to form such a union, said committee to be instructed to choose from their own members a president, vicepresident, secretary, and treasurer, these officers to be likewise officers of the Iowa State Union, with instructions to arrange for an annual meeting in connection with the next annual conference of the Iowa Unitarian Association.

"Resolved, That we are gratified at the reception given by the American Unitarian Association and the State Conference of the Central West to the plan of co-operation with the Western Unitarian Conference, proposed at its last annual session, and that we heartily approve of the three changes in this plan suggested at the meeting of representatives of the conference interested, held at 175 Dearborn Street, Chicago; namely, that the president of the Western Unitarian Conference be omitted from the Missionary Council, and the secretary of the American Unitarian Association be made a member of the same, and that the provision for nominating the Western director of the American Unitarian Association be dropped; and

"Resolved, That we look forward hopefully to the practical working of this plan for co-operation between our kindred bodies as the beginning of a more homogeneous and effective missionary service within the bounds of the Western Unitarian Conference.

(Signed) LEON A. HARVEY.

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

West Buxton, Me.-Mr. C. E. Ordway, who has taken charge of the new movement in this town, has organized the First Unitarian Parish of West Buxton. The society starts off with about thirty members, which

it is thought, can be speedily increased to about fifty or more. The attendance at the morning service is between fifty and seventyfive, and at the evening service between one hundred and twenty-five and one hundred and fifty. The second service is largely made up of young people and non-churchgoers. Our gospel, reaching such persons, cannot fail to do incalculable good.

The

West Roxbury, Mass.-The winter's work in the various departments of the First Parish is well under way. Vesper services have begun and are largely attended. The ladies of the Sewing Circle are making garments for the Children's Rest in Roslindale. The entertainment at the last sociable consisted of a charming paper on Shakspere's Songs, some of which were sung by members of the Parish. The first of a series of entertainments for the Sunday-school was given in the Church Parlor December 4. The children are looking forward to these entertainments with much pleasure. Women's Alliance has taken as a study for the year the "History of the Old Churches of Boston"; and the subject is likely to prove one of great interest. At the last open meeting Mr. Charles A. Hewins gave his personal recollections of Theodore Parker. The Lend a Hand Club held a cake and candy sale in the Church Parlor on December 12, and made $20, $10 of which are to be sent to Booker T. Washington. The topic for discussion at the last meeting of the Unitarian club was "The True Christian." This club numbers among its members men of different denominations, and the discussions are entered into with great interest.