readers to his letter.

We refer our

BETHESDA CHURCH, ELLAND.

MEETING OF OLD SCHOLARS.

Ax interesting gathering of old scholars, teachers, and friends was held in Bethesda Church, Elland, on New Year's Day. Over 500 people, some of whom had come from a great distance, assembled in the school and had tea. The beautiful school was decorated. Many and cordial were the greetings of old friends, some of whom met for the first time for years, and much interest was taken in the handsome new church and the commodious and well-arranged school. A most interesting feature of the evening was the presentation to Mr. John Farrar, who has been connected with Bethesda for some forty-six years, of a portrait of himself, and a timepiece with side ornaments.

The history of Bethesda Church is comprised within the memory of per. sons still living. It began early in the century, the first place of meeting being the upper room of a cottage in New-street. With the help of friends in Halifax, the old Bethesda Chapel was built in 1824. In late years the progress has been rapid, the new schools and church attesting the energy which has been put into the work. There are now seven society classes, two of them being for boys and girls. The adult classes have 165 members, including those on trial; the junior classes have been recently formed, and the number of their members is not included. A mission band has been established this year, composed of ninety-five persons, the object being to stimulate religious activity by the employment of both sexes in active home mission work. The Sunday school numbers 15 officers, 41 teachers, and 484 scholars; a library with 356 volumes, a mutual improvement society, a band of hope, ladies' sewing meeting, and a young ladies' sewing meeting.

After tea, which was well served by the ladies, the meeting was held in the church, and was very well attended. The portrait of Mr. Farrar is a remarkably faithful likeness, in gilt frame, and

on a plate is the inscription:-" Presented to Mr. John Farrar, together with timepiece and side ornaments, by the teachers, scholars, and friends of Bethesda Sunday-school, Elland, as a small token of esteem and love, and as an expression of their appreciation of his devoted and self-sacrificing labours in connection with the above school and church for upwards of forty years. January 1st, 1883." The timepiece and side ornaments have beautiful hand paintings.

The meeting began with the anthem, "And the Glory of the Lord." Prayer having been offered by the Rev. J. Young, who was chairman, the hymn, Home, sweet home,"

was sung.

The chairman then gave all the old scholars, teachers, and friends, past and present, a very cordial welcome, and alluded to the many memories clustering round the old spot, and cordially invited those old scholars who, though living near, seldom came to the church now, to let this be the starting-point for higher and better things. There were those connected with them who were brought up in the Sunday-school, and were now working honourably in the Church side by side with those who trained them. The chairman added that they were also met to recognise more than forty years' earnest, faithful, devoted labours on the part of Mr. John Farrar in connection with the church and Sunday-school. He wished to say how thankful they were to the great Head of the Church that Mr. Farrar's life had been so long spared to labour in His cause, and that he appeared among them looking happy, well, and so full of life and vigour, and retaining all his love and interest in the Church and Sundayschool, and indeed for the cause of God generally.

Mr. James Pilling, Bradford; Mr. J. F. Farrar, one of the present Superintendents of the school; Mr. A. Crowther, and Mr. Eli Furness, Dewsbury, having given short and earnest addresses, in which loving testimony was borne to the devoted and faithful

labours of him whom they delighted to honour,

Mr. Joseph Littlewood rose to present the portrait to Mr. Farrar, and said it was some twenty-six years since he was brought, in the providence of God, to reside in this neighbourhood. He was invited, soon after he came, to connect himself with the Church. He attended for some time a class meeting on the kind invitation of the friend whom they were now honouring, and for a considerable time he sat under his guidance and instruction. During those years the church had undergone varied changes, but now they had this beautiful sanctuary, for which, as one of the trustees, he was very thankful to God. For more than forty years Mr. Farrar had prayed and laboured for the welfare of that Church, and thank God those labours had not been lost. The influence had gone far and wide. His desire was that God's blessing might rest upon Mr. Farrar, and that good might be the result of this gathering. prayer was that God would preserve the life of their brother, and that his experience and instruction would yet be of great service to this Church. He had great pleasure in presenting the portrait to Mr. Farrar, and he hoped it would prove interesting to his family, and to his friends in after years.

