BAZAAR.

THIS bazaar, to aid in removing the debt on the chapel represented by the above engraving, was held on the 15th and 16th Oct., under the patronage and superintendence of Mesdames Joseph and Isaac Love. For some time previously extensive and careful preparations were made, and a varied assortment of articles collected for the bazaar. Providentially the weather was fair, and the number of visitors was all that could be desired. The spacious school-room was tastefully and profusely decorated with evergreens, greenhouse plants, and flowers and fruits of various hues and fragrance. These were supplied plentifully from the garden of Joseph Love, Esq. The upper part of the room was partitioned off by an artificial screen of evergreens and flowers, and appropriated to refreshments, confectionery, and musicthe confectionery table being enclosed in a rural bower. In the lower part of the room two very long tables were placed to the right and left, and the promenade embraced the entire length of the building. A beautiful motto, composed chiefly of the box plant, partly encircled the walls, and the adiniring spectators were appropriately reminded that the exhibition was "A Bazaar for the House of the Lord."

The numberless articles of taste and utility that were suspended from the walls and displayed on the stalls could not well be enumerated. Strains of music lent their charm, and varied the busy scene. The whole passed off with pleasure, and 'hundreds will no doubt long have "sunny memories" of the High Willington bazaar. The few articles that remained unsold, when the the bazaar closed on the Thursday night, have since been disposed of, and a few subscriptions received. whole of the expenses having been generously defrayed by Mr. Love and his lady, the net proceeds of the bazaar amount to the handsome sum of £200, every farthing of which will be given towards the cost of building the new chapel.

ANNUAL GATHERING OF SUNDAY

SCHOLARS.

The

A FEW weeks ago, the scholars and teachers of the High Willington, Sunny Brow, Oakenshaw, and Bitchburn Sunday and week-day schools, and Miss Dickenson's school, Crook, had their annual gathering. Providentially, the weather proved remarkably fine, and early in the afternoon hundreds of happy little folks, conducted by their respective teachers, and the choirs belonging to the Methodist New Connexion

chapels in the neighbourhood,were seen coming in all directions, and verging to one common centre-a field in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Love, and which was kindly lent for the occasion. The sun shone in full splendour, the lark was high in the heavens, and the songs of birds and the praises of children filled the air with melody. A procession was then formed, and divided into four parts. The Willington school led the way, through the village, to the residence of Joseph Straker, Esq., where an anthem or hymn was sung by each of the schools. The parties then proceeded to Willington Hall, where they were met and welcomed by Joseph Love, Esq., and his lady, and several ladies and gentlemen, who had been invited to witness the happy scene. About one thousand guests were now on the lawn, and oceans of tea, and mountains of cake were quickly distributed to the happy multitude. Lively strains of vocal and instrumental music, the innocent gambols of the children around the hall, varied the scene, and filled every heart with pleasure. Thanks having been given to the kind hostess for her generous hospitality, the assembly dispersed, some to their homes, and others to the new chapel, where a crowded congregation listened to the word of the Lord, and devoutly worshipped the God of providence and grace.—Durham Chronicle.

OUR CHAPEL FUND.

MR. EDITOR,-While feeling much thankfulness and pleasure in being enabled in any way to help forward the cause of God, I wish it to be clearly understood, that my assistance in chapel cases is rendered in the belief that the estates either are, or, with convenient speed, will be, settled on the authorized trusts of the Connexion.

It is also my earnest request that the local and separate efforts in behalf of chapels which I may be the honoured instrument of encouraging, may not supersede, or even lessen, the contributions of trustees and friends to the General Chapel Fund. This, in my opinion, is The Fund of the Connexion.

at least under present circumstances; and, looking to the obligations of Conference and to the useful labours of the committee, it should, and I hope will, obtain an amount of annual support equal to what is given to our other

funds respectively. It is known that I am under a promise to contribute annually £100, on condition of the Connexion raising £900; and, at our late committee meeting, I further engaged for this year to relinquish the interest (nearly another £100), on my loans to the chapel fund, providing the whole community shall contribute £1,000. Hoping I may be called upon for these sums,

I remain, yours truly,
JOSEPH LOVE.
Willington Hall, Oct., 1856.

