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Steps have been taken to secure that amount. The annual examination of the students took place on Wednesday, May 21st, after which a sermon was preached by the Rev. J. Rowe, Risca, in Welsh, at the Crane Street Chapel, and a student read an essay, also in Welsh. On Thursday, the more public and special day,-the testimonial was presented to the Principal, and the annual meeting was held. public breakfast took place at the Crane Street Chapel school-room, at eight o'clock, when a large number of gentlemen who had been students, together with their friends, sat down to breakfast. At the close the company adjourned to the chapel, where a still larger audience congregated to witness the presentation. The testimonial was to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, comprising, at present, a very beautiful portrait of Mr. Thomas, and a valuable timepiece. Mrs. Thomas's portrait is also in progress, and will be finished in a short time. The price of the picture is fifty guineas. The timepiece is a very handsome one, and cost thirty guineas. The Rev. Rees Griffiths, of Ponthir, occupied the chair, and addresses were delivered by the Revs. J. W. Todd, of Sydenham, J. Lloyd, of Merthyr, T. Thomas, J. J. Brown, of Birmingham, J. H. Hill, of Swansea, N. Thomas, of Cardiff, E. Thomas, of Tredegar, T. Price, of Aberdare, J. C. Jones, S. Young, and D. Morgan. At half-past eleven divine service was commenced, and a sermon was preached by the Rev. John Howard Hinton, of London, from 1 Peter v. 1-4. At the close, the annual public meeting was held, W. W. Phillips, Esq., presiding.

HACKNEY.

Our readers will remember that the former Baptist chapel at Hackney was destroyed by fire in August, 1854. The new and beautiful chapel which has been built on the same site was opened on Wednesday, June 18th, when sermons were preached in the morning by the Rev. Dr. Harris, and in the evening by the Rev. W. Landels. After each sermon a collection was made on behalf of the building fund. In the interval between the morning and evening services the pastor and his friends dined together in the spacious secondary chapel in the basement of the building. Between two and three hundred ladies and gentlemen sat down, besides a large party of the less affluent members of the church, who were gratuitously provided with a substantial dinner in the adjacent schoolroom. Mr. Alfred Tozer, as secretary of the Building Committee, stated that the new edifice was to have been completed in January last; but in consequence, unhappily, of the misfortunes of the builders, a delay of six months had taken place. In other respects, the contract had been fulfilled in every particular. The entire cost of the building, so far as at present ascertained, is £7,940. The balance remaining against the treasurers account, after the amount collected, &c., would be about £3,000. The new chapel is one of the best

modern erections in the classic style of architecture of the Doric order. The school-rooms below the chapel are spacious, high, well lighted, and well ventilated. The vestries are large and accessible. The chapel accommodates 1,150 persons, and is fitted with a fine and powerful organ, built by Mr. J. Smith, of Bristol.

HORTON COLLEGE.

The customary annual examinations of this institution were held in the weeks preceding the Easter recess and the summer vacation. The gentlemen engaged in conducting them were:-in Theology, the Rev. Thomas Pottenger; in the Hebrew Scriptures, the Rev. John Stock; in the Criticism of the Greek Testament, the Rev. Dr. Godwin; in Classics, the Rev. Dr. Godwin, the Rev. John Stock, and the Rev. Thomas Larter; and in Mathematics, the Rev. Robert Brewer, of Leeds, and John Child, Esq, of Bradford. The result of the examinations, from the reports which have reached us, appear to have been very creditable to both students and tutors. Written papers were sent in on the first Epistle to Timothy, and on the Philoctetes of Sophocles, displaying a high degree of trained ability. It is evident that great and increasing attention is being given, and with considerable success, to the criticism and interpretation of both the Old and New Testaments. Each student also laid before the examiners a sermon or an essay; and these manuscripts, we are glad to learn, for the most part evinced an independence of thought, an earnestness of feeling, and a soundness of faith, which augur most favourably for the efficiency and usefulness of their writers in after years.

