people under the supervision of Mr. Winkley. Among the qualities that distinguished the veteran pastor, Mr. Horton spoke of his character of decisiveness. That trait, he said, is lacking to a certain extent in the American people of to-day. Again, Mr. Horton said that his word would be incomplete if he did not say that the Benevolent Fraternity of Churches had full confidence in Mr. Eliot, and that the sympathy which he had shown toward Mr. Winkley betokened a happy future. He looked forward to a continuation of the glorious past under Mr. Eliot's pastorate. Rev. Dr. Hale followed Mr. Horton. remarked upon the great progress of the world during the past fifty years, incidentally mentioning that a great newspaper in Boston had also completed half a century of work. The career of Rev. Joseph Tuckerman furnished Dr. Hale with a text for a brief retrospect leading up to the time when Mr. Winkley entered the ministry. He referred to Cotton Mather and Andrew and John Eliot and others to illustrate the need for and the operations of the ministry-at-large.

He

When Rev. Mr. Winkley rose, the whole congregation rose with him, and remained standing until the aged minister began to speak. He stated that he did not know how to charge Mr. Eliot. He would not advise him to cultivate the virtues, for he had done that already. The best thing he could say to his successor was that he should be himself, not Hale, Cuckson, or Horton, but Christopher Eliot. He also advised Mr. Eliot not to be discouraged. The country was passing through a great crisis. He doubted if anybody realized the true nature of what was before the United States. There was a great number of parties, but there were no parties in the Benevolent Fraternity of Churches. There were no gold or silver Democrats, no Republicans, no Populists, no anarchists, religiously speaking. They were all going forward with the work. He counselled his successor to have faith and courage.

The service was closed with the benediction pronounced by the retiring pastor. -The installation of Rev. Henry T. Secrist of Milwaukee to the pastorate of All Souls' Church, Roxbury, took place October 19. The exercises opened at 7.30 o'clock, with an organ prelude, followed by the anthem, "Oh, Come Let Us Sing to the Lord!" invocation by Rev. Edward A. Horton; congregational singing of the hymn, Life of Ages"; reading of Scripture by Rev. Eugene R. Shippen; and the anthem, "Honor the Lord." Rev. Francis G. Peabody, D.D., preached the sermon, and took his text from St. John, "And for their sakes I sanctified myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. This was followed by a congregational hymn, prayer by Rev. Edward Everett Hale, D.D., singing by the quartette, ad

dress of welcome to the church by Charles K. Nichols, response by Rev. Henry T. Secrist, "The Fellowship of Churches" by Rev. Samuel M. Crothers, address to the people by Rev. William II. Lyon, former pastor of the church,-who has accepted a call to the First Parish Church, Brookline, hymn, "Be Thon, O God, exalted high, and benediction by the pastor. The church was beautifully decorated with palms, ferns, and hydrangeas. A beautiful floral tribute of chrysanthemums, sent by the congregation of the church in Milwaukee, of which Mr. Secrist was pastor, decorated the pulpit.

The

Brockton, Mass.-About a year ago Dr. Rush R. Shippen, formerly of Washington, D. C., commenced his pastorate at the Unity Church. An increased interest soon became evident, as shown by the largely increased attendance at the regular Sunday morning services, and in many other ways. The church soon became too small to accommodate the large number of worshippers, and at the beginning of the summer vacation steps were taken to increase the size and capacity of the church. whole building was raised up several feet, and an addition made to each side, thus increasing the capacity of both the auditorium and the vestry. The work is now so near completion that services were held in the vestry last Sunday, October 11; and the auditorium will probably be ready for occupancy by the first Sunday in November. When completed, the auditorium, it is said, will have the largest floor space of any church in the city. It will have six rows of pews, with four aisles, will have a vestibule in the front, -something the old building could not boast of, -comfortable, roomy stairs leading from the lower vestibule to the upper one, and thence to the auditorium, and a pleasant, comfortable room for the pastor. The vestry, too, has a cosey and inviting appearance, and many conveniences and comforts not contained in the old one.

Since Dr. Shippen took charge of the church, a Young People's Society has been formed; and the church is in a more flourishing and prosperous condition than at any time since Rev. John Graham Brooks resigned the pastorate some years ago. Nearly a year ago Dr. Shippen succeeded in forming a Unitarian Club of the Unitarian churches in this vicinity, -something entirely new in these parts, and which has led to the Unitarians of Brockton and its surrounding towns becoming better acquainted, and to greater sociability among all participating in the meetings and collations of the club.

