The Church Index Part 7

The interior, with its large encircling gallery, good pulpit, harmonium, nice pewing, make up a very satisfactory whole; but the great charm of the interior consists in the quiet, excellent taste displayed in the coloured decoration and painting, very much to be admired, and worthy of imitation, and seeming to tell its own tale of the simplicity and the faith of the congregation that worship there.

The history of Hornton street Chapel has been various and chequered. The church connected with it has been successively Presbyterian, Congregational, and Baptist. The old Presbyterian cause in Kensington began to shape itself about the year 1790, when the few united together met in a plain barn-like building at a place called South-end, at the end of St. James's-street, leading out of Kensington-square. The most remarkable part of the church's history here was that it was right in the teeth of the noted local infidel of that day, Tom Taylor, who held near the same spot what he called his "h.e.l.l-fire Club," in which, with his rough disciples, he used to meet, and rave against religion and society.

From hence, we believe, the corner is vulgarly known by the awful nomenclature of "h.e.l.l-fire-corner." From this scene the church removed to Hornton-street in 1793. Three of the members had joined their means and influence to procure this more eligible meeting-house. They were a Mr. Gray, a nurseryman, Mr. Broadwood, the founder of the great pianoforte firm, and Mr. Foreacre, the then coachman of King George III.

Of these three worthies it is told that they built the chapel by bond-deeds, the amount of responsibility being equally divided among them. Some time after the opening there remained still due to each of them 600_l._, 1,800_l_. in all; and at a certain meeting of the deacons, one of them took up the poker from the grate and, winding his bond round the end of it, thrust it into the fire, the other two immediately following his example. By this n.o.ble act the chapel was freed from debt, there remaining only a ground-rent of 8_l._ 8s. per annum. It is also related that the royal coachman about this time dropped a handful of tracts into the coach one day, when about to take out his royal master, and the King, who it appears perused the tracts diligently, afterwards commanded his devout servant to get him a further supply. The Rev. Dr.

Lake was the first minister, in whose time members of the Royal Family from Kensington Palace rented a pew in the chapel. He was succeeded in the pastorate by the Revs. John Clayton, Dr. Liefchild, Dr. Vaughn, and Dr. Stoughton, now of Allen-street Chapel, our account of which we should recommend to be read in connexion with this. In the time of the latter pastorate, Hornton-street Tabernacle became the parent of two other chapels-viz., Horbury and Allen-street, to the latter of which Dr.

Stoughton attached himself with his church. The chapel was then closed for a considerable time, and used only as an appendage to Allen-street for school accommodation, &c. There was, however, a division of opinion in the matter, a few of the old members, contending that the chapel should still have been used for its original purpose, and that there was in the town abundant room for a second cause. To this Dr. Stoughton himself was decidedly opposed, and consequently it remained closed until it had been purchased by the Metropolitan Railway Company, who, needing the schools in the rear for the progress of their works, were compelled to take the whole property. 4,000_l._ was thus obtained, with which Dr.

Stoughton was enabled to build his present superior schools in Allen-street. In the meantime, Mr. Orchard and a few others of the Baptist persuasion, had met in an office, now an auction and estate agency, adjoining the old chapel, and engaged the Rev. R. J. Mesquitta, of Mr. Spurgeon's College, as pastor. That minister's success was so great that they were shortly obliged to adjourn to the Avenue a.s.sembly Rooms. Whilst here, the railway company put the old chapel into the market to be let. The church availed itself of the opportunity and returned to it, undertaking it at an annual rental of 115_l._ This was about a year and a half ago. 600_l._ was required to put it in order, build galleries, &c., which was promptly promised by members of the congregation. One would have thought that this was the beginning of better days; but, alas! through some evil fortune, it was the beginning of a new and distressing decline. In the settlement of the property now acquired in the chapel, the four persons who had transacted the business, it appears, did it all in their own names, without any legal reference to the church for which they were the intended trustees. This certainly was an error, from which one subsequently, when he discovered the effect, was honourably anxious to disentangle himself. The other three, however, held out against the remonstrances of the minister, Mr. Orchard, and others, who had made themselves responsible for the money to those whom they had looked upon as trustees. The natural ultimate consequence was, that the minister left in the midst of his usefulness, the members and congregation quitted their seats, and the church became again a wreck.

