Albany, NY.-Our delegates returned from the National Conference very enthusiastic, and ready to carry forward the work here. Dr. Brundage was especially pleased with the action of the Conference on municipal reform. He had been prominent in the non-partisan movement in our city, and only the previous Sunday had preached a very able sermon on this theme. Because of the connection of our pastor with the movement, the whole church was interested; and on October 30 the "Sociological Section" of the Unity Club had a special discussion of the local situation. Mr. David A. Thompson represented the "Republican Party and Partisanship," Mr. Dodge the Democracy,” and Mr. Montignani the "Honest Election Party and Nonpartisanship. There were several hundred men present, besides ladies. The discussion at times became very brisk. Most of the speakers were for non-partisanship. It was, altogether, the most interesting meeting this section had held. A temperance discussion, on the same plan, having representatives of various methods of reform to present them, will soon be arranged.

The members of the society have been very fortunate in the number of first-class sermons they have heard during the past few months. Dr. Brundage has spoken on "Louis Pasteur, the French Scientist, "Reformed Judaism," "The Scientific Spirit and the Scientific Method," and "The Incarnation." Rev. S. R. Calthrop and Dr. Brundage exchanged pulpits the Sunday following the meetings at Gouverneur, N. Y., at which they both spoke. Our society received a double treat, as Mr. Calthrop spoke on "The Modern Idea of God" at the Sunday-school in the morning, and at evening, in the church, on "The Growth of the Idea of God, especially among the Hebrews." Each was full of deep thought.

An entertaining social was enjoyed at the residence of the pastor on the evening of December 10. December 17 Rev. Mr. Slicer of Buffalo, on his return trip from Boston, remained over, and gave a most delightful and instructive talk on Emerson to the lit

erary section of the Unity Club. This section is doing excellent work. The next evening we had an entertainment, consisting of music and reading given by Prof. Ferron's pupils in the Conservatory of Music and the ladies of the church. About this time we commenced using the new hymnals issued by the American Unitarian Association. The society is well pleased

with them.

Christmas was celebrated on the Monday evening preceding. The audience probably enjoyed most the exhibition of their work by the kindergarten. Older members of the school gave recitations. Mrs. Andrew Colvin sang two solos. The tree which bore the presents had been beautifully decorated. At the conclusion of their distribution by the pastor, Mrs. Winship, in behalf of the society, presented him with an order for books to complete his sets of Huxley, Spencer, Darwin, and Haeckel. He was well pleased with the gift, which was a complete surprise.

We had to close the year with our pastor on the sick list; but he has recovered, and is at work again. Rev. E. M. Fairchild preached an able sermon on "The Church and the Child, "-a discussion of the Sunday-school.

On January 12 Dr. Brundage preached at Vassar College, returning in the afternoon. His subject for the evening service was

The Men for the New Era." After service a meeting of the society ordered the appointment of a committee to make arrangements to celebrate our anniversary, March 24. G. T. W.

Bar Harbor, Me.-The evening of December 19 the gentlemen of the Unitarian church gave a supper at Grand Army of the Republic Hall. The supper was succeeded by a voting contest for the first mayor of Bar Harbor, followed by different entertainments, ending in a grand march. Socially and financially, the evening was a success. And the "moral" effect (speaking in the language of modern military writers) must have been immense in bring

ing in the reign of the "New Woman"; for not only did the women exchange places with the obsolescent "lords of creation, but the ladies, also, were the managers and bosses" of the caucuses and the election. If this were a foretaste of the new time coming, it will, anyway, be a cheery time. The last Sunday of the month Mr. Cochrane gives the last of the series of sermons on "Village Improvement." The congregations from the beginning have been good, slowly growing from Sunday to Sunday.

The Sunday-school, too, is growing in interest and numbers. Christmas Eve the members of the school and others gathered at the church, finding one of the most beautiful Christmas trees ever looked upon, and at its base a fine lot of presents. Among these good things were two chairs, beautiful and substantial, Christmas gifts from the members of the church to Mr. and Mrs. Cochrane.

