was that within four years of its erection £1,350 was raised. Not only have we done this, but in 1872 another desirable object was realised, and which I think it my duty to refer to. An organ was offered us on very moderate terms. We were greatly in want of one, but a bazaar was to be held in a few months. Preparations were being made for the holding of the same. Nothing daun. ted, the friends entered into it heartily, and with our choir-master and organist at the head of the movement, success far surpassing our expectations crowned our efforts. The organ was purchased at a cost of £65, was improved, opened, and, better still, was paid for within a month, and a balance of £24 18s. 9d. handed over towards the coming bazaar, thus showing that where there is a will there is a way, and that success is dependent upon unity, energy, and perseverance. In 1874, two years later, our num bers had so far increased that we resolved to make another effort for the reduction of the debt. We were encouraged in this effort by a noble offer made us by our late townsman and philanthropist Mark Firth, Esq., whose name will long be remembered in connection with his munificent gifts to the town of Sheffield, and who promised to give us £100 on condition that we raised £400. We, like those of old, who cooperated with Nehemiah in his great work, had a mind to work. Subscription lists were opened, a bazaar was held, and the result of the effort was that £550 was paid off, thus reducing the debt to £1,400. Then came the period of depression. Trade was bad, removals were frequent; still, we kept our heads above the water, and succeeded in raising by annual sermons, seat rents, a few subscriptions, &c., the interest money, £66 10s. per year; but it was no easy thing to do and pay all incidental expenses too. We felt it was becom ing a burden, and was crippling our energies in other directions. The desirability of making another effort for a still further reduction of the debt was often discussed. At last, with an improvement in trade, and a promise of £150 from the Connexional Fund on condition that we raised £450, we commenced to work, and that right heartily, determined, if possible, to reduce the debt to one-half, £700. A subscription list was opened, extending over two years, so that the friends might pay their promises by instalments or otherwise. This appeal was responded to nobly. By this means we hope to realise £143 12s. Truly a noble sum to be given by the members of the church and congregation, for we decided to do what we could among ourselves first, believing that "selfhelp is the best of help," and afterwards to solicit subscriptions from others. The ladies, too, have kept plodding on, and in a quiet way have, by sewing meetings, teas, and the occasional sale of their work, realised the sum of £42, besides a large number of goods in hand for the bazaar. Also the majority of the friends connected with the place have been provided with collecting books, for the purpose of getting subscriptions in money or goods; and many have done well, having gone east, west, north, and south, thoroughly canvassing the district for some miles round. This plan I would recommend others to try. With us it has been a great success, for by it we have realised the sum of £86 2s. 6d. in cash, besides goods for the bazaar. One young lady especially (who will, I think, pardon me for mentioning her name ---Miss Bestill) has been very successful, she having obtained no less than £8 in cash. Deputations were also appointed to wait upon gentlemen in the town and district. Mr. Gledhill, of Sheffield, with his usual generosity, gave us £25 for a start, and many others seeing the sacrifices our own people had made, responded generously to our appeal for help. From this source we have almost realised the sum promised, viz., £113 6s. Then came the long-looked for bazaar, which was held on Monday and Tuesday, May 15 and 16, 1882. The schoolroom, which had been very tastefully decorated, presented a very pleasing appearance, with its stalls arranged to represent Swiss cottages of light and tender construction, which arrangement was designed and worked out by our own esteemed friend and minister, the Rev. William Shaw, and to whose energies may be traced much of the success of the movement. The opening ceremony took place at twelve o'clock. Our long and highly esteemed friend, George Cooper, Esq., performed the opening ceremony, together with the Revs. J. Calvert (Congregational Minister), R. Ensoll (Baptist), W. Colclough (Congregational), our own Circuit ministers, the Revs. W. H. Alcock and W. Shaw, and in the presence of many friends. The following is the result: No. 1 Stall of our Sunday-school. Presided over by Misses L. Elvidge, L. Ford, E. Ward. £8 13s. 3 d. No. 2 Stall of our Sewing Meeting. Presided over by Mrs. Dodsworth, and Mrs. T. Parker. £6 17s. 11 d. No. 3 Stall.