ports of committees, election of officers, other business. S P.M., an evening of social fellowship, under the management of All Souls' Church.

Albany, N.Y.- First Unitarian Church : The past few months have been ones of extra activity among us. The principal thing, of course, has been the preparation for our anniversary; but there has been plenty of work on other lines.

The literary section of the Unity Club has been studying Lowell, Holmes, and Longfellow. The papers read have been most interesting, and those present have thoroughly enjoyed the programmes.

The sociological section has had two debates at which, while the attendance was not as large as at the debate on "Municipal Reform' last November, the enthusiasm and spirit of the debate was as great. The subjects were "Temperance" and "The Single Tax." The last one was especially warmly discussed. Probably the talk on the last subject to be discussed this season, Socialism," will be as enthusiastic as any we have had.

Various views of the meanings and aims of the Gospels are brought out in the study of them by the Bible class on Friday evenings. The persons attending probably enjoyed their work here as thoroughly as any which they have undertaken, and they surely receive as much benefit from it.

The Branch Alliance of Unitarian and other Liberal Women, through its various committees, is doing good work. The Postoffice Mission Committee has, as many know, published Dr. Brundage's first series of sermons. Now it is advertising in the Amsterdam, N. Y., papers, and supplying literature to the persons requesting it.

The Philanthropic and Entertainment Committees have combined on several occasions; and, while furnishing entertainment to our people and their friends, have also raised money, clothing, etc., for others. The other committees are the Pastor's Aid and the Literary.

We have had three socials since the first of January. The first was at the pastor's on January 14. The entertainer was Col. C. O. Sheppard, ex- consul - general to Japan, who related some of his various experiences there, and also read some of his delightful stories. The second was at Mrs. J. W. Rosenthal's on Lincoln's birthday. The evening was spent in giving anecdotes of Lincoln, selections from orations and essays about him. The last, on March 4, in the dining-room of Odd Fellows' Temple, was what was called an "Evening in Puzzle Land." There were three main "puzzles, if I may so call them. First, the supper: a menu, with the various dishes described by a sentence, was given to each person, and they chose six articles. Then came a series of tableaux representing noted advertisements, with a cake as the prize for

the person guessing the largest number. The Hidden Library" was the third feature. This consisted of articles which represented or described prominent books. The prize in this contest for the largest number of correct books was also a cake.

The minister's visitors during the past few months have been: Rev. Samuel Eliot of Brooklyn, whose topic was "New Wine in Old Bottles," a discussion of Liberal Orthodoxy; Rev. Edward Hale of Orange, N.J., on the "Gospel of Unitarianism"; and Rev. Stephen H. Camp of Brooklyn, on "The Secret of a Happy Life." The names vouch for the excellence of all three of the sermons.

Our pastor has given us a series of sermons on "Why a Unitarian Church in Albany," which was also the title of the first one (which was printed in March Unitarian). The others were: "Duty of Liberal Parents to their Children," "Revivals of Religion, "Inspiration, "The Doctrine

of the Atonement."

He has commenced another series on "Some Modern Prophets,'' the first of which was on "Savonarola."

On March 24 the Branch Alliance held their meeting in the afternoon, at which the secretary, Miss Hawley, and Mrs. Winship and Mrs. Brown, the treasurer, reported. Mrs. Barker sang several solos. Then Mrs. Dix of the National Alliance addressed the meeting on "The Place of Women in the Church." She spoke later on "The Cheerful Letter Work." Mrs. Catlin and Mrs. Davis also spoke.

From 5 to 7.30 o'clock the society and its friends enjoyed a social reunion, and then reassembled in the hall for the evening exercises. They opened with a hymn, which was followed by a prayer by Rev. E. M. Fairchild of Troy. Dr. Brundage gave a brief review of the year's work. There are 154 members at present. 2 have died, 8 withdrawn, and 11 have removed from the city. The Anniversary Hymn, written by James Rowe of the society for the occasion, was then sung. Rev. D. W. Morehouse spoke on "Some Misapprehensions of Unitarianism," and Rev. Samuel Eliot on "The Unbelief of Believers.''

After another hymn Rev. Minot J. Savage spoke on "Religion in the Light of Modern Knowledge."' The audience were applauding him. delighted with their speaker, frequently The benediction was pronounced by Rev. Max Schlesinger.