Burlington, Vt.-The winter's work in our Unity Club started off with a large number present to listen to the reading of "Twelfth Night," with a little music

added. The solid work began October 29, and took up for that evening "Socrates, to be followed fortnightly by "Charlemagne, "Hildebrand, Jeanne D'Arc," "Michel Angelo," "Queen Elizabeth,' "Peter the Great, Mrs. Browning, "Harriet Beecher Stowe," and "Wagner. Two or three evenings some entertainment will be given, with a small admission fee to raise the necessary funds for expenses. Our pastor is back from his European trip with renewed vigor, and has been most heartily welcomed by the society.

Canton, Mass. First Congregational Parish: The twentieth anniversary of the dedication of Parish Hall was observed on Thursday, October 1. Addresses were made by Rev. Messrs. George F. Piper, and William H. Savary, former pastors of the parish, Rev. Rush R. Shippen of Brockton, who was one of those present at the dedication, and by several ladies and gentlemen of the parish.

Castine, Me.-Two services are held Rev. each Sunday, and both well attended. William Brunton preached on "The Red and White Roses of Patriotism" on Memorial Sunday, and preached a baccalaureate sermon to the high school graduates on "True Success in Life." The students of the State Normal School take great interest in the services. The church is about to be repaired, and, it is anticipated, will look very well with the proposed changes. Mr. Brunton at the end of October is asked to become its pastor. He has been supplying since April.

Chelsea, Mass.- The First Unitarian Church, Rev. A. P. Reccord pastor, reopened on September 6, after a vacation of two months, with a promising outlook for the new year. The various organizations of the church, under able directors, are projecting and executing plans of action with a precision and decision which forecasts most favorable results. The Sunday-school, Rev. A. P. Reccord superintendent, with a strong ally in Miss Dockham of the kindergarten department, shows fair promise of becoming an organized force in the interest of the church. Mr. Reccord holds teachers' meetings on alternate Tuesdays, at which a careful study and preparation is made of the lessons for two weeks, to be again interpreted and simplified by the teachers for the benefit of the pupils. The Unity Club has voted to join the Young Peoples' Religious Union, and for that purpose has revised its constitution, and appointed a worship committee to arrange for a fortnightly religious service for and by the young people. This organization, according to Article I. in its constitution, shall be known as the "Unity Club, Chelsea Branch of the Young Peoples' Religious Union."

The

Chicago, Ill.-First Church: The Sunday-school is not largely attended, but those children who come appear to take great interest in their lessons. The plan of the work this year differs somewhat from that of previous years. Every Sunday each child is given a little slip of paper on which is printed, in part or in whole, some poem or a paragraph or two from some well-known piece of literature. Care is taken to make such selections as have not only a distinct and recognized literary worth, but also such as possess a clear and simple religious lesson, which is pointed out in the classes. To be more explicit, such selections are made as portray some working of the laws of nature, in animal or vegetable life, for instance, which clearly suggests, or, rather, corresponds to the action of some spiritual law. Thus, the first lesson was the moral instinct of man, the conscience; and the selection to be memorized consisted of three verses from Bryant's poem, "To a Waterfowl." instinct of the bird to fly South before the approach of winter was shown to be analogous to the human instinct to do right. Thus the selections all have a spiritual adaptability which is brought out in the class-room. As hinted above, the children are requested to learn their selections by heart, and recite them on the following Sunday. The character of the day and of the season of the year is observed, so that the lessons are always appropriate. Hyde Park Unitarian church has held services through the month of October every Sunday afternoon. These services will continue through the winter, and it is hoped will be up to the standard already set in the matter of attendance. They are held in Masonic Hall on Fifty-seventh Street; and, being thus held in a small room, there is about them an air of spontaneity that adds much to their enjoyableness. has been broken for the new chapel, which will be completed in the spring, and will be a very beautiful building.

The

Ground

Unity Church: The Ladies' Aid Society and the Saturday Sewing Circle, made up of the younger ladies of the church, resumed their sessions the 1st of October, with an encouraging attendance. The Aid Society expects to conduct its charity work this winter in co-operation with the Bureau of Charities, as was done last season, this method of carrying on relief work having been found very satisfactory. The regular classes at the Industrial School will be continued as before, but it is not known as yet what form the settlement work will take. The workers of last year have been obliged, for various reasons, to give up their residence at the Industrial School; and as yet there seems to be nobody to take their places. The Branch Alliance will resume its sessions about the 1st of November, and this will mean renewed activity

in the work of the Post-office Mission and the Cheerful Letter Department.