To this state of things the present pastor, the Rev. Mr. Hawes, succeeded a short time since. He appears to be a minister of great earnestness of purpose. He is a good Evangelical preacher, and delivers himself mainly extempore, with considerable power and unction, and it can only be hoped that he will succeed in repairing the breaches of Zion, and building up this church anew. There are about 700 seats, 300 of which-all the galleries-are free. There is a small Sunday-school, having about 60 scholars of both s.e.xes.

PALACE GARDEN CHAPEL, KENSINGTON.

CLOSE to the Mall and the High-street, Notting-hill, is a large, gloomy-looking structure of the Cla.s.sical School, not that it is by any means a good example of cla.s.sical work; it is heavy and badly proportioned as regards its stucco-pediment cornice and columns, the latter engaged, and the s.p.a.ces bricked in and filled with window and doors with stucco dressings. The interior we are not able to report upon, the chapel being without a congregation.

This chapel was built nine years ago by Mr. Robert Offord, of Kensington, for his brother, the Rev. John Offord, then of Plymouth. It appears to have been originally designed for a Baptist Chapel, being provided with a baptistry; but the Rev. Mr. Offord from the first gathered around him Christian people of all denominations, and formed what may be termed an open union church. Of this he was the minister about seven years, and won himself high esteem with all who could appreciate Christian learning and excellence of character. He was not in the general sense popular as a preacher, but drew around him a goodly number of admiring friends, and the congregation prospered. The chapel contains accommodation for 1,000 persons, and the average congregation in his time was between 600 and 700. The chapel, however, was the private property of Mr. Robert Offord, and it had never been settled upon trust for the benefit of the church, but had, in fact, been hired by the congregation of the owner, at a rental of 200_l._ a-year. The consequence was that, when the owner died, about two years ago, some confusion ensued in the affairs of the church.

The minister and his friends, not feeling equal to the task of undertaking a chapel in no degree their own, were inaugurating arrangements to remove to some other place, when, in the providence of G.o.d, the minister himself-surviving his brother but by a little time-was called away by death. The chapel was then put into the market for sale, and was bought for 5,500_l._ by the late Dr. Schwartz, of well-known German Jewish origin, but converted to the Protestant faith and ultimately a Presbyterian minister. As a condition of concluding the purchase, the property was made freehold, which must be a great advantage to all subsequent owners. This was all in last year, and Dr. Schwartz entered upon his labours, but only for a short time. Six months after his commencement, and only six weeks after his formal induction by the presbytery to the pastorate, he, too, was called to his rest. And now, the chapel still having remained private property, the prospects of the church became as clouded and uncertain as ever. It was put again into the market by the executors of Dr. Schwartz, in the interests of his widow and family, and was brought to the hammer at the Mart, in Tokenhouse-yard, on the 14th of June last. The matter had now been taken in hand by the presbytery on behalf of the church, and they instructed their solicitor, Mr. Lewis, to attend the auction and bid for the church to the extent of 5,000_l._ He, however, found himself at the Mart, in presence of a powerful compet.i.tor unknown to him, but who seemed resolved to outbid him. He was induced to exceed his limit by 225_l._, but, being still pressed, declined to follow on his own responsibility, and, accordingly, the chapel was knocked down to the highest bidder, who turned out to be purchasing for the Swedenborgians. Mr. Finney, a wealthy merchant of Manchester, had made this body a present of 10,000_l._ for the purpose of establishing a cause in Kensington. Hence the sharp compet.i.tion into which they entered for the edifice, which was obtained by them for the sum of 5,000 guineas. It is intended to build an organ, and make other improvements, and in four or five weeks to open it as the place of a.s.sembling for the "New Jerusalem Church," or, in other words, the Swedenborgians. None appear to regret more than the friends of the Presbyterian cause themselves the pa.s.sing entirely away from them, and from the use of Orthodox Protestant Christianity, of this well-situated and commodious structure. They would have given, and on the next day one of them offered a very considerable premium to the purchasers to relinquish their bargain; but, although remarking that had they known it was the congregation of the chapel itself bidding against them they would not have persevered, they nevertheless held to their purchase. The Congregational Church is at present meeting in the Mall Hall, where they hold Divine Service every Sunday, and are making inquiry for an eligible site, on which, as soon as secured, they are prepared at once to build.

ST. CLEMENT'S CHURCH, NOTTING HILL.

