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BLYTH CIRCUIT.-On Lord's day, February 27th, sermons on behalf of our Missions were preached in Zion Chapel, Blyth, by the Rev. S. Jones, of Gateshead; in our chapel, New Hartley, by the Rev. J..Simon; and in a cottage, at Newsham, by Mr. C. Hall. The weather was most unfavourable. Snow, frost, and wind combined to keep many at home who, doubtless, would have been in the sanctuary had the weather been less severe, so that the attendance was but small.

On the Monday evening, a missionary meeting was held at Blyth, over which our long-tried and esteemed friend Mr. John Wallace presided. The Superintendent gave the report; and instructive, earnest, and effective addresses were delivered by the Rev. J. Hanson (Wesleyan), J. Reed, A.M. (Scotch Church), S. Jones, L. Saxton, and T. G. Robey. The attendance was good, and the interest well sustained throughout the meeting.

On the following day, a missionary meeting was held at New Hartley. The Superintendent occupied the chair, and gave an account of our missionary operations. Excellent addresses were delivered by the Revs. S. Jones, M. Henderson (Presbyterian), and J. Reed, A.M. The chapel was crowded to excess, and a happy feeling prevailed.

Some time ago, a missionary meeting was held at Hartley, preceded by a teameeting, which was well attended, and more than usually productive. Very little is done in this Circuit for the Mission by private subscription. We are, however, trying to do better, and hope next year to be in advance of the present; but at all the places in the Circuit the public collections are in advance of last year.

STAFFORD CIRCUIT.-On Lord's-day, February 20th, the annual sermons in behalf of our Missions were preached at Stafford, by the Rev. G. Hallatt of Hanley. On the same day a sermon was preached at Stone for the same object, by the Rev. W. N. Hall. The usual missionary meeting was held at Stafford on the subsequent Monday evening, presided over by the Rev. J. Frankland, a venerable Wesleyan minister of fifty years' standing. After a brief report, very able and highly interesting addresses were delivered by the Revs. G. Hallatt, G. Wood, G. Swann (Independent), and Messrs. J. Lawley, T. Salt, J. Packett, A. McKaye, and T. Gibbons. The influence of this meeting will be felt for "many days."

Our friends at Stone held their annual meeting on the Tuesday evening. The chair on this occasion was occupied by Mr. J. Lawton, and the speakers were the Revs. G. Hallatt, G. Wood, T. Adams (Independent), W. N. Hall, and Meesrs. J. Lawley, J. Bloor (Independent), S. Chatterton, and T. Cooper. Deep sympathy was evinced with the objects of missionary operations, and the results, in a pecuniary sense, were very cheering. The services of the deputation were very opportune, and will not soon be forgotten.

W. N. HALL.

DUDLEY WEST CIRCUIT.-On Sunday, March 20th, and following week, we held our missionary services in this Circuit. Our deputation were the Revs. H. O. Crofts, D.D., of Birmingham, and R. Henshaw, of Shrewsbury, whose valuable and efficient services were highly appreciated by our people. The ser

vices we held were as follows:

On Sunday, March 20th, two appropriate and powerful sermons were preached in Wesley Chapel, Dudley; that in the morning by the Rev. R. Henshaw, of Shrewsbury, and that in the evening by the Rev. Dr. Crofts, of Birmingham. On the same day, sermons were preached at Darby Hand, Old Hill, and Gornal Wood. During the week, the following missionary meetings were held:

On Monday evening, March 21st, a meeting was held in Wesley Chapel, Dudley. The chair was occupied by John Silvester, Esq., of Spon Lane, who conducted the proceedings in a very able and interesting manner; and the audience was powerfully and eloquently addressed by the deputation, the Revs. R. Henshaw and Dr. Crofts; also by the Revs. P. T. Gilton, J. Candelet, and J. Dixon.

On Tuesday evening, March 22nd, a public meeting was held at Old Hill, which was addressed by the Revs. P. T. Gilton (chairman), R. Henshaw and Dr. Crofts (deputation), and J. Dixon. This was the first missionary meeting held at Old Hill. The congregation was much larger than was anticipated, and the speeches were enlightening, spiritual, and interesting.