His

Mr. Eli Crossland presented the timepiece and side ornaments, and said it was now more than thirtyfive years since he first began to associate with Mr. Farrar as a member at Bethesda, and during all that long time he had witnessed his unwearied efforts to promote the welfare of all connected with the place. But while anxious to benefit all connected with it, he had been specially interested in the young. As a teacher in the school, and as superintendent for a long time, he had been labouring constantly to train the young people in the knowledge of the Scriptures and in the fear of God, and he was thankful to say that these labours had not been in vain, for he knew of ministers and others who owed their present position to the instructions received under his care. More than one generation of children had passed through the school while he had had charge of it. The fathers and mothers and even grandfathers and grandmothers of the present scholars,

could testify to the good advice received in their young days, while under him. He remembered that Mr. Farrar established classes for the study of religious subjects, and also for geography, grammar, and writing. But while his greatest interest had been in the prosperity and usefulness of Bethesda, he had not confined his labours to it alone, for many years ago he was one with others good and true in establishing a Mechanics' institution, which was a great help to many. And he had for many years been devoted to public affairs in connection with the Local Board and School Board. He had great pleasure in presenting Mr. Farrar with that timepiece and side ornaments, as a small testimonial of the love and esteem in which he was held by his many friends. He could not wish anything better for the school than that Mr. Farrar's successors might possess his patience and tact in the management of the children, and the same earnest desire to labour for their benefit.

Mr. John Farrar, who was received with grateful pleasure, the audience rising, said it did not need such a manifestation to assure him of the interest he had in their affections and love. He valued very highly these tokens of their kindness and affection towards himself. He had had to sit and listen to kind expressions of affectionate regard which, while they found their way to his heart, also covered him with confusion. He did not deserve the things that had been said of him. But he felt deeply grateful to them all the same for their kindness and love, and he was very glad to have the opportunity of seeing the faces of many of his old friends, who years and years ago were scholars in the Sunday-school, and who were now trying to influence the rising generation in the same way they were influenced when brought to this Sunday-school. Mr. Farrar said the old chapel to which they were so much attached was built in 1824. It was nearly sixty years since, still, he could remember it being built. On the 2nd of last December he reached the patriarchal age of sixty-three years. When he was a very little boy indeed he was taken by his father, who was a member of the Church at that time, and by his dear and honoured mother, to the preaching place in New-street. He remembered many things that

occurred in connection with that place of worship the upper room in Newstreet, to which they were regularly taken before the chapel was built. His father and mother always took them on a Sunday. There was no latitude allowed to them, as there is unfortunately in many cases nowadays. They did not say, "We wish you to go" they said, "You must go," and they never thought of disputing it. Vividly had those scenes in the old chapel printed themselves on his memory. But Bethesda did not always move in smooth waters, and at one time she seemed to have lost almost all her friends. Some, unfortunately, came to grief in commercial affairs, and others deserted her. There was amongst them at that time in Halifax a gentleman who once was a minister in our body. Having married into a good family and become wealthy, he deserted the Connexion, kicked away the ladder by which he had risen, and joined the Established Church. Having left them, however, he did his best to injure them. He sought, because there was a little arrear of interest that could not be paid at that time, to sell the whole place. But the trustees at Halifax, Mr. Styring, Mr. Tillotson, and others, offered to contribute a certain sum of money provided other gentlemen would do the same, and the result was the trustees were placed in very easy circumstances, and went on their way rejoicing. Since that time the place had prospered, but it had been in consequence of earnest, laborious, devoted effort. Mr. Farrar then referred to the good effect the Band of Hope movement had had upon the Church. Mr. Farrar reminded the meeting that the presentation to himself was but an incident of the evening's proceedings, and said he was exceedingly glad to see so many old scholars. It was almost certain they would never all meet together again on this side the grave, but they might meet in a better country, and his earnest hope was that when life's journey was finished, and its toils and cares and vicissitudes were all over, they might meet round the Throne in heaven. Mr. Farrar then finished his address, amid warm approval, by wishing all a happy new year.

