tions than ever to devote his remaining days to the service of the townships, the Staffordshire Potteries, his native county, his native land. (Applause.) The large sum of money which formed part of the testimonial he proposed to apply, at once, in a manner which he would proceed to explain, and the salver he should retain with pleasure and pride as an additional ornament to his drawing-room. Mr. Ridgway concluded by reading the following address:

"To Francis Wedgwood, Edward John Ridgway, and William Brownfield, Esqrs.

"MY DEAR FRIENDS,-I beg to place in your hands for payment into the District Bank the sum of £430, most kindly presented to me in this public manner, as a testimony of the friendly regard entertained for me by the subscribers, and of their sense of my unworthy services, which I request you to appropriate as follows:-The sum of £200 in founding four fellowships in connection with the Hanley and Shelton School of Art, the interest to be annually paid to the most successful and meritorious pupils in such way as you or the committee or both of you may determine; and should the School of Art be discontinued, then to be held for any other public school which you may select in the townships, and to be disposed of in the same manner. And the remaining sum of £230 to be employed towards paying off the remaining debt on the British School, Shelton; the interest to accumulate till this can be done, when the money may be paid and the transaction ended. This further act of kindness, my dear friends, I beg you to undertake and carry out, and I remain affectionately yours, "JOHN RIDGWAY."

The Chairman erad the inscription on the salver, and stated that Mr. Ridgway had declined receiving plate, further than a single memento of the occasion, he being anxious to apply the money to the benefit of the public institutions of the town.

A PROPOSED NEW CHAPEL IN EPWORTH,

COMMEMORATIVE OF THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE REV. ALEXANDER KILHAM.

THE common feelings of human nature lead us to regard with interest

the birthplace of eminent persons; and such interest is most deeply experienced when connected with religious considerations. Epworth, almost otherwise unnoticed beyond its own precincts, is widely known for its memorable associations with Methodism. Here were born both Wesley, its venerable founder, and Kilham, its earliest and most devoted reformer. Referring to this coincidence, Mr. Kilham himself has observed, "Whatever may be thought by some on the subject, I consider it an honour to be born in the same town that gave birth to the Messrs. Wesley; and I hope I have been following the leadings of Divine Providence, in my contracted sphere, in what I have done to bring about a redress of grievances, as the Messrs. Wesley did when they sought to reform the national church. as they rejoiced when they were worthy to be cast out of the church, and went preaching the gospel wherever a door opened, so I rejoice that I am counted worthy to be cast out of Conference for what I have done, and hope to preach wherever the Lord directs my way."

And

The desirableness of a monumental chapel, as now intimated, had for a long time been incidentally the subject of thought and conversation in the community; and last year our friends immediately concerned made a formal proposal as to this object, and with the further design of rendering Epworth the head of a self-sustaining circuit. Promising locally to raise £200 towards the required outlay, they requested permission to appeal to the Connexion for the remainder.

Under these circumstances, the chapel committee, in their last report (see printed copies, pp. 13, 14) recommended the project; and the Conference directed that the same should be carried into effect in the manner specified in resolution No. 45, p. 44, of the printed minutes of that assembly. But it should be clearly understood that the necessary funds are to be obtained by an extra effortnot in any way to supersede or lessen the annual support to the Chapel Fund; and with such understanding the present notice is circulated. Contributions are hereby solicited, that honour may be done to the memory of Kilham, in the erection of an appropriate Methodist New Connexion

chapel in his native town. Some of our friends from their abundance will doubtless offer largely; while with equal pleasure will be received from others their various gifts down to the widow's mite; indeed, the greater the number of givers, especially if widely spread over the Connexion, the more complete must be the satisfaction yielded by the proceeding.

It is earnestly hoped that both ministers and people will take up this matter promptly and earnestly, and that they will be able to bring it to a successful and speedy conclusion. The size of the chapel and school will be determined by the probable number of attendants out of the amount of population in the locality; in the description of the building and style of architecture, with consequent cost, due regard will be had, not merely to general and usual purposes, but to the special occasion of this particular structure; and all who are friendly to the undertaking should bear in mind that, without adequate connexional countenance and pecuniary support, the project cannot be honourably and advantageously accomplished. Further to urge, in such a case, the Committee feel to be as unnecessary as it would be unworthy of the undertaking before them.

All remittances are requested to be made through the medium of the Rev. W. Ford, Charles-street, Hanley, Staffordshire, secretary to the chapel committee.

