BLACKBURN.-On Tuesday evening, May 7th, there was a tea-meeting held in the schoolroom on the occasion of a baptismal font being presented to the Church by two lady friends, whose father was a minister in connection with the New Church. Mr. Cameron occupied the chair, and during his address said the beautiful and artistic style in which the font had been completed was not only a credit to the Church, but also to the workmen who had designed and executed it. On the sloping edge of the font at the top are the very appropriate words, "Jesus said, Suffer little children to come unto Me;" and on the front of it there is written, "Presented by two daughters in memory of their beloved father and mother, 1878," cut out in the stone in neat letters, and inlaid with gold. The rest of the faces or sides of the font (which are seven in number) are filled up with emblems drawn from objects in the vegetable world; and they are- -the convolvulus, the rose, the lily, the vine, the acorn, the wheat, and the ivy. Mr. Cameron, in an interesting and instructive address, explained the meaning of each emblem, and concluded by proposing "that the best thanks of the Society be given to the donors for their generous and useful gift," which was seconded by Mr. John James Pemberton, and carried with acclamation. Mr. Thomas Pemberton, on behalf of the donors, suitably returned thanks, hoping that the Society would continue to prosper, and become instrumental for good in the town and district. The care and ability which Mr. J. Fecitt had displayed in the workmanship was very properly appreciated by a hearty vote, and duly acknowledged. Short but appropriate addresses were delivered during the evening by Messrs. R. Astley, E. Acton, R. Aspin, R. Walker, and others; and the successful and happy meeting was brought to a close about ten o'clock. BRADFORD.-On Wednesday evening, April 24th, the annual meeting of the Bradford Society was held. After the meeting had been opened by the singing of a hymn and the Lord's Prayer, the minister, Mr. Rendell, called on the officers to read the reports. These reports were in all respects very satisfactory. From the report of the The Secretary we learn that six members had been added during the year, raising the number to forty-four. Notes taken of the attendance at worship showed that the average had increased. Sunday school was prosperous, and a class of senior scholars was being prepared by the minister for junior membership. A Band of Hope had been inaugurated. The report also stated that the application to Conference for the ordination of Mr. Rendell had been signed by more than the requisite number of members. The Treasurer's report was also very satisfactory. It is the custom of the Bradford Society to raise the salary of the minister a year in advance; a practice which might be adopted with advantage by other small Societies. A pleasant feature in the evening's business was the admission of five members. The most important business of the meeting, however, was the passing of a resolution empowering the trustees to purchase the building in which the Society worships. The building, with land for extension, was bought some years ago by one of the oldest members of the Society, G. Aspinall, Esq., for the sum of £600. Alterations and drainage had incurred an expenditure of more than £50. Hitherto the building has been held on a lease, but on the application of the trustees the owner has most generously offered to sell it for £650 although the property is worth much more than when it was purchased by him. Not only had he signified his willingness to sell the building on such liberal terms, but offered £100 towards its purchase. The friends authorized the trustees to make the purchase and thank Mr. Aspinall for his liberality. As is now well known to all the readers of the Intellectual Repository, the Society has determined Subscription and to hold a Bazaar to raise the rest of the money, and they trust that the friends of the New Church throughout the country will assist them in this good work. to open a LEEDS.-We learn from a correspon dent that Mr. Gunton has resumed his useful labours in this Society. A series of discourses extending from May 5th to June 2nd inclusive is announced by a handbill, the back of which contains an address, which includes the Creed of the New Church. The Society has not succeeded, as was hoped, in the disposal of their chapel, which has become unsuitable to their wants. The state of commercial depression doubtless renders the sale of property difficult, but the members do not despair of success. 