Alameda, Cal.-Unity Circle has adopted the plan of having every alternate meeting a social afternoon, when we invite our friends, and, after entertaining them with a short programme, serve them with light refreshments. These afternoon social "At Homes" are growing deservedly popular, and we mean to have many of them.

Athol, Mass.-The Sunday-school of the Second Unitarian Society has a pleasant way of reminding the "shut-ins" and aged people of this church that they are not forgotten by sending them a letter and souvenir-a picture of the church and its pastor -or a bunch of flowers-on their respective birthdays. The pleasant letters sent in acknowledgment show how much the attention is appreciated. Mr. Horst holds very helpful and instructive teachers' meetings weekly; and the series of lessons, "The Teaching of Jesus," are used. We are looking forward to the next series, "The Beginnings of Christianity.

The "Avoirdupois Party" given under the auspices of the guild recently was as amusing as the name suggests. "The Sweet Family," personated by the "Merry Twenty, was a success, to say the least, and formed the first part of the entertainment, after which the company paired off by tickets, and were then weighed, the heavier one paying for refreshments for the two.

Bangor, Me.-Mrs. Chant occupied Mr. Beach's pulpit Sunday, January 12. She spoke upon the subject of "Prison Reform."' She also addressed the Sundayschool; and not only the children, but the grown people, enjoyed her remarks. The 13th was the regular day for the study meeting of the Alliance; but Mrs. Chant was to speak morning, afternoon, and evening, and so many wished to hear her the Alliance meeting was postponed one week. The subject to be considered was "The Bible as Literature."

Mrs. Lincoln, of cook-book fame, gave a talk in the Memorial Parlors the evening of the 20th. It was an object-lesson in the use of the chafing-dish.

On Saturday, January 11, there was "A Title Party" at the Parlors. It was a delightful entertainment, and the ladies in charge must have worked diligently with

brains and fingers. A great many books were illustrated, and before the hour of departure refreshments were served. A prize was offered to the one guessing the greatest number of titles. The successful contestant guessed the names of more than ninety books.

She was awarded Eugene Field's "A Little Book of Profitable Tales."-Church Exchange.

Battle Creek, Mich.-Reed Stuart Fraternity: The fraternity is doing splendid work. At the Sunday evening meeting last Sunday Mr. George Lewis read a very thoughtful paper on "Robert Elsmere, giving a synopsis of the story, and showing the main parts of interest in the book in connection with the religious movements of these days. About forty were present, and a number entered heartily into the discussion. The previous Sunday evening Miss Annie Grandine read a very interesting paper on "The Master," by Isaac Zangwill, in connection with a number of good selections read from the book, all of which was much appreciated by those present.

The Sunday-school: The following is a record of the entire Sunday-school for the past three months. The number present at the beginning of the quarter was ninetyseven. The largest number in attendance was December 15, when there were two hundred and thirteen present. Seven new classes have been formed. Collections for the quarter, $29.41. Special attention has been paid to the opening exercises in the way of songs and recitations by the children. One evening concert was given during the quarter; and on Christmas Eve the school was entertained by Mr. Kellogg with his stereopticon, and presents consisting of books and toys were distributed. The kin

dergarten department is very prosperous under the leadership of Mrs. Barnes, and from the emblems worn by the little ones we note that they are distinguished as "Little Buds of Promise." Mrs. A. C. Kingman, Secretary.

and to keep in touch with our denominational life and in sympathy with the great religious world.

Unity Club work and pleasure go happily forward. Two lines are being followed. The first, a course of fortnightly Sunday evening studies upon "World Helpers." Fifteen-minute papers are read, and thus far have been very ably prepared by members. Second, a musical and social course, consisting of four social parties, dancing, and other diversions, two concerts, and two dramatic entertainments. On the 22d inst. the first musical, "An Evening of Old Songs," was very successfully carried out.

Interest in church attendance keeps pace with interest in these other matters. Congregations of one hundred and fifty and more up to two hundred are the rule. Every now and then some new family joins us, one since the new year began. So for all these things we take courage, and work away. - Church Exchange.

