first Tuesday in every month, except when such Tuesday shall fall upon a holyday of the Church, for which an Epistle and Gospel are appointed in the Book of Common Prayer: and then upon the first Tuesday not a holyday, and except the months of August and September at one o'clock." The next meeting of the Society will be holden on Tuesday, the 8th of January; the Festival of the Circumcision falling on Tuesday the 1st. The Secretary stated, that the Lord Bishop of Barbados, who is now in England, had made a communication to the standing committee respecting the state of religion and the interests of the Church in the islands under his Lordship's spiritual jurisdiction, which had induced them to recommend to the board to make a grant towards promoting the Society's designs in his diocese. It appeared from this communication, that the sum of 500l. placed at his Lordship's disposal by the board in July 1834, was exhausted, and that peculiar grounds now existed for a renewal of the Society's aid in the same good work. It was immediately agreed to make a further grant of 500l. to be placed in the hands of the Bishop for this object. His Lordship also recommended to the favourable consideration of the board the subject of lending libraries for the use of school teachers in the West India Islands. Most of these teachers are natives, or persons of colour; and in order to enable them to convey scriptural instruction more accurately to the children in their respective classes, they require to be regularly trained and exercised for the purpose. It is hoped that the plan of preparing native teachers will be attended with good results, and in a great degree supersede the necessity of sending out European teachers—a measure attended with much uncertainty and considerable expense. The system of supplying instruction to native teachers, to which the Bishop has from time to time called the attention of his clergy, has already been adopted by the Rev. R. Holberton, Rector of St. John's, Antigua, a member of the Society, who is in the habit of assembling the teachers in his parish at the Rectory School, every Saturday morning, and giving them a plain and particular account of the contents of the chapter which is to form the subject of the Bible lessons through the week. Each teacher is provided with a blank copy-book and pencil, and puts down the heads of instruction, to convey to the children in the school. The board agreed to grant books for the School Teacher's Library in Antigua, to an amount not exceeding 201 The following memorial of the Episcopalians in Inverness was read to the meeting: "That your memorialists, in the year 1836, finding that the chapel in which they assembled for the public worship of Almighty God had fallen into decay, and their increasing numbers also requiring an increase of church accommodation, did, with the full sanction and approbation of the Bishop of the diocese, commence a subscription for the purpose of erecting a chapel in the town of Inverness, of structure and dimensions suitable to the congregation, and with 100 free sittings for the poor. For this purpose a sum was raised, during that and the following year, of such amount as to encourage your memorialists to proceed with the building, in the hope that, as it advanced, a good Providence would incline the hearts of piously disposed persons to contribute still further towards its completion. In that expectation your memorialists were not altogether disappointed; for since the foundation of the chapel was laid, in August 1837, several additional subscriptions have been obtained both at home, and from christian friends at a distance. Still, the sum necessary to complete the building is greater than there is any reasonable prospect of obtaining among Episcopalians in this neighbourhood, however zealous to promote the undertaking. The subscriptions, obtained by great exertions on the part of the Building Committee, are still nearly 400l. short of the estimated expense, including the price of the site; but it is confidently expected, that were the venerable Society for promoting Christian Knowledge to extend its well known bounty, by a grant of 1004, towards this most important object, means might be adopted (grounded upon this benefaction) for, raising the remainder of the sum required. "The Episcopalians in Inverness would be thus relieved from the painful prospect of being left for an indefinite time without a place of worship; and thus also an interesting and flourishing branch of the Episcopal Church would be materially aided, at a very critical and important crisis, in promoting the spiritual welfare of her members, and in a degree, the general interest of the Catholic Church of Christ. "CHARLES FYVE, "Episcopal Clergyman in Inverness.” A letter was received from the Right Rev. Bishop Low, approving