final. It was then resolved to propose to the church the erection of another chapel in a different part of the city, for which a very eligible site had offered.

At a special meeting of the church, convened after due notice and explanation, the decision was at once adopted to build a chapel capable of seating 1,600 persons, for the use of Mr. Parsons and such members of the church and congregation as chose to remove thither : the arrangement being that Lendal Chapel should still be retained for public worship, as in former years. In consequence of this resolution, the work was, for important reasons, immediately commenced; and the first stone of the new edifice was laid by the Rev. J. Parsons, on the 17th of July, 1838. The needful division of the church took place in June last, and was accomplished with unbroken harmony, and with an earnest desire, it is believed, to promote the Divine glory. A large proportion of the members decided to remove with their pastor, while near eighty continued in fellowship in the old place, in order to maintain a cause the history of which is so interesting, and the success of which is still to be so anxiously desired.

The ministers engaged in the delightful services of the opening of Salem Chapel were the Rev. Thomas Raffles, LL.D., D.D., of Liverpool; the Rev. John Harris, D.D., of Cheshunt; and the Rev. James Griffin, of Manchester. Mr. Griffin preached in Lendal Chapel on the evening of July the 24th; Dr. Raffles, at Salem Chapel, on the morning of the 25th; and Dr. Harris in the evening. The devotional services were conducted by the Revs. G. Croft, of Pickering; John Ely and Thomas Scales, of Leeds; James Jackson, of Green Hammerton; and Thomas Stratton, of Hull. The hymns were announced by the Rev. J. Sibree, of Hull.

Several hundred friends partook of refreshments in the spacious school-rooms beneath the chapel during the day, when several appropriate addresses were delivered. On the following Sabbath the same ministers again preached in both chapels; at the larger house of prayer," multitudes were unable to gain admittance.

The collections, including kind and liberal donations from friends of other towns, were nearly 7001.; which, with the efforts previously made, renders the amount of contributions already received, about 2,000.; and the church and congregation are now renewing their efforts further to diminish the remaining debt, which is still very considerable. They desire thus to show their gratitude to Him who has blessed their labours with much greater success than they had ventured to anticipate.

HEYWOOD CHAPEL,

Northowram, near Halifax, Yorkshire. The entire cost of this place of worship, with its school-room under it, purchase of land, writings, &c., exceeded 1,6007.; 1,2007. having been raised at home, and by the liberality of friends in other places, leaves a debt of 4007.; the removal of which is highly desirable, both that the minister may be relieved from the heavy burden of its interest, that he and the people may be more able to contribute to other objects; and also have it in their power to establish an infant-school, which is intended as soon as practicable, being much wanted. On condition of its being liquidated by the 8th of November next, Joseph Stocks, Esq., of Upper Shibden Hall, has engaged to give 501., and his mother 5., though her late husband, Michael Stocks, Esq., subscribed 1007. These generous offers and liberal donations from a church family to a dissenting chapel, are worthy of being recorded. Towards meeting so noble a proposal, Mr. Chappell has promised 257., Mr. T. Baldin 10., and Mr. C. Turner, 5l., all of Halifax, and having given handsomely before. Mr. A. Dixon, and Mr. George Anderton, of Cleckheaton, also have engaged to subscribe a second 51. each. The promise of a hundred guineas is a powerful motive for the congregation to make every possible effort in order to accept it; but, as they are generally poor, other friends, able and well disposed, on seeing this, may be induced to help them.

Contributions would be very thankfully received by Rev. J. White, Minister; Mr. Thomas Jowitt, Bingley; Mr. F. Ackroyd, Bradford; Mr. Howitt, Leeds; or George Rutt, Esq., 173, Fenchurch-street, London.

WEST BROMWICH.

The opening of a new Independent chapel, at West Bromwich, in connexion with the ministry of the Rev. J. C. Gallaway, A.M., took place on Wednesday, June the 5th. It contains four hundred and ten free sittings, viz., one hundred and sixty for children, and two hundred and fifty for adults. It is an elegant building, and will accommodate one thousand persons. Dr. Harris, of Cheshunt, preached in the morning; and Dr. Patten, of New York, in the evening. On Sabbath, June the 9th, three sermons were preached, one by Dr. Redford, of Worcester; one by the Rev. R. Leak, Wesleyan minister; and one by the Rev. J. A. James, of Birmingham. The closing sermon was preached by Dr. Raffles, of Liverpool, on Wednesday evening, July 19th. The collections from the whole of the services amounted to 3371. 108.