ST. CLEMENT'S, Notting-hill, situated close to the Lancaster-road and the Potteries, is a very noticeable structure-as simple, indeed, as it is possible to be, yet treated with much good feeling and power. The style is early English in a rather modest form, plain lancets and gables, without decoration or carving. As a faithful example of the style, however, it is worthy of notice; and it may be observed that a permanent structure, plainly and simply, and therefore cheaply treated, is at all times preferable to temporary iron buildings, often unworthy to be called churches, but which far too often are allowed to be anything but temporary. The nave and chancel and aisles have an unbroken line of roof and ridge, save that at their intersection a small spire or bell-turret rises square on plan, and like the roof is covered with slate. The gables and facials add importance to the structure.

The building is of yellow brick with red bands and stone dressings, and the construction of the roof might be noted as being peculiarly light and elegant in appearance. Mr. St. Aubyn was the architect, and was certainly successful in producing a building well adapted for hearing and seeing the officiating clergy. The ventilation is excellent. The nave and aisles are separated by wooden posts or iron columns supporting the roofs, taking the place of the ordinary arcades. The furniture of the church is in keeping with its general character, and the floors are paved with tiles. The cost of the whole was 5,500_l._ There is a very sweet-toned organ by Holdich, but we are sorry to learn it is not the property of the church, but hired. As, however, it can be acquired for the sum of 300_l._, or probably something less, we hope it will not be long before the congregation will own it. It is ably played by Mr. F. K.

Blanch, who is a.s.sisted in the musical parts of the service by a very efficient surpliced choir. The cast of the service generally is semi-Anglican; the prayers are read and nothing is _intoned_ by the clergy; but all the responses are sung by the choir and the congregation.

The worship appears carefully guarded against the peculiarities of High Churchism, without falling into the other extreme, and we must confess the performance struck us as being hearty and devout, as it regarded both the clergy and the congregation. The present ministers are the Rev.

Arthur Dalgarno Robinson, M.A., of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, vicar, the Rev. E. J. Venning, M.A., of Worcester College, Oxford, and the Rev.

Herbert Rowsell, M.A., of St. John's College, Cambridge, curates. We had the pleasure of hearing the Rev. Vicar himself, who, in the absence of his curates taking their holiday, had all the duty to himself. Mr.

Robinson has a clear and pleasant voice, distinctly heard in every part of the church. He reads with remarkable propriety and effect, a matter of first importance in a clergyman. In the sermon, which was read, and founded on Deut. iv. 22, referring to the last words of the great Jewish lawgiver, and to his not being permitted to cross over into the land of promise, but to die in that land, the preacher gave evidence of careful study, imaginative powers, and deep feeling. The remarks were highly instructive, and specially consolatory to the Christian chastened in tribulation and disappointed of his earthly hopes. The Rev. A. D.

Robinson has been inc.u.mbent from the foundation of the church, which was opened for Divine Service and consecrated by the Lord Archbishop of Armagh on Tuesday, the 7th May, 1867. It was erected for a district, perhaps the poorest in all the Western districts, and containing a population according to the recent census of 20,000. It supplies 900 sittings, the whole of which are free, and has an average congregation of from 600 to 700. It is noteworthy that, though in the midst of so poor a neighbourhood as the Potteries and vicinity, the congregation in the morning does not by any means appear of the poorer order, but in the evening many of the poor are to be seen enjoying the services. The Argyle family, and others from the wealthier parts of the parish of Kensington, have taken a warm interest in the St. Clement's cause with regard to the peculiar population around. But that people have not yet shown great appreciation of these Christian efforts. Yet a good work is doing. There is the church, in which we are glad to believe the Gospel is preached, and into which any poor man can freely enter. There is a mission-woman working about among the poorest, both in body and soul; but she sadly needs a co-labourer in this useful department of Christian work. There are, too, we are pleased to add, very capital day and Sunday-schools, where about 700 of the children of the poor are receiving a sound religious and elementary education for the modest fees of 3d. and 2d. per week. There is, therefore, the hope that St. Clement's will be, more and more, the centre of Christian civilisation and religious influence to that needy neighbourhood which it was originally intended to be. We heartily wish that the Rev. Mr. Robinson could obtain what the particular work in which he has embarked really deserves and demands-viz., a larger amount of general recognition and support from the outside public. As the case now stands, he must often look around him and say, "Truly the harvest is great, but the labourers are few." There is a small endowment on the church, to which the proceeds of a weekly offertory are added. As both sources of income, however, are at present small, they can barely suffice to keep up the work even to its present standard. We are a.s.sured that a little more material support would be highly acceptable and useful, well bestowed, and gratefully felt and acknowledged at St. Clement's.