On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, very interesting meetings were held at Darby Hand and Gornal Wood. A gracious influence pervaded these meetings, and the minds of the people were more fully enlightened on the importance of Missions, and the necessity of contributing towards their support.

The collections realized were much in advance of last year. To the Dudley meeting a gentleman sent £5; and he has since intimated that he intends to contribute the same amount annually.

Oh that the Giver of all grace may bless these services to the good of our Churches, and that, as a Connexion, we may continue to proceed, to practise, and to prosper in this good cause! Let us resolve not to cease our efforts until on every citadel of darkness we have planted the standard of truth-until we have spread the kingdom, and done the will, and received the reward of Christ.

J. DIXON.

MACCLESFIELD, CONGLETON, ALDERLY, &c.-On Sunday, November 21st, 1852, two sermons were preached by the Rev. J. Flather, in Park-street Chapel, Maccles field. A missionary meeting was held on Monday evening, presided over by John Woodward, Esq., in a very courteous manner. The report having been read by the secretary, Mr. G. P. Duncalf, the meeting was addressed by the Revs. G. B. Kidd (Independent), R. Stocks (Baptist), R. Abercombie (Wesleyan Association), J. Flather, T. Waterhouse, T. Rudge, and Mr. D. Oldham.

Sermons were also preached on Sunday, November 21st, 1852, by our venerable and esteemed superintendent, the Rev. T. Waterhouse, at Congleton. A missionary meeting was held on the following Wednesday evening. J. Warrington, Esq., presided in his usual kind man

ner.

The meeting was addressed by the Revs. J. Moore (Independent), C. Crouther (Baptist), J. Morton (Primitive), J. Flather, T. Waterhouse, T. Rudge, and Messrs. D. Oldham and G. P. Duncalf.

Missionary meetings have also been held at Over Alderly, Nether Alderly, Booth Green, Shrigley Forest, Langley, Lane Ends, Lindow, Withington, and a sermon preached at Snelson. These meetings have been addressed and presided over by the Revs. J. Flather, T. Waterhouse, T. Rudge, Messrs. D. Oldham, James Jackson, F. Jackson, T. Bullock, F. Haines, J. Barnshaw, J. Platt, J. Orme, and G. P. Duncalf. The collections at some of the places have been considerably augmented, and at others not so good as last year: upon the whole, we expect to have a small increase. G. P. DUNCALF.

HANLEY CIRCUIT, NEWCASTLE SECTION. - The annual sermons were preached on Easter Sunday at Newcastle, Knutton, and Wolstanton, by the Revs. H. Piggin, G. Hallatt, and Mr. T. Heath. Tuesday following, the

annual missionary meeting was held at Newcastle, preceded by a very numerous tea-party, for which the ladies of the congregation had gratuitously provided. J. Clementson, Esq., presided, and well performed the duties of his office. The good cause was ably advocated by the Revs. H. Piggin, W. Pacey, J. B. West, (Wesleyan), the ministers in the Circuit, and by Messrs. Mort, Dickson, and Thomas. The attendance was large, the meeting eminently successful, and the amount raised at least £7 in advance of the previous year. At Knutton, on Wednesday, our good friend Mr. Dickson presided, and announced his intention of giving a special donation of £5 to the Mission, as a thank-offering to God for returning health. The deputation and the ministers in the Circuit again pleaded the claims of the Mission, and we had the gratification to find that the contribution here is nearly double the amount of last year. At Wolstanton, on Thursday, our worthy superintendent occupied the chair, and was aided by his colleagues and Mr. Pacey. Here, also, the growing interest of the people in the Missionary work was testified by an advance of onethird on the collection of the previous year.

On Easter Sunday the annual sermons were preached at Upper Hanley by the Rev. J. Howard, and the public meeting held the following evening. Here, also, our worthy superintendent presided, and, assisted by the deputation and the ministers in the Circuit, urged the claims of a perishing world. Special circumstances made the collection fall below that of last year, but the friends manifested a disposition to make up the deficiency before the year closes.

The usual services were held in October at Bethesda, Redford, and Werrington; and as no account of them was sent at the time, I may now state that the aggregate income from those places will be much beyond what has been previously obtained. M.