66 LONDON, DALSTON (late Buttesland Street). The first of the week-night lectures in connection with this effort was given by the Rev. J. Presland on Wednesday, May 1st, the subject being, by special desire, Heaven, Hell, and Hades." The attendance, in spite of a tempest raging at the time, was very good; and as the majority present were strangers, it is gratifying to add that the lecture was very well received, and the two questioners who spoke at the close both expressed themselves satisfied with the answers given. Of the lecture itself it is impossible to speak too highly; the arguments were clear and convincing, the language singularly eloquent and beautiful; while the spirit pervading the whole was most affectionate and earnest, and, disarming opposition, disposed the mind to receive the truth. The second lecture was delivered on Tuesday, May 7th, by the Rev. Dr. Bayley, the subject being "Can anybody understand the Trinity?" The weather was again very unfavourable, but the hall was nearly full, fully three fourths being strangers. The subject was treated by Dr. Bayley in his own happy and effective style, and was throughout a lucid exposition of the affirmative position assumed. A few questions were put and answered at its close, and the proceedings terminated with a hearty vote of thanks to the worthy lecturer, which was unanimously carried. On Sunday, May 12th, the hall was publicly opened for the weekly services of the Society. The Rev. John Presland preached in the morning, the subject being "Labourers for the Harvest " (Luke x. 2). A condensed report of this sermon appeared in the pages of Morning Light. The hall was well filled, many of those present being strange to our doctrines. It is therefore the more satisfactory to know that the effect produced by this admirable discourse was of a most satisfactory kind. In the afternoon our earnest superintendent, Mr. D. Noel, opened the Sunday school which although few in numbers, has in it, we trust, the germ of future greatness. To a crowded audience of more than two hundred persons Dr. Bayley in the evening delivered a most impressive discourse on "The Books to be opened at Judgment" (Rev. xx. 12). At the close Dr. Bayley gave expression to a few affectionate remarks expressive of his earnest desire for the prosperity of the Society. He urged upon all present the necessity of rallying round their young leader, feeling assured that his esteemed friend Mr. Dicks would be encouraged in his arduous labours by the regular and punctual attendance of all who professed or desired to be associated with the Society. Although the Society's expenses will be somewhat heavier at their new place of worship, the Building Fund will not be in any way interfered with. Already the work performed is bearing good fruit, and the wisdom of the step taken by the Society is apparent. Several applications for membership have been received, and others have intimated their intention of so doing. The local press has very favourably noticed the Society's efforts; and the inhabitants of the district are, generally speaking, disposed to examine well before they condemn what we have to say. NOTTINGHAM.-On Monday evening, April 1, the members and friends of the Nottingham Society held a tea and social meeting to bid farewell to their late much respected and much beloved minister, the Rev. C. H. Wilkins, who has accepted the pastorate of the Manchester Society, and who will doubtless prove a worthy successor to the late Rev. John Hyde. Mr. Wm. Pegg, senr., the former leader of the Society, and one of its oldest members, presented Mr. Wilkins, on behalf of the congregation, with a handsome timepiece, in recognition of his unwearied efforts, during the eight years of his ministry, to meet the spiritual wants of his people. Several other friends also spoke, and all alike acknowledged their indebtedness to Mr. Wilkins, and thanked him heartily for what he had done for them and for the Nottingham Society. The Secretary of the Debating Society presented Mr. Wilkins with some valuable and useful books, subscribed for by present and past members of the Society, in recognition of the lasting debt of gratitude the Society owes to Mr. Wilkins as its founder and its mainstay during the six years of its life. Several members of the Society also expressed their high appreciation of the sincerity and ability shown by Mr. Wilkins in his connection with the Society; and the Secretary also presented Mrs. Wilkins with a silver teapot, in recognition of the many kindnesses shown by her in placing her drawing-room at the disposal of the Society during the early days of its existence. At the request of Miss Leeman, the chairman presented Mrs. Wilkins with a handsome vase of flowers, left for the purpose by her deceased mother, an old friend of the Church, as a mark of her personal esteem. America. The services on Easter Sunday were particularly interesting. In the morning Mr. Hayden presented a neat font to the congregation, which had been given by a few of his friends who were sojourning with him in England. Immediately after, an opportunity was afforded for any adult friends to avail themselves of the privilege and benefit attending the rite of baptism. Nine persons