Battle Creek, Mich.-We quote from Our Word and Work, published by the Independent Church, Battle Creek, the following: "One of the most perplexing problems in connection with the growth of a church is the administration of its social life. Let us all help to weld this society into a social organism. Let us touch hands and stand heart to heart. Let us forget all petty distinctions, and make our hospitality broad and inclusive. Church hospitality does not mean shaking hands with the minister. It means simply taking the social force that is generated by bringing people together and using it to quicken the church life, to deepen the sense of brotherhood, to make the church a place of cheer and joy and honest welcome to young and old, to the stranger within and the wayfarer without the gates."'

Belfast, Me.-The preparations for the Christmas service in the Belfast church were entered into most heartily, and the service was one of the most interesting of the year. For nearly a week the ladies worked in the church parlor, twining evergreen ropes for trimming. These, with evergreen trees of varying size, were used to decorate the church; and the effect was one of great beauty. A stranger in the city, entering the open door on Saturday afternoon, pronounced it one of the pret tiest sights he had ever witnessed. The heavy rain on Sunday did not dampen the ardor of all the good people of the church; and a good audience was assembled at the appointed hour, although in one of the churches the regular service was changed to a conference meeting. The music was especially fine, the regular choir being assisted by Mr. Percy Sanborn, violinist. The sermon on The Mother of Jesus" was well received, and many asked that it be repeated next Sunday.

Bernardston, Mass.-On the last Sunday in December Rev. F. W. Holden closed his labors in the Unitarian society after three years of earnest and faithful labor. Soon after he came, he organized a young people's society, which took the name of the Young People's Fraternity. The meetings were held at the church parlors on Sunday evenings during nine months of each year, with much zeal and interest, the work carried on mostly by the young people. The society at the present time numbers over forty. The average attendance has been from thirty-five to fifty. This is one of the oldest churches in the Connecticut Valley Conference, and the number of attendants constantly growing less. Still, the church is kept supplied. During the past year the women belonging to the parish furnished new carpets and cushions for the church out of the funds of their Social Circle, which has been in existence fifty years. They also furnish funds toward the minister's salary every year. It is proposed that the circle celebrate the fiftieth anniversary next spring. The Sabbath-school numbers sixty-eight, with a fair attendance. A very pleasant occasion was observed at Christmas, when all four of the societies in town united in a celebration at the town hall, under the branches of two immense Christmas trees loaded with presents for all the school children in town and many others. All passed off pleasantly and harmoniously. The parish are now hearing candidates for settlement.

Boston, Mass.-The annual meeting of the Suffolk Unitarian Conference was held in the Second Church, Copley Square. Rev. Edward Everett Hale presided; and the other speakers were Rev. Samuel H. Winkley, Rev. Minot J. Savage, Mr. Edwin D. Mead, and Rev. R. Fisk. There was a large attendance of delegates.

After prayer and singing the secretary, Rev. Christopher Eliot, read his report. During the year the conference had done its work chiefly through the agency of the Benevolent Fraternity of Churches. One important action has been to save the church in Chelsea from financial disaster by a donation of $700 from the Benevolent Fraternity. The result was that the church had taken a new start. In closing, the report mentioned with regret the forthcoming departure of Rev. M. J. Savage to New York, adding: "To his people of the Church of the Unity we extend our heartfelt sympathy. We shall miss him from this conference more deeply than words can tell."

Dr. Hale said they had reason to be grateful for the success of the past. As that would be the last year in which he would preside over the conference, he wished to thank the delegates for the kindness always shown to him.

Rev. Samuel H. Winkley spoke on the topic Fifty Years of Service in the Ministry at Large. He declared the purpose of his work to be the development of Christian character, interest in God, faith, and philanthropy. His experience was that for a man to succeed in the world he must try to do good to others.

Mr. Edwin D. Mead described "The Evolution of a North End Philanthropy." He gave an account of such North End institutions as the Hancock School, the Eliot School, and the parochial school, representing a school population of five thousand children. In neither of these schools were there more than ten native American children.