HORBURY CHAPEL

STANDS at the fork of two roads-the Kensington-park-road and Ladbroke-road-and looks effective and well, which is partly owing to its open position, and partly to the grey and sombre appearance of the stone of which it is built, and rendered darker, too, by the effect of London atmosphere and a little age. The detail is not very good. The south front is the princ.i.p.al feature, composed of a high-pitched gable and two square flanking towers and dwarf tile spires. The towers are relieved with windows, simple arcade work, weather bands and strings, and oversailing and corbelled courses, and each has a gallery entrance. The gable has a terminal with a large window of fair design, and divided into four lights. The chief entrance to the chapel is also in this front, approached by steps. The interior is simple-roofed in one span with light open timbers, and ribs on stone corbels. Galleries on iron columns surround three sides of the chapel, parts of which in the transepts are set apart for the schools, a large pulpit and railed platform, with table and stalls, is at the north end, and the body of the chapel is filled with close pews.

The Horbury Chapel and congregation date from the year 1849; and the 21st year of their existence was celebrated in 1870 by the erection of side galleries and by other improvements, at a cost of about 950_l._ Horbury Chapel enterprise was an off-shoot from Hornton-street Congregational Church, under the care of the Rev. Dr. Stoughton. The Rev. W. Roberts, B.A., is the minister, and enjoys the reputation of an able and judicious pastor of his flock. There is accommodation for nearly 1,000 worshippers, and the congregation averages from 550 to 650. The pew-rents yield about 500_l._ per annum, and the weekly offerings 120_l._ There are excellent day-schools attached, with 400 children on the books, and an attendance of 300; also a Sunday-school, with an attendance of about 200. There is an out-school, too, in Notting-dale, with 115 under instruction and a ragged-school in Ernest-street, which is eminently useful in collecting together a cla.s.s of children who would not otherwise be cared for. 100 are in attendance at the infant day-school, and 50 at the night school, and there are 50 in a Sunday-night school. There is a penny bank established in connection with the ragged-school, and last year there were deposits to the amount of 278_l._ 8s. 10d. At a mothers'

meeting there are usually in attendance thirty persons. Following the example of the parent congregational church in Hornton-street, the Horbury is aggressive in its labours. The increasing population about Acton has attracted its attention. A new chapel is built there, and it is hoped that a large congregation will shortly be gathered into it.

There is a tract society-the useful labours of which deserve notice; besides which and its other home enterprises the Horbury congregation contributes sums of various amount to the London City Mission, the British Missions, the Foreign Sailors' Society, the London Missionary Society, and the Evangelisation of the Jews Society. There is much that is gratifying about the un.o.btrusive Christian character and efforts of this church, for which every Christian mind must pray them "G.o.d speed."

The services are: Lord's-day, 11 A.M., 3 P.M. (Young Women's Bible-cla.s.s), and 6.30 P.M. Holy Communion, first Sunday in the month, after the morning service, and on the third Sunday, after the evening service. Wednesday evening at 7, an expository lecture, followed by a Psalmody-cla.s.s, to practise anthems and tunes. Prayer and church meetings at stated times. There are six deacons, Messrs. Coats, Cullingford, Holt, E. Nash, Starkey (Mrs. S.), and Walton.

DENBIGH ROAD WESLEYAN CHAPEL.

THE Wesleyan Chapel situate in the Denbigh-road, Notting-hill, is the princ.i.p.al chapel of what is marked on the Methodist Conference plan as the _Bayswater Circuit_. It was built in the year 1858, after the designs of W. W. Poc.o.c.k, Esq., architect, and is a fair specimen of the Grecian style. In no religious body do tastes as to ecclesiastical architecture vary more than among the Wesleyans. Some prefer the Gothic of the thirteenth century, others the decorated Gothic of the fourteenth.