Berkeley, Cal.-Rev. Edward B. Payne has arranged a course of six lectures to be given at Stiles Hall on alternate Friday evenings. Prof. William H. Hudson of Stanford University delivered the first on January 24. The speakers to follow are President David Starr Jordan, Col. Charles R. Greenleaf, Helen M. Gougar of Indianapolis, Rev. Myron W. Reed of Denver, and Prof. Charles Mills Gayley of the University of California.

Some of our children gave the Channing Cantata, "The Quest of Truth," at the First Church, San Francisco, on February 8.

Boston, Mass.-At the First Church in Boston Lenten services are being held every Wednesday afternoon, at 4.30 P. M.: March 4, Rev. John Cuckson; March 11, Rev. Thomas Van Ness; March 18, Rev. Samuel M. Crothers; March 25, Rev. Francis G. Peabody. The "Passion Week" services will be as follows: April 1, at 4.30 P. M., Rev. Charles G. Ames; April 2, at 8 P.M., holy communion; April 3, at 11 A.M., S. W. Brooke.

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-Rev. Edward Everett Hale, D.D., left February 10 for Southern California, intending to stop at Cleveland and Omaha on the way. He will spend a short time in Southern California. -The Alliance Branch of the Second Church announce a course of lectures to be given on successive Wednesday evenings, beginning February 19. Mr. Hagop Bogigian will speak on "The Armenian Question,

Rev. Minot J. Savage on "Lowell and 'Biglow Papers," and Rev. Thomas Van Ness, pastor of the church, on "The Religious Opinions of George Eliot and Victor Hugo, as illustrated by Tito and Jean Valjean."

-Dorchester: The congregation of the First Parish met Sunday, February 9, at Winthrop Hall, Upham's Corner, which

had kindly been put at their disposal by Mr. N. G. Allbright. In spite of the bad weather, a congregation numbering four hundred and forty-seven completely filled the hall. Two former ministers of the church, Rev. C. R. Eliot and Rev. S. J. Barrows, assisted in the service. The Scripture selections were read by Mr. Eliot, prayer was offered by Mr. Barrows, and each of them made a short address, partly of tender reminiscence, but also in the spirit of hope and courage. The pastor, Rev. E. R. Shippen, in the course of his sermon, gratefully acknowledged the expressions of sympathy and the invitations received from other churches to occupy their houses of worship. Such offers had been received from St. Mary's Church (Episcopal), Baker Memorial Church (Methodist), Upham's Corner Universalist Church, Central Congregational Church, Pilgrim Church (Congregational), Second Church, Dorchester (Congregational), and from the following Unitarian churches: Christ Church, Dorchester; All Souls', Roxbury; First Religious Society, Roxbury; Third Religious Society, Dorchester. Letters of sympathy were received from Rev. P. Ronan, St. Peter's (Catholic); Rev. Charles R. Tenney, Grove Hall (Universalist); Rev. John B. Wilson, Neponset (Baptist). Expressions of sympathy had also been received from the following organizations: Phillips Brooks Club, Dorchester; Dorchester Woman's Club; Samaritan Society, First Universalist Society of Roxbury; John Eliot Club, Roxbury.

The Nathaniel Hall Society of the First Parish will keep on sale photographs of the old meeting-house for the benefit of the fund for rebuilding. Applications may be made to the chairman of the committee, Mr. Edward B. Allen, Hotel Denmark, Dorchester. Prices $1.00 and 25 cents.

-The Church of Our Father, East Boston, celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its organization January 28. Eight hundred people were present. The exercises were begun at 5.30 o'clock, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Richmond Fisk, D. D. Miss Keys of Winthrop rendered a solo; and the historical address was by Rev. George M. Bodge of Leominster, a former pastor of the church.

The speaker told how at first the society worshipped in the Maverick Church, then at the corner of Sumner Street and Mayerick Square, now Lyceum Hall. Rev. Leonard J. Livermore, the first pastor, was installed Feb. 1, 1847, the congregation then numbering one hundred and forty. On Dec. 7, 1851, Rev. Warren H. Cudworth, a Harvard graduate, was ordained to the pastorate. The speaker paid a glowing tribute to the memory and ability of this preacher, and, continuing, said that the new society finally built a church edifice at the corner of Maverick and Bremen Streets, and was greatly strengthened by the flock

ing to the district of sturdy ship-builders from the South Shore, Duxbury, Mansfield, and Scituate. The corner-stone of the present church was laid July 17, 1867, and the edifice was dedicated April 15, 1868.

