stone in the name of the Holy Trinity. The Rev. C. Atkinson gave a short address; and after a few words from the Rev. J