of this application, and recommending it to the meeting. The board agreed to grant 100%. A similar memorial of the Scottish Episcopal congregation at Alloa, of which the Rev. John Hunter is the minister, was then read. The following letter, upon the same subject, from the Right Rev. Bishop Walker to the Secretary, was read to the meeting: "Rev. and Dear Sir, "A general meeting of the Clergy of this diocese was held here yesterday; after which the Rev. John Hunter from Alloa laid before me a copy of the memorial addressed to the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, from the Episcopal congregation of that town, together with your letter of the 12th current addressed to him. "Your venerable Society has so frequently and so liberally granted aid to our poor Church, that I feel peculiar reluctance in troubling you; and I had some hope that we might be able to manage in Alloa to raise a sum sufficient for the purpose of building a new chapel there without applying to you, to whom we have never on any occasion applied in vain. Great exertions have been made,and are making, but by these we cannot hope to raise an adequate supply. I can most sincerely say, that no congregation for which I have ever applied, or in whose application I have concurred, has stronger claims than that of Alloa. It was the congregation of the very excellent Bishop Alexander; and when the last resident minister died in 1808, Dr. Russell was ordained, and did the duty there regularly, till he was removed to Leith. After this we were able only to provide occasional service once a month, and when Dr. Bain, who thus officiated, died, we were obliged most reluctantly to give it up altogether; such members as were able, going to Stirling as often as they could. "I have had the greatest satisfaction in being able, after a long and painful interval, to place among the good people of Alloa a resident pastor of great worth, and who happily gives entire satisfaction to his flock. He has been known for many years to Bishop Russell and myself. He is satisfied with his situation, and with the provision which his flock makes for him, which he is enabled to increase by teaching, without interfering with the duties of his sacred office. I have every reason to believe, that with such a modest structure as is contemplated, their numbers will greatly increase; and I know no country congregation with a better prospect of permanence. The members of it are Episcopalians, not in name but on principle, knowing well the peculiarities of our system, and attached to them because they. believe them to be of apostolic, and, therefore, of divine origin. If your venerable Society can extend your aid to this congregation, I am sure that your bounty will be duly appreciated and most usefully applied." "22, Stafford Street, Edinburgh, Nov. 21, 1838." The memorial and letter having been read, the board agreed to grant the sum of 1007. towards building a new chapel at Alloa. An application was read in behalf of the fishermen at Brixham, Devon, under the following circumstances :— "They form a large and very interesting class of the parishioners in Lower Brixham. They are as a body very well affected towards the Church, but from their occupations and habits require peculiar attention and instruction. To meet their wants a Sunday school has been established for them, which contains adults as well as boys. Attached to this school is a lending library, which has created and cherished a desire for reading among the fishermen and their families. It is wished to turn the influence and instruction of the school to their further good, during the absence of very many of them at Ramsgate, whither they go for six or eight months every year to fish. With this view, a plan has this season been proposed, (and already partly acted upon,) for furnishing every vessel with a few suitable books and tracts to take with them. To insure attention to these books, the Clergyman makes a point of seeing the crew of every vessel before they leave, and improving as far as possible, with each individual, this opportunity of personal intercourse. As far as the plan has been acted upon, the men have expressed themselves very thankful for the interest thus taken in their welfare, and the books furnished for their use. These vessels will return from Ramsgate in the summer, and again come under the ministrations of their Clergyman, whose work among them will be materially assisted if help can be obtained from the Society. "It is desirable of course to obtain such books as will interest the minds of the men, while, under God's blessing, it is hoped they may reach their hearts." The Lord Bishop of Exeter strongly recommended this application to the favourable consideration of the board. It was agreed to grant books to the amount of 101. At this meeting it was