Rev. Dr. Fisk then read letters from Rev. Dr. Edward Everett Hale and Rev. Caleb D. Bradlee, D. D.

From 6.45 until the hour of the banquet at 7.30 the corps of fifty ushers were busy escorting members of the society to the front of the church platform, where Rev. and Mrs. G. M. Bodge and Rev. and Mrs. Richmond Fisk held a reception. After the banquet, at which Mr. Frank E. Sullivan presided, came the most enjoyable portion of the celebration. Chairman Sullivan, representing the society, made an address of welcome. "We have two members present to-night," he said, "who were here at the society's first meeting"; and he called upon Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wells to rise. All present rose to do honor to the venerable couple.

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Brookline, Mass.- The First Church has extended a unanimous call to Rev. W. H. Lyon of All Souls' Church, Roxbury, to become its pastor. Mr. Lyon, who is as deeply attached to All Souls' Church as he is most enthusiastically beloved by his present congregation, has not yet accepted the call.

-Rev. Caleb D. Bradlee has begun his fourth year with Christ's Church, Longwood. He writes us: "Those who attend my church are earnest and loyal; and in all my ministry of over forty-one years, although I have had a very happy time, I do not think that I ever met with a people more devoted and loving. I took the church simply that I might raise up a society for some other person, feeling that at my age I had fairly earned the right to rest; and I am only waiting now till the right time shall come for me to give up the charge to a younger man. New families are moving into Brookline all the time, and some of these families have already joined with us in our efforts to build up this church."

January 21, and has already entered upon his duties in Brooklyn. He brings to his new work large gifts of mind and heart, a thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of modern charity, experience in charitable administration, and a genuine enthusiasm for humanity. His coming will not only strengthen the Bureau of Charities, but will give additional vigor to our Unitarian fellowship.

-First Church: The Confirmation Class will meet at the minister's house on Friday afternoons, beginning February 28. The confirmation service will be on Sunday, March 29. The class will discuss the motives and purposes of the religious life and the principles of liberal Christianity. The young people of the parish are urged to attend.

-Second Church: Mr. Chadwick's class in "Modern Literature" meets on Wednesday afternoons at four o'clock, and is well attended. "Matthew Arnold's Letters" have so far furnished the themes for discussion. The regular meeting of the Branch Alliance of the Second Unitarian Church was held at the residence of Mrs. Charles T. Catlin on Friday, January 17. Sixty-five members were present, business was transacted, and a very interesting paper on Browning was read by Mrs. Robert H. Davis of New York. Luncheon and a social hour followed.

Unity Church: The amount realized at our tea party, after paying expenses, was $533.18, a result most gratifying to all interested. The reorganization of Unity Sunday-school is nearly completed, and several valuable additions have been made to the

corps of teachers. Mrs. Austin, Mrs.

Prosser, Mrs. Fanshawe, and Mr. Southard have entered into the work heartily. The teachers' meetings are held fortnightly. Mr. Camp does not give up the adult class, but has it after the regular session. Mr. Bethune W. Jones is giving the school some excellent training in singing, and the "Carol" is liked more and more. Mr. Alonzo Chase and Mr. Charles Baker have taken charge of the library.

-Willow Place Chapel: Many names of those desiring to join the Chapel Confirmation Class have already been received. The class will meet with Mr. Porter once during each week until Easter Sunday, when the members will be confirmed according to custom at the Pierrepont Street Church. The attendance at the Sunday evening chapel services averages about one hundred. Mr. Porter preached on the first three Sundays of the month, and Mr. Eliot on last Sunday. A word of commendation should be said of the chapel choir, for the constant attendance of its members aids materially in the service.

Chelsea, Mass.- The regular evening service on Sunday, February 9, was omitted, in order that the society of the First Uni

tarian Church might unite with those of East Boston, Revere, and Beachmont in a union service in the Unitarian church at Revere.