OF A NEW CONNEXION ME-
THODIST CHAPEL.

THE members of the New Connexion Methodist body in Otley having long felt the want of increased accommodation for public worship, commenced, a few weeks since, a project for building a new chapel, which, both in capacity and construction, should be worthy of their body in Otley. The present chapel, situate in Walkergate, near the Mechanics' Institute, was built in 1799, and at that time was sufficiently large for its purpose. But for many years it has been found that the increasing number of members rendered an enlarged chapel absolutely necessary. A canvass for subscriptions was met in the most liberal manner, and a bazaar having been held, by which a handsome sum was realized, a-site for the erection of a new chapel and schools was purchased in Westgate, on the Burleyroad.

On Tuesday, September 30th, the foundation-stone of the new chapel was laid with the usual ceremonies. The building has been designed by Mr. John Tertius Fairbank, of Bradford, and I will consist of school-rooms for 250 children, and a chapel capable of seating 400 persons. The style of building will be Grecian, with two Ionic columns in the front, and a handsome flight of steps leading to the chapel from the road. The ceiling of the chapel will be partly carved and enriched with panels and mouldings. Stone will be the principal material used for building; and, according to the plans, the chapel will prove no small ornament to the town. The total cost will reach £1,200-£400 being already secured, namely, £200 by subscriptions, and £200 by the bazaar. One-half of the whole cost will, it is anticipated, be raised before the completion of the building.

At one o'clock on Tuesday, about twenty ministers (appointed to take part in the ceremony) were entertained at dinner, in the Mechanics' Institute, by the Rev. H. Downes, of Otley, after which nearly a hundred ministers and friends formed in procession at the Old Chapel, and walked to the site of the new edifice.

The weather having fortunately cleared up, about five hundred persons congregated near the spot to witness the ceremony. A platform was erected, on which were observed, amongst many

others, the following gentlemen :-Joseph Love, Esq., the Rev. H. O. Crofts, D.D., chairman of the district; Revs. J. Ramsden and E. Wright, of Huddersfield; J. Nicholas, T. G. Robey, J. Medicraft, of Halifax; Revs. C. J. Donald and J. Wallace, of Leeds; Rev. A. M'Curdy, of York; Rev. W. Innocent, of Bradford; Revs. A. J. Fletcher, J. I. Muff, J. S. Hastie, J. Baldwin, and H. Downes, of Otley; the Rev. Mr. Murdock, of Dewsbury; Messrs. Pollard, Farrar, Moore, Nelson, T. Heaps, of Leeds; W. Crampton, of Hunslet, &c.

The ceremony was commenced by singing the 306th hymn, "This stone to thee in faith we lay;" after which, appropriate prayers were offered by the Rev. A. M'Curdy and the Rev. Mr. Murdock. This was followed by the Lord's Prayer, and the Bible version of Psalms 20 and 87, read by the Rev. J. Nicholas.

The Rev. H. Downes then took a beautiful silver trowel, with ivory handle, and a mahogany mallet, and presented them to Joseph Love, Esq., of Willington Hall, Durham, with the following remarks:-"Sir, it becomes my pleasing duty to thank you, on behalf of the brethren, for your presence here to-day; and we have great pleasure in attesting, in some small degree, our estimation of your worth as a Christian and your friendship to the Methodist New Connexion. In the name of the trustees, I present you with this trowel and mallet, wherewith to lay the foundation stone of our new chapel."

On the trowel was the following inscription:-"Presented to Joseph Love, Esq., on laying the foundation stone of the Methodist New Connexion Chapel, Westgate, Otley, September 30, 1856."

The stone was then raised, and a bottle, containing a document signed by the ministers and others present, a copy of the Leeds Mercury of Sept. 30, and a new florin, was placed in a cavity by Mr. Downes. Afterwards the stone was lowered, and, when properly adjusted,