Rev. Minot J. Savage spoke on "Character, Citizenship, and Christianity." Beginning with Christianity, he described it as meaning truth, worship, love, and service to others, and said that, in any true view of the matter, character and good citizenship meant the same things. He went on to refer to the question of immigration, pointing to illiterate voting, and urging that the United States ought not to receive foreigners faster than it could digest them, that none should come who would not become Americans or would not make good material for American citizenship. speaker finally urged the need of an improved school system.

The

A hearty vote of thanks, coupled with an expression of regret, was passed to Dr. Hale; and then the officers were elected for the coming year, as follows: president, Howard N. Brown; vice-presidents, Rev. Edward A. Horton and Mr. R. C. Humphreys; secretary, Rev. Christopher R. Eliot.

Calcutta, India. We quote from the Interpreter the following: Rev. J. T. Sunderland. This gentleman, who is deputed by the British and Foreign Unitarian Association to visit India, has arrived in Bombay. He comes to inquire into the spread of liberal religious thought in this country, and ascertain what opening there is for the establishment of Unitarian missions. Mr. Sunderland will make such inquiry in connection with the leading men of the Brahmo-Somaj. He will visit ten principal towns of India, and pay special attention to the centres of Unitarian mission work in the Khasia Hills and Banda. Mr. Sunderland is a well-known Unitarian minister in America, and has a church at Ann Arbor, in the State of Michigan. He has taken a year's vacation from his congregation to travel in the East. He is to visit the Holy Land, Egypt, Greece, etc., and begins his tour by coming among us first. We may expect him in Calcutta in a few days. He is to report his experiences to the Unitarian assemblies at their Anniversary meetings in May. It is to be ex

pected that all Brahmo-Somajes and leaders of religious thought will help him to prosecute his inquiries, and cultivate personal relations by coming in free and personal intercourse with him. May his visit add to the intimacy of spiritual relations between India and the Western world!''

Cambridgeport, Mass.- Rev. W. H. Johnson has presented his resignation, which will take effect some time in March.

As

Chicago, Ill.-Unity Church: Rev. George Batchelor, secretary of the American Unitarian Association, stopped over Sunday and preached for Mr. Bulkeley, meeting a goodly number of his former parishioners. He gave a strong denominational sermon. All of the features of church work are running smoothly. A study class, under the Women's Alliance, holds meetings every two weeks, which are interesting, though not largely attended. The subject for the year is "The Growth of Unitarianism," Mr. Mott's book having been of assistance in working out the course. usual, there is considerable activity in the way of sewing for the poor. In general, the applications for aid are numerous, almost as much so as last year. Last Sunday evening a union meeting was held in the church, under the auspices of the Bureau of Charities, to interest the people in this section in a new plan of association and concentration in charities. This, if carried out, will involve registration of cases and personal visitation. Dr. P. W. Ayres, late of Cincinnati, is at the head of the new movement in the city.

Colorado Springs, Col.- Colorado Springs is rejoicing in its new pastor, Rev. W. A. Pratt. Already signs of increase are evident. The town, from a health resort, is becoming an active business centre, being closely connected with the Cripple Creek mining region. With the increase of population there will surely come a corresponding increase of our church under so energetic a leader as Mr. Pratt.

Concord, N.H.- Interesting Christmas services were held in this church on the Sunday before Christmas. The musical programme was fine; and the words of the pastor, Rev. Frank L. Phalen, conveyed many valuable Christmas thoughts. In the morning the subject was "The Star in the East, " and in the evening "The Jesus of History: His Birth and its Meaning." On Sunday, January 5, Mr. Phalen's subject was "A Sealed Book," and on January 12 "An Evening Meal of Long Ago." annual meeting of the Sunday-school was held on January 5, and officers were elected for the ensuing year. The treasurer's report showed all bills paid and a balance of over $70 in the treasury. Mr. Phalen is

The

The annual meeting of the Parish Fund Society was held Thursday evening, January 9; and the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: president, H. B. Colby; vice-presidents, Mrs. J. G. Dimond, Mrs. Charles Hill; executive committee, Mrs. George F. Underhill, Mrs. George L. Stratton, Mrs. W. H. Alexander, A. P. Fitch, John J. Bartlett; secretary and treasurer, Miss M. E. Young.

