CHAPEL STREET.

This congregation was originally in connection with the Church of Scotland. The Rev. Thomas Monteith had been minister of the congregation in Hyde Hill, or "The Low Meeting," as it was commonly called, for some years in connection with the Church of Scotland, when he received a call from the Relief congregation of Dunse, which he accepted, and was received at the same time into connection with the Relief Synod. He was succeeded in Berwick by Rev. William Crookshank, M.A., a minister in connection with the Church of Scotland, who, failing to give satisfaction, resigned and removed to London, and became minister of the Scots Church, Swallow Street, Westminster. Mr Crookshank is the author of "The History of the State and Sufferings of the Church of Scotland from the Restoration to the Revolution," 2 vols. After his resignation, the congregation applied to be taken into connection with the Relief Church, and were received. Church built, 1756; sittings, 780.

1st Minister in connection with the Relief Synod.-ANDREW THOMSON. Ordained 1778. Died 1813, in the 63d year of his age and 35th of his ministry.

2d Minister.-ROBERT HALL, previously of Dundee. Translated to Berwick 23d June 1814. Died 1st March 1834, in the 48th year of his age and 20th of his ministry.

3d Minister-WILLIAM RITCHIE, previously of Auchtergaven. Translated to Berwick 26th May 1835. Author of "Azuba," and Lectures on Baptism. Resigned his charge in consequence of ill-health, 9th May 1859.

4th Minister.-DAVID PATERSON, formerly of Newcastle, Zion Chapel. Inducted as colleague to Mr Ritchie, December 1st 1857. Demitted his charge 8th June 1858. Now living privately in Kirkcaldy.

5th Minister.-JAMES M'LEISH, from Dunning. Called to Muckart, Eyemouth, and Berwick. Ordained 31st May 1859.

WALLACE GREEN.

This congregation originated with members of the Church of Scotland resident in the town, who being desirous of a purer dispensation of the Gospel and a stricter exercise of discipline than were afforded in the connection to which they had previously belonged, applied for and obtained supply of sermon from the Associate (Burgher) Presbytery of Edinburgh, 1770. Church built in Golden Square, 1771; enlarged, 1796; sittings, 1000.

A new church was opened in Wallace Green on the 3d Sabbath of June 1859; collection, 192, 10s. The site cost £705. Total cost of the church, with site, £192, £5712, 2s. 21d. A gallery was added in 1865, costing £194, 1s. 11d. Sittings at first, 970. Of these 56 were removed at the erection of the gallery; 112 additional were given in the gallery, making in all, 1026. Anniversary collection in 1869, 192, 1OS.

1st Minister.-ALEXANDER DICKSON, from Blackfriars, Jedburgh. Ordained 22d April 1772. Died 12th September 1780, in the 63d year of his age and 9th of his ministry.

2d Minister.-JOHN BLACKHALL, from Selkirk. Called to Dundee and Berwick. Ordained 3d January 1782. Died 3d March 1813, in the 58th year of his age and 32d of his ministry.

3d Minister.—Robert Balmer, D.D., from Blackfriars, Jedburgh. Called to Lochwinnoch, Ecclefechan, Leslie, and Berwick. Ordained 23d March 1814. Appointed Professor of Theology by the United Associate Synod, 1834. Had the degree of D.D. conferred upon him by the University of St Andrews, 1840. Died 1st July 1844, in the 57th year of his age and 31st of his ministry.

Author of "A Charge delivered to the Rev. Robert Redpath, at his Induction as Minister of Wells Street congregation, London ;" "Essay on the Character of the Rev. Dr Belfrage of Falkirk,' appended to a Memoir of his Life," by Drs M'Kerrow and M'Farlane; "Sermon preached in Broughton Place Church, after the death of Mrs Brown, wife of the Rev. Dr Brown," affixed to a Memoir of her by her husband; "Statements on certain Doctrinal Points;" "Redemption from Death and the Grave: Two Sermons, preached after the Death of the Rev. David Paterson, of Alnwick;""The Scriptural Principles of Unity," forming the second Essay in a volume, entitled "Essays on Christian Union," by several ministers. Two volumes of his Academical Lectures and Pulpit Discourses were published after his death, with a Memoir of his Life, by the Rev. Dr Henderson, of Galashiels.