Joseph Love, Esq., then stood forward and said:-"I lay this stone, in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." He then struck it three times with the mallet, and proceeded to address the assembly. He was exceedingly glad, he said, to be amongst them that day, more especially to assist in a most interesting

ceremony. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than to see a house erected for the worship of Almighty God-a house for the shelter of the poor and the destitute, where the hungry were fed and the naked clothed. On enter ing a town, it always delighted him to see a hospital therein; but that was one of the results of chapels-the more chapels were raised, the more hospitals and places of shelter for the poor would be established-for Christianity was the foundation of all benevolence. It gladdened his heart to see a new chapel commenced in Otley, and he congratulated the friends around him upon the noble step they had taken. The work of progression was making rapid strides in the country, and the people of Otley seemed determined not to be behind their neighbours in the race. When he contrasted their old chapel with the new one they were about to rear, he was sure that the change they would make was a step in the right direction. But he must tell the assembly that his friends around him did not commence their work without taking a great responsibility upon themselves. The chapel would cost a large sum, and proud was he to hear that £400 had been already obtained towards the expenses of building. He begged all who were interested in the spread of truth not to leave a stone unturned, or relax in their generosity, until the chapel was entirely free from debt. To free themselves from debt was now the aim of their body in the north, and on looking at the accounts the other day, he found that in a few years debts were paid off to the amount of £37,000. They had also plans laid out for removing £23,000 more. The interest alone on these sums would support twenty additional ministers in their community. Mr. Love expressed his willingness to assist his Otley friends in the noble work they had begun, and impressed upon his hearers that to do good to others was to benefit themselves also. Every act of benevolence soothed and comforted the heart. Let no one, then, leave that for his children to do which he was capable of performing himself; for the next generation would find plenty of work, and if models of industry and self-sacrifice were before them, they would be induced to follow in the same track.

The Rev. Dr. Crofts offered a few remarks, and a collection having been

made, the Rev. J. Baldwin offered prayer, and the ceremony terminated by singing the doxology.

The friends, to the number of two hundred and sixty, sat down to tea at five o'clock in the Wesleyan school-room, kindly granted for the occasion. The tables were sumptuously furnished with abundance of good cheer. The whole of the trays were gratuitously provided by Mrs. John Whitworth, of London, Mrs. Haldenby, Mrs. MacLandsbro', Mrs. T. MacLandsbro', Mrs. Spence, Mrs. Hanson, Mrs. Hollings, Mrs. Pigott, Mrs. Rhodes, Mrs. Thackwrey, Mrs. Pawson, Mrs. Ferrand, Mrs. T. Whittaker, Mrs. Exley, Mrs. E. C. Green, Mrs. Freeman, and Miss Green.

At half-past six o'clock the public meeting commenced. After singing, the Rev. J. C. Donald, of Leeds, engaged in devotional exercises.

Joseph Love, Esq., having taken the chair, amid enthusiastic applause, briefly addressed the meeting, expressing his pleasure at seeing such a numerous assembly, and approval of the object which brought them together. He had been so delighted with the services of the day, and the hearty reception he had received from the Otley friends, that he had determined to visit them again when the sanctuary, of which he had that day laid the stone, should be completed and its public opening celebrated, and contribute his additional mite to help the friends of this undertaking.

Several other ministers and gentlemen then addressed the meeting. The Rev. J. Fletcher, Wesleyan minister, expressed the most kind and hearty sympathy, referring most appropriately to the fact of their being assembled in the chapel built by John Wesley, and in which that devoted man, the father of us all, had preached. In the name of the Lord, he wished them God speed.-The Rev. T. G. Robey, in a speech of great power and purity, referred to the great obligation this nation was under to Christianity, and after some most pertinent remarks in reference to the peace now happily restored, exhorted his hearers still to stand by the Sabbaths, the Bible, and sanctuaries of our fathers.-The Rev. J. S. Hastie, Independent minister, in brief but appropriate terms, gave expression to those sentiments of brotherly feeling which ought ever to

exist among Christian ministers and Christian people. He felt that they had a right to manifest holy rivalry; there was room for all to work, and work for all to do.-The Rev. H. O. Crofts, D.D., next addressed the meeting. Mr. Love, in announcing the collection, stated that he had already given £20; he should now give £10 more. He had also promised the friends that he would come at the opening of the chapel, and, if they raised £80, he would make it £100. Something had been said by Dr. Crofts about £150 being the sum that should be realized at the opening. He was so pleased with the meeting, that he would now promise £15 to help the extra £50. The collection was then made, and amounted to £15 10s. A vote of thanks having been proposed by the Rev. J. Nicholas, seconded by the Rev. A. M'Curdy, and supported by the Rev. J. Ramsden, to Mr. and Mrs. Love, for their presence and aid upon this occasion, the Rev. Henry Downes, in rising to put it to the meeting, said he thought he might give Mr. Love a challenge, namely, he would pledge himself to £100 if Mr. Love would give them the £50. Mr. Love briefly acknowledged the vote, and accepted Mr. Downes' challenge, thus making up his donation to £80; nor should he (he added) be surprised, if the friends on the spot exerted themselves, if it was not ultimately advanced to £100. Votes of thanks were then passed to the ministers who had taken part in the services of the day, and last, though not least, to the ladies for their provision and attention to creature comforts. The proceeds of the day amounted to £42. Too much praise cannot be awarded to the Rev. H. Downes, for his indefatigable exertions in the undertaking, and, being ably backed by the trustees and friends, we believe he will bring the whole to a successful issue. The chapel, when completed, will be a comfort to the church, an ornament to the town, and a credit to the Connexion.