-Presided over by Mrs. J. C. Seager, Mrs. Hening, Mrs. Honabin, Mrs. J. T. Wild; assisted by Mistresses Crofts, Ratledge, Merrills, Reaney, Hargreaves, Jackson, Acaster, Burgin, and Miss Bestill. £29 12s. 10d. No. 4 Stall.-Presided over by Mrs. R. Thompson, Mrs. J. Banner, Mrs. G. Stevenson, Mrs. Hull; assisted by Mistresses T. Willy, Coldwell, Field, L. Banner, Newman, Tate, Bell, and Elvidge. £16 13s. 10d. No. 5 Stall.-Presided over by Mrs. G. Cooper, Mrs. Chambers, Mrs. Webster, Mrs. Turner; assisted by Mistresses Watkinson, Stansfield, T. Merrilles, Smith, Howard, Taylor, and Denson. £15 9s. 2d. Refreshment Stall.-Mrs. G. Stevenson and Mrs. Skelton. £5 16s. 8d. Plants and Flower Stall.-Presided over by Mr. and Mrs. J. Cooper. £4 118. Museum and Art Gallery.--Under the management of Messrs. C. E. Cooper, A. Booth, J. C. Seager, jun., J. Bradbury, E. H. Banner. 16s. Other means, £2 2s. Miss Hening also rendered good service by playing selections of music at intervals. Printing press kindly lent by Mr. Hartley, for printing visiting cards. 19s. 7d. A weighing-machine, 8s. 2d. The totals may be briefly put thus:£ s. d. 143 12 0 Members of the Church and Congregation Ladies' Sewing Meeting From this it will be seen that we have great cause to be thankful for the measure of success that has attended our efforts, and for the generous help that has been afforded us, for which we tender to all our warmest gratitude. And we hope that if any, after reading this account, feel inclined to help us they will do so, and their gifts will be greatly appreciated. If we can yet realise the £700, then we hope that the ordinary income will be sufficient gradually to wipe off the remaining debt, and then we shall be free from its burdens and anxieties, and thus be in a better position to work for the Master. "God hasten the time," is our earnest prayer. WILLIAM RATLEDGE. SHEPLEY. GOOD DOINGS IN THE HUDDERSFIELD CIRCUIT. DEAR SIR,-I have just read your "Things that Concern us," and have been much gladdened to learn that in many circuits there is a good work going on, and that in many hearts there are longings for the day of great things to appear. I am happy to report that in our circuit also there are deep and intense feelings on the question of a Connexional revival. Many of our people are praying and hoping for this, and, what is better still, they are working and living for it. In this part of the circuit we have just commenced cottage services. Two or three are held every week. The attendance is good; the houses generally are filled. For carrying the meetings on we have adopted the following method: Our male members have been divided into seven bands; each band has a district given to it, and it is responsible for advertising and carrying on its own work. So far our system has worked well, and we hope to see further good results. One effect of these meetings has been to improve Sunday congregations, and another has been to " bring out many of our young men and new converts. our In other parts of the circuit special services have been arranged for. At Berry Brow we anticipate a glorious work, and also at Primrose Hill. At High-street a special society meeting has been called for the purpose of "stirring up" the people to work, and showing them where and how to do it. Oh, for a gracious outpouring of he Spirit! This, Sir, is the prayer of many hearts here, and of mine amongst the rest.—I remain, yours sincerely, D. BAILEY. On STOCKPORT CIRCUIT. THE work of the Lord is progressing in this circuit. The last few weeks have been seasons of revival. Sunday, Oct 22, the Rev. A. C. Bevington and wife conducted special services in Mount Tabor Chapel, when some seventy young persons found their way to the inquiry-room. The meetings were continued during the week, the congregations being good, and the Holy Spirit manifest. On the Sunday evening following, there was another ingathering. The Rev. T. J. Bass preached. Among the converts are people of almost every age. One case of conversion is remarkable. A betting man, who had experienced salvation elsewhere, came to these services, and brought his wife and companions, who were all converted. We believe the Rev. W. J. Townsend has accepted the invitation of the circuit to remain a fifth year. A Circuit Mutual Improvement Society has been formed. The winter session was opened on Oct. 27 by the last-named gentleman, who delivered an able lecture on "The Great Pyramid," illustrated by drawings, to a large and deeplyinterested audience. On the 8th inst., at the home of her brother-in-law, M. E. Johnson, Russell Cottage, Upper Tulse Hill, Elizabeth, eldest surviving daughter of the late W. Robey, of Longton, and sister of the late Rev. T. G. Robey. Her end was peace. UNWIN BROTHERS, PRINTERS, LONDON AND CHILWORTH. Heath, Eliza 754 INCIDENTS IN MY LIFE. 381 Robinson, Geo. Lockett, Longton.. 625 Bevington, Charles' 317 Robinson, Mrs., Huddersfield.. 569 Blake, Mrs. Chester 187 Roylance, Isaac, Handforth 313 Booth, Joseph, Stapleford Hemingway, Richard, Dewsbury 122 379 Kershaw, Elias Lowe, Mrs. Mary, Chester 755 441 113 |