Some adopt the perpendicular of a still later date, whilst others hold to the Grecian, which was the style in which Mr. Wesley himself built. The Wesleyans of Bayswater have followed the original Connexional pattern, but have erected a very neat edifice, which would be more effective as an ornament to the neighbourhood but that its front falls slightly behind the line of houses amidst which it stands, and cannot be seen except in close proximity. The interior arrangement is noticeable for its combined utility and elegance. The seats on the ground-floor are arranged in the amphitheatre style, and all made to converge to the pulpit, so that every hearer directly faces the preacher, and the latter has the most perfect command of all his audience. There are galleries on three sides, and in the west gallery is a good organ with ornamental pipes, played by Mr.

Brocklehurst, and a numerous choir of young persons of both s.e.xes, whose singing is lively and animating, the tunes being such as the congregation can join in, and which it does with remarkable freedom and spirit. The chapel has recently been repainted, and decorated very tastefully by Mr.

Hearne of London, at a cost of 450_l._ The occasion of our visit, Sunday, September 10, 1871, was also the occasion of the re-opening after a closing of five weeks for this purpose. The work is done in white and gold, and the gilt on the columns, gallery fronts, and pulpit, which is a wide platform structure, is ample, and, together with the light blue and white and buff of the ceiling, contributes to make up one of the prettiest and most effective interiors we have yet seen. The original cost of the chapel was 4,500_l._, and it affords accommodation for 950 persons, 300 of the sittings being free. After retiring from their former chapel in Queen's-road, and securing the present site, the Wesleyans, resolved not to build until secure of funds to complete the work undertaken, first worshipped in a large room. Next, proceeding by degrees, they erected their walls and put the roof on, and used the body of the chapel in an unfinished state, and finally they built their galleries, and completed the furniture, both of the chapel and schoolroom; and, what is most gratifying to add, possessed themselves of their beautiful sanctuary in its completeness entirely free from debt.

The Rev. W. M. Punshon, M.A., now President of the Canadian Conference, was the first resident minister appointed to take charge of this new and important enterprise. Under his popular ministry the congregation rapidly increased and reached its full dimensions, which it retained to the end of the three years itinerant term, every sitting being let and occupied, and the aisles also generally being crowded. The Revs. J.

Rattenbury, George Maunder, J. D. Brocklehurst, who followed Mr. Punshon in succession, were also highly popular and useful ministers, so that the Denbigh-road congregation has enjoyed all the influence and advantage that Methodism could supply, for raising up and consolidating a prosperous church.

The able ministry with which it has been uniformly supplied is well maintained in the present appointments, if we may judge from our own hearing. The Rev. T. M. Albrighton, the superintendent minister of the circuit, and especially attached by residence to that chapel, occupied the pulpit; and after an impressive reading of the Church prayers, as used by the Wesleyans at the morning service, preached an eloquent and powerful discourse founded on Zech. vi. 12 and 13, "And speak unto him saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of Hosts saying, Behold the man whose name is the Branch; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord; even he shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory and shall sit and rule upon his throne, and he shall be a priest upon his throne, and the counsel of truth shall be between them both." This fine text of Scripture was treated in a manner indicative of its importance. The sermon was delivered extempore, but well studied, and, we should say, previously thought out to the last sentence. The discourse was replete with theological intelligence, and threw much Evangelical light upon the text with which it had to do. It was delivered too, with feeling, and evident intention of doing good; but this paramount purpose, kept steadily in view, did not, as is too often the case, disturb in any degree the order, method, and effect of the sermon as such. If a sermon to be really good should have method, then this sermon was quite an example. There was a suitable introduction, the divisions naturally rose out of the words of the text, and the peroration, delivered with deep feeling, brought it to a close, the whole occupying three-quarters of an hour. The colleagues of Mr. Albrighton upon the Bayswater Circuit are the Revs. J. S. Banks and Nehemiah Curnock, who interchange pulpits with him and each other, but are more particularly attached respectively to the congregations worshipping in the Warwick-gardens and Ba.s.sin-park Chapels.

There is a present membership of 430-_i.e._, recognised members of the Wesleyan body, by virtue of meeting in cla.s.s-attached to the Denbigh-road Chapel. Every department of Christian work appears to be in fair activity. There is a good Sunday-school, having 450 children under religious instruction. This school has an important feature in a young men's Bible-cla.s.s, numbering about 100, under the conductorship of Mr.