NEW BAPTIST CHAPEL, BRADFORD.

On Wednesday afternoon, the foundationstone of the new Baptist chapel, to be erected in Little Horton Lane, Bradford, was laid by W. Murgatroyd, Esq, the Mayor. The ministers and friends assembled at two o'clock, in Westgate Chapel, from whence they proceeded to the site of the intended edifice, situated near the residence of E. Hailstone, Esq., where they arrived at three. The 132nd Psalm having been sung, the Rev. Dr. Hoby read the Scriptures. The Rev. Dr. Acworth delivered an address. The Rev. Dr. Godwin offered up a suitabie prayer. The Rev. H. Dowson detailed the rise and success of the project, and presented to the Mayor a bottle containing the coins of the realm, and a scroll of parchment, bearing an inscription. Mr. Dowson then handed to his worship the mallet and silver trowel, the latter bearing the inscription:-"Presented to William Murgatroyd, Esq., Mayor of Bradford, on the occasion of laying the first stone of Trinity Chapel, Little Horton Lane, Bradford, on the 18th day of June, in the year of our Lord, 1856." The Mayor deposited the coins and scroll in an orifice of the lower stone prepared for their reception, spread the mortar, and the upper stone was lowered into its place.

He then declared that the first stone of the chapel was laid, and prayed that God might bless and prosper the undertaking. The Rev. J. P. Chown then gave out a hymn, and the proceedings closed with the benediction. In the evening a tea meeting took place in the school-room of Westgate Chapel, after which a meeting, addressed by several ministers and friends, was held.

NEWPORT, MONMOUTHSHIRE.

On Tuesday evening, May 27th, a large and interesting tea meeting was held here, in the Baptist Chapel, Commercial Street, prior to taking it down for the purpose of erecting a new and larger building. The body of the chapel was cleared of the pews, and thus accommodation was made for a large number. About five hundred persons took tea on the occasion. The chair was taken by J. N. Knapp, Esq (the Mayor of Newport), and addresses delivered by the Mayor, the Revs. W. Aitchison (pastor of the church), T. Gillman, F. Pollard, G. Griffiths, J. Harding, J. Kennard, and by Messrs. J. Harrison (Editor of the "Star of Gwent "), J. Salter, W. Evans, T. Richards, J. Northcott, L. Moore, W. Graham, J. Davies, and T. Latch. The new chapel, which the augmented wants of the congregation and the increasing spiritual necessities of this large and rapidly increasing town have compelled them to erect, will be calculated to seat nine hundred and fifty persons, exclusive of the school-rooms and vestries. It will be built on the very eligible site of the old chapel, in a plain Italian style, with free-stone front. The tender accepted for the new chapel amounts to £1,902. Towards this sum about £1,500 have already been subscribed, chiefly by the church and congregation.

GOSWELL ROAD, LONDON.

On Tuesday evening, May 27th, an exceedingly interesting meeting was held at Spencer Place Chapel, Goswell Road, London, to welcome as pastor the Rev. J. H. Cooke, late of Stepney College. Tea was provided in the school-rooms, which were decorated with flowers. After tea a public meeting was held in the chapel, which had been cleaned and repaired, the pulpit lowered, and other alterations effected. The Rev. John Peacock, the former pastor, presided. The meeting was opened with singing and prayer by Mr. Lyon, of Stepney College. The chairman then mentioned some of the results of his thirty-five years' labours in the place, stating that upwards of 600 persons had been brought into the church through his ministry there, and expressed his hearty satisfaction in the choice made by the church of his successor. Mr. Shick, one of the deacons, then, in the name of the church, presented to the Rev. J. Peacock, a handsome easy chair, as a slight testimonial of their regard. The meeting was then addressed by the Rev. P. H. Davison, of Wandsworth, Mr. H. Holland, the Rev. R. Finch, the Rev. J. H. Cooke (the new pastor), the Rev. C. J.

Hall (missionary to China), and the Rev. F. Wills, of Kingsgate chapel.