CASTLE-HILL CHAPEL,

Buckland Newton, near Cerne, Dorset, in connexion with the Home Missionary Society.

On Wednesday, the 5th of June, the above Home Mission Chapel was publicly opened, and Mr. George Sandford was publicly ordained as a home missionary. The morning was most auspicious, and before the interesting services of the day commenced, nearly a thousand persons had assembled on Duntish Common, adjoining the chapel. The Rev. James Hargreaves, of Morcomb Lake, commenced by reading Psalm cxxxii., and offering a short prayer ; the Rev. Mr. Guinett, of Weymouth, gave out the first hymn; the Rev. J. Jukes, of Yeovil, offered the dedication prayer; the Rev. M. Laconta, of Upway, gave out the second hymn. A small portion of the company only could find admittance into the chapel, and, according to previous arrangement, the congregation now adjourned to a booth which had been erected on the common. The ordination service commenced by the Rev. R. Chamberlain, of Swanage, giving out,

"From all that dwell below the skies," &c. and offering a short prayer; the Rev. Geo: Evans, of Mile End, London, as the representative of the Home Missionary Society, in an interesting discourse, stated the objects and claims of the society; the Rev. James Trowbridge, of Cerne, asked the usual questions; the Rev. Alfred Bishop, of Beaminster, prayed the ordination prayer; and the Rev. J. Nelson Goulty, of Brighton, (the home missionary's former pastor,) gave the charge from John xii. 26, "If any man serve me,' "&c.-it was faithful, affectionate, and replete with the most valuable counsels, cautions, and exhortations; the Revs. E. Smith, of Milbourne Port; and James Prior, the home missionary of Netherbury, gave out the hymns; and the Rev. J. Anderson, of Dorchester, closed with prayer.

The scene during this service was truly animating and pleasing; the ministers were seated upon a platform, raised six feet from the ground, between two large trees; the verdant branches of which were a shelter to them from the rays of the sun; behind them, waggon-ropes had been tied from tree to tree, and winnowing sheets thrown over them, which hung to the ground, to keep off the current of air. In the midst of the platform was a pulpit for the preachers, &c. In front of the ministers sat the large concourse of people on forms; outside these, gentlemen's carriages, gigs, &c., were drawn up in a semicircular form, filled with ladies and gentlemen, sitting on the boxes, all evidently enjoying, in a high

degree, the services, which were at once so solemn and so delightful.

A dinner had been provided under the kind superintendence of Mr. J. B. Raw. lings, chemist, &c., of Sherborne, assisted by Messrs. Grey and Old, of Duntish. Tables and forms had been fixed on the common; but just after the morning service had closed, a heavy shower of rain fell, accompanied by thunder, which caused the friends to take shelter in the chapel, and in the farm-house adjoining, where dinner was served up in the best manner the circumstances of the case would permit.

In the evening, the Rev. T. Durant, of Poole, preached in the chapel, (the grass being wet on the common,) an impressive sermon, from 1 Cor. x. 31. The Revs. J. N. Goulty, A. Bishop, John Bishop, Sydling, and Bisenti, of Stalbridge, took the devotional parts of the service. The Rev. J. Anderson, of Dorchester, preached to a second congregation in Mr. Old's farm house, near the chapel.

The collections, exclusive of donations received on that day, amounted to about

251.

It is hoped that the devotional spirit which characterised the services of the day, will leave a lasting and beneficial effect upon the minds of all who were present. Amen.

A debt of about 507. still remains on the chapel. The friends on the spot and in the neighbourhood have contributed liberally towards it. Donations are earnestly and respectfully solicited from Christian friends towards liquidating the above sum. Subscriptions will be thankfully received by the Secretary, Home Missionary Rooms, 11, Chatham-place, Blackfriars, London; the Rev. J. Hoxley, Sherborne; the Rev. James Trowbridge, Cerne; or, by the Home Missionary, Glanvill's Wootton, near Sherborne.

CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL,

Ashton Keynes, North Wilts. On Tuesday, August 7, 1838, a neat place of worship, for the use of the Independent denomination, was opened at the above place, when three excellent sermons were delivered by the Revs. John Burder, A.M., of Stroud ; Benjamin Rees, of Chip. penham; and Eliezer Jones, of Rodborough Tabernacle. The Rev. Messrs. Hooper, Jones of Trelech, Lush, Cullen, and Palmer, conducted the devotional services, and several other ministers gave out hymns. Two sermons were preached on the following Sabbath by the Rev. David Williams of Kingswood. Nearly 24l. was collected, including some few subscriptions received on the day of opening.

This long-contemplated temple, which will seat about one hundred and fifty people, is erected on an eligible piece of free land, given by Mr. John Fry, of Minety, in compliance with the wish of his father, the late Mr. Richard Fry, of Ashton Keynes, and is invested in trustees. A Christian church of eleven members was formed by the Rev. B. Rees, in the February preceding the opening, and a Sunday-school of one hundred children, and fourteen gratuitous teachers, has been already rendered a blessing to this large and populous village, containing nearly one thousand inhabitants.

The cost of the building is from two to three hundred pounds, and, at the time of the opening, upwards of 1007. had been collected; for the rest, the friends, who, considering their number and circumstances, have laudably exerted themselves, look to an enlightened and Christian public, feeling assured they will sympathise with them, and aid with their contributions, this attempt to spread the knowledge of a beneficent Saviour. Our hope and prayer is, that the little one may become a thousand, and the small one a strong nation! May the Lord hasten it in his own time!

The Editor will thankfully receive and forward to the trustees any sums that may be sent to him for this interesting and deserving cause.

RE-OPENING OF THE INDEPENDENT

CHAPEL, MARPLE-BRidge.

The Independent Chapel, Marple-bridge, near Manchester, was re-opened on Sabbathday, June 30, after being closed several weeks, for the purpose of improvement and considerable enlargement. Excellent and appropriate sermons were preached on the occasion. Afternoon and evening, by the Rev. T. J. Davies, of Tintwistle, after which the liberal sum of 501. was collected towards the expenses incurred by the required enlargement.

The religious interest at Marple-bridge, no doubt, had its origin in the passing of the Act of Uniformity, though the present minister and his friends regret that no very ancient official documents have been preserved decidedly to prove the fact. From the testimony of many ancient families in the neighbourhood, as well as the remains of two old buildings formerly employed as houses of prayer, by the earlier friends of this cause; the last used of which was abandoned for the present chapel fifty years ago; there is no doubt but this interest is of very early origin. The pastorate at Marple-bridge was resigned about three

years ago, by the Rev. Joseph Battley, (in consequence of age and increased infirmities,) who has borne honourable testimony to the truth for forty-two years, and the pulpit is now occupied by his successor, the Rev. Robert Kirkus, late of Bawtry.

ORDINATIONS.

On Tuesday, April 23, 1839, the Rev. Samuel James Stormey, late student at the Rev. J. Jukes's Academy, Yeovil, was ordained in the Independent chapel, at North Frodingham, as a Home Missionary, at North Frodingham, Beeford, Bandsburton, and Foston, when the following order was observed:-In the afternoon, the Rev. James Sibree, of Salem Chapel, Hull, commenced the service by reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. E. Morley, of Holborn-street Chapel, Hull, delivered the introductory discourse, from Psalm lxviii. 18, (last part); the Rev. T. Hicks, of Cottingham, proposed the usual questions to the minister, which were very satisfactorily answered; the Rev. J. Morley, of Hope-street Chapel, Hull, offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. R. Pool, of Driffield, delivered the charge to the minister, from 1 Tim. iv. 16; and the Rev. J. Mather, of Beverley, concluded in prayer. The hymns were given out by the Rev. J. Bowden, of Beverley.

Between the services a numerous company partook of a public tea, after which addresses were delivered by several ministers and other friends who were present.

On the 7th of May, the Rev. D. Roberts was set apart to the pastoral office, over the united Independent churches assembling at Shiloh and Zion, two new chapels, recently built on the western coast of the Island of Anglesea. On the interesting occasion an introductory discourse, descriptive of the nature and constitution of a Christian church, was delivered by the Rev. William Griffith, of Holyhead; the usual questions to the young minister were proposed by the Rev. W. Davis, of Salem ; the Rev. J. Jones, of Hermon, offered up the ordination prayer; the charge to the ordained minister was given by the Rev. J. Evans, of Beaumaris; and that to the church by the Rev. W. Jones, of Amlach. The Rev. Messrs. Davies, of Llanchywdd, and Davis, of Lanfachrett, were also engaged during the solemn services of the day.

These new interests are in a thriving state, and present encouraging prospects of usefulness. The churches in the island have, during the present year, been favoured with unusual effusions of the Spirit

of the Lord, the result of which has been a great accession to their numbers, of such, we trust, as shall for ever be saved.