Walter Heal. From this fact it is not difficult to conjecture the cause of the presence of so many young men in the congregation as are to be seen on the Sunday. There is also a Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society in full operation during the winter months. a.s.sociations for visiting the sick, ministering to the dest.i.tute, distributing tracts, &c., afford occupation to all willing to work; and these, we are informed, are not few at Denbigh-road. The general efforts through the year in aid of foreign missions are supplemented by the activity of a "Juvenile Missionary a.s.sociation," who use their youthful influence as occasion offers to advance the great work of the world's conversion with pleasing results.

THE WESTBOURNE GROVE CHAPEL.

A SOMEWHAT heavy-looking, but substantial structure in the main-thoroughfare attracts the attention of every pa.s.ser-by at the west-end of Westbourne-grove, occupying also the corner of the Ledbury-road, where it intersects the Grove. It was intended to be in early English style, and so we presume it must be considered, although it does not strike one as realising the ideal in a very impressive degree.

It is, however, slightly decorated, and has something of the details of early work. It is solidly built of Kentish rag, with Bath-stone facings, having two flanking towers, surmounted with stone spires. In addition to the princ.i.p.al entrance, over a flight of steps in the front, these towers afford access to the galleries, to which, also, there are two other approaches from without, at the north end of the chapel, one on each side. This is the largest chapel we have yet seen in West London; and the s.p.a.ce within is economised to the utmost extent by gallery accommodation, there being double galleries on three sides, two having nine rows of seats. These, with the pewing completely covering the ground floor, give accommodation for 2,000 persons. The great feature of the interior is ma.s.siveness, which is only slightly relieved by an ornamental panelling on the gallery fronts, and a modern platform pulpit.

When pretty well filled, as we saw it on the morning of Sunday, the 17th of September, 1871, the place has an imposing effect. On the north side, behind the pulpit, there is an apse, with an organ and a few singers, answering well the purpose of leading the large congregation, which joins heartily in the musical parts of the service. There are also behind the chapel proper, six s.p.a.cious rooms for Bible-cla.s.ses, committees, &c., which is a noticeable feature, affording great facility to the several societies attached.

The Baptist Church now worshipping at this chapel was originally formed at a small chapel or meeting-place in Silver-street, Kensington Gravel-pits, in the year 1823. Its first settled pastor was the Rev. W.

Southwood, who laboured with it from 1826 to 1830. The Rev. John Broad succeeded in 1831, who occupied the post for ten years; and was followed by the Rev. John Berg in 1841, the Rev. F. Wills in 1843, and by the Rev.

W. G. Lewis, the present pastor, in 1847. Mr. Lewis preached his first sermon April 11 in that year, and was formally ordained in the following September. The progress made through these years-and especially under the latter pastorate-is sufficiently told by the fact that the first list of members appearing in the church book in 1826 included only seventeen names, whilst the list in December of last year (1870), numbered as many as 725. The small chapel in Silver-street becoming too strait for the growing cause-after considerable research-the prominent and important site of the present chapel was obtained and built upon in 1853, at an entire original cost of 5,500_l._ Since then galleries were added in 1859, at a cost of 579_l._, and in 1866 a considerable enlargement took place, at a further grand outlay of 5,895_l._, so that the chapel as it now stands represents an expenditure of about 12,000_l._ Thus, apparently by a course of uninterrupted progress, within the last quarter of a century has grown up a very large and powerful church, which takes rank with the first of West London churches for numbers, for wealth, for influence, and for its multifarious Christian labours. There are few finer instances of the effect of the Voluntary principle in religion to be found, whether we look for them in the Established Church or in Nonconformity. In the year 1870, 668_l._ 5s. 6d. was received for pew-rents, and the weekly offerings amounted to 198_l._ 16s.; collections at the Lord's Supper, 106_l._ 2s. 8d. There are large Sunday-schools, with 632 scholars of both s.e.xes and all ages, and a capital school library of 500 volumes, to which 371 of the scholars subscribe. Towards the expenses of the school the church contributed 32_l._ 2s. 5d., and from this and its other sources of income, after paying its expenses, the school contributed 53_l._ 6s. 7d. to the Baptist Missionary Society, in addition to 100 dresses which were made and sent to a mission station in Western Africa. An "Evangelical Mission," the object being tract distribution, sick visitation, &c., obtained from the congregation to a.s.sist its work 24_l._ 3s.; the London City Mission, 88_l._; Baptist Missionary Society, 165_l._ 8s. 2d.; a Soup Kitchen, coals and bread, 23_l._ 10s.; Children's Friend Society, 10_l._ 5s. 4d.; Maternity Society, 4_l._ 1s. 10d.; a "Ladies' Working Society" produced 27_l._ 9s.