agreed to present a large Bible and Common Prayer Books for the desks; and books for the communion table, for the use of a new church at Casterton, Kirby Lonsdale. Bibles and Common Prayer Books for the reading desk were granted for new churches at Bartley Green, near Birmingham, and at Newton Abbot, Devon. A Quarto Bible and Common Prayer Books were also granted for the use of a school-room about to be licensed by the Lord Bishop of the diocese, for the purpose of Divine Service, at Great Baddow, Essex; and for each of three school-rooms licensed for the same purpose in the parish of Deane, Boltonle-Moor. Several gratuitous grants of books for schools, lending libraries, &c. were made. A letter was read from the Right Rev. Bishop Russell, thanking the Society for the grant of one hundred pounds towards the new Episcopal Chapel at Glasgow. He says the structure will cost 4000.; that it will hold 1500 persons; and that there is the best prospect of its being fully occupied. Two legacies of 50l. and 19l. respectively, and sundry donations to the Society's several designs, were announced at this meeting. Forty new members were admitted. THAME. At the late meeting held in the National School room, in aid of the funds of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, upwards of 531. was collected in donations and annual subscriptions; we wish it may be increased three-fold, for to every christian mind the spread of the gospel in foreign parts must be a subject of serious consideration. Let all who really take an interest in this important affair come forward and subscribe charge their christian duty, and heretheir mite; in so doing they only disafter they will reap their reward. At a meeting lately held at Liverpool, the Bishop of Chester in the chair, it was resolved to establish a Church Building Society for that town. His Lordship was surrounded by nearly every resident Clergyman, together with many of the most wealthy merchants, and other friends of the Church. Subscribers to the amount of 251. and upwards, it was determined, should have one vote towards appointing trustees, who shall have the nomination of ministers. Towards the conclusion of the meeting, numbers of gentlemen enrolled themselves as subscribers, many of 50%. and others of 257. Several donations of 100%. each, and one (Mr. Charles Grove) of 500l., were also announced before the close of the proceedings. Bath and Wells Diocesan Meeting on National Education. At a general meeting of the Clergy and Laity of the diocese of Bath and Wells, convened by the Lord Bishop, and held in the Town-hall, Wells, on Friday, Dec. 14, 1838; the Lord Bishop of the Diocese in the chair; the following resolutions were unanimously agreed to: 1. That in the opinion of this meeting it is most important and desirable to extend and improve education in this diocese on sound religious principles, in accordance and connexion with the Church of England. 2. That in order to take advantage of the present desire for instruction, and of the plans suggested for its extension by "The Committee of Inquiry and Correspondence especially appointed by the National Society," a diocesan board, to be called "the Bath and Wells Diocesan Board for promoting the Education of the People in the Principles of the Established Church," be now formed under the sanction of the Lord Bishop, and in connexion with the National Society: and that such board and its officers consist of the noblemen, gentry, and Clergy, nominated at the meetings held at the palace, Wells, Oct. 26, and Nov. 13 last, and approved by the Lord Bishop; as well as of the members of the committee of "the Bath and Wells diocesan Society for the Education of Poor Children in the Principles of the Established Church," formed Aug. 6th A. D. 1812. We regret that want of space will not permit us to insert the other six resolutions, or make even an abstract of the admirable speeches delivered by Sir T. Lethbridge, Bart., the Hon and Rev. Lord J. Thynne, Sir A. Hood, the Rev. H. Marriott, H. Thompson, J. Algar, W. D. Willis, the Hon. and Rev. G. Neville Grenville. &c. &c. Donations to the amount of 6191. and annual subscriptions to the amount of 67. 