4th Minister.-JOHN CAIRNS, A.M., D.D., from Stockbridge, Berwickshire. Ordained 1845. Called to Rose Street, Edinburgh, 1846, but continued in Berwick. Called to Greyfriars, Glasgow, 23d April 1855, but continued in Berwick. Called to Morningside, Edinburgh, in 1864, but declined the call. Called to Edinburgh, Nicolson Street, April 1867, but declined the call. Appointed Professor of Apologetics to the United Presbyterian Church, 16th May 1867. Had the degree of D.D. conferred on him by the University of Edinburgh in 1858.

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Translator from the German of "Elijah the Tishbite," by Dr Krummacher; author of "Fragments of College and Pastoral Life," a Memoir of the late Rev. John Clark, of Glasgow; a pamphlet entitled "An Examination of Professor Ferrier's Theory of Knowing and Being;"" and another entitled "The Scottish Philosophy, a Vindication and Reply;' "Rationalism; "Sketch of the Character of Rev. A. Kirkwood; "Success of Christianity an argument for its Divine Origin; Essay prefixed to "Lord Bacon's Bible Thoughts;""False Christs and the True, a Discourse; "The Membership of the Christian Church and the Purity of her Communion;""Memoir of Dr Brown;""Memoir of Dr Henderson of Galashiels; Every Man's Duty to avail himself of his Sabbath Rights ;" Essay prefixed to Culverwell.

CHURCH STREET.

This congregation originated with eight members of the congregation of Norham and members of the West congregation, Ayton, resident in Berwick, who, on account of the inconvenient distance of their respective places of worship, applied for and obtained supply of worship from the General Associate (Antiburgher) Presbytery of Kelso, 1812. Church built same year; sittings, 600. Soon after the settlement of the first minister, the membership was 370.

Before obtaining a fixed pastor, the congregation called Mr A. Isaac, probationer, afterwards of Londonderry, Ohio, America.

1st Minister.-WILLIAM YOUNG, A.M., from Oakshaw Street, Paisley. Ordained 3d April 1816. Died 21st June 1840, in the 48th year of his age and 25th of his ministry. Author of "Analysis of Shorter Catechism for the Young."

The congregation then called Mr Laurie, who preferred Partick, Mr Edmond, who preferred Dennyloanhead, and Mr Duncan, who preferred Mid-Calder.

2d Minister.-JOHN PEDEN, previously of East Regent Place, Glasgow. Admitted to Berwick 22d February 1842. Died 11th July 1858, in the 48th year of his age and 20th of his ministry. Author of a Sermon entitled, "Intemperance a great barrier to the progress of the Gospel."

3d Minister.-JAMES GRIERSON SCOTT, from Broughton Place, Edinburgh. Ordained 15th November 1859. Translated to St Andrews 5th August 1868.

4th Minister.-JOHN CROMBIE BROWN, LL.D., formerly of Belmont Street,

Aberdeen. Inducted 2d March 1869.
Lived privately in Berwick.

Demitted his charge 5th July 1870.

5th Minister.-JAMES STEPHENS, M.A., from Glasgow, Sydney Place. Ordained 24th January 1871.

BANKHILL (Now EXTINCT.)

This congregation originated with a minority of the congregation of Chapel Street, Berwick, who preferred another candidate to the successful one, at the election of a minister, after the death of Mr Hall; and on that account withdrew from the majority, and were allowed by the presbytery to form a separate congregation. Church built, 1835; sittings, 530.

1st Minister.-ALEXANDER M'COLL, from Bridgeton, Glasgow. Called to Bonhill and Berwick. Ordained 14th July 1835. Resigned 23d January 1847. Emigrated to America, and became minister of a congregation at Seneca Falls, in that country.