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The class studies of the Unity Club meet in monthly session. That in Shakspere, under the leadership of Mr. J. A. J. Wilcox, closed its study of "Macbeth" on Wednesday, February 12, and will mence a study of the "Winter's Tale' at the next assembly. The class in "Social Science," Rev. A. P. Reccord leader, will discuss Modern Scientific Charity" on the evening of February 19, and will be followed by the class in "French Revolution," under Mr. Boyd Bartlett, on Wednesday, February 26. The club is also prolific in entertainment, its last one taking the form of "A Belated Picnic," where an artificial grove, summer costumes, and basket lunches delightfully fulfilled the prophecy of its

name.

The Social Circle is also doing effective work. Its various enterprises have thus far been financially successful, and it now advertises a leap-year sale for February 28 and 29. A "Mother Goose" procession and entertainment will be one of the attractions.

Chicago, Ill.-Western Unitarian Conference: A regular meeting of the directors of the Western Unitarian Conference was held at 175 Dearborn Street, January 29, at 2 P. M. There were present Miss Hultin, Messrs. Jones, Effinger, Van Inwagen, Fenn, Elliott, and Gould. In the absence of the president, Mr. Effinger presided. The reading of the report of the last meeting was omitted. Letters were read from Messrs. Elliott, Byrnes, and Harvey, accepting their elections to the board; and the letters were ordered to be filed. A letter from Mr. Hosmer was also read, containing suggestions on the objects for which the meeting was called. A letter was read from the secretary of the board of trustees of All Souls' Church, Chicago, inviting the conference to hold its next annual meeting with that society; and the board voted a unanimous and cordial acceptance of the invitation. It was voted that the programme committee consist of four members, including the secretary of the conference and the minister of the church with which the conference unite, and that the committee to be chosen be appointed by the presiding officer. Mrs. Woolley and Mr. Elliott were appointed as the members of the committee. The financial committee reported that it had found that, if the churches should all contribute as much as they had each sent during the past four years, the conference would be able to meet all expenses, and that it had sent out circulars to the different churches, asking for contributions on that basis. had also found that some $750 of the deficit subscription had not yet been received,

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and it sent out circulars to those subscribers to the deficit who had not yet sent in the money subscribed. Adjourned. A. W. Gould, Secretary.

Unity Church: The regular quarterly meeting of the Associate Alliance was held in the parlors of Unity Church on Thursday, February 6. Rev. W. W. Fenn of the Church of the Messiah gave an interesting paper on "Denominationalism: Its Advantages and Perils," which was followed by an informal discussion.

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At the meeting of the study class Tuesday, February 11, Mrs. Bulkeley read instructive paper on "Theodore Parker."’ Sunday afternoon, February 9, Mrs. Ormiston Chant of London, Eng., spoke to a large and interested audience on the theme "A New Heaven and a New Earth."

The social settlement recently established at the Unity Church Industrial School, by members of the congregation and others interested in such work, is getting into good running order. A mothers' club, which holds weekly meetings, a kindergarten, a crèche, and Saturday sewing-classes, which were features of the Industrial School, have been continued; while several new clubs for men and boys have been organized. Through the medium of a circulating library, good, wholesome literature is sent into the homes of the neighborhood, where it is eagerly welcomed. At the soup kitchen both soup and coffee may be had at a merely nominal price. It is hoped that through this agency one of the prime causes of intemperance among the poor-that is, unwholesome food at home-may be removed. The residents at the settlement, among whom are Mrs. Helen Campbell, author of several books dealing with social problems, Mrs. Charlotte Perkins Stetson, the poet, Prof. Virtue of the Chicago University, and Mr. White, are enthusiastic workers, and hope soon to make the settlement a decided power for good in the neighborhood.

-For a year and a half the society of the First Church has been much interested in the services that its minister, Mr. Fenn, has been holding in a hall in 57th Street. The services have been reasonably well attended, and have made the society realize how exceedingly desirable a permanent church in the neighborhood of the University of Chicago would be. Last year plans looking to this end were fully considered; but the society did not see its way clear at that time to carry them out. During the past month this serious and important problem has been solved for us.

Friends who have been interested in the First Church for the last twenty-five years will remember Mr. and Mrs. Morton B. Hall, who during that time were always to be depended upon for wise counsel and substantial aid. Their death in the late summer was a deep sorrow to the members of