KIDDERMINSTER.

On Monday evening, May 19th, a tea meeting was held in the Corn Exchange, Kidderminster, for the purpose of expressing the deep regret of the inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood at the removal of the Rev. J. Mills, Baptist minister. The meeting was large and highly respectable; about three hundred and ten persons partook of tea; after which the company adjourned to the adjoining room, the New Music Hall, where a public meeting was held. In the unavoidable absence of the mayor, the chair was occupied by the Rev. T. Greenfield (Independent minister). The meeting was addressed by the Revs. J. Bailey, of Bewdley, H. Hines (of the Countess of Huntingdon's), and D. K. Shoebotham, of Dudley. In the course of the meeting, Mr. J. Nickson, one of the deacons of the Baptist church, rose and addressed Mr. Mills in a touching manner, after which he presented him with a purse of gold, which he said was a small token of the esteem of a united and affectionate people.

ROSS, HEREFORDSHIRE.

On Wednesday, June 4th, the following services were held at the Baptist chapel in this town, in connection with the settlement of the Rev. Frederick Leonard, LL.B., who has been the pastor of the church assembling there for the last eight months. In the afternoon, the Rev. W. F. Buck, Independent minister of the town, commenced the service with reading and prayer; after which, Mr. Leonard made a brief introductory statement. Two addresses were then delivered,-one by the Rev. John Penny, of Coleford, on "The Constitution of a Christian Church;" and the other by the Rev. N. Haycroft, M. A., of Bristol, on "The Reciprocal Duties of Pastor and People." In the evening, the Rev. John Watts, of Hereford, read the Scriptures and prayed; after which, the Rev. Thomas Winter, of Bristol, gave an address on "Christian Union;" and the Rev. David Thomas, B.A.. of Bristol, gave an address on "Christian Activity."

HULME.

Mr. W. Gatenby having accepted the call to the pastorate of the Baptist church, Wilmot Street, Hulme, Manchester, the following services have been held in connection with his recognition:-On Lord's-day, June 15th, a sermon was preached in the afternoon by the Rev. R. Chenery, of Manchester; after which, Mr. W. Gatenby gave a very interesting account of his christian experience and faith. In the evening, the Rev. J. Birt, of Oldham, delivered a discourse to the pastor and people. On the Monday evening following, a tea meeting was held. After tea Mr. C. Lindley was called to the chair. Mr. H. Hulme gave a brief account of the rise and progress of the church, and addresses were delivered by the Revs. F. Tucker, R. Chenery, and

W. Gatenby, of Manchester, T. Dawson, of Liverpool, and Mr. Tucker, senior. The whole of the services were of a highly interesting character, and were well attended.

BRIEKCLIFFE, LANCASHIRE.

On Tuesday, the 13th May, the Rev. W. F. Smith (late of London) was publicly recognised as the minister of the church and congregation assembling in the Baptist chapel, Hill-lane, Briercliffe. At six o'clock there was a tea meeting, at which a goodly number of people were present. After tea, the recognition service, which was also exceedingly well attended, took place. The Rev. S. Ellis, of Wilmslow, presided. After some very appropriate remarks had been made by the chairman, the Rev. J. Stroyan, of Burnley, offered prayer; the Rev. W. F. Smith then gave an epitome of his religious history, and stated the reasons which had induced him to enter the ministry. Highly interesting addresses were also delivered by the Revs. T. Bennett, of Barnoldswick, R. Evans, of Burnley, J. Compston, of Inskip, and J. Stroyan, of Burnley. The Rev. S. Ellis concluded with prayer.

NORTHALLERTON, YORKSHIRE.