Cincinnati, Ohio-First Congregational Unitarian Church, George A. Thayer, minister: Sunday sermons for November and December: 1. "The Essential Convictions of the Faith of Reason, "-November 1, "The Eternal Goodness; November 8, "The World as a School"; November 15, "Morals and Religion One"; November 22, "The Divine Humanity. 2. "Personal Lessons in the School of Life,❞— November 29, "Patience"; December 6, "Self-control"; December 13, "Fearlessness'; December 20, "Manliness.'

Concord, N.H.-The Concord Branch of the National Alliance of Unitarian and Other Christian Women announces its programme for 1896-97, as follows: November 6, Charity,' Miss Clara F. Brown; poem, Mrs. W. D. Chandler; religious news, Mrs. Jessie B. Harriman. December 4, Public Opinion," Miss Mary A. Downing; poem, Mrs. George F. Underhill; religious news, Mrs. H. E. Chamberlin. _ January 1, "Sympathy," in charge of the King's Daughters; religious news, Mrs. Byron Batchelder. February 5, "Evolu"' Mrs. Louis C. Merrill; poem, tion, Mrs. Julia A. Wallace; religious news, Miss Martha J. Noyes. March 5, “Altruism, Mrs. W. W. Stone; poem, Mrs. Ezekiel Morrill; religious news, Mrs. J. H. Morey. April 2, annual meeting; informal tea.

Fairbanks, Me.- The liberal services commenced by Rev. W. H. Ramsay a year ago are still continued, and are likely to be a permanent arrangement. The prejudice

against the services as Unitarian" has almost entirely disappeared.

Helena, Mont.-On October 11 the Sunday services of the Unitarian society were marked by a brilliant anniversary sermon by the able and popular pastor. The fifth year of the founding of the society and of the ministrations of Rev. J. H. Crooker were commemorated by a pulpit deliverance of special interest and instruction to the congregation. Grand Army Hall, as commodious as it is, was all too small to seat the people crowding to its doors. During the sermon the pastor referred to the condition and prospects of the society as follows: "Our congregations during the past year have been about fifty per cent. larger than ever before, though our financial strength has not increased in the same proportion. The attendance, also, is not only large, but remarkably regular: the merely curious have never given us their deceptive encouragement. The Sunday-school was a week ago the largest since its organization; and new elements of strength, promising great things through the interest of our young people, have been added to it. Never

before was the social work of our society so well organized.

Keokuk, Ia.-The congregation has extended a call to Rev. F. M. Bennett, formerly of Carthage, Mo.; and Mr. Bennett has accepted. Services were continued after the summer vacation, on September 6; but, owing to the fact that the church was struck by lightning during the month of August, it has been necessary to close the church for repairs for two Sundays. The damage by fire and water amounted to about $350. The church was fully insured. On October 12 services will be held in a thoroughly renovated building. The Ladies' Society have helped liberally in supplying means for the needed improvements. The Sunday-school has not missed a meeting during the weeks of the summer months. During the coming months we hope to make good progress in advancing the cause of liberal religion in this corner of Iowa.

Manistee, Mich.-The Michigan Unitarian Conference will hold its annual fall meeting at Manistee, Mich., on November An interesting and varied 9, 10, and 11. programme is now in the making, and will soon be announced. Among those who will be present and read papers and deliver addresses are Rev. Messrs. E. A. Horton of Boston, A. W. Gould of Chicago, Thomas W. Illman of Grand Rapids, T. J. Horner and G. W. Buckley of Battle Creek, W. A. Taylor of Jackson, J. C. Allen of Traverse City, and Prof. Ferris of Big Rapids. We will also have the pleasure of meeting and hearing Mr. H. Dharmapala of Calcutta, who will deliver an address on The Common Sentiments in Buddhism and Chris

tianity," also Mr. Virchand Gandhi, who will deliver an address on Jainism." Both of these gentlemen were among the leading heroes of the great Parliament of Religions, and they will come with the prestige won in that great assembly. The Unitarian people of Manistee open their hospitable homes to all who will attend the conference. Thomas P. Byrnes, Secretary.