G. T. W.

Ann Arbor, Mich.-During the absence of Rev. J. T. Sunderland in Europe and India the past year the services in the Unitarian church here have been conducted by Rev. John C. Kimball, the acting pastor. Mr. Kimball has had large audiences, and is greatly appreciated here as a preacher, and as a man by the members of the society, students, and people generally. His course

of evening lectures,-fourteen in number,upon the doctrine of evolution in its relation to religious truth, has been especially interesting, and has created considerable interest among thoughtful people.

All the usual activities of the church have been carried on during the fall and winter with the usual enthusiasm and suc

cess.

The Unity Club has just completed its eighteenth annual course of lectures and entertainments. This course has become one of the institutions of the town, and is given a place in the annual society publications of the university. The course is largely patronized by professors and students and by people of all denominations. The club aims to be unpartisan, unsectarian, and undogmatic, and to furnish a platform for the dissemination of truth and light, from whatever source that truth and light may come.

The Ladies' Union, of which Mrs. Prof. Pettee is president, has held regular meetings on each Wednesday afternoon during the season. At these meetings a systematic course of study upon Modern Germany" has been pursued, and occasional letters have been received and read at these meetings from Mrs. Eliza Sunderland, who has been spending the year abroad.

Prof. Lloyd of the university has given a course of Sunday noon lectures to the King's Daughters, the Young Men's Guild, and a Bible class upon "Types of the Moral Ideal" of rare excellence, -lectures which have been highly appreciated by his listeners.

Mrs. Kimball, on her arrival here a few weeks ago to join her husband, was given a public reception by the ladies of the society in the parlors of the church, and is rapidly coming to enjoy the ways and peculiarities of the "drooping West." She will take charge of the meetings of the King's Daughters and the Young Men's Guild for the remainder of the year.

What with the fine sermons of Mr. Kimball, the high-class entertainments of the Unity Club, the studies of the Ladies' Union, and the lectures of Prof. Lloyd, to say nothing of a prosperous Sunday-school under the superintendence of Mr. Green, a Senior law student, and a monthly vesper service given by the choir of the church,one of the best in the city, -the society and congregation has enjoyed a fall and winter of unusual interest and profit.

Mr. and Mrs. Sunderland are expected to resume their work here in the fall, with fresh inspiration gathered from Greece, Egypt, Palestine, and "India's coral

strands."

Athol, Mass.-The Easter services at the Second Unitarian Church were of unusual interest, and filled the church to overflowing morning and evening. The Merry Twenty had charge of the floral decora

tions, and made a beautiful display with Easter lilies and potted plants.

A strong, uplifting discourse by Rev. Mr. Horst and the fine music by the church quartette and the new organist, Mrs. M. L. Lindsey, brought the meaning and spirit of Easter very clearly to the listeners.

At the close of the morning service E. V. Wilson, in behalf of the executive committee, made a statement in regard to the method of raising funds for the year ensuing. It is proposed to dispense with a collector, and extend the weekly offering system to all contributors. Mr. Wilson also stated that the pastor's salary would be increased two hundred dollars another year, a statement which seemed to meet the approval of the congregation.

The concert in the evening by the Sunday-school was well conducted. The platform was enlarged to accommodate the school, so that they might face the audience. The recitations were good, and the singing spirited.

Sunday, April 12, Mr. Horst preached upon "License, and What is Needed." It is needless to say the subject was treated forcibly and fearlessly.

On Tuesday evening Mrs. Mary A. Livermore lectured in the church upon "Eminent People whom I have met."

Berlin, Mass.-Thanks to the trustees of the Carter Fund, the minister is housed near the church in one of the best parsonages in Worcester County, a house built by the late Mrs. John B. Gough, and intended for an orthodox parsonage, it is said, but put upon the market at her death, and sold at a considerable reduction from the cost. Not long ago the interior of the church auditorium was handsomely frescoed, and the platform behind the pulpit enlarged, so that room is found for an orchestra in addition to the large chorus choir. There is an unusual amount of musical talent in the society. The seats are free, expenses paid by subscription and interest on the Chandler Carter Fund; and with a minister who preaches extempore and forgets not to enliven his discourse with " "figures, and a people given to cordial hand-shaking, this church may be cited as a model country

church.