PROGRESS IN YORK.-On Sunday last, October 5th, the chapel and school-room recently erected

near

the Cemetery, by the members and friends in York, was opened for religious worship. The Rev. Alexander M'Curdy preached to a crowded congregation in the afternoon, and Mr. Camidge in the evening. The collections amounted to the noble sum of £24 8s. The building is a handsome structure, in the early decorated style; designed by, and erected under the superintendence of R. Gould, Esq., successor to the late Mr. Andrews, architect, of this city; and is capable of accommodating upwards of two hundred persons. The foundation

On

stone was laid on the 27th of June last, the day of the opening of Trinity Chapel, Peckitt-street, belonging to the same religious denomination. The building will be used both as a Sabbath school and a place for religious worship, and will thus supply a want long felt in these respects, in that increasingly populous neighbourhood. the Tuesday following, the quarterly meeting was held in the school-room premises, connected with Trinity Chapel. The progress of the society, both numerically and financially, proved to be highly satisfactory. In the evening, about one hundred of the members in communion took tea together, in the large school-room connected with the chapel. After tea, addresses were delivered by the Rev. A. M'Curdy, Messrs. G. Bainbridge, O. Campbell, G. Hope, J. Coultas, W. Groves, J. Dennett, W. Chapman, and Jos. Coultas, which were eminently calculated to incite to increased and united co-operation in promoting the benevolent and Christian objects for which the society has been established.

W W

FOUNDATION OF A CHAPEL AT CULCHETH, MANCHESTER NORTH.June 21. The foundation stone of a chapel was laid at Culcheth. The day was wet; but, nevertheless, the projected procession was formed, consisting of the scholars, teachers, and friends, who were joined by the "United Free Gardeners," and two benevolent societies, each headed by a band, and proceeded to meet the Mayor of Manchester, at Miles Platting toll-bar. His worship, however, being slightly indisposed, was unable to fulfil in person the duty he had promised to perform, and his amiable wife, the Mayoress, was the efficient substitute, She was met by the procession, as she came in her carriage from Abney Hall, accompanied by the Rev. T. W. Ridley, superintendent of the Manchester North Circuit, and Mr. Wm. Newbury, of Ashton, and conducted to the ground, on which preparations for building had been commenced. Crowds stood patiently under dripping umbrellas,—and many crowded the windows of the vicinity, whence a view could be obtained,-whilst a suitable hymn was sung, a psalm read, and an appropriate prayer offered up; these preliminary proceedings being conducted by the Revs. W. Baggaly (of Stockport), L. Stoney (Staley bridge), and J. Poxon (Ashton). Mr. John Smith, one of the conductors of the school, and who has been in the school upwards of forty years, presented Mrs. Watts, on behalf of her husband, with a very handsome silver trowel, bearing the following inscription:

"Presented by the teachers and scholars of Culcheth Sunday School to James Watts, Esq, Mayor of Manchester, on the occasion of laying the foundation stone of the Methodist New Connexion Chapel, Droylsden Road, June 21st, 1856."

Mrs. Watts, on receiving the beautiful gift, expressed the pleasure she had in being present on this interesting occasion, and in performing the duty which had been imposed upon her. She remarked that her father belonged to the Methodist New Connexion, and that she had been brought up in it. The Mayoress gracefully went through the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new chapel, which is to be 63 feet long by 39 feet wide, and will accommodate about 500. The proceedings terminated with the benediction, followed by the National Anthem,

and the party hastily retired to the school-room, where was held a tea party. The crowds flocked into the school-room, which was soon thronged, and being decorated for the occasion, it presented quite an animated appearance. The tables were largely supplied by ladies in the neighbourhood-as many as 140 trays having been provided gratuitously, so that the proceeds of the tea meeting, which are for the building fund of the chapel, will be something like £40 or £50. The tables having been cleared away, William Pegge, Esq., of Clayton-bridge, was called to the chair. He was supported by the Rev. T. W. Ridley, Manchester North Circuit; T. Mills, Manchester South Circuit; W. Baggaly, Stockport; L. Stoney, Staleybridge; J. Hudston and J. Poxon, Ashton; A. Lynn, Rochdale; P. T. Gilton, Mossley; and Messrs. W. Jenkinson, S. Holt, J. Smith, J. M'Namee, J. Andrew, &c. &c.