advanced to the communion, and the ceremony was very solemnly performed. The neat little church presented on the occasion a very cheerful aspect, the communion being decorated by the friends with flowers and the font with a wreath of ivy, in imitation of the American custom on Easter Sunday. The sermon was based on Rev. i. 18. The central truth illustrated in the discourse was the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as a living Saviour. In His humanity the Lord endured all that we can endure even unto death. The several presentations were ac- He suffered and rose again that He knowledged by Mr. Wilkins in speeches might deliver mankind from the power which showed that the love his friends of evil, which is spiritual death. In showed so heartily he as heartily re- conclusion the preacher referred to ciprocated, and that though their the departure into the inner world connection as minister and people was of several friends, pointing out to the about to be severed, there were-and mourners the comfort that was involved there would still continue-spiritual in the thought that they had gone to ties between them which no physical join the Church triumphant, and to separation could ever sunder. enter into its joys. RAMSBOTTOM.-On Sunday, May 12th, the Sunday-school sermons of this Society were preached by the Rev. R. Goldsack, and were most successfully attended. In the evening the Church was quite filled, the large attendance being due to the influx of friends from other denominations. This pleasing interchange on annual occasions is common in Ramsbottom, and in announcing the Wesleyan sermons for the following Sabbath, Mr. Goldsack remarked on the pleasure it gave to witness such Christian charity one with the other. Mr. Parkinson of Preston delivered an interesting address to the children and friends in the morning, while the collection for the day amounted to £64, 3s. 5d. this SOUTHPORT.-The Society at place has progressed very favourably during the past seven months, under In the evening the subject of the Resurrection was continued, the text being Matt. xxviii. 6. The doctrines of the New Jerusalem were delineated, and the light of truth set forth, with much clearness and effect. The usefulness of Mr. Hayden's services in Southport has been greatly enhanced by the kindness, sweetness of disposition, and genial manners of his partner, Mrs. Hayden. They both take with them to their home across the water the sincere love, the high esteem, and the best wishes for their temporal and eternal welfare of numerous friends in Southport and other parts of Great Britain. Mr. Hayden preached his last sermons at this place on Sunday, April 28th, and the pulpit will now be supplied by missionaries until the Society can be suited with a minister to reside among them. Birth. On May 7th, at Colinfield, Wigan, the efficient care of the Rev. W. B. the wife of Mr. John Johnson, F.M.S., Hayden, of Portland, United States, of a daughter. Departed this life on Friday the 15th March, at Boston, U.S., in the fifty-first year of her age, Sarah Anne, wife of the Rev. S. M. Warren, and second daughter of the late Mr. John Broadfield, of Cheetwood, Manchester. The subject of this notice was from her earliest infancy under the influence of that strong affection for the doctrines of the New Church which characterized both her parents; and her love for them grew with her years, and manifested itself in a life of devotion and of selfsacrifice to the good and happiness of those around her. In connection with the Peter Street Society she passed through her childhood, and youth, and was early engaged as a teacher in the Sunday-school, and in all other active uses for which she was deemed to be qualified. Her constantly cheerful and amiable disposition, united with much thoughtfulness and earnest study, rendered her a valuable aid to the young people who came directly under her influence, and many loving hearts still cherish her memory, although her connection with the school has been so long discontinued. These congenial duties had naturally to give place to those which are involved in the names of wife and mother; but in every position in which she was placed, the pure and ennobling influence of her early training in New Church truth was constantly manifested. During Mr. Warren's ministry at Cross Street, London, and at Brookline in America, she endeared herself to the members of both these Societies, and was recognised by all as the loving sympathizing helpmate of her husband in his pastoral duties. Wherever she has lived, alike in England, America, and Germany, her warm affectionate nature drew to her devoted friends, who share in the grief occasioned by her removal from amongst us. Her position in the family circle can never be filled: her husband and children will feel her loss most keenly; but to her brothers and sisters and friends she was more than is usually