2d Minister.-HUGH DUNLOP, from Irvine, Relief. Ordained 2d August 1848. Resigned 11th March 1851.

The congregation called Mr Goodburn, afterwards of Waterbeck, Mr George Sandie, afterwards of Gourock, and Mr John Thomson, afterwards of West Calder, all of whom declined the calls. Dispirited by these disappointments, and seeing the congregation had never prospered, and that there was no great need for its continuance in a small town already possessing three congregations of the same denomination, the members came to the resolution of dissolving it, and dispersing themselves among the churches in the place, according as their preferences might lead them. This was accordingly done, and the place of worship disposed of to the English Presbyterians, 15th February 1853.

WOOLER.

Wooler is a town in Northumberland, 45 miles north-west of Newcastle, 17 south-west of Berwick, and 17 west of Alnwick.

TOWER HILL.

A praying society in Wooler acceded to the Associate Presbytery in 1737, and afterwards formed part of the congregation of Morebattle. In April 1749, the members of this society petitioned the General Associate (Antiburgher) Synod for supply of sermon in Wooler, which was granted. The Synod, however, was prevented by the paucity of preachers from maintaining the station efficiently. It was, therefore, relinquished in the course of the following year. In 1763, a number of persons belonging to a congregation in the town, connected with the Northumberland class of Presbyterians, sought refuge from the strife and division which then prevailed in it, by connecting themselves, as a congregation, with the Associate (Burgher) Presbytery of Kelso. Church built, 1779; sittings, 400; new church built, 1868, at a cost of £1300; sittings, 435

Before obtaining a fixed pastor, the congregation called Mr Kyle, who was appointed by the Synod to Kinross.

1st Minister.-GEORGE BELL, from Blackfriars, Jedburgh. Ordained 25th March 1778. Died 2d November 1800, in the 63d year of his age and 23d of his ministry. 2d Minister.-JAMES ROBERTSON, from Kinross (West). Called to Tarbolton and Wooler. Ordained 11th August 1802. Died 25th March 1855, in the 78th year of his age and 53d of his ministry.

3d Minister.-PETER WHYTE, from Dalreoch. Called to Keith and Wooler. Ordained as colleague to Mr Robertson, 15th November 1848.

CHEVIOT STREET.

A congregation of Protestant dissenters was formed in Wooler in 1700, and supplied with sermon by the neighbouring ministers of Etal, Barmoor, and Branton, till 1706, after which they had a regular succession ordained over them for a hundred years. Happening to be vacant in 1806, they were supplied with preachers of the Church of Scotland. These failing to give satisfaction, the congregation applied, on 7th July 1807, to be taken into connection with the Relief Synod, and were received. First church built, 1770; second built, 1778; sittings, 1000.

Before obtaining a fixed pastor, the congregation called Mr Johnston twice, who preferred a call to Edinburgh.

1st Minister.-WILLIAM GILMOUR, previously of Banff. Admitted to Wooler 4th August 1808. Died 2d April 1835, in the 73d year of his age and 30th of his ministry.

2d Minister.-JAMES LOGAN MUIRHEAD, from St Ninians. Ordained as colleague to Mr Gilmour 22d May 1833.

COLDSTREAM.

Coldstream is a market town in Berwickshire, 9 miles east of Kelso, 103 south-west of Dunse, and 143 west of Berwick.

WEST CHURCH.

This congregation originated with a few members of the congregation of Stitchel, resident in Coldstream, who, partly for their own convenience, and partly for the benefit of the place, applied for and obtained supply of sermon from the Associate (Burgher) Presbytery of Edinburgh, 17th December 1767. First church built, 1768; second built, 1806; sittings, 950.

1st Minister.-JOHN RIDDOCH, from Stirling (First). Ordained 24th November Resigned 29th May 1804. Removed to St Ninian's, and died there,

1768. 1806.

2d Minister.-ADAM THOMSON, A.M., D.D., from the congregation of which he became minister. Called to Leslie, Horndean, Alnwick, and Coldstream. Ordained 12th March 1806. Had the degree of D.D. conferred upon him by the College of Miami, Oxford, Ohio, United States, 1838. Died 23d February 1861, in the 82d year of his age and 55th of his ministry.

Author of "Two Discourses on the Distress of Widows and Fatherless Children," Memoir of his Brother, the Rev. Peter Thomson, of the Scotch Church, Leeds, and of Sermons occasioned by

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his Death; "The Death of a Good Man the Source of great Lamentation: A Sermon preached at Selkirk after the Death of Dr Lawson;" "An Account of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Augustus Toplady," prefixed to a complete Edition of his Works; "A Comparative View of English and Scottish Dissenters;" ;""Cure for Pauperism: Proposed in a Letter to the Rev. Thomas Chalmers, D.D.;" "The Might and Mastery of the Established Church Laid Low: Being a Review and Refutation of the Principal Arguments of the Rev. Drs Inglis and Chalmers in Vindication of Ecclesiastical Establishments;" Appeal from Scotland; or, The Cry of a whole Nation of Dissenters, urging their Claims to the Redress of their Grievances;" "The Church and the Voluntaries: Two Letters addressed to George Buchan, Esq., of Kelloe;" "Calumny Exposed, and the Conduct of the Dissenters Vindicated;" "Union of the Old Light Seceders with the Established Church: A Review of the Proceedings of the Synod of Merse and Teviotdale;" "Claims of Dissenters on the Government of the Country: A Letter addressed to Lord Melbourne, 1836;" "The Claims of Churchmen on the Government of the Country: A Letter addressed to Lord Melbourne, 1838;" "Outlines for the Pulpit;" "Consolation for Christian Mourners;" "Bible Monopoly inconsistent with Bible Circulation: A Letter addressed to Lord Bexley;" with various other publications on the subject of Bible monopoly.

In 1785, the government of the day renewed a patent (given successively before to several persons) to Mr John Hunter Blair, and James Bruce, Esq., granting them, as His Majesty's printers for Scotland, a monopoly of the printing and sale of all Bibles in that part of the British dominions for forty-one years, dating the patent from 1798, when the preceding one was to terminate. This patent, if not renewed, must have ceased in 1839. In anticipation of the renewal being granted, Mr (afterwards Dr) Thomson, overtured the United Associate Synod in 1837 in these terms: "That a petition be presented to the House of Commons against the monopoly now held by the King's printers and the two Episcopalian Universities, by which they can, and do, prevent all others from printing and publishing the authorised version of the Word of God; and that while a committee of the House of Commons is' sitting on the subject, a committee of Synod be appointed to watch the progress of the measure, with full power to take such steps as the future aspects or exigencies of the case may seem to render expedient." The Synod adopted this overture, named a committee, and appointed Mr Thomson convener. Certain circumstances awakened suspicion that Government only intended to transfer the patent from the King's printers to the Scottish Universities. This proposal, which had been actually made, was successfully resisted by Mr Thomson, who undertook a journey to London for the special purpose. Lord John Russell subsequently announced to the House of Commons the purpose of the Government to form a Board, to consist of five persons, to whom would be granted the exclusive right of printing and publishing the Bible; one of these to be the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, two others, divines of the same Church, and two others to be laymen, but also connected with the Established Church. This proposal being made while the Synod was in session, a memorial to Parliament was immediately agreed upon, and the Rev. Mr Thomson and the Rev. James Harper were appointed. a deputation to wait upon the members of the Cabinet, and represent to them how obnoxious the proposed scheme was to the Dissenters in Scotland. The deputation were successful in obtaining a modification of the constitution of the Boardthough not in preventing its appointment-which was the object of their delegation; and to their exertions, and more especially to those subsequently put forth by Dr Thomson in the cause, the public are indebted for the present low price of the Bible. These exertions were of a very extensive and peculiar kind, involving nothing less than the printing of the Bible under his own auspices, and at his own risk, to prevent a monopoly by any of the extensive booksellers, which, it was presumed, would have been certain if means had not been taken to prevent it. This undertaking proved disastrous to Dr Thomson and his family, involving them in