For years the Unitarian Society here has felt the want of horse-sheds. Last fall the matter was put into the hands of an energetic committee, and in a few months a commodious stable was erected adjoining the church and connected with it by a porch. The cost of building, including foundations, grading, and painting, was $922. This entire amount has now been raised, and the stable stands wholly paid for, and the society is the richer by a valuable piece of property. The stable occupies ground where it was estimated there was room for but ten or twelve sheds of the old style; yet the arrangement is such that

seventeen horses and wagons can be hitched in it safely, or from twenty-eight to thirtyone horses and sleighs.

The immediate effect has been to increase the attendance at church from 50 to 100 per cent., or nearly double.

Then

Boston, Mass.-Church of the Unity: A farewell dinner to Rev. Minot J. Savage and Mrs Savage, under the auspices of the Minot J. Savage Club, was given Tuesday evening, April 7, at the Hotel Vendome. A reception was held at six o'clock. after an hour at dinner Mr. William Rotch, president of the club, brought the company to order, and introduced Rev. E. E. Hale, D. D. He had just passed a season in the climate of California, and everywhere he went he found that the fame of Mr. Savage had gone before him. "I cannot believe Mr. Savage, " he continued, "when he says he has been here so long as he has. The value of his service to this community can hardly be estimated. It is best at times to tell the whole truth. I propose to tell Mr. Savage how much we love him, how much we honor him, and how much good he has done in Boston. Mr. Savage does not know this. He came here unknown. He had to work his way along. The Church of the Unity did not know him. He went on for a series of years, gaining every day the confidence of men, as he went on preaching the gospel. That sort of a life is going to work the work that is given man to do in this world. Such a life as is his is won only by a good man and by one who loves his neighbor as himself." Dr. Hale here related an anecdote of a friendless workinggirl in Boston, who, driven nearly to suicide, was deterred therefrom by a sermon which she heard from the lips of Mr. Savage. "How many cases such as this, said he, "have occurred in this city during the ministry of Mr. Savage the good God only knows." After many tributes of esteem and affection Mr. Savage returned thanks for the kindness, courtesy, generosity, sympathy, and, above all, for the personal friendship and love of his hearers.Christian Register.

The Ladies' Aid Society of the church. which is a branch of the Alliance, has discontinued its meetings for this season. During the year the society has worked in concert with the Bureau of Charities, -a most satisfactory arrangement, as it has enabled the workers to sift out the worthy from the unworthy, and has prevented any duplication of relief work. Since the first

of October the society has made and distributed about 450 garments, and disbursed about $150.

-All Souls' Church: On Easter Sunday a number of children were baptized, and several members of the confirmation class were received into the church.

The congregation has outgrown its church building on Oakwood Boulevard; and, as an experiment, the Oakland Music Hall, about two blocks from the church, has been rented for four weeks. The morning services are held here, the evening services in the church building.

Mr. Jones is the first of the Chicago ministers to form an alliance with the bicycle. He has invited the bicyclists to attend his services at Oakland Hall, where the bicycles will be cared for during the service. If the plan is successful, a similar invitation will be issued for the evening services at the church building. The indications are that other ministers of the city will soon adopt the same plan, hoping thereby to solve the question, "The Church or the Bicycle?"

Announcements are out for the opening of the Western Conference, which takes place at All Souls' Church on Monday evening, May 11. Mr. Simmons of Minneapolis delivers the opening sermon. A most attractive and interesting programme has been arranged, and Western Unitarians are looking forward with pleasure to this anniversary week.

Concord, N.H.-Nearly every seat in the church was filled on Easter Sunday morning. The church was beautifully decorated with palms and lilies, and the choir rendered a special programme of Easter music. Rev. F. L. Phalen took for his subject "The Secret of the Resurrection," and his sermon was a most thoughtful and helpful

one.

An Easter service of the Sunday-school was held at noon. The annual offering of the church for the American Unitarian Association was taken at the morning service. and the Sunday-school sent their usual Easter contribution to the Children's Mission in Boston.

On Fast Day, April 9, a union service of all the churches in the city was held in the First Baptist Church. It was so arranged that several of the local pastors participated. The sermon was by Rev. F. L. Phalen. The subject, "Our Republic, its Glory and its Shame."

