In select classes Infant classes General school, total Average attendance Become teachers LIBRARY WILLIAM ALLISON. JAMES LINFOot. 1354 ...(vols.) 25250 DEVONPORT. -Secs. The Band of Hope continues to progress, and now numbers 197 children. The Library which was added to the school last year contains 178 volumes; the books are eagerly sought after by the scholars, and the committee trust under God's blessing they will prove useful to them. More library books, bibles, and forms, are likely to be required during the present year, and these the committee trust they will be enabled to provide. JOHN PYER, President, SOUTHWARK. CHURCH STREET SUNDAY SCHOOL, 1749 BLACKFRIARS.-The annual social tea 12457 and public meeting, was held on Tues10453 day, March 1st, in the chapel, W. H. 320 Watson, Esq., presided. The Revs. W. Barker, President of the school, T. J. Cole, of Beckenham, R. Robinson, of York-road, J. H. Wilson, of Aberdeen; Messrs. W. West, and W. M. Murphy of Surrey Chapel, also addressed the meeting. The teachers and friends in connection with this school are endeavoring to awaken Christian sympathy, and obtain funds for the erection of a new school-the present building being too small for so populated a neighborhood. This was urged upon the meeting by two or three speakers, who had experienced the inconvenience after paying a visit to the school. There was a good attendance on the occasion. WYCLIFFE CHAPEL SUNDAY SCHOOL, MORICE TOWN.-DURING the past year many children have removed from the neighbourhood, but their places in the school have been more than filled up by new scholars, so that there are on the books about 250; under the care of 7 male and 12 female teachers. The Infant class is taught in a separate room, and contains 40 of the above number. The committee whilst occupied last year in revising the classes, in order to fill up vacancies, were gratified and encouraged by observing the amount of scriptural knowledge possessed by many of the junior scholars. A Bible class of boys and another of girls are regularly taught in rooms separate from the general school. Arrangements are also being made for the formation of a class of young men and another of young women, to be conducted by our respected President. WALWORTH. EAST-STREET SUNDAY SCHOOL.-The spacious new room adjoining the chapel was lately filled by a numerous company of teachers and friends, who met to celebrate the sixty-sixth anniversary of the Sunday school, which was the first that was originated in the parish of St. Mary, Newington, and in which the honored and beloved Mr. William Brodie Gurney taught for many years. The The chair was occupied by Mr. Foreman. of Western College, Plymouth. An interesting report was presented by congregations were large, in the evening Mr. Worley, the Secretary, and animated addresses were delivered by the Chairman and Messrs. Wyard, Milner, Meeres, Caunt, Bland, and Jos. Maitland, who became a teacher fifty-seven years ago, when the school was under the superintendence of the late William Brodie Gurney, Esq., Treasurer of the Sunday School Union. tea. CLECKHEATON. especially. The collections were liberal amounting to upwards of £23. The choir and children sung pieces suitable to the occasion. Professor Charlton delivered two masterly discourses. The text in the morning was from Jeremiah ix. 23, 24; and in the evening, Romans i. 16. Professor Charlton is regarded as one of the first men in the Independent denomination, both as to ability and learning, and at the same time one of the clearest and most richly evanOn March 8th, the large and com- gelical preachers we have ever heard. modious schools and class-rooms con- On Monday evening the annual teanected with the new Congregational meeting was held in the school-room chapel, Providence-place, were opened and adjoining vestry. Both rooms were by a tea party and public meeting, filled-nearly 400 persons sat down to when upwards of 800 persons partook of tea. After tea the chapel was opened The meeting was subsequently for a public meeting, the Rev. James held in the Old Chapel, when George Kernaham, the Minister, occupied the Anderton, Esq., J.P., was called to the chair. Interesting addresses were dechair. On the platform were the Rev. livered by the Rev. T. Roberts, ProT. Scales, Gomersal; Rev. J. Bewglass, fessor Charlton, Dr. Brown (CheltenLL.D., Silcoates; Rev. J. S. Eastmead, ham), J. Nicholas (Methodist New Wakefield; Rev. J. J. Waite, Hereford; Connection), W. Collings (Baptist), and Rev. R. Cuthbertson; Thomas Burnley, Esq., Gomersal; C. Goldthorp, Esq., W. Anderton, Esq., Mr. E. Mitchell, Mr. Thomas Hirst, Mr. S. Bedford, &c. opening the proceedings, the Chairman read a very interesting account of the origin and establishment of the Independent Sunday Schools at Cleckheaton, in 1805, written by the late Mrs. Dearnaly, one of the founders, who took a deep interest in its welfare and prosperity up to the time of her death in 1855.-The Rev. T. Scales, Mr. Thomas Hirst, Thomas Burnley, Esq., the Rev. Dr. Bewglass, and other friends, addressed the meeting. In J. Williams (Independent), Rodborough. We are gratified to hear that the Sunday schools and various institutions connected with the chapel are in a most flourishing condition.-Gloucester Journal. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. WORTHY OF IMITATION.-An interesting meeting was held on the 3rd March, in connexion with the Baptist Sunday School, in the village of Ringstead, near Higham Ferrers. The mothers of the scholars assembled by invitation to take tea and spend the evening with the teachers. Nearly ninety of both classes sat down to tea; afterwards, in addition to devotional exercises, earnest and SOUTHGATE-STREET.