The services connected with the anniversary of the Baptist chapel, Brompton, were held on the 15th and 16th of June. On the Lord's-day very excellent sermons were preached in the morning and evening, in the Baptist chapel, Brompton, and in the afternoon in the Independent chapel, Northallerton (kindly lent for the occasion), by the Rev. A. Simons, a converted Jewish rabbi, of Lineholme. On the Monday a public tea-meeting was held in the Baptist Preaching-room, Northallerton. After tea G. Thompson, Esq., of the Forest, presided. The meeting was addressed by the chairman, and the Revs. A. Simons, W. Wallis, of Boroughbridge, J. Dawson, of Bedale, J. Boroughs, of Masham, W. Stubbins, T. Yeo, and Mr. Dawson, and Mr. Barlow.

EDINBURGH.

On Lord's-day, June 15th, the Baptist church assembling in the Waterloo-Rooms, Edinburgh, removed to their own chapel in North Richmond Street. The Rev. John Pearson, A.M., preached in the forenoon, the Rev. T. T. Wilson, pastor of the church, in the afternoon, and the Rev. John Simpson in the evening. This old Baptist chapel (where the late respected Christopher Anderson long preached and raised his church) has been purchased, repaired, and neatly fitted up; and every countenance seemed beaming with joy in being now privileged to worship in a place of their own. The congregations and collections were very encouraging.

MIDDLETON CHENEY.

On Wednesday, the 28th May, services were held in the Baptist chapel in this place, for the public recognition of the Rev. F. F. Medcalf (late of Bythorn, Hunts), as the pastor of the church. A sermon was

preached in the afternoon by the Rev. W. Maisey, of Hooknorton, from Col. i. 27, 28. In the evening, the Rev. W. T. Henderson, of Banbury, addressed many serious and weighty counsels to the newly-elected pastor; and the Rev. J. Morris, of Chipping Norton, preached to the church, from 1 Peter ii. 9. The Revs. J. Bullock, M.A., late of Glasgow, J. Coles, of Sulgrave, and G. Tustain, of King's Sutton, assisted in the services.

SOUTHSEA.

On Friday, the 16th ult., St. Paul'ssquare chapel, Southsea, which had been purchased by the congregation of the Rev. C. Room, was opened, when sermons were preached morning and evening by the Rev. W. Landels. On the following Lord's-day Dr. Bennett, of Falcon-square chapel, London, fully sustained the interest of the preceding services. After the morning service on Friday, the above ministers and friends sat down to a cold collation at the Yorke Rooms, and in the evening a large company supped together in the same place. these occasions, interesting addresses were delivered, and the warmest sentiments of esteem for Mr. Room and desire for the success of the cause were expressed.

MILLPORT, SCOTLAND.

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On Thursday, June 12th, Mr. William Mc Kirdy was ordained pastor of the Baptist church, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae. The Rev. Dr. Paterson, of Glasgow, preached a sermon on "The Constitution of a Christian Church," from 1 Tim. iii. 15, "The Church of the living God," and offered the ordination-prayer. The Rev. Jonathan Watson, of Edinburgh, delivered the charge to the pastor, from Col. i. 25; and the Rev. John Williams, of Glasgow, addressed the church from Deut. i. 38, "Encourage him." A large congregation assembled on this interesting occasion.

MINISTERIAL CHANGES.

The Rev. Jas. J. Brown, of the Leicester Town Mission, has accepted a unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the Baptist church at Ilfracombe, and commenced his stated labours the second Sunday in June. -The Rev. Benjamin Bartlett has relinquished the pastorship of the Baptist church, Fenny Stratford, Bucks.-The Rev. G. Rouse Lowden, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the church at Uxbridge to become their pastor.-The Rev. Peter Prout, of Ramsbottom, has accepted the unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the Baptist church, Pleasant Street, Haslingden, and commences his stated labours the first Sunday in July.-The Rev. Wm. Wright, of Stepney College, has accepted the cordial and unanimous invitation from the Baptist church, Union Street, Kidderminster, and commenced his labours on the last Sabbath in June. The Rev. W. Jones, of Newport, Isle of Wight, has accepted the cordial and unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the church in Derby Road, Nottingham, and is expected to enter upon his labours there on the first Lord's-day in August.