sembled for tea in the school-rooms, after which a most interesting and profitable meeting was held in the chapel, under the presidency of our esteemed friend, Mr. G. L. Robinson, of Longton. A report of the past history of the society, during the principal period of its existence, was read by Mr. Jesse Lovatt, and addresses of a very pracucal and instructive character were delivered by the ministers of the circuit, and Messrs. Greene, Newberry, Shaw, and Cotterill. The choir, under the leadership of Mr. Edwards, and assisted by the new and fine-toned organ, at which Mrs. Edwards presided, contributed in no small degree to the evening's enjoyment. But the great event of the meeting was the start made for a new chapel. For some time past a considerable enlargement of either the chapel or school premises has been felt to be a necessity, the Sunday-school having increased so rapidly of late that we are now compelled to use a large portion of the body of the chapel for instruction. The idea at present entertained, and referred to at the meeting, is, to build a new chapel, and convert the present one into school-rooms. So warmly did the meeting sympathize with the movement, that several subscriptions were at once promised, although it was the first time the subject had been introduced in any public way. A warm-hearted widow from Longton, who was present, was so elated with the idea, that while the matter was being spoken of, she suddenly arose, and, addressing Mr. Bate, begged his acceptance of her mite towards the object, stating that she had received a new heart here thirty-nine years since, and, therefore, wished to contribute what lay in her power, and immediately threw her purse and its contents to the platform. Thus, the first money contributed to the new chapel fund consists of the widow's mite.

Our prospects here at the present time are more hopeful than they have been for some years past. The society and funds are in a healthful state, the congregations are improving, the Sunday-school is rapidly increasing, and the fact seems to become every day more plain, that ere long the borders of our Zion must be considerably enlarged, in order to meet our requirements. J. T. MYATT.

WELLHOUSE,

HUDDERSFIELD CIRCUIT.

SERVICES in connection with the reopening of our now beautiful and commodious chapel at Wellhouse, and the opening of a powerful new organ which has been introduced, were held in the month On of November, 1861. Wednesday, the 13th, sermons were preached by the Rev. C. J. Donald, and our worthy president, the Rev. Dr. Crofts. The services were resumed on Sunday, November 17, when the Rev. J. Ogden preached in the morning, and the Rev. W. Cocker in the afternoon and evening. On Monday, November 18, the Rev. T. Scowby preached in the afternoon at half-past two o'clock, and immediately afterwards a goodly company sat down to tea in the spacious school-room beneath the chapel. After tea, a public meeting was held in the chapel, under the presidency of the Rev. P. J. Wright, superintendent of the circuit. The speakers were the Revs. W. Cocker, J. Ogden, T. Scowby, and the circuit ministers. During the evening, selections of sacred music from Haydn's "Creation" and Handel's "Messiah" were performed. Some of the most eminent vocalists in Yorkshire were engaged for the occasion, and the organ was played by a master-hand. The results of the services, considering the state of commerce in the neighbourhood, are very cheering, the receipts being £55 3s. 4d. And when this sum is added to the amount previously realized by subscriptions, bazaar, &c., it makes the handsome total of £317 58. The following description of the organ has been kindly furnished by the Rev. J. Ogden. The organ is a good, full-toned instrument, built by Messrs. Conacher and Co., of Huddersfield. The following is the disposition of the stops, viz.:—

The trumpet bass in the great organ is intended to bring down the cornopean in the swell to C C, and, together with the principal and stop diapason in the great organ, this octave of reeds can be acted upon by the lower octave of keys in the swell clavier. In an organ of this size, having only a tenor (C) swell, and no trumpet stop through in the great organ, the bass is too weak when the full organ is used; and, therefore, to supply this lack, the trumpet bass has been introduced. The organ is well built, and will give great satisfaction. The music, at the opening teameeting, was very gratifying.

The debt remaining upon the chapel is about £400. This sum, however, will doubtless soon be annihilated. The congregation has much increased of late, and continues to increase; and the seat-rents, for the last three months, were £5 in advance of any previous quarter. Since Conference, a few have been brought to a saving knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, and have united with the people of God; but we long for a copious outpouring of the Holy Spirit. May God grant that, in our beautiful sanctuary, many hundreds of precious souls may be born for heaven! W. G. WHITE.

December 12, 1861.

OPENING OF A NEW CHAPEL AT SHRIGLEY,

MACCLESFIELD CIRCUIT. SHRIGLEY is about seven miles from Macclesfield, and five from Stockport. Our friends there have long felt the want of chapel accommodation. For more than thirty years Divine service has been conducted in a cottage, which is far too small for the numbers who have lately flocked to hear the Gospel. This fact induced the friends on the spot to resolve to build a chapel.

The foundation-stone was laid on the 2nd of July, 1861, by the Rev. Thomas Guttridge (superintendent of the circuit), who delivered an appro

priate address on the occasion. Several of our friends and local preachers from Macclesfield took part in the service. The land and stone were presented by our generous and warm-hearted brother, Mr. James Clayton. The chapel has no pretensions to architectural design, but is substantially built, is admirably adapted to the wants of the people, and is capable of accommodating about two hundred persons. Its erection is an ornament to the village, and will be a precious boon to the neighbourhood. The cost is about

£250.

The opening services were held on Sunday, Sept. 30th, 1861, when two sermons were preached; in the afternoon by the Rev. W. Mills, of Ashtonunder-Lyne; and in the evening by the Rev. Thomas Guttridge, of Macclesfield. On the following Sabbath the services were resumed, and two sermons preached-afternoon and evening -by the Rev. L. Stoney, of Hurst. The congregations on both days were large, and the collections amounted to upwards of £29. A Sabbath-school has been commenced in connection with the chapel, which is doing well. The members and friends are united and in earnest, and we have no doubt Jehovah will bless them. May large numbers of precious souls be converted there! About £100 has already been raised towards this noble object, and we believe the friends intend to raise it to £150 in the coming spring. A. T. Macclesfield, Dec. 10, 1861.

At

MY DEAR SIR,-A few weeks ago a friend, having £150 lent on our school premises, offered us the handsome sum of £50 if we would guarantee to raise £100 in a month from that time. once the challenge was accepted. A society meeting was called, when about £40 was promised. This stimulated our friends to greater effort. Collecting books were issued, canvassers were appointed, and friends, not only connected with our own Denomination, but with others, were solicited. As we pursued our labours various opinions were expressed respecting our success. Some said, It is of no use attempting to achieve your object. Trade is bad,

and it cannot be done. Others said, You may do it. We said, We will do it. At the conclusion of the effort, we announced for a public tea meeting, to be held on Monday evening, Dec. 2, at which upwards of 250 persons were present. After tea the meeting was held, Mr. Councillor Lees, of Birmingham, presiding, who delivered a brief yet practical address; after which he called upon the writer to read the subscription list; when I announced, amid the prolonged applause of the assembly, that the money was realized, and that the school was free from debt. During the remainder of the evening, impressive and interesting addresses were delivered by the Revs. W. Butterworth, W. J. Townsend, J. Hudston, M. Cotton, and Messrs. T. George and G. Thomas. We cannot close this report without observing that one feature of special interest in the evening's proceedings was the burning of the notes which the trustees had given when they borrowed the £150.Yours affectionately, W. MILLS.

SWAN VILLAGE,

OLDBURY AND TIPTON CIRCUIT.

DEAR SIR,-The readers of Connexional information in your Magazine, I doubt not, will be glad to hear of the noble doings of our Swan Village friends. A short time since a piece of land was purchased adjoining the chapel, partly as a site for a new school, and partly for the enlargement of the chapel when considered necessary. The land lay quite open, and was made a thoroughfare, not only by foot-passengers, but also by carts, &c. This the friends determined to stop; but how to do it was the question. A fence was resolved on; but, to obtain it, both materials and workmanship were required; nor was there a penny in hand with which to meet that requirement; neither is there any one amongst the friends there who could say, I will give you a handsome subscription, even to start with. Nothing daunted by their want of means, they were determined to have the ground and chapel fenced in, also to introduce a warming apparatus into the chapel, for the comfort of the congregation. Hence the bricks and other necessaries for the work were ordered; but no workmanship was to be paid for, as the friends resolved on doing that themselves. Between sixty and a

hundred yards of brick work have been done, piping made for stoves, woodwork done, painting done, both inside and outside the chapel, and not one farthing has to be paid for it. This, sir, is noble indeed.

Whilst the men were thus busy building, &c., some of the women, with babies in arms, travelled miles to obtain subscriptions, thus raising more than half the amount required for the materials. Meanwhile, sermons have been preached by the Rev. W. Willan, of Pensnett, and Mr. H. Meek, of Moxley, and collections made for the object. Last evening the friends had a tea-meeting, which was attended by more than a hundred people. Our esteemed friend, Mr. R. Lewis, of Tipton, presided at the public meeting with his usual efficiency; and soulstirring addresses were given by Messrs. Durnal, Sparrow, Howells, the Rev. W. Mills, and the writer. On reading over the statement of accounts, it was found that there will be a surplus of a few pounds, which will be handed over to the treasurer of the Trust Estate, to aid in paying the interest of the debt thereon.

The meeting last night was of a highly gratifying character, quite spiritual in its tone, which will, it is hoped, do our interest in that newlyrising neighbourhood much good.-I remain, dear sir, yours truly,

Tipton, Dec. 10, 1861.

M. COTTON.

WHITEFIELD, Bury.

DEAR SIR,-The village of Whitefield, about three miles from Bury, has been fixed upon as a likely scene for usefulness. The Rev. Mr. Hill and the writer visited that village, took a cottage at three shillings per week, and went from house to house delivering hand-bills, announcing that on Sunday, the 21st of July, a Sunday-school would be opened and preaching would be commenced.

Each Sabbath since that time (wet or dry, fine or fair), we have been found at our post, and every Sabbath has furnished us with an increase of scholars, so that last Sabbath we had ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVEN scholars, who attend regularly at the school; we have also enlisted five teachers in the neighbourhood. Further, our congregation is very good, numbering from 70 to 80 souls each Sabbath evening;

a society also has been formed, and we have now, thanks be to God, seven members.

On Saturday, the 19th of October, we held a tea-meeting in the Temperance Hall in the village, and 100 persons sat down to tea; after which a public meeting was held, presided over by W. Pickstones, Esq., of Radcliffe, who urged us forward with our work of faith and labour of love, and bade us God speed. Addresses were also delivered by the Rev. T. Hill, Mr. Jenkinson, Mr. John Makinson, Mr. Harwood, of Manchester, the writer, the secretary of the schools, and several other friends; the choir, from Bury, also attended, and added much to the pleasure of the evening.

On the day following our truly excellent minister again preached in the cottage, afternoon and evening, when collections were made towards defraying the expenses.

Thankful for present prosperity, yet hoping for still greater things in the future, I remain, yours &c.,

JAMES HILL.

SHEFFIELD NORTH CIRCUIT. ON Sunday, October 20th, sermons were preached in several of our chapels, by the Revs. A. M'Curdy, T. Clifton (deputation), T. Boycott, and Messrs. G. B. Fox and J. Hallam.

On Monday evening, the 21st, a public meeting was held in Scotlandstreet Chapel. Our late mayor, H. Vickers, Esq., occupied the chair, and the cause of Christian Missions was ably advocated by the deputation, the Rev. B. Grant (Independent), and others. On Tuesday evening, the 22nd, a missionary meeting was held in Attercliffe. Mr. R. Carr, with his accustomed urbanity and ability, presided over the meeting; and addresses full of point and power were delivered by the Revs. A. M'Curdy, J. Flather, T. Bovcott, and other friends.

On Wednesday evening, the 23rd, a public meeting was held in Malin Bridge Chapel, presided over by the Rev. J. Flather, and well sustained by some of the brethren mentioned above.

On the same evening a similar service was held in our chapel at Ecclesfield; Mr. Samuel Peace presiding over it in a way that did credit both to his head and heart.