-ON Sunday last affectionate addresses were given by the annual sermons on behalf of the several of the teachers, and at the usual Independent Sunday schools connected hour of the week-night service the paswith this chapel were preached by the tor preached from the words of Jesus Rey. J. M. Charlton, M. A., President recorded in Mark xiv. 8-" She hath GLOUCESTER. done what she could." A similar gathering has been held annually for several years past, and it has increased in numbers and interest every year. The entire cost of the meetings is borne by the senior superintendent, Mr. Williamson, who, in the eighty-second year of his age, is as regular and earnest in his attendance, and as liberal in his support of the school, as when he took the superintendence of it, at its commencement, thirty-four years ago. SOMERSETSHIRE. TAUNTON. About 14 years ago, soon after the erection of the Independent Chapel in North-street, Taunton, a considerable amount of accommodation was provided for the Sunday school, including a lecture and assembly room for the boys' school, 51 feet by 25 feet, spacious girls' and infant school-rooms were built, together with eight separate Bible class-rooms, large enough to accommodate from 12 to 25 persons each. Yet even these have now been found too strait for the multitude of young people and children who congregate together on the Sabbath for instruction, and it was recently resolved to build two more large school-rooms, and to provide eight additional class-rooms. A tea meeting was held on the 7th March, and nearly all the money (about £600.) provided to carry out the work. This zealous act of a united people took place just at the period when their beloved pastor, the Rev. Archibald McMillan, entered on the fourth year of his pastorate. GRAVESEND. PERRY-STREET.-The friends of the Sunday school held their annual tea meeting in the school-room at the above place on Tuesday, March 8. John Cooper, Esq,, presided. Prayers were offered by Messrs. Pink, Munns, Elkin, and by the chairman. The report, which was very satisfactory, was read by the secretary and present superin tendent, Mr. Crook. Addresses were delivered by Mr. Hitchin, on The Influence of Sunday schools upon the World ;" Mr. Dean, " Influence of Sunday schools upon the Church;" Mr. Waters, "Duty and Responsibility of Parents;" Mr. J. Cooper, "Duty and Responsibility of Teachers;" Mr. Carpenter, "Prayer;" the Rev. B. H. Kluht, "The Work of the Holy Spirit ;" and Mr. Smith, "Success of Sunday school Instruction." The meeting was rendered additionally interesting through the presentation of " Bagster's Commentary, wholly Biblical," to Mr. Willoughby, the late superintendent. UXBRIDGE. The second anniversary of the Sunday and day schools in connection with the Baptist Church, was held on Monday, March 14, J. D. Lowden, Esq., in the chair. The report, which was read by the Rev. G. Rouse Lowden, F.R.G.S., was highly encouraging. The Rev. R. W. Guinness delivered a touching and affecting address to parents; the Rev. Mr. Griffith, of Hayes, confined his remarks to that well-known passage. in Scripture: "Let us not be weary in well-doing;" the Rev. J. Gibson addressed the teachers earnestly and affectionately. Addresses were also delivered by the pastor, and Messrs. Stransome, Bettridge, and George. SOUTHAMPTON. SUNDAY-SCHOOL TEACHERS' UNIONA very interesting social meeting in connection with this union was held at the Above Bar chapel school-rooms on Tuesday evening, March 1st. It may be necessary to premise, for the information of any of our readers who may not be acquainted with the details of this movement, that the union was originated last autumn, through a suggestion emanating, we believe, from the respected incumbent of Trinity church, and that by degrees it has widened its boundaries, until it now includes among its adherents and referred in impressive terms to the the teachers and officers of the following time when all party differences will be Sunday-schools:-Church of England: buried in the grave, and when, at the Trinity and Christchurch, Northam; sound of the trump, the dust of the dead Congregational: Above Bar, Victoria in Christ will be raised first, without Rooms, Broad-street, Kingsland, Belvi- distinction of sect or respect of persons. dere chapel, Northam, and Portswood; The president then called upon Mr. A. Wesleyan: East-street and Bevois valley; Hillier, of the Victoria Rooms CongreBaptist: Portland and East-street; Pri- gational school, to open a discussion on mitive Methodist: St. Mary-street; Bi- the best means of retaining the elder ble Christian, Canal-walk; and the scholars in the Sunday-schools, which he school conducted in the Ragged School did in a brief but able manner, advocatbuildings. The purpose of the associa-ing the establishment of senior classes, tion is to afford to Sunday-school teachers to be presided over by intelligent and of all denominations the opportunity of well-qualified teachers. Mr. Coleman, frequent intercourse for mutual edifica- of the Ragged Sunday-school, followed tion, social prayer, and the discussion of with some remarks, insisting strongly topics relating to the work in which they on the importance of a personal acquaintare engaged. The meeting on Tuesday ance on the part of the teachers with was an aggregate gathering of the that religion which it is their mission to entire union, and at half-past 7 o'clock explain to their youthful charge. Mr. a large body of