7d.; a "Mother's Meeting," by which nearly 200 poor women were a.s.sisted in providing clothes for themselves and families, 115_l._; and a "Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society" raised 84_l._ 2s. 7d. Besides all these, and independently of them, the congregation contributed 524_l._ 5s. 1d. towards the reduction of a debt still remaining upon the chapel, the whole representing an income and an appropriation of 2,469_l._ 19s.

11d. In connexion with the Children's Friend Society there is a penny-bank, which received in the year 224_l._ 3s. 8d. deposits. It must be evident to all, that great and sustained effort, and some self-denial in the moving spirits of these various operations, can alone account for such results. The Rev. W. G. Lewis might well be congratulated upon the health and energy he has been enabled to bring to bear on this work, and upon the most efficient aid he has found ready to his hands in the numerous and zealous church and congregation over which he presides. As to the general character of his pastorate and ministry, their abundant acceptableness and usefulness are sufficiently manifest from their duration, and from the present aspect of affairs at Westbourne-grove.

Twenty-five years' continuous ministry to the same church, and things all round still healthy, vigorous, and flourishing, places a minister almost beyond criticism, if any were disposed to indulge it. Mr. Lewis appears to be an earnest and affectionate pastor, and calculated to govern a church without destroying it, and to its building up in the unity of faith and love. He is undoubtedly an able and gifted minister of the New Testament, discerning the spiritual requirements of his charge, and skilful in meeting them by bringing out of the treasury "things new and old." Speaking from our own observations and information, the whole of his service, from beginning to end, is religiously profitable and instructive in a very high degree. Having a good voice, capable of elocutionary effect, under the control of a well-furnished mind, his sermons are refreshing in their originality of conception and their terseness, yet completeness of expression and ill.u.s.tration, so that the hearer, at the close, feels that he has neither had too much or too little, but has been fed with intellectual and spiritual food "convenient for him." Mr. Lewis is well known as Editor of the _Baptist Magazine_, which has been for twelve years under his management. The subject of discourse was Mary of Bethany and the alabaster box of ointment (Matt.

xxvi. 13). The force of the Divine love working in the human heart, and ill.u.s.trating the effects of the Saviour's love to the world, was appropriately set forth. Its power, its freedom, its breadth, inventiveness and self-sacrifice in devotion and doing good, were set out in vivid contrast to the narrow bonds of worldly conventionality and of a cold-hearted time serving religious profession. The good work which Mary did against the Saviour's burial was symbolical of his own "good work"

which he did by giving himself for us. "Very costly, and embodying all that he could give." The hours and order of service at this chapel are: Sundays, 7 A.M., prayer-meeting; 11 A.M., public worship; afternoon: 3 P.M., Bible cla.s.ses; 6 P.M., public worship; 8 P.M., prayer-meeting.

Monday evening at 6, prayer-meeting for females only; 7, general prayer-meeting. Baptism by immersion administered as occasion arises.

The Lord's Supper on the evening of the first Sabbath in each month at 8.

Church meetings on the Friday before the first Sunday in the month, at 7 P.M.

The deacons are Messrs. Fenn, W. B. Head, Rabbeth, W. Dearle, J. R.

Philips, G. Lindup. The city missionary attached is Mr. J. Browne.

THE FREE TABERNACLE, NOTTING HILL.

THE name of the "Free Tabernacle" and Mr. Varley are indissolubly united in Notting-hill. The Tabernacle is a very plain brick structure, in Norland-square, or rather in St. John's-place, leading out of the square.

It admits of no architectural description; but on entering one is impressed with the idea that it has been built with an object. It has the appearance of a large hall, with a platform pulpit at one end, and a choir gallery behind it. There is no other gallery at present; but the ground floor is thoroughly pewed, and the whole is capable of accommodating 1,000 persons, and, if necessary, 1,200 could find a place.