On Sunday, April 12, we had the pleas

ure of listening to Rev. Dr. Edward A. Horton of Boston. His able and eloquent sermon was on "The Mind of Christ." His words were laden with the hope that religious unity may be realized, and that humanity may soon devote itself to the practical religion of doing good rather than to the vain discussion of theological creeds and isms. Dr. Horton also made some interesting remarks to the young people at the session of the Sunday-school.

On Thursday evening, April 16, Mr. George W. Stone of Boston gave a most interesting and instructive lecture before the Channing Guild on "Sydney Smith and his Times."' Mr. Stone's method of speaking is very pleasant, and the lecture was greatly enjoyed.

The gentlemen of the parish gave a very successful supper on Wednesday evening, April 15. After the supper the young ladies of St. Theresa Circle of King's Daughters gave an excellent entertainment in the audience-room, consisting of an amusing pantomime, "The Bachelor's Dream, " and a laughable farce, "Cousin Frank."

Both the supper and the entertainment were thoroughly enjoyed by one of the largest companies of the season.

Gardner, Mass.-We have been very actively at work during the winter. Late in the fall the Edward Everett Hale Club, a religious society of the young people, was organized. The club has met once a month, and has taken charge of the meetings of the Unity Club, assisted in the care of the church building, and raised money to help pay for a piano. The club consists of about fifteen members. The Unity Club has been successful. It has devoted two meetings to "Hiawatha and Indian Legends, one of them an entertainment with tableaux from the poem, and the other readings and papers. The following two meetings were devoted to "The Tale of Two Cities" and the "French Revolution," and two more meetings to "Romola and the Renaissance."

The attendance has been thirty on the average, and the interest has been well sustained. Some of the programmes have been exceedingly good.

The ladies of the society have held four "Supper Socials," which have been well attended. They have also changed their local organization, the "Willing Workers, into a Branch Alliance, and by so doing largely added to their membership. Last fall their annual fair was a truly fine occasion, and besides a social success it cleared more than $350. A concert in the fall, conducted by Miss Emma Howe of Boston, and a lecture by Mrs. Mary A. Livermore on April 13, were features of the year. And the best part of all this subordinate church life has been that it has helped and strengthened the religious life of the church.

A course of sermons upon alternate Sundays, "What Unitarians Believe,' was very well attended; and the average church attendance from July 1, 1895, to March 1, 1896, was 109. On February 23 twentyfour new members joined the church by signing the books and receiving the right hand of fellowship after the morning service, and soon we are to have another opportunity which will add as many more to the society. Last March Mrs. William S. Heywood of Sterling, Mass., gave an exceedingly fine paper to our people upon "Clara Barton and the Red Cross Society": and on April 23 Mr. Brown, who has just returned from a trip to the Bermuda Islands, will give a lecture on "Bermuda and her People, the proceeds of which will be sent to the Red Cross for the relief of the Armenians.

Among the young people of the society the religious life is being much strengthened by the Guild of the Good Samaritan, which has thus far done most excellent work. For subjects they have taken the characters in "Noble Lives and Noble Deeds."

India. The Jowai Unitarian Free School: The Jowai Unitarian "Free School, 99 as the name implies, was started in 1893 to impart free tuition to the poor children, irrespective of creed or color. Through the generosity of friends a small house was then erected, and the number of children has since been increasing, and the small hut has been found to be very small to accommodate them; and it has become very necessary to have a larger and better schoolhouse. The cost of the new building, to be used also as a church, now in course of construction, has been estimated at 600 rupees. As we are unable to raise this large sum among ourselves, we humbly and earnestly appeal to the friends, sympathizers, and to the generous public to help us with donations for the school-house building fund. Any amount given or sent for the above purpose will be thankfully acknowledged by Hajom Kissor Singh, Head Clerk of the Subdl. Office, Jowai, Khasi Hills, Assam.

Kennebunk, Me.-Although the weather on Easter Sunday was hardly that which would characterize the ideal Easter, the day was celebrated with the customary services at the First Parish. The church was bright with blossoming plants and a profusion of cut flowers, which mingled their fragrance with that of the beautiful Easter lilies which adorned the communion table. The congregation was the largest that has been seen for years. The music, which was of a high order and in harmony with the day, was rendered with a degree of excellence seldom heard in the smaller villages, the sweet tones of the flute blended finely with the voices of the choir, and the beautiful zither response which followed

the prayer was listened to with a breathless quiet.