teachers of both sexes, Gamblen, of the East-street Baptist numbering upwards of two hundred, and school, also joined in the discussion, comprising representatives from all the making some valuable suggestions gathvarious schools above enumerated, sat ered from his own experience, as to the down to an excellent tea, provided for most efficient methods of imparting them in the spacious school-rooms con- Sabbath-school instruction; after which, nected with the Above Bar chapel. at the solicitation of the meeting, The Revs. Messrs. A. B. Burton and Mr. Thomas Marshall entered at some Goodee, the incumbent and curate of length into details connected with the Trinity church, and the Rev. G. Gregg, management of the senior classes, urgminister of Belvidere chapel, Northam, ing it as indispensable to their efficiency were present, and took a lively interest that there should be, on the part of the in the proceedings. After an hour spent superintendents, a careful avoidance of in social converse, and in disposing of the good things provided, the tables were removed, and a meeting for discussion was held. Mr. Morris, the master of the Ragged Schools, and president of the union, commenced the proceedings with an excellent and impressive address, in which he described the principle on which the association was formed as an attempt at a spiritual union between teachers of all denominations, without any design to interfere in the internal management of the respective schools. He insisted very forcibly on the duty of all laborers in Christ's vineyard to seek by mutual encouragement and co-operation to strengthen each other's efforts, an undue spirit of routine in the administration of school discipline, so far as these classes are concerned; and on the part of teachers having charge of such classes, a method of instruction divested of everything unreal and conventional. Mr. Tiller, of Portland Baptist school, and Mr. Saunders, the superintendent of Itchen congregational school, having added a few remarks, the proceedings were brought to a close by singing the doxology, and the benediction pronounced by the Rev. Mr. Burton; after which the meeting separated, with the evident impression on all present, that a more delightful and profitable evening has rarely been enjoyed. FLOURISHING BIBLE CLASSES. singing the following hymn, and prayer: THE CHRISTIANS' FAREWELL. Adieu, adieu, dear friends, adieu, Still in God's ways delight; And when Christ's banners are unfurled, We each will say to this vain world, Good night, good night, good night. WOODBRIDGE-SUFFOLK. For some time past, the Wesleyan, Beaumont Independent, and Quay Independent teachers, have had a monthly meeting for united prayer, held in rotation at the three chapels. They have also had an annual united teachers' tea meeting for several years. This year the Union added a new feature to its doings. On Wednesday, March 17th, JOHN-STREET CHAPEL (HON. AND Rev. B. W. NOEL'S) YOUNG MEN'S BIBLE CLASS SOCIAL MEETING.-ON Monday evening, 7th March, about sixty of the members of the above class (which mainly consists of those who had joined it after having been in the boys' school) met their indefatigable teacher (Mr. Roberts) and other friends interested in the welfare of the class, at the classroom of the schools at Calthorpe-street, Gray's-inn-road, known as the North London British and Sunday schools, and which are conducted by members of Mr. Noel's Church. After tea, thanks having been sung, Mr. Roberts rose, and related briefly the history of the class. He said it was gratifying and encouraging to him to find, in glancing at his class, that, during the twenty-one years of his connection with it, 150 had evidenced decision of character, out of which number 121 had professed faith n Christ, in his own appointed way, by openly joining his people. There had sprung up, from among the members, a tea was provided for the parents of various institutions as-The Sunday the scholars of the three schools, in the and Ragged School Benevolent Society," lecture hall. The number present, instarted by a youth sixteen years of age; cluding the teachers exceeded three an "Association for the Diffusion of hundred. After tea, the chair was Total Abstinence Information," and, taken by F. ALEXANDER, Esq., a mem"The Calthorpe Institute," numbering ber of the Society of Friends, and treaabout 200 members, providing lectures surer of the British schools. The chairand classes, which has proved a valuable man delivered an address in verse, which source of recreative improvement. The made one think that Bernard Barton attendance at the Bible class varied, but the poet, who resided on the premises through many providential removals, the occupied by the chairman, had not yet numbers now average 74. Mr. Waldrack, quite forsaken them. Prayer having the Secretary, said 18 had joined Chris- been offered by the Rev. J. Calvert, tian churches during 1858, and were en- missionary from Fiji, the chairman gaged in various ways in promoting the called upon the Rev. J. Rhodes and cause of Christ. A committee had been others to address the meeting. formed to watch over the best interests The Rev. J. RHODES spoke very ear of the members. They were about to nestly and convincingly, respecting the establish a monthly magazine distribu- supreme importance of parental inflution for the best Christian magazines to ence being employed to secure the be circulated. Mr. Wallis, Mr. Sands, moral rectitude and eternal welfare of and Mr. Terry, spoke on various impor-children. tant topics. The meeting closed by Mr. BANNISTER pointed out various |