The Chairman made a few congratulatory remarks on the success which had attended the day's proceedings, notwithstanding the unfavourable character of the weather. The appearance of the present meeting augured well for the success of the work they had inaugurated; and to the members of the committee, and the teachers in the school, too much praise could not be given for the exertions they had made. The Rev. T. W. Ridley repeated to the meeting what the Mayoress had said in laying the stone, which many must have been unable to hear. Mr. Ridley then read the subscription list, which showed it was a people's chapel which was about to be erected, and that it was to be erected by the people. Sums of 10s. and 5s. were the most plentiful, and some subscriptions, which amounted to pounds, were the aggregate of labourers' contributions, saved from earnings of 12s. or 14s. per week. The estimated cost of the building was £920, or, with extras, about £1,000; and the money already gathered was £394 8s. 113d. Other interesting addresses were delivered by the Revs. L. Stoney, J. Hudston, J. Poxon, and other friends. A subscription was entered into, and the very gratifying sum of £86 6s. obtained, making, with the profits of the soiree, about £130 to be added to the funds already collected.

In a cavity in the foundation stone is to be deposited a copy of the minutes of the Confereuce, of the rules of the

Connexion, and of the circuit plan for the present year; also, copies of some of the Manchester papers of Saturday, and a vellum document, of which the following is a copy:

Methodist New Connexion, Manchester North Circuit.-The foundation stone of this chapel was laid June 21, 1856, by James Watts, Esq., Mayor of Manchester.-Superintendent Minister: Rev. T. W. Ridley. Trustees: John Smith, John M'Namee, Thomas Wolstoncroft, Thomas Turner, David Whittaker, William Kenyon, Thomas Middleton, Edmund Robinson, George Massey, George Treaver, Alfred Andrew, Jonah Andrew, James Lord, William Jenkinson, John Makinson, Samuel Holt. Building Committee: John Smith, John M.Namee, Thomas Wolstoncroft, David Whittaker, William Kenyon, Thomas Middleton. Builder: Mr. Thomas George.

[The above report did not reach us until late in the month of October, but as the transaction is one of considerable interest, we yield to the urgent request of friends in giving it a permanent record in our pages. We heartily rejoice in the auspicious event, and pray that the most ardent wishes of our friends may be realized.-EDITOR.]

OTLEY BAZAAR.-In the autumn of last year, a few of the worthy and devoted female members of the

congregation were called together by the minister, the Rev. D. Sheldon, when a proposition was made, and unanimously adopted, to the effect "That a bazaar be held at a convenient time, the proceeds to be applied towards the erection of a new chapel." The good ladies immediately set about working out this resolution with commendable zeal.

The bazaar was held in the hall of the Mechanics' Institute, Otley, on Wednesday, the 11th June, 1856, and the two following days. The room, which is large and suitable for the occasion, was gracefully and beautifully decorated. The stalls were filled to overflowing with articles, and, during the first day especially, the bazaar was visited, not only by most of the respectable inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood, but likewise by a great number of friends of our community from Bradford, Leeds, Halifax, and the neighbouring circuits. The proceeds of the first day's sale amounted to the handsome sum of £108. The sale was continued on the following two days, and the whole of the results were £214 12s. 4d.

The following are the particulars as to the stalls: Mrs. Haldenby and Mrs. McLandsbro's stall realized £74 10s. 5d.; Miss Rhodes and Miss McLandsbro, £60 6s. 6d.; Mrs. Exley and Miss Green, £32 13s. 8d.; Mrs. Geo. Green, Mrs. T. Whittaker, and Miss Pigott, £14 4s.; Mr. James McLandsbro, £9 9s. 3d.; Refreshment stall, £12 2s.; Mr. Green and Mr. Haldenby,15s.; Admission, £10 11s. 6d. Total, £214 12s. 4d.

The proceedings were enlivened, and the pleasure of the visitors augmented, by the musical performances of Mr. J. Laycock, pupil at the Blind Asylum, York. W. INNOCENT.

HALIFAX SOUTH.-Dear Brother,The first series of mission services in connection with our new circuit was held a fortnight ago. The character and results of these services have much delighted and encouraged our friends. The Revs. Dr. Crofts and J. Ogden were the deputation. They were cordially received and hospitably entertained by the friends. Their aid has been highly appreciated, and these brethren have our best thanks.

The congregations at Hanover, on the

Sabbath, October 19th, were very encouraging. The collection amounted to £8 8s. 4d. The meeting on the Monday following exceeded our expectations, in attendance, character, and results. John Crossley, Esq., kindly filled the chair; Mr. John Ramsden, the secretary, read an interesting and encouraging report. The deputation, the Revs. J. McMichael (Independent), S. Whitewood (Baptist), L. Stoney, J. Livingstone, J. Nicholas, with Mr. E. Lumley, were the speakers.

The collection was £8 2s. 3d. The meeting closed at ten o'clock, without experiencing any lack of interest, and has been pronounced by an impartial judge the best missionary meeting we have had in Halifax for some years past.

The collection and subscriptions for Hanover amount to £40 18s. Id., which, we trust, when the Juvenile effort is completed, will reach £50.

The congregations at Elland on the Sabbath were overflowing. The attendance at the meeting on the Tuesday was very large. Mr. Dodgson (Wesleyan Reformer) occupied the chair. Mr. J. Ramsden read the report. The Revs. T. G. Robey, S. Meldrum, J. Medicraft, and Mr. E. Lumley, with the deputation, addressed the meeting. The interest of the meeting was maintained without diminution till ten o'clock. The collections amounted to £7 10s., which, when the private and Juvenile efforts are made, we hope will reach £10 or £12. This would double the amount raised last year.

Services were held at King Cross and Boulderclough on the same Sabbath, and meetings on the Wednesday and Thursday evenings following at each place respectively. Mr. Brierly presided over the meeting at King Cross. The deputation, with the Revs. J. Nicholas and T. G. Robey, were the speakers. The results of the effort at King Cross are about £1 less than last year; but, in proportion to number of members, King Cross raises for the missions an amount larger than any other country part of the circuit.

The meeting at Boulderclough was small, both in attendance and result. The Rev. T. G. Robey presided, and the meeting was addressed by the Revs. H. Bottomley (Independent) and J. Goodman (Baptist), and Messrs. Close and Whiting.

The total result of these services amounts to the sum of £57 15s. 9d.Yours affectionately, T. G. R.

November 6th, 1856.

LONGTON.-On Sabbath, October 12th, 1856, sermons were preached at Longton, Fenton, Stoke Lightwood, and Cheadle, by the Revs. B. Turnock (deputation), H. Watts, J. Addyman, J. Stokoe, and Mr. C. Blackhurst. During the ensuing week,

meetings were held in the following order:

Monday, at Zion Longton, G. L. Robinson, Esq., in the chair. The Rev. J. Stokoe read the report, which contained a lucid and comprehensive statement of our missionary fields and labours. The meeting was then very effectively addressed by the Revs. B. Turnock (deputation), T. Frickelton (Baptist), S. Jones, (Independent), S. Beavan (Reformer), S. Hulme, and J. Addyman. The speech of Mr. Hulme was rich, sublime, and produced a thrilling effect. Everything connected with this meeting was highly satisfactory.

Tuesday night, at Fenton, Mr. Thos. Cope in the chair. Wednesday, at Stoke, Mr. J. Allin presided. Thursday, at Lightwood, when Mr. E. Palmer took the chair. These meetings were addressed by the Revs. B. Turnock, Candelet, Cartwright, Addyman, and Stokoe. In consequence of the absence of Rev. P. J. Wright, who was detained by domestic affliction, we were favoured with the valuable assistance of the president of the Conference, and the ministers of the Hanley Circuit. The missionary spirit in the Potteries is far too low. Still, we are happy to say, our collections will be equal to last year.

LEEDS.-On Lord's day, Oct. 12, interesting and profitable discourses were delivered in Ebenezer, Zion, and Armley Chapels, by the Revs. Dr. Crofts, C. Hibbert, and C. Atkinson, in behalf of our missions. During the week, public meetings were held at the abovenamed places: Mr. H. Dixon presided at Ebenezer, on the Monday evening; Mr. Willan, at Zion, on Tuesday; and Mr. B. Wainman, at Armley, on Wednesday. In addition to the valuable services of the deputation, on the Monday evening, we were favoured with an excellent address from the Rev. H. Downes, of the Bradford Circuit. The attendance at all the meetings was considered very good, and the collections encouraging. C. J. D.

LEES, MOSSLEY CIRCUIT.-The annual tea and missionary meeting was held at Lees on Saturday, October 11th. After the friends had partaken of an excellent cup of tea, a most interesting meeting was held, presided over by our worthy friend, Mr. William Halliwell, with his wonted ability, and