Dorchester, Mass.-Christ Church. The Ladies' Aid Society is giving a course of attractive lectures as follows: February 14, Rev. W. H. Lyon, "Loyola"; February 21, Prof. Edward S. Morse, Evolution" (chalk talk); February 28, Rev. George W. Kent, "In Shakespeare's Country" (stereopticon). Single admission, 35 cents. Lectures begin at eight o'clock.

At Christmas the Sunday-school was presented with a large photograph of Raphael's Sistine Madonna by the Girls' Lend a Hand Club; and Mrs. Goodridge, the president of the club, received a lovely picture from the girls.

Mr. Edwin T. Horne presented to the minister and his wife, in behalf of the teachers of the Sunday-school, two very beautiful framed photographs, -Litchfield Cathedral and the interior of Tewkesbury Abbey.

East Weymouth, Mass.-The little society at this place, founded by Dr. Moors some years ago, has passed through its "ups and downs," and finally, under the leadership of Rev. J. W. Day at Hingham, who has it in his charge, now takes its place as an established society, free from debt and hopeful for the future. The pay

ment of the last of the church debt was made the occasion for a celebration, which took place the last week in December, in the new church and vestry. A goodly company gathered to congratulate and to be congratulated. The townspeople turned out; and the other ministers came, with their kind words and brotherly greetings.

Fall River, Mass.-The Unitarian church in Fall River is now embellished by two beautiful memorial windows, which recall the noble lives and precious services of its first two ministers, Rev. George Ware Briggs and Rev. Samuel Longfellow. The latter window was placed in the church shortly after Mr. Longfellow's death: it was given by two men connected with the society. The Briggs memorial window was placed last week. It is mainly the gift of three ladies, who were parishioners of Dr. Briggs in his first ministry, and who have always entertained the highest respect for

him. At last Sunday's services Mr. Knapp, the present pastor, made a fitting allusion to the beautiful gift as a preface to his ser

mon.

The window consists of three Gothic openings of equal size, the background of which is the same in all, being a beautiful diaper form in opal glasses of rich and harmonious colors. The distinctive designs of the three openings are found in their middle and upper panels. A sheaf of ripened wheat in gold and opal, on a background of delicate blue, is the beautiful and appropriate emblem which occupies the central panel of the second opening; while the similar space on each side is embellished with a large cluster of Easter lilies. The upper panels show, in turn, a handsome bunch of passion flowers, the descending dove lighted by the yellow rays of a brilliant star and a cluster of delicate opal lilies. The base of each opening is the same, consisting of a pleasing geometric design composed of rich combinations of opal glasses and bright jewels. The window, as well as the Longfellow window, is from the studios of Messrs. Redding, Baird & Co. of Boston. It bears the following inscription: "In memory of George Ware Briggs, the first minister of this society, 'In my integrity of heart and innocency of hands.'''

Green Harbor, Mass.-A call has been extended to Rev. N. S. Hoagland, now laboring in Providence.

Helena, Mont.-Helena is rejoicing over Mr. Crooker's decision to stay with the church which is his very own, communicated to it January 12. It speaks volumes for the strong tie between pastor and people that Mr. Crooker has resolutely turned his back upon all Eastern attractions to remain with this church of his creation. Both Helena and Montana share in the satisfaction of the church at Mr. Crooker's decision.

Hyde Park, Mass.-The first Sunday in the new year the Unitarian society held their first vesper service at five o'clock P. M. Special music had been prepared. The attendance was large. The ladies of the Unitarian society have arranged for a series of sociables to be given this season. A supper will be served at each, and an entertainment provided, under the direction of the Unity Club, January 8 being the date of the first. The Unity Club met January 14. The subject for the evening was "The Monroe Doctrine." A very successful fair was held under the auspices of the Ladies' Social and Benevolent Society last month. Fannie A. Norton, Secretary.

London, Eng.-The English Unitarian Year Book for 1896 gives the following as the principal events of the past year among the Unitarians of London: