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sittings at Baillie Street Chapel. It will be built in the Corinthian order of the Italian style, forming a pleasing architectural novelty in Rochdale. The estimated cost of the structure and fittings is roundly £6,000, of which nearly £4,000 has been subscribed, including the amount of the purchase money for the ground,-over £500. Built with brick and stone dressings, the general appearance of the chapel will be at once imposing, elegant, and attractive to the eye. The entrance, in William-street, will be by a bold flight of steps, with circular ends. The plans show three doors at this entrance, divided by columns with Corinthian capitals; three semi-circular windows, divided by coupled-stone columns, with carved capitals; the building being sur. mounted by a pediment, and an ornamental ventilator. These doors communicate with a spacious vestibule, and for the prevention of draughts, there is an inner vestibule opening from this. The staircases to the galleries are in sidewings, with fire-proof steps. Excluding these wings, the exterior dimensions of the chapel will be ninety feet by fifty-eight feet. The interior of the chapel will be about two-thirds the size of Baillie-street, and, with the galleries, will be spacious enough for the accommodation of 1,140 persons. The galleries will be semi-circular in form at the ends, and will thus cover the entire space of the building. The pews in the side aisles will be radiated, low backs, stained and varnished. The form of the pulpit is not yet fixed; it will of course face the entrance at the further end, the organ and orchestra being behind the preacher. The schoolrooms will be beneath the basement; five class-rooms, two vestries, and one large room for general purposes being divided off from the space.

The architects are Messrs. Woodhouse & Potts, of Oldham; the Contractor, Mr. A Niell, of Bradford; and Mr. James Kitchen, clerk of the works.

The procession was formed at Baillie Street chapel about eleven o'clock, being marshalled by Mr. J. Petrie, jun., and Mr. T. Schofield. It comprised nearly 3,000 persons consisting of the ministers and lay preachers of Bailliestreet, members of the congregation, the Baillie Street school, with the

teachers, headed by banners, the Milkstone school, the Lowerplace school, and Greenhill school. Arrived on the ground, the first hymn of the collection was sung, beginning

"Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing,

My Great Redeemer's praise ;" followed by an appropriate prayer by the Rev. J. Kirsop. The Rev. A. Hands next read the 132nd Psalm, and the devotional part of the proceedings was brought to a close by the singing of the 749th Hymn,

"This Stone to thee in faith we lay, We build this temple Lord to thee, &c."

Mr. T. SCHOFIELD then, addressing the assemblage, explained the nature of the contents of the bottle about to be deposited in the foundation-stone, and then, referring to Mr. Ormerod, said that gentleman had been selected to lay the foundation-stone as a personal compliment the trustees wishing by placing him in that honourable position to mark the high estimation in which they held his personal character, and the sense they entertained of years of patient, devoted, and unobtrusive labour in connection not only with the Churches of this circuit, but with all good works going on amongst them. That appointment had been approved by the general voice; indeed he had never heard of an appointment which had given such universal satisfaction, and he was sure every one in that vast assembly would urge the prayer, that their brother might be spared to see a neat and commodious building suc cessfully raised upon the stone he was then about to lay; and that he might see the inhabitants for whose accommodation the chapel was being built, flocking to it and making it their spiritual home.

Mr. Potts, the architect, then presented a silver trowel to Mr. Ormerod, and with this trowel that gentleman spread the mortar. A bottle, containing a copy of the minutes of the Annual Assembly, 1863, the Preachers' Plan for this circuit, the Wesleyan Times, the Rochdale Observer, its contemporaries, the Manchester Examiner and Guardian, the proposed list of trustees, the architects' and builders' names, and a few current coins, was deposited in a cavity of the stone; the stone itself was lowered, tested with line and plummit; and

Mr. ORMEROD then ascending a raised platform, said,-" It is my pleasure and duty now to declare that the corner-stone of this building is well and duly laid, in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. I feel assured that your prayers will ascend to God with mine, that the superstructure to be raised upon this stone may be brought to a speedy and satisfactory completion, without accident or injury to any of the labourers who may be employed in the work. The chapel now commenced, as you are aware, is in connection with that denomination of Christians called the United Methodist Free Churches; and from my connection with that denomination from its first beginning in this town, I have no hesitation in asserting my strong conviction that the gospel trumpet to be sounded within these walls will give no uncertain sound. Many prayers I know will ascend up to the throne of Almighty God, that the preaching of His word within these walls may accomplish the object for which it is designed, in turning sinners from the error of their ways to serve the only true and living God. We all rejoice in the necessity which exists for this additional place of worship, and I feel assured that a strong attachment to the religious community with which we have identified ourselves is perfectly compatible with holding the truth in love. The erection of this additional structure has not been dictated by any feelings of hostility or rivalry to any other Denomination, but simply and solely to aid in the great work in which all are engaged, the evangelization of the whole world, and bringing sinners to a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus Christ; and I say in all honesty, "Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity."

Up to this point of the proceedings the weather had been splendid,-too bright and brilliant, if anything, to be pleasant. The scene changed, the sky became overcast, a sharp shower came on, and, warned by the signs of an ap proaching thunderstorm, it was deemed the wisest course to adjourn to Baillie Street School, the address intended to have been delivered by the Rev. John Guttridge, President of the Connexion being postponed.

RIPLEY CIRCUIT. LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF BETHEL CHAPEL, GREEN HILLOCKS,

RIPLEY.

WEDNESDAY, May 18th, was a high day with the Free Church at Ripley. In the year 1849-50, on the expulsion of their minister, the Rev. W. Griffith, followed by that of many leaders, local preachers, and members, the Wesleyan Reformers, now called United Methodist Free Church, com menced their career in Ripley and neighbourhood. At this time they held public worship in a small room in the Malthouse Yard, also in Mr. Row. land's large kitchen, having two services at the same hour. Since then they have built the Chapel in Wood Street, at a cost of nearly £1000, which, on proving too small and incon venient, obliged them to erect the one on Nottingham Road, at a cost of nearly £2000, and now they are erect ing the one at Green Hillocks, which is to be something like a missionary Chapel or a missionary station. This is brought about through the instrumentality and liberality of Mr. J. P. Turton. At three o'clock a large company assem bled on the ground, when the Rev. J. Warwick, of Řipley, gave out the hymn, commencing,

"Praise ye the Lord,'tis good to raise;" the Rev. N. Rouse read a chapter; and the Rev. W. Griffith offered up prayer; after which the Rev. J. WAR WICK said, "Here is a bottle containing certain documents shortly to be placed beneath the stone, a copy of which I will read; also a Circuit Plan, a circular of these services, and a copy of last week's Ripley Advertiser."

After reading the document, which

contained the names of the Trustees, Contractore, &c., Mr. Warwick said the ceremony will be performed by Mr. J. W. Nuttall, to whom Mr. J. P. Turton will now present a mallet and a beautiful trowel.

Mr. TURTON said :-"Mr. Nuttall, Sir, I have much pleasure in presenting you, on behalf of the Trustees, with this mallet and trowel. Several reasons have influenced us in thus honouring you. It is well known you take a lively interest, and have done for many years, in all the Chapels that have been built in the neighbourhood, no matter to what section of the Church they be

long; and there is scarcely one in which you have not at least a brick. You are known to have a long purse, and are liberal in the bestowment of its treasures. I might say more, but will forbear. I have much pleasure in handing this trowel, bearing the following inscription:-'Presented to J. W. Nuttall, Esq., of Ripley, on the occasion of his laying the foundation stone of Bethel Chapel, Green Hillocks, Ripley, in connection with the United Methodist Free Church, May 18th, 1864.'

The hymn, beginning,

"We lay this stone,"

having been sung,

Mr. NUTTALL said: "I feel very much the honour you have put on me. I was very anxious this honour should have been given to another; but, after repeated solicitations, I consented, and having accepted these beautiful articles, I shall proceed at once to lay the stone," which was done in a skilful manner, showing that it was not the first time he had been amongst bricks and mor ter. The stone laid, Mr. Nuttall gave it three raps with the mallet, saying, "I lay this stone in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and may the blessing of the triune God rest upon the place. Friends, we have met here to-day to do something rather out of the common way. Usually when we build Chapels they are for ourselves and families; this is not so. The parties who are taking the lead in this erection do not expect to worship in it themselves, at least regularly, but in a true missionary spirit are building it for others. This has long been a neglected part; and we are now about to do what the Churches ought always to do, in some sense, take time by the forelock, and if the grown-up popula tion will not attend the various places of worship, to educate their children, and thus prepare the next generation to take a higher and holier position. It is intended to erect a neat and convenient place of worship, and it is to friend Turton you are mainly indebted for this day's proceedings; he has been the great moving instrument; also, to friend Thomas Briggs, who has come to our help. Generally, when we require land on which to build a Chapel, our great difficulty is to get it; they who have it will either not sell it, or

they require twice its value; but here, no sooner is friend Briggs applied to than he says," Yes, I will sell you what you require," and he fixed the price (and that price a fair one), and we paid him without any dodging. Friend Briggs, though a bachelor, is a true old English gentleman, and I pray God to bless him with health, happiness, and prosperity, &c., &c."

The Revs. N. ROUSE and W. GRIF. FITHS addressed the Meeting in admirable style. A collection was made on the ground, and Messrs. CHAPMAN and WHITCOMBE engaged in prayer. After prayer the company retired to a field kindly lent by Mr. Stevenson, where Mr. Smelley's large tent was erected, in which some three hundred sat down to tea. After tea a Public Meeting was held in the tent, Mr. YEOMANS, of Marchay, in the chair. The Revs. T. Chapman, N. Rouse, G. Needham, and W. Griffith, delivered appropriate and telling speeches; after which thanks were passed to Mr. Stevenson for his field, Mr. Smedley for his tent, the speakers, tea-makers, singers, chairman, &c. The above is a very condensed report of the proceedings. We are happy to say the collections and the profits of the tea amounted to the handsome sum of £21 10s. including £5 from Mr. Nuttall, which he put on the plate, in addition to his previous subscription; and thus ended one of the most interesting and successful gatherings we have ever attended.

SWANSEA.

ON Whit Sunday May 15th, 1864, we held our Sunday-school Anniversary, in the above place of worship. In the morning a Sermon was preached by own pastor the Rev. J. Boyes, subject, "The finding of Moses," and, in the evening, an address was delivered to parents, from the words, "He took a child and sat him in the midst of them." Mr. Boyes showed the parents that every child is placed in their midst by God, and as the mirror is impressed with and reflects the face of him that looketh thereon, so the hearts of our children not only receive impressions, but reject them more or less throughout their future lives. He therefore exhorted us to set such examples that the world may reap the advantage in a succession of virtuous and noble deeds. The singing and recitations by the

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SEVENTH LONDON CIRCUIT. RE-OPENING OF PIMLICO CHAPEL.

THE Chapel at Pimlico has recently been altered and completely renovated. The pews in the area have been lowered, and a communion rail erected around the pulpit. All the woodwork has been grained; the walls and ceiling coloured and tinted. The pulpit is of pollard oak, with the prominent parts done in gold; and the Chapel, by almost universal consent, is one of the the neatest, and some say, prettiest Chapels in London.

It was re-opened on Sunday, the 29th, when Sermons were preached by the Revs. Robert Bushell and Charles Ogden, Circuit Ministers.

On Monday a Tea and Public Meeting were held, both of which were largely attended, and full of spirit and hope as to the future of the Church and Circuit, every part of which now gives indications of great prosperity dawning upon it. R.B.

SALFORD.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE NEW CHAPEL.

THE laying of a foundation stone of an edifice for the worship of Almighty God is always an event of interest to the Christian. The worldly merchant, the devotee of pleasure, the sinister speculator, and the demoralised throng may fail to see in it anything that is worth their notice: but the good man sees in it an indication of strong attachment to the Gospel-to the broad principles of Protestanisma guarantee that the bible shall remain open, and that the Church is intent upon continuing her aggressive march on the kingdom of darkness. We do not generally build sanctuaries from a love of show, or the desire to be in the midst of a more aristocratic community; we have neither the time to waste nor the money

to spend after this fashion. But as a rule it may be regarded as the stirring and growth of the inner life of the Church-the hearty response to the prayer she has long uttered," Give us room that we may dwell." These sentiments at least are all true of the church at Oldfield-road. Without any fear of being charged with egotism, or using flattering words, we are happy in being able to say, that they are a band of warm-hearted, prayerful, zealous Chris tians, bound together in the bonds of love. There is not any strife amongst them which shall be the greatest; but, standing together on the same platform -strong in each other's confidence, they are ever found united together to carry out the grandest of human enterprises, the salvation and edification of man. No Christian could spend a day with these devoted people, either as a wor shipper in the pew, or occupying a more prominent position, a preacher in the pulpit, without being abundantly blessed, and leaving with the hope that he might soon be favoured with a similar privilege. Any one knowing the char acter of this Church will not be sur prised, that the present building some time ago became too small to accommodate the vast numbers that every Sabbath came to hear the word of life, and in which to teach the Sabbath School. Two or three years ago it began to be said, a new Chapel was wanted, and then it was soon afterward felt to be an absolute necessity. Steps were taken towards bringing about the desirable object, but a great impediment confronted them at the onset-the want of funds. Most of them being poor it was felt to be a great undertaking to rear a structure commensurate with their requirements; but knowing the work must be done, and that it was for the glory of God, they ventured to proceed in the name of the Lord. An eligible site of freehold land was pur chased in Liverpool-street, for the sum of £550, part of which was raised by subscriptions, and the rest by a number of ladies with a bazaar, which was held in the Royal Exchange, Manchester, in October last, and cleared £350. After a few more struggles, and devising other plans as to ways and means, it was thought the time had arrived that they might safely begin to build. A plan prepared by Mr. Belshaw, architect,

King-street, Manchester, was adopted, and the tender of Messrs. Barnes and Howe for the execution of the work was accepted for the sum of £1,075. It was decided to lay the stone on the 14th of May. The long anticipated day arrived, the heavens were bright and smiling, which excited many a hearty congratulation, as friend grasped the hand of friend. About half-past two p.m., a procession was formed at the old chapel, of ministers, trustees, friends, and scholars of the Sabbathschool, preceded by the banner belong. ing to the young people; and after parading a few of the streets they took their stand on the site of the new building. The writer opened the religious service with giving out that appropriate hymn, "This stone to thee in faith we lay," &c., and the Rev. T. Garside engaged in prayer. Mr. T. Bastock then in a suitable address presented to T. Boddington, Esq. in behalf of the Committee, a silver trowel, mallet, and plummet, hoping that he would accept them with which to lay the stone, and as mementoes of the blessed and joyful services of the day. The Rev. W. H. Walker being called upon said, that a sealed bottle was to be deposited underneath the foundation stone containing the "Wesleyan Times," ""Manchester Examiner and Times," "Manchester Guardian," and "Suffolk Weekly News" of that day. Also a list of the ladies' bazaar committee; list of the trustees of the new chapel; constitution of the United Methodist Free Churches; rules of the Salford Circuit; lithograph of the new Chapel; a Preacher's plan; coins; and an Almanack for 1864. Mr. Boddington then proceeded amid a crowd of excited spectators to lay the stone, saying, "We lay the stone in the name of the Father, of the Son, and the Holy Ghost, one true God." Mr. Boddington handled the trowel like a workman, and seemed as much at home in it almost as in his own vocation. His speech was quite characteristic of himself, being earnest, and giving promi nence to our distinctive principles as liberal Methodists. The Rev. J. Guttridge, president of the Annual Assembly, and the Rev. A. Gilbert, of Burslem, next addressed the audience in their usually pleasing and telling manner, and were listened to with the greatest attention. We then adjourned to our present

We

chapel, and about two hundred and fifty sat down to a comfortable tea. The Public Meeting was efficiently presided over by W. Howe, Esq. of the Lever-street Circuit, Manchester, and speeches were delivered by the Revs. A. Gilbert, W. J. Towsend (New Connexion), T. Guttridge, J. Mann, J. Garside, and J. Percival, Messrs. Boddington, Bastock, Wilson, G. H. Taylor, W. Warburton, and W. Morris, Esqs., Congregationalists, and the Rev. W. H. Walker, J. Walker, and the writer, took some part in the service. have neither the space nor the disposition to make any remarks on what was said by the different speakers; suffice it to say, that a better class of speeches we never listened to; they were pertinent and eloquent-some of them thrilling the audience with delight and eliciting round after round of applause. They poured light into the mind, and stirred up resolutions in many a heart to labour henceforth with greater zeal to rescue the outcast and diffuse intelligence and morality through the wide world. Mr. Boddington, in his largehearted generosity, offered, amid the cheers of the people, to give twenty-five pounds if the meeting would give twenty-five pounds more, or if they thought that too little he would give fifty pounds if they would do the same. Slips of paper were handed round and a collection made, which amounted to fifty-four pounds, and then the same gentleman gave a challenge to give one hundred pounds if the meeting would give the same, which was ultimately reached. Among the many donations which were given besides, or promised, we cannot forbear naming the Chairman ten pounds, W. Warbur ton, Esq. twenty pounds, and W Morris, Esq. five pounds, with a promise of a further contribution shortly. The Doxology and Benediction closed one of the best and most glorious meetings that was ever held in this Circuit, and it will live in the hearts and minds of many years hence.

J. KENDALL.

WADEBRIDGE.

ON Sunday last sermons, to celebrate the opening the Sunday-school room and Temperance Society's Hall in connection with the United Methodist Free Church, were preached, morning

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