188. were announced amid great applause. CONSECRATION OF NEW CHURCHES. BY THE BISHOP OF LONDON.Trinity Church, Gray's Inn Road. This edifice, which has been erected as a Chapel of Ease to the extensive and populous parish of St. Andrew, Holborn, has been consecrated with the usual ceremonies. The building was crowded in every part; about thirty of the Clergy were present. The Bishop of London preached a sermon, taking for his text Ps. cxxii.1:— "I rejoiced when they said, We will go up into the house of the Lord." This discourse was delivered with all that earnest and placid eloquence for which the Right Rev. Prelate is so tendance of the Clergy, gentry, and residents of the neighbourhood. remarkable. BY THE BISHOP OF WORCESTER.St. George's Church, Edgbaston. The elegant new Church, recently erected (with the exception of a bequest of 500%. from the late Mr. Wheeley) at the expense of Lord Calthorpe, in the parish of Edgbaston, has been consecrated in the presence of Lord Calthorpe, and of a considerable at NEW CHURCH OF MELTHAM MILLS. -It is gratifying to the friends of the Establishment to observe that churches, erected both by public charities and private munificence, are multiplying throughout the land, to answer the wants of the growing population. A new church, erected by Mr. James Brook, of Thornton Lodge, near Huddersfield, for the accommodation of the inhabitants of Meltham Mills, in the employ of Messrs. Jonas Brook and Brothers, was lately opened, by license from the bishop of the diocese, by the Rev. Lewis Jones, vicar of the parish. It is dedicated to St. James, and is built after a plan recommended by the Bishop of Sodor and Man. It will seat about 250 persons; and adjoining it is a school, which by means of sliding shutters may be thrown open and form part of the church. The schoolroom is calculated to hold about 600 children. At the other end of the school there are two alling-houses erected to correspond xternally with factory, and furnished also with an excellent organ, built by Ward of York. The whole of the edifice, we are told, is erected at an expense of no less than 4000. A truly christian example is here set for the opulent manufacturers in the country to provide for the scriptural wants of those who are in their daily employ. PROGRESS AND PROSPECTS OF THE CHURCH. MR. GLADSTONE, a Liverpool merchant, has contributed the munificent sum of 40000. towards the erection of a church, besides endowing it with a perpetual annuity of fifty pounds towards the maintenance of a minister. NEW CHURCH AT CARDIFF.-A numerous and highly respectable meeting was held on Wednesday last, at the Town-hall, Cardiff, for the purpose of raising funds, to erect a church in that town, capable of accommodating 2000 persons. The chair was taken by Dr. Nichol, the member for the borough, and the sum of 18007. was subscribed at the meeting. The Marquis of Bute contributed the princely donation of 1000l., the chairman 200l., and the remainder was subscribed in sums of from 50l. to 207. by gentlemen in the neighbourhood. We understand that the site of the church will be in that part of the town where the spiritual wants of the poorer classes are most urgent. The late Earl of Cardigan, during the five or six years preceding his death, gave towards the building and endowment of churches, and the institutions connected with the Establishment, nearly 2000l. The present Earl of Cardigan last week gave one acre and a half of land for the site of a parsonage house, at Farnley; 501. towards the improvements of the parsonage house at Gildersome; and 100l. towards the new church to be built at Stanningley. The church which the Duke of Buccleuch is about to build in Hawick, is intended to contain from 1000 to 1200 sittings. The generous intention has been publicly notified to the inhabitants by his Grace's chamberlain, W. Ogilvie, Esq., of Chester.. a We learn that the Rev. J. H. Hornby, Rector of Winwick, is about to erect new church, at Newton, near the foundries. The land has been presented by Thomas Legh, Esq., who also furnishes stone required for the building. Lord Duncannon, as Chief Commissioner of Woods and Forests, has subscribed 300l. in her Majesty's name, towards the erection of a new church in the Isle of Portland. The new church of St. John the Evangelist, Brighton, which through the praiseworthy exertions and liberality of the Rev. Vicar, is now in course of erection on Carlton-hill, is already nearly roofed in, and, as the works proceed very rapidly, it is expected to be completed for divine worship in six months from the present time. We have great pleasure in stating that a liberal donation of 2007. has been made by Mr. Joshua Watson towards the endowment, and that 1002. has also been given by the Rev. Dr. Warneford. We rejoice to record, as an instance of piety and liberality, that Dr. Warneford, of Bourton-on-the-Hill, whose munificent donations towards five churches have recently been announced, has contributed fifty pounds towards the endowment of the proposed district church of Sibford. At a meeting held at Chichester, for the purpose of concerting means for raising the sum of 1807. still required for the completion of the new church of St. Paul in that city, the matter was set at rest by the Rev. Dr. Chandler, the Dean, generously taking the whole burden upon himself. The Earl of Cardigan has given the liberal sum of 100l. in aid of the funds of the Peterborough Diocesan Church Building Association. |