Owing to the great depression, our

SINCE the name of Werneth appeared on our Connexional books as a home mission station, many persons have been filled with conjectures, saying"Where is it, and what is it?" Notwithstanding the notice which appeared in the June Magazine, of laying the first stone of our chapel, some are still "in the dark." Hence, I offer one or two sentences of enlightenment. Werneth is a suburb of the town of Oldham, adjoining to it, and, to a stranger, indistinguishable from it. It is situated on the road leading to Manchester, and promises soon to fill, by a dense population, the existing gap between Oldham and Hollinwood. The population numbers near 10,000. It consists of the workmen at Messrs. Platt's monster machine shop, and of the operatives of the cotton factories; relieved, of course, by a small sprinkling of shopkeepers and others. Such is the locality where was planted, some three years and a half ago, the germ of our Werneth cause, and such is the class of people who now form the object of our missionary operations.

One of the first pieces of information with which I was favoured on coming to Werneth was, that the Cause was to be manufactured; and no statement could be more entirely-almost staggeringly -true. Then, no attempt had been made at organization, excepting in the Sabbath-school; the society consisted of one class, and half the members of it belonged legitimately to Oldham. Nor had any Sabbath services been held; and the prospect of starting them, in the small and uncomfortable cottage occupied by the school, was by no means flattering. Thus, at first sight, the chances of success seemed small; but, when I looked below the surface, and began to circulate myself through the neighbourhood, I found that the friends, in their enterprise, had not miscalculated the probable results. Their project was marked by prudence as much as energy. Though the cause was to make, the raw material was most abundant. I found that there was church accommodation for scarcely

one-tenth of the population of the distriet, and that, therefore, the question where to get a congregation might soon be answered-the question how was more difficult.

But the means of attraction are, in a measure, supplied by our chapel, the opening services of which are just over. The well-worn excuse for poor congregations-that "the chapel is mean and uncomfortable "-is in no way available for us; and I hope it may never be needed. The site is the most desirable one in the locality-just at the junction of five important streets-and the building itself is quite worthy of its position. A sketch of its architectural arrangements, and many facts and statistics connected with it, were published in the June magazine. It will be sufficient for me to say that, unlike many buildings, it looks much more elegant in brick and mortar than it did on paper; and that the best judges pronounce it "a perfect gem."

The opening services have been as successful as could be wished, and far more so than was anticipated. They commenced on Wednesday, Nov. 13th, when the Rev. J. Stacey preached the first sermon from John ii. 11. In the evening the Rev. Joseph Parker, of Manchester, expounded the epistle to the Church at Smyrna, Rev. ii. 8-10. On the following Sabbath the Rev. P. J. Wright preached in the morning from Hosea ii. 15; and in the afternoon from Rev. xx. 11, &c. In the evening, the Rev. W. M Kerrow, of Manchester, occupied the pulpit, and addressed an overflowing congregation from Col. i. 23. The second Sabbath's services were conducted in the morning by the Rev. W. Cocker, whose text was Gal. vi. 14; and in the evening by the Rev. W. Cooke, D.D., of London, the foundation of whose address was Gen. i. 26. To speak more particularly of these sermons is, of course, impossible; though any one of them, if published verbatim, could not fail to be interesting to every reader of the magazine.

The congregations on both the Sabbaths were good, especially the evening ones, when numbers of persons were unable to obtain seats; and the collections were remarkably good, amounting in the aggregate to £128.

On Monday, Nov. 25th, the services were brought to a close by a tea-meeting. The weather was excessively wet and tempestuous, but, notwith

standing this, about 400 sat down to tea, and at the meeting the chapel was quite filled. Mr. Alderman Hallum, of Stockport, had been published to preside, but a sudden indisposition prevented him from doing so. He, however, did not forget to send a handsome, though inferior substitute, in the shape of a £5 note-thus raising his subscription to the chapel to £20. The chair was occupied by Mr. John Hadfield, one of our Oldham friends. It would be very easy to supply half-adozen pages of interesting matter as gleanings from the speeches of that evening. This, however, my narrow space forbids. After the chairman's address, a report of the origin and progress of the enterprise was read by myself. The Rev. H. Marsden was the next speaker, and he was followed by Mr. H. Atherton, of Lees; then came the Rev. G. Grundy, and, after him, Mr. A. H. Lawton, of Lees. Cooke then addressed the audience in his usual effective manner. The Rev. W. Cocker spoke, and was succeeded by the Rev. J. W. Ashworth (Baptist). The usual vote of thanks, and the national anthem, brought up the rear, and thus terminated a meeting at once pleasant and successful.

Dr.

D