The original cost of the building was 2,200_l._, the responsibility of which was entirely borne by the present minister and his father-in-law, Mr. Pickworth, who undertook the work solely in the interests of the spiritually dest.i.tute poor of the neighbourhood. Mr. Varley, who was at the time and has ever since been engaged in business, first began to preach nine years ago in the Potteries, in the Notting-dale Schoolroom, where he speedily collected a congregation from the poor people of that district, so large and overcrowded that he was compelled to find another place. This led to the building of the Tabernacle, and to one of the most valuable voluntary religious efforts that we have yet had the pleasure of recording. Upon this basis, at the present time, an average congregation of 800 in the morning, and 1,000 in the evening, a.s.semble for public worship. Upon special occasions the number is increased to 1,100 and 1,200, and it is interesting to note the respect and affection with which Mr. Varley is regarded by all this people. He has succeeded in establishing an influence undoubtedly for good over a cla.s.s not to be founds in many of the congregations we have yet had under review. It is notorious that, as a rule, our poor do not attend our churches and chapels, but the "Tabernacle" supplies an exception to the rule. In this case the minister himself is an active tradesman, and appears to possess that kind of talent which adapts him to the mind and circ.u.mstances of the cla.s.s to whom he ministers. Without even the shadow of lowness or vulgarity Mr. Varley has a certain colloquial style and manner which impart both pleasure and profit to his hearers, while it wins and retains their respect. His preaching is to a large extent expository, as on the morning of Sunday, the 23rd of September, the text (Heb. viii. 6) was ill.u.s.trated by frequent references to other portions of Scripture. There was a peculiarity which we have not observed so fully carried out anywhere as here, a great proportion of the congregation had their Bibles in their hands, and regularly followed the preacher in his references with manifest interest, very much after the manner of a Bible-cla.s.s following the teacher. They had evidently been well trained to this, and did it as from established habit. Mr. Varley also expounds in the reading of the lessons, and in so doing on this occasion denounced all a.s.sumption of a _priesthood_ by men, and the pretended sacrifice of the Ma.s.s, as a sin against G.o.d and a complete contravention of the Scriptures. The hymns used are ent.i.tled "Hymns of Grace and Glory,"

arranged especially for the service of this congregation, and are sung to simple melodies in which all can join. The singing is universal, lively, and devotional, and appears to realise the great object of music in public worship. The harmonium, however, it may be observed, is a little too much heard. It is, perhaps, what some would term noisy, and is too apt to drown instead of a.s.sist the congregational voice. The church, which now numbers about 550 members, is Baptist by profession, but what maybe termed an "open" Baptist Church, freely admitting Christian people of all denominations to its communion. Amongst other peculiarities at the Tabernacle there is a communion every Sunday morning after the public service, except on the first Sunday in the month, when it is after the evening service. It is the only case in a Nonconforming place we have yet had to notice in which there is a weekly celebration. Mr. Varley believes this to be the Scriptural order; and from the large number that tarry to that service it would appear that his people are one with him in this belief. The public services are on Sundays at eleven and half-past six; Monday evening prayer-meeting at seven, and on Wednesday evening a sermon at seven. There is a good Sunday-school attached, with about 500 children and a staff of 30 teachers. The church derives all its financial support from voluntary effort. Weekly offerings are taken at the doors, and all the sittings are free. Up to the present time, Mr.

Varley's labour has been gratuitously bestowed. It is with some surprise we learn that he has never yet received any earthly reward or testimonial whatever for his valuable services. We do not know whether it would be approved by Mr. Varley himself, but we would suggest that it is one of the first duties of the church at the Tabernacle to set their minister free from the concerns of worldly business, that he might devote all his time to study and the discharge of his pastoral duties. Having, under G.o.d, raised the church, he surely is its natural and fitting pastor; and one cannot but think that his separation to the work would prove a blessing to that people. At present, his Sunday labour is supplemented by that of a missionary (Mr. Ashdown), supported by the congregation, who does much pastoral work through the week, visiting the people and striving to keep alive their interest in public worship. Although the present building is a large place, it is thought not to be adequate in s.p.a.ce to the demands; and is, therefore, now about to be closed for some weeks, pending important alterations. After these are effected there will be an area of 74 ft. by 94, and galleries all around, affording accommodation for over 2,000 people; and in addition to this there will be several cla.s.s-rooms, and one large room for general service, calculated to hold 500 persons. It will easily be conceived that in "Mr.