STOURBRIDGE CIRCUIT.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF A NEW CHAPEL.

ON Monday, September 29th, the corner-stone of a new chapel was laid

at Colley Gate, Stourbridge Circuit. Considering the unfavourable state of the weather, there was a numerous and respectable attendance. Service commenced by singing the 306th hymn, read by the Rev. Wm. Reynolds. Mr. H. Mould read the 84th Psalm; and Mr. Finch, of Dudley Port, offered up an appropriate prayer. Thomas Wood, Esq., of Colley Gate House, then performed the ceremony of laying the stone; after which he gave the following address:- Having been unexpectedly called upon to perform this duty, I reluctantly accepted it, knowing there were individuals to be found better adapted and more capable of performing such a ceremony. However, this important part being now done, I trust the work will prove a blessing to those who have undertaken it, as well as to the rising generation and neighbourhood at large, and we shall then have cause to rejoice and not repent of our day's proceedings. I am glad to see so many friends and neighbours, although the weather is so unfavourable; and I hope you will do the utmost, according to your means, in aiding this little Zion, and that you will all unite in giving a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull altogether, and your labours will not be in vain in the Lord."

The Rev. J. Simon, of Tipton, then gave a most eloquent address, of which the following is an outline. He said, "This country has been appropriately called a land of noble institutions.' Her political, commercial, and scientific establishments give her a pre-eminence among the nations of the world; but her superiority is especially seen in her benevolent associations, philanthropic enterprises, and educational institutions. But England's noblest institutions are the offspring of her religion. Religion is Britain's safeguard, the origin of her greatness, and the source of her strength. England's temples are her glory.

"These temples of his grace,

How beautiful they stand,
The honours of our native place;
And bulwarks of our land." "

The reverend gentleman then observed, that we had begun to build another of these temples, and were going to crown our country with another of these honours, and throw around her another of these bulwarks. He said, "Infidels

may sneer at the work in which we are engaged. Worldly men may make light of our enterprise; but Christians know how to estimate it. Our movement here is an act of aggression on the empire of sin. We are building a house for God. This appropriation gives the meanest edifice importance. This building will stand as a monument protesting against the creed of those who say there is no God.' It will stand as a beacon to warn men against sin and error, reminding them of another world. It will stand as an asylum wherein the wandering may find safety and repose for their sinoppressed souls. This building is not to be, however, only a monument to teach by signs, it is to be a house of assembly, a place of worship and instruction, a house of prayer for all people.' Mr. S. then proceeded to enumerate the various kinds of religious services to be performed in the chapel, and intimated that we designed it to be the spiritual home of the inhabitants of the neighbourhood, and hoped that here both rich and poor would congregate together, to worship their Master, and seek the salvation of their souls. He then remarked that, although as a denomination we had our peculiarities, which we deemed important, we had no hostile feelings towards any other community. He said,

as the clear beautiful light is composed of rays of various colours, and is obtained by their being blended together, so the spiritual light diffused through the world was not found in one section of the church alone, but was produced by Christians of all denominations blending together in faith and love." He then proceeded to explain the more prominent characteristics of our own community, observing that we were Dissenters, that we repudiated the idea of state connection and state control in matters of religion, and that we thought religion should be supported by collections not by taxation. Mr. S. then said that we were Methodists holding the doctrinal views of the Rev. John Wesley, having the ordinances and employing the agencies peculiar to Methodism. He also said that our name must not be misunderstood; that, although we bore the title new, we were in fact the oldest section of Methodists next to the parent body. Mr. S. then gave a brief but very distinct account of the origin of the