On the 21st of May, 1839, the Rev. J. M. Evans, late student of Hackney College, was solemnly set apart by prayer and imposition of hands, as a pastor over the Congregational church assembling in Swiney Chapel, Montgomeryshire. The Scriptures were read, and prayer offered by the Rev. John Jones, of Preeshwlle; the introductory discourse was delivered by the Rev. J. Pierce, of Wrexham; the usual questions were proposed by the Rev. T. Morgan, of Welsh Pool; the ordination prayer was offered by the Rev. John Evans, of Three Crosses, (the young minister's father); the charge was delivered by the Rev. S. Bowen, of Macclesfield; and the morning service was closed by the Rev. John Jones, of Forden, by prayer.

In the afternoon divine service was introduced by the Rev. R. Brown, of Wrexham; and the church was addressed by the Rev. W. Reeve, of Oswestry.

In the evening the service was commenced by the Rev. J. Horne, of Broseley, and the Rev. S. Evans, of Wellington, and the Rev. J. Jones, of Preeshwlle, preached. Two discourses were delivered also on the preceding night, by the Rev. S. Bowen, of Macclesfield, and the Rev. J. J. Beynon, of Dorrington. The meetings were interesting and numerously attended.

On Tuesday, May 21, 1839, Mr. Morton was ordained to the pastoral office, over the Independent church and congregation, at Bucklebury, Berks. The Rev. Mr. Curwen, of Newbury, (late of Frome,) illustrated the principles of nonconformity and the nature of a Gospel church, from John xvii. 36, (former part); the Rev. Mr. Wardle, of Thatcham, presented the ordination prayer; the Rev. Mr. Pennell, of Mortimer, delivered the charge, from Rev. xix. 17, (first clause); and the Rev. Mr. Woolley, of Pangbourn, addressed the church and congregation, from John iii. 8. The Rev. Messrs. Young of Brimpton, Ashley, of Newbury, and Fuller, of Ashamstead, engaged in the devotional parts of the service.

On Wednesday, June 5, 1839, the Rev. Thomas Jones, late of Carmarthen College, was ordained to the pastoral office over the church of Christ assembling in the Independent chapel, Newport, Salop. The Rev. D. James, of Hadnell, commenced the service by prayer and reading

suitable portions of Holy Writ; the Rev. J. Patteson, of Wem, delivered an excellent introductory discourse; the Rev. James Dawson, of Dudley, proposed the usual questions, and offered the ordination prayer, in a very solemn and affectionate manner, with the imposition of hands. In the evening, the Rev. J. W. Jenkin, of Stafford, gave a very faithful and impressive charge to the newly-ordained minister; and the Rev. Dr. Matheson, of Wolverhampton, delivered a very suitable discourse to the church. The Rev. D. Davis, of Wolas, and the Rev. James Dawson, of Dudley, engaged in the devotional services, which were truly delightful, and proved a refreshing season. The Rev. G. Rogers, of Harmer Hill; S. Davis, of Wellington, and John M'Donald, of Nosel, were present on the occasion.

On Tuesday, the 25th of June, Mr. L. L. Hurndall, late of Cheshunt College, was ordained over the Union church meet. ing in Union Chapel, Berkeley. The Rev. E. Jones, of Rodborough, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. D. Thomas, of Wootton-under-edge, asked the usual questions; the Rev. W. Lucy, of Bristol, offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. T. Winter, of Bristol, delivered the charge, from 2 Cor. vi. 3; and the Rev. W. Gregory, of Hope Chapel, Clifton, addressed the church, from Acts ix. 31. The devotional parts of the service were conducted by W. Dove, and W. J. Cross, of Thornbury; J. Watts, of Wootton-under-edge; T. Shakespear, of Hillsley; T. Webb, of Ulley; and J. Maund, of Stonehouse. The attendance on the occasion was numerous, and the engagements of the day excited the

liveliest interest.

This infant cause was commenced by the ministers of the two denominations resident in the neighbourhood, some few years since. They have had the satisfaction to witness the success of their efforts, in the erection of a chapel, the formation of a church, and the settlement of a pastor, with the assembling of a respectable and pretty numerous congregation. Mr. H.'s prospects of usefulness are highly cheering. May the God of all grace send abundant prosperity!

On Thursday, the 11th of July, the Rev. William Fernie, late of Highbury College, was solemnly set apart, by prayer and the imposition of hands, to the work of the Christian ministry, at Zion Chapel, Frome, Somerset.

The services of the day were commenced by a special prayer-meeting at seven o'clock

in the morning. The ordination service was begun by reading the Scriptures and prayer, by the Rev. Robert James, of Glastonbury; the Rev. J. Davies, of Taunton, in an eloquent discourse on the nature of a gospel church, exhibited, in a luminous and forcible manner, the great principles on which nonconformity rests; one of the deacons having stated the circumstances which led them to invite Mr. Fernie to become their pastor, the Rev. J. Hewlett, of Coventry, asked the usual questions, and received the confession of faith, (it is thought that the statement of our views, on the great doctrines of the gospel, simply as existing matters of fact, is essentially different from a subscription to articles and creeds drawn up by other men, which we regard as unrighteous impositions, not sanctioned by the word of God, and which must fetter the mind, and impede the progress of truth;) the Rev. J. Fernie, (the young minister's father,) commended his son to God in prayer, and implored the divine blessing on the engagements of the day; a most awakening and impressive charge was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Henderson, Theological Tutor of Highbury College; the Rev. J. Bishop, of Chard, then addressed the church; and the Rev. S. S. Wilson, many years Missionary in Greece, closed the service with prayer.

In the evening, the Rev. W. Jay, of Bath, preached a deeply interesting sermon to the congregation.

The other ministers in Frome gave out the hymns: the Rev. Messrs. Jones, Middleditch, and Moody, (Baptists;) Rev. H. Atley, (Independent,) and Rev. Mr. Wevil, (Wesleyan,) with Rev. Messrs. Mann, Jubb, and Harris.

COMMEMORATION OF WHITEFIELD'S

PREACHING.

On Tuesday, July 30, a religious meeting of peculiar interest was held on Stiuchcomb Hill, Dursley, Gloucestershire, to promote the revival of religion, and to commemorate, by a series of open air services, the valuable labours of the Rev. George Whitefield, near that spot about a hundred years ago. Though the weather had been for some time most unfavourable, yet as the morning was fine many thousands assembled, and nearly one hundred ministers. Drs. Redford, Ross, and Mathe. son, with Rev. Messrs. East, Hinton, and Sibree, preached upon appropriate subjects, previously announced; and hymns, specially composed by J. Conder, Esq., and others, were sung on the occasion. The rain, during the afternoon, fell in torrents, but still, till about five o'clock, when they adjourned to Dursley, the vast assemblage

preserved the utmost order and compactness. The religious character of the meeting was delightfully maintained, and the services have produced an evident impression on the neighbouring churches, which it is hoped, may be deepened and perpetuated. The party partook of dinner and tea upon the hill in very large booths, and tents erected for the day. Arrangements had been made to provide every possible accommodation, and prevent any disorder; nothing occurred to cause regret but the unfavourable weather, and the day will be remembered by many with a satisfaction they could scarcely expect.

It is proposed, (should the suggestion be favourably received,) to erect upon the Hill a monumental column, as a memorial of the esteem entertained by thousands of the wisest and best of men for the holy and zealous minister of Christ, whose labours these centenary services commemorated. We may refer to the subject again next month, in the mean time, we direct our readers to a very full and generally accurate report in the "Patriot " newspaper of the 1st of August.

VALEDICTORY SERVICES AT ELLESMERE. The Rev. W. Roaf, who has been the pastor of the Independent church at Ellesmere during the last ten years, conveyed to that church a letter, expressing a wish to dissolve his official connexion with it.

Shortly afterwards, a special meeting of the church was convened, when he was requested to continue his ministry at that place. He however felt it his duty to listen to the invitations which other churches had given. As soon as his final determination was known, it was deemed that gratitude and justice conspired with love in demanding some lasting memorial to be presented to him. The memorials of his ministrations at Ellesmere are numerous, and it is fervently hoped that many of them will be eternal: his friends therefore resolved on presenting him with some permanent testimony of their affection. The children of the Sabbath-schools, whom he had so much served in the Gospel, wished to embody their feeling in some token raised by their own efforts. A treasurer was appointed for each class; and as the result of their pence so cheerfully contributed, purchased a small but elegant writing-desk. On the afternoon of Sunday, June 30, they were assembled in the Chapel, with many of their parents. After a suitable devotional exercise, the male superintendent presented the desk to Mr. Roaf, in the name of the children. Mr. Roaf then briefly addressed them, (having on a previous Sabbath preached a farewell sermon