RIPON CIRCUIT.-On Sunday, March 20th, two excellent sermons were preached at Ripon, in behalf of our Missions, by the Rev. S. Jones, of Gatestead; and in the afternoon of the same day, Mr. Jones preached a sermon at Kirkby Malzeard, in aid of the same glorious cause.

On Tuesday evening, March 22nd, a missionary meeting was held at Ripon, when W. Williamson, Esq., occupied the chair with his accustomed ability and zeal, and after reading the report by our valuable secretary, Mr. Day, interesting addresses were delivered by the Revs. S.

Jones, J. Croft (Independent), E. Franks, (Primitive), and T. Smith.

In the same week, missionary meetings were held at the following places:

On Monday evening, at Kirby Malzeard, when the chair was ably occupied by our respected friend Mr. Day, and addresses were given by the Revs. S. Jones, J. Croft, and T. Smith.

On Wednesday evening, at Skelton, when our warm-hearted friend Mr. Kettlewell presided, and the cause of Missions was advocated by the Revs. S. Jones, T. Smith, and Mr. Day.

On Thursday evening, at Monkton, Mr. Day being appointed chairman, the sympathy and aid of the meeting in behalf of our Missions were solicited in addresses by the Revs. J. Croft, E. Barras, (Primitive), and T. Smith.

Though the weather during part of the week was very unpropitious, yet the attendance at the various meetings was good, and the collections altogether show a little advance on those of last year.

T. S.

OPENING OF A NEW CHAPEL AT NEWTON, IN THE ALNWICK CIRCUIT.-On Sabbath, Feb. 13th, 1853, our new chapel at Newton was opened for divine worship. In the morning, the Rev. J. Wright preached from 2 Chron. vi. 41: "Now, therefore, arise, O Lord God, into thy resting-place, thou and the ark of thy strength." In the afternoon, the Rev. Thomas Griffiths, of Sunderland, preached, with his usual zeal and energy, from 1 Chron. xxix. 5: "And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord ?" In the evening, Mr. G. again occupied the pulpit, and delivered an excellent sermon on Christ opening the eyes of the blind man. Notwithstanding the heavy fall of snow, which rendered the roads almost impassable, the chapel was crowded, and the collections exceeded the expectations of our most sanguine friends.

On Good Friday, a public tea-meeting was held in the chapel, at which upwards of one hundred people were present. After tea, our valuable and much-esteemed friend' Mr. James Allan was called to the chair, and delivered a very able address on "The Rise and Progress of Methodism," setting forth, in a very clear and intelligent manner, the circumstances which led to the formation of our own community. chairman then called on Mr. J. Drysdale, the Treasurer of the Building Fund, to read the report of the proceedings of the Committee, from which

The

it appears that the chapel has cost £125, tówards which £90 have been raised, leaving a debt of £35, which the friends intend to pay off as soon as possible. After the report, Mr. Wright delivered an address ou "The Polity of the Methodist New Connexion," and was succeeded by Mr. N. T. Grey, who spoke at great length, and with considerable ability, on "The Signs of the Times." Mr. J. Carr then addressed the meeting, in á pious and earnest strain, on "The Advantages of Public Worship," exhorting all present to attend the means of grace with regularity, and in the spirit of holy fervour. A vote of thanks was then given to several parties who had taken a lively interest in the erection of the chapel, among whom honourable mention should be made of our highly-esteemed friend Mr. J. Drysdale, who, in connexion with the minister, has travelled many miles, in every direction, canvassing for money and gratuitous labour. The proceedings of the evening, which were not brought to a close till a late hour, were considerably enlivened by the services of our Alnwick singers, who favoured us with their presence.

Before closing, we may be allowed to correct a mistake which appears in page 8 of the last Chapel Report. It is there stated that "consent to the building of a small chapel at Newton, in Alnwick Circuit, having been solicited, necessary information was immediately sought from the applicants, but no reply has yet been received." We did ask consent to build the chapel; and, after some delay, which we afterwards learned had been occasioned by the illness of the secretary, "information was sought." We received a form of application, which was filled up as far as practicable, and sent back by return of post; but we never heard the result of the committee's deliberations. If silence gives consent, we obtained it. Certainly, we were not forbidden to build. We therefore commenced business on our own account; and the result is a good chapel, which we hope will soon be free from debt, and which is secured to the Connexion. J. W. DEWSBURY CHAPEL.-I am happy to inform you that ground is purchased for a new chapel at Batley; between seven and eight hundred pounds is already promised in subscriptions, and we hope the foundation-stone will be laid in the course of two or three months. The Batley friends have long felt the need of a more commodious place of worship, and they have now commenced the work

in good earnest. When the proceeds resulting from the sale of the present chapel and school shall be added to the subscriptions, you will see, at once, that we are commencing under very favourable circumstances. This is as it should be. Heavy chapel-debts have for years proved a great evil in Methodism; and the sooner these debts are lessened, or entirely removed, the better will it be: the minds of the trustees will be relieved of a troublesome burden, the minister's path will be more free and unobstructed, and the fears of the people will be allayed.

J. N.

[We congratulate our excellent and liberal-minded friends at Dewsbury on their noble beginning, and pray that the divine blessing may abundantly rest upon their undertaking.]

NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE.-MR. EDITOR. -DEAR SIR,-Our Salem Chapel Trust finding itself in arrears some £60 or £70, it was resolved, at a general meeting of the friends, to make a vigorous effort to reduce the debt. These arrears had occurred partly through a deficiency in the usual income from seat-rents and anniversary proceeds, and partly from increased expenditure in painting and putting two new stoves in the chapel. To promote our object, the amiable and gifted Rev. T. Allin was invited to preach on the 6th inst., when we had two large congregations. The discourses, one on the "Inspiration of the Scriptures," and the other on "Miracles," were marked by a vigour of thought, a clearness of conception, a cogency of reasoning, and a force of appeal truly admirable, especially considering that this venerable servant of Christ has entered upon his seventieth year. In the evening it was really delightful to see the gallery of the chapel well filled; and equally pleasing was it to behold the fixed and devout attention of the congregation sustained during a discourse upwards of an hour long.

On Monday evening, the 7th, we held a tea-meeting in the large school-room beneath the chapel, when about 230 sat down to tables gratuitously furnished by our excellent female friends. After tea, R. S. Stanley, Esq., was voted to the chair. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. D. Sheldon, "On the special characteristics requiring development in the piety of the present day." His address was delivered with much pathos, and evidently.told with effect upon the meeting. The Revs. T. Rowland, J. Innocent, J. Simon, and T. G. Robey, and Mr. W. G. Tait, of North Shields, fol

lowed, and sustained the interest of the meeting in appropriate strains of remark. J. Allen, Esq., moved a vote of thanks to the ladies who had provided tea, and to other friends for their liberal aid in subscriptions. This motion was seconded by Mr. J. F. Grant, and sapported by Mr. B. J. Prockter. J. Love, Esq., of Willington, who, with his good lady, was present at the Lord's-day services, was called away by business on the Monday morning, but left with Mr. Allen a generous donation of £5 towards the object of the meeting.

After a vote of thanks to the worthy chairman, and the singing of the doxology, the benediction was pronounced, and the meeting separated at about a quarter to ten o'clock, under the influence of the best Christian feeling.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne, March 18, 1853.

T. G. R.

A NEW ORGAN AND TEA-MEETING AT PARK-PLACE CHAPEL, LIVERPOOL.

IT has been justly remarked that great events are often traceable to very little causes. In many cases, such results were never thought of when the producing causes were first put into operation. Facts of this sort are not uncommon. They have frequently fallen under our own observation; and it gives us great pleasure to record another instance of the kind, which has just occurred at Park-place.

The summer of 1852 was far advanced, when Mrs. Davies and the preacher's wife felt strongly tempted to try and snatch a little pleasure from one of those golden days which were rapidly passing away with the season. To give the idea a practical form, they suggested that a small pic-nic party should be held in some rural spot on the banks of our celebrated river. Such a plan appeared quite feasible; but what shall we do with the profits? Ladies seldom undertake anything of this kind without having an eye to profits for some good cause. What shall we do with the profits? Why, "give them towards an organ in Park-place Chapel."