Mr. Prescott's sermon was one of his happiest efforts. Taking for his theme "The Universal Easter," he spoke of the various celebrations of this beautiful service in different parts of the world, dwelling upon the faith that life shall rise superior to death, and on the faith in immortality which was never stronger than to-day. The sermon was followed by the communion service, which is always simple and helpful to all who participate in it. There was a large attendance at the Easter concert in the evening, when a fine programme was very satisfactorily rendered, the recitations by the primary classes being particularly good. The singing by the school, interspersed with violin and zither solos, was especially enjoyable.

Two

on

The guild has been doing good work this winter, looking after its charities and holding its meetings regularly, with large audiences. The subjects have been well chosen, and a number of excellent papers written. The reading of letters from the students who are being educated by the Tuskegee clubs adds interest to the meetings. very interesting illustrated lectures Egypt and Palestine have been given to the Sunday-school by the superintendent, and were highly appreciated by those who heard them; and the new song and service book has been lately introduced. The Women's Alliance keeps on the even tenor of its way, keeping up its class in the higher criticism, sewing for Tuskegee, and holding its interest in various ways. Ladies' Society maintains its own departments of work and interests. The music furnished by "home talent" has been a delightful feature of our social gatherings; and, although "there are diversities of gifts, the same spirit" prevails, and all are working with unanimity of purpose along the lines of social and spiritual advancement.

The

The subject which just at present agitates the minds of both pastor and people is the need in this town for a Young Men's Christian Union, and it is sincerely hoped that the earnest and untiring efforts of our pastor in that direction may be crowned with success.

Madison, Wis.-The people's Sunday services at the Fuller, which have become so popular, will be continued until the summer vacation. At a parish meeting of the Unitarian church recently this was unanimously voted. The average attendance at these services is over twice as large as the church can comfortably seat, and the number is growing. The fact is a handsome compliment to the ability and worth of Rev. W. D. Simonds, who has now the largest congregation of any liberal church in the North-west outside of Chicago.

Neponset, Mass.-The Church of the Unity, Rev. George Herbert Hosmer, has been passing a season of activity in various branches of work.

The Ladies' Alliance has been very active, and, besides contributing to many outside calls for help, has, with the assistance of the Sunday-school workers, put $550 în the hands of the treasurer of the society. Many sociables have been held during the season, and have been well attended.

The Guild for Christian Culture has met on alternate Sunday evenings. The interest has been well sustained; and many fine addresses have been given both by the members and from friends invited to address the Guild.

This church has made its annual contributions to the Unitarian Association, to the Sunday School Society, to the Children's Mission, to the Norfolk Conference, to Tuskegee and other charitable associations.

Four festival days have been observed. The festival of Beauty in June, of Harvest in October, of Light at Christmas, of Life at Easter.

The Sunday-school joins with the services in the church on these occasions. At the festival in June children are presented for baptism.

The effect of bringing the children into the morning service of worship is good. A large attendance and increased interest are manifest.

The Sunday-school, though not large in numbers, is well organized, and is doing excellent work.

The lessons of the Sunday School Society on the "Teachings of Jesus" and "The Beginning of Christianity" have been studied with great attention, and the attendance of our teachers upon the study class with Mr. Pulsford has been good.

A class has been formed for a closer study of the life of Paul with the pastor. A very pleasant conclusion of our year's work is our annual union picnic in June to Lovell's Grove, when the Sunday-schools of the four Protestant societies of NeponsetMethodist, Baptist, Trinitarian, and Unitarian-unite and spend a very happy day together. This has been kept up for five years now, and seems to have become an established institution.

New York. Deep regret is widely felt in the resignation of Rev. Theodore C. Williams after a pastorate of twelve years as successor to Dr. Bellows in the pulpit of All Souls' Church. Mr. Williams, who came to All Souls' as a very young man, soon proved himself worthy the confidence shown by the society in asking him to succeed Dr. Bellows; for, while differing entirely in type of mind from his great predecessor, he has quietly taken his place by the rare and noble qualities of spiritual power which he possesses in unusual measure. As a thinker in the fields of religious