New York.-The advent of Dr. Savage among us was a matter of public interest; and the beautiful Church of the Messiah was filled to its doors by those who came out in the unpropitious weather of October 4 to give him welcome. Mr. Savage preached on "The Modern Minister''; and already his good words, through the wellknown Unity Pulpit,' hereafter to be called The Messiah Pulpit," have reached their thousands of readers. It is the natural fate of so well-known a preacher to be wanted here, there, and everywhere; and already Dr. Savage has been engaged to give the sermon at the fall meeting of the Middle States Conference in Rochester, and to speak at platform meetings in Ridgewood, N.J. The first, however, to get Dr.

Savage since his coming here was the Willow Place Chapel, for the ordination of its minister, Charles H. Porter, Jr., on Thursday, October 8.

This chapel is connected with the First Church, Brooklyn, and is, in the very best and widest sense, an institutional church. It has in charge the religious, educational, and social training of its people; and its various activities embrace a wide range of work that makes for social and moral helpfulness. The healthy interest of the latter in all that pertains to the life of their church was shown in the large attendance at the ordination of Mr. Porter. The audience filled the chapel. The order of service was opened by an anthem sung by the choir. The invocation was given by the enthusiastic pastor of the new society in Passaic, N.J., Rev. F. S. C. Wicks. Rev. George H. Badger of Rutherford, N.J., read the Scriptures. Dr. Savage preached the sermon. Rev. Edward Hale of Orange, N.J., offered the ordaining prayer. The charge to the minister was delivered by Mr. Chadwick, who was both witty and wise in his kindly advice. Mr. Eliot extended the right hand of fellowship to his young colleague and assistant, and Rev. D. W. Morehouse gave the charge to the people. Mr. Camp closed the services with a prayer. The fall programme of the New York League of Unitarian Women has not yet been distributed. But those who have seen it speak enthusiastically of its excellence. The first meeting will be held on Friday, November 6, Miss Emma Low of Brooklyn,

the new president, presiding. The subject

for discussion will be "The Value of Organization"; and Mrs. Fisher A. Baker of Yonkers, N. Y., will be chairman of the committee of arrangements for the day.

M. A. M.

Northampton, Mass.-The installation of Rev. George Croswell Cressey, Ph.D., as pastor of the Second Congregational Society at Northampton, Mass., took place Wednesday evening, September 30, at 7.30 o'clock. The large audience included many representatives from nearly all the churches in town. After a voluntary and anthem the opening prayer was offered by Rev. Arthur A. Brooks of Greenfield, Mass. The sermon by Rev. S. C. Beane of Newburyport was strong, and well fitted to the occasion. Prayer was offered by Rev. Daniel M. Wilson of Boston, and a cordial greeting was extended from the society by Mr. Thomas Munroe Shepherd. The charge to the pas tor by Rev. George Batchelor, secretary of the American Unitarian Association, was admirable, and the right hand of fellowship by Rev. Bradley Gilman of Springfield strong and fraternal. A feature of the occasion was a hymn written by Mr. Cressey, followed by an address of welcome by Rev. Henry Turbell Rose, pastor of the Con

gregational church. Mr. Rose spoke with warmth of fellowship, and his cordial hospitality to the new-comer was ratified by many representatives from other churches, some of whom took pains to extend a personal welcome to Mr. Cressey at the close of the service. The large attendance showed the interest of the people of Northampton in the success of the movement. The charge to the people was gixen by Rev. Ellery Channing Butler in his own suggestive and characteristic way, followed by the doxology; and a benediction by the pastor concluded the interesting service.

Norton, Mass.-The Norton Unitarian

Society, after a long vacation, again opened its doors the first of September. Rev. Francis W. Holden and wife began work there at that time. The work in all departments has been taken up with renewed interest, and the promises for the fall and winter are very encouraging. On Tuesday evening, September 29, the society gave Mr. and Mrs. Holden a reception in the church vestry. No pains were spared to make the evening one of pleasure long to be remembered. The reception was not only largely attended by the Unitarian Society, but many from the neighboring church were present. Upon invitation of the pastor of the Trinitarian Congregationalist Church, Mr. Holden exchanged pulpits on October 11. The exchange was very pleasant, as a most excellent spirit was shown.

People's Guild observed their seventh anniTuesday evening, October 27, the Young versary. The guild through these many years has a record for doing good work of which they might be proud, and promises to do good work during the present year.

Oak Park, I Unity Church has entered on a new era of prosperity. During the summer vacation the church building has been repainted and reshingled and newly decorated with interior frescoing. Besides this, new seats have been put in and a new pipe organ set up,—all of which is the result of several years' work to this end. The money, amounting to over $3,000, was all raised beforehand, so that no debt is incurred. Large congregations have greeted the pastor at each Sunday service, and several new families have been added to the parish. parish. Though the seating capacity of the church has been enlarged, every seat is already taken. The pastor, Rev. Ř. F. Johonnot, has just completed his first decade as a minister, having been ordained at Leicester, Mass., in September of 1886. The completion of this term of service was observed by a sermon on September 27, upon "Ten Years in the Ministry." The Western Conference of Universalist Churches, which embraces all the territory between New

York State and Colorado and which meets every two years, held its second session with this parish on October 20, 21, and 22.

Portland, Me.- The First Parish Church did not close during the summer. In fact, there has not been a Sunday for four years without religious services of some sort. A year ago lay services were held in the parish house during the summer. This year services were conducted by Rev. G. H. Young of Lawrence, Rev. J. A. Chase of Houlton, and by the pastor.

Reading, Mass.-The guild has completed its flower mission for the season. Altogether 6,710 bunches were sent to Boston to be distributed by the guild of the New Old South. This has been a capital work and well conducted.

A new Infant Class has been organized by Miss Grace Brown, who is teaching the children by kindergarten methods. Parents should see to it that their children receive the benefit of religious culture in this attractive and successful form. This is a natural method of teaching religion by object lessons, and the good results are permanent in habits of thought and in the character.

Salem, Mass.-Rev. George L. Chaney receives a warm welcome to his native city, as he comes to take charge of the First Church for three months.

-The Unity Club of the East Church has begun its meetings for the season with much interest.

-The Alliance of the Barton Square Church will be addressed by Rev. George Batchelor in December, and by Miss Margaret Barnard in January.

-The various activities of the North Church are receiving attention, and the season's work is well begun.

-The Guilds of the East and Barton Square churches have joined the Young People's Religious Union.

-Arrangements have been made for a series of Teachers' Meetings for the Unitarian Sunday-school Teachers of Salem and others interested, to be held on Saturday afternoons, for the study of the current issue of the lessons published by the Unitarian Sunday-school Society. The first of these meetings will be at the First Church, October 31, and Rev. George L. Chaney will give an introductory lecture and an exposition of the lesson for the following day. Friends from our churches near Salem will be welcomed at these meetings.

San Francisco, Cal.-First Unitarian Church: Nothing of especial interest has occurred during the past month. Dr. Stebbins has preached strong sermons on each Sunday morning. The Sunday-school is temporarily cared for by its former superintend

ent, Mr. C. A. Murdock, assisted by Rev. Samuel Slocombe as teacher of the Bible class.

The meeting of the delegates from charitable organizations of all denominations promises to be of great value. The death of Mr. Henry C. Swain removes a familiar face from our congregation. Until his

severe illness of the past year, he was a constant attendant at all church services. He will be missed by many fond friends.Pacific Unitarian.

Springfield, Mass.-The Sunday-school of the Church of the Unity is studying early Christian history.

Our church was represented at the conference of the Unitarian churches of the Connecticut valley, held October 1 at Northampton. The evening before the conference Rev. Bradley Gilman assisted at the installation of Rev. George Croswell Cressey as pastor of the Second Congregational (Unitarian) Church of Northampton. Mr. Gilman gave the address and the right hand of fellowship.

The first meeting for the season of the Woman's Alliance, October 15, was an interesting occasion. The afternoon was occupied by the members of the alliance with business, the meeting for which began at 4.30. Some twenty-five or more members of the Unity parish improved the opportunity to join the alliance. The programs for the various meetings, as laid out, cover the history of Unitarianism, and its present-day status and workings. A supper and social gathering followed the transaction of business. Other members of the parish were invited to share in these festivities and to hear an admirable discourse from their former pastor, Rev. John Cuckson, now of the Arlington Street church, Boston, on the character and mission of Unitarianism.

Trenton, N.Y.-The society in Trenton, N.Y., the oldest Unitarian church in the State, opened and dedicated a new parish house on October 28. The building has cost about $3,000, and its erection is proof of the vitality of this ancient society.

Waverley, Mass.-The corner stone of the new Unitarian Church building was laid on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 3, by R. W. Henry A. Belcher, as Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts. The pastor, Rev. Charles A. Livingstone, welcomed the members of the Grand Lodge and the Belmont Lodge of Master Masons. There was a large concourse of people in attendance on the ceremonies. Rev. Samuel M. Crothers of Cambridge, took part in the proceedings, as did Rev. Messrs. E. A. Horton, W. H. Savage, and Hilary Bygrave, these being members of the Masonic Fraternity.