An organ in Park-place Chapel! Why, the suggestion fell like magic on the ears of the Stuarts, Fowlers, Parry, Higginson, Aspinall, Barrett, and a few others who had often talked about an organ, though nothing more was done towards But the above hint set all in motion. They took it up immediately, and

one.

resolved on its adoption. A day was fixed for the meeting; and Mr. Davies, with his usual good-nature, very kindly placed an eligible site of land at our service. Arrangements were soon made, Providence smiled upon us, and at the time appointed a goodly number of friends were found at Garston, where they had scope enough for all kinds of innocent diversion. Those who were inclined to amuse themselves on the greensward did so; whilst others rambled on the shore, and indulged their speculations on "the wonders of the deep." Air and exercise prepared us for a hearty tea, which was served up in real primitive style. But a tea-meeting on Garston Green was a very different thing to a tea-meeting in some pent-up school-room in the town. Fortunately, our caterers had calculated on the difference, and made full allowance for our sharpened appetites. We all enjoyed it. There was enough, and to spare. Sundry recreations followed, until the declining sun admonished us of the approach of evening. We took the hint, and returned to town, pretty well tired, but highly delighted with the excursion, and not less so with the idea of having done something towards an organ for Parkplace Chapel.

A committee was soon formed, and measures adopted for carrying the project into effect. When the way appeared quite plain, our worthy friend Mr. Halmshaw, of Birmingham (who has done himself great credit by the erection of some excellent organs in churches and chapels in various parts of the country), was selected to build a suitable organ for us.

One of the rules of the Methodist New Connexion says its members shall prefer each other in business. Our Park-place friends are noted for a Connexional spirit. They have acted on this principle in employing Mr. Halmshaw; and the instrument he has furnished does both him and them the greatest credit.

It

The organ has been examined and well tried by competent judges, and pronounced to be a very superior one. possesses fourteen stops; and the compass of the great organ ranges from CC to F in alt., the swell organ from tenor C to F in alt., and the pedal organ from CCC to CC. The exterior of the organ, which is from a design by Mr. John Halmshaw, is exceedingly chaste, and does him great honour. It is constructed in the Ionic order, with centre projection, and having on arched top superadded by a scroll. The front presents three

rows of pipes, which are useful as well as ornamental. The tone is admirable. Indeed, a richer instrument it has seldom been our privilege to hear. The Parkplace friends are congratulating themselves on having secured the services of Mr. Halmshaw; and we may congratulate Mr. Halmshaw on having given such universal satisfaction.

On the 13th of March, the organ was opened, when the Rev. William Graham (Presbyterian) and the Rev. William Mills delivered admirable discourses on the occasion. Mr. John Halmshaw presided at the organ morning and evening, and Mr. W. B. Wray in the afternoon.

Next day we had one of the most extraordinary tea-meetings our friends ever held in Liverpool. The large school under the chapel was crowded; and when one company had taken tea, they were obliged to retire and give place to another. The public meeting was held in the chapel. The galleries and aisles, and all the pews below, were crowded to excess. The Rev. William Baggaly presided; and addresses were delivered by the Revs. William Mills, J. Bensley, and Messrs. B. Fowler, J. Davies, C. Shone, T. Preston, J. R. Williams, and J. Stuart. The brethren spoke well; and their pious and judicious remarks called forth many a hearty response from a joyful and delighted audience.

We were also favoured, through the influence of Mr. Parry, with the assistance of a large choir from the Philharmonic Hall. Their performances of sacred music, under the leadership of Mr. J. Holden, jun., were of the most exquisite order; and that day must be far distant when the impressions they produced will be erased from our minds.

But how stands the exchequer ? With such a crowd of smiling faces around, and the enchanting voice of that sweet instrument ever and anon falling on his astonished ear, how did the treasurer feel?

It is a fine thing to get an organ, and especially such a one as we were met to open; but how goes the cash on? The organ was there; but when would it be paid for? That was the question, and probably not a few in that great meeting would have some difficulty in restraining it-When will it be paid for? The bland and cheerful countenances of the committee might tend to relieve some who would have otherwise felt rather anxious on that head; but we hardly think the most sanguine mind could be quite prepared for what was to follow. Our Park-place friends do nothing by halves. When they resolved

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