The Chairman briefly added his sincere congratulations to Mr. Farrar, expressing his belief that he would

have a higher reward in the consciousness that he had done so much to form the habits of so many who were now serving their generation and God in noble lives.

Messrs. James Roberts, John Armitage, of Wakefield, D. Crowther, E. Sykes, John Shaw, Joseph Farrar, and J. H. Ainley then addressed the meeting in a few pleasing and suitable words; after which the usual votes of thanks followed, and this interesting meeting was brought to a close by the hymn, Shall we gather at the river," and prayer.

WOODBORO' ROAD,

NOTTINGHAM.

DEAR DR. COOKE,-Many Connexional friends will be glad to hear that our Woodboro'-road Church is about to take a new departure. Owing largely to the uninviting and uncomfortable iron structure in which worship is conducted, our cause here has been for some time in a depressed condition. But the efforts of a few true and loyal friends, aided by our worthy Mayor, are leading us to a much brighter state of things. A Trustee Meeting was recently held, at which it was resolved that the Conference should be asked to consent to the sale of our present property, and that a site should be secured at the junction of the Mansfield and Redcliffe-roads, and nearly opposite the Forest, and the new Gregory Boulevards. Ministers and prominent members of all denominations have spoken of the site as one of the most eligible in the town. It is in the centre of an entirely new neighbourhood, having, on the left of the Mansfield-road, Carrington, with a new, respectable, and rapidly-increasing working-class population; and on its own side of the road, the Mapperley-park Estate, on which scores of villa-residences have been, and are still being, erected. A number of residents on the Estate have signified their intention of worshipping with us in the contemplated new chapel. Excepting a new Baptist School-room, with no ministerial supply, there is no Nonconformist place of worship in the district. Though the vendor, Mr. Councillor Acton, was not only willing to sell, but promised a subscription of £300, great difficulties were encountered in the

Mr. A. H. Goodall, a leading Nottingham architect, and the Treasurer Steward of the Woodboro'-road Society, has been requested to prepare plans for a Gothic church and school-rooms, in Bulwell stone, the church to seat 500 on the ground floor and 100 in an end gallery, and to cost between £4,000 and £5,000. In a short time, it is hoped, the remainder of the sum required for the purchase of the land will have been promised, then building operations will be immediately proceeded with. And as at least £2,300 is likely to be realised in the sale of our present site (a valuable freehold property), and as a further sum of £1,000 can be raised by further subscriptions, and at the "stone-laying" and "opening services," without much difficulty, there is little fear

of the new property being seriously encumbered by debt. I shall be glad to report, without much delay, that "memorial stones " have been laid. W. HOOKINS.

STOCKPORT CIRCUIT.

MOUNT TABOR.

THE Sunday-school held its annual tea-meeting on Christmas Day. The appearance of the room was transformed under the skill of Mr. Clayton. A very large company sat down to tea. After tea, the Rev. W. J. Townsend conducted devotional exercises, and Mr. B. Johnson took the chair, giving an earnest address. A long and interesting programme followed, in which the scholars took a leading part. The financial results were quite equal to last year.

PORTWOOD.-The annual Christmas sale of work was held on Christmas Day, in Cross-street School, in aid of the Portwood Society. The room was tastefully decorated. Tea was served at 4.30 p.m. to an overflowing company. A varied entertainment of speech and song followed, Mr. E. Potts presiding. The singing was given by the Band of Hope choir, led by Mr. Moss, jun. The Rev. T. J. Bass, Mr. T. Clarke, and Mr. T. Hoe, with others, took part in the proceedings. About £30 was realised. It is anticipated this amount will be increased £10 by the sale of work still on hand.