understood by sister and friend, because the power and beauty and comfort of these relationships were in her case intensified by the depth and purity of her own affection. When bending over the grave which is to enclose for ever from our view the form of one so beloved and so worthy to be beloved, it is difficult to realize the assurance given by the angel to the Lord's disciples, when the comforting words were uttered, "He is not here, He is risen." The healing hand of time will doubtless soon bring forth a consciousness of the truth that underlies these words. And her sorrowing relatives and friends, by looking to Him who is the only Source of comfort and of blessing, will be able to feel that she is not lost to them, but risen from out her earthly tenement to enjoy communion with those loved ones who have preceded her to the eternal home. On Monday, April 22nd, at Birmingham, Mrs. Johnstone, aged seventyseven, was taken from our midst. Mrs. Johnstone was the only daughter of the Rev. W. Faraday. Mr. Faraday entered the ministry in 1797, succeeding the Rev. J. Proud, who resigned his pastorate in Birmingham to become minister of the church in Cross Street, Hatton Garden, and filled the office gratuitously until the year 1809, when he was succeeded by the Rev. James Meredith. as During the greater part of the time he was minister he lived in a pleasant suburban residence then known "Aston Villa," where he conducted a school of esteemed reputation. It is no mean testimony to his merits as a teacher that he was selected as classical tutor by Mrs. Lucy Galton, where in the "Great House" in Steelhouse Lane, and also at Barr Hall and Duddeston Hall, he instructed her children to the extreme satisfaction of that most strict disciplinarian, and he is the gentleman referred to as "The Clergyman" by Mrs Schimmelpenninck in her memoirs. In the year 1814 the Rev. Joseph Proud left London, and again took up his residence in Birmingham to become the minister of the Society, having Mr. Madeley's assistance in the last few years till his death in 1826. So great was the attachment of Mr. Proud's London congregation to his ministry, and to himself personally, that upon his coming to Birmingham several of them removed from London to Birmingham in order to continue to enjoy, and to benefit by, the services of their beloved minister. Mr. Francis Johnstone was one of those who did so, and shortly after his arrival here he became acquainted with Miss Faraday, whom he married in the year 1816. By this marriage the church in Birmingham has been greatly helped and strengthened, and though home duties prevented Mrs. Johnstone from taking a very active part in the work of the Church, she had the great comfort and joy of seeing her children rise up to do what she had desired. She helped all around her by genial kindness, and in passing hence many remain behind to call her blessed. members of the Society. For many On Thursday, May 2nd, at her residence, 10 Richmond Villas, Seven Sisters' Road, London, Mrs. Elizabeth Keith passed into the eternal world, at the ripe age of nearly eighty-three years. Her removal has snapped one of the few remaining links which connect the New Church of to-day with its original founders and first organization. Her religious impressions began at the unusually early age of ten years, when, in spite of the objections of some members of her family, she obtained permission to attend the ministrations of the Rev. Joseph Proud at the church in York Street, St. James s Square. As late as her last day of consciousness in this world it was her great delight to recall the memory of this eloquent champion of the New Church. Especially would she dwell upon the lifelong impression of his first fatherly greeting, when, placing his hand on her head, he said, At Heywood, May 1st, Miss Dinah "And so, my dear, you want to come to Whitworth. Our departed friend had the New Church? You will always just completed her twenty-first year love the New Church, will you not? "when called to pass to her abiding home. Indeed, the New Church has probably never had a more consistent or more devoted adherent. She was a member of the Argyle Square Society, and always took the liveliest interest in its welfare, which it was her delight to sustain with the liberal assistance of her purse and active work. About the year 1840, before the church in Argyle Square was built, she was one of the founders of the Benevolent Fund, which still affords assistance to the poorer She passes away, therefore, in the springtime of life. With her the flowers of promise and of hope for this world early wither and decay. Her relatives and friends recount many amiable qualities of her heart and life, and they follow her in thought quite confidently to a better home. Her kindliness of disposition, her patience in affliction, her faith in the Lord, and her assurant hope, point to a ripening for a higher home. |