BRADFORD CIRCUIT.

BRADFORD.

THE annual sale of work was held on January 1, 2 and 3. It was to have been opened by the Mayor, Alderman F. Priestmann. Owing, however, to an engagement of great importance, which detained him at the Town Hall, his Worship was not able to be present. The sale was, therefore, opened by the Rev. G. Packer, who announced that he had received a cheque from the Mayor for £10. There was a larger attendance than usual at the opening, and during the three days the various stalls, which were arranged with great taste by the ladies of the congregation,

were well patronised. The result after all expenses were paid was the handsome sum of £235, a larger amount than has ever been reached before.

HORSFORTH.

THIS estate has been altered, remodelled and enlarged by the building of a new chapel, the enlargement of the school, and the building of additional vestries. Two fresh pieces of land have been acquired, one at the back, and the other at the side of the old site. The building is a substantial stone structure of classic character, simply treated. The chapel has an internal measurement of 38 feet by 33 feet, and is approached by a central dcor leading into the vestibule, which communicates on either side with inner lobbies leading to the aisles.

Ac. commodation for 180 people is provided in the ground-floor pews, which are open and have moulded benchends, and, in common with most of the wood-work, are of red deal, stained and varnished. The pulpit and gallery front are of pitch-pine, varnished. The gallery is over vestibule and lobbies, and is approached on either side by staircases. It contains 70 sittings in pews taken out of the old chapel. The building is well lighted by double height of windows having moulded archivolts, imposts and strings running round the chapel. The ceiling is formed by moulded cornice and cove, and divided into small panels with moulded ribs. The centre is formed by enriched ventilating flower, from which is suspended large corona light. On either side of pulpit are doors, one communicating with minister's vestry, the other with school-room. The school-room will accommodate about 250 scholars, and is planned with transepts at one end which can be screened for vestries. Two class-rooms are provided in addition. The whole of chapel and school is heated with hot water, and care has been taken to secure efficient ventilation. The whole of the various works have been carried out by local contractors under the very

efficient direction of Mr. W. S. Braithwaite, architect, of Leeds.

The total cost is over a thousand pounds, the larger part of which is obtained. It is proposed to leave £300 as a debt for the present. Our Horsforth friends have worked nobly. All have done well, but special mention ought to be made of the indefatigable exertions of the treasurer, Mr. R. Stansfield, and the secretary, Mr. E. Hudson. A few subscriptions added to the sum obtained by sale of work held at Christmas, will pay off our last liabilities, and leave us with a debt of £300, which we have borrowed at 4 per cent. The estate is vested in a new body of Trustees, and is secured to the Connexion according to the provisions of the model deed.

PUDSEY.

A NEW organ has been placed in Pudsey Chapel, at a cost of £200. It has been built by Mr. J. Calvert, of Armley, and is pronounced by competent judges to be a splendid instrument. It has been built from specifications supplied by one of our own friends, Mr. Thomas Parker. It is enclosed in a pitch-pine case, varnished. The front pipes are nicely painted, without gaudy display, the prevailing colours being light and dark lilac and maroon with gold ornaments. organ has two complete manuals, from CC to G, 56 notes to each manual. The following is the description supplied by the builder :

:

The

Great Organ, CC to G, 56 notes:1. Large open Diapason, metal, 8 feet, 56 pipes; 2. Stop Diapason Bass, wood, 8 feet, 12 pipes; 3. Claribel Treble, wood, 8 feet, 44 pipes; 4. Principal, metal, 4 feet, 56 pipes; 5. Keraulopton, metal, 8 feet, 44 pipes; 6. Gamba, metal, 8 feet, 44 pipes; 7. Flute, wood, feet, 56 pipes; 8. Fifteenth, metal, 2 feet, 56 pipes; 9. Clarionette, metal, 8 feet, 44 pipes. Swell Organ, CC to G, 56 notes:10. Open Diapason, wood and metal, 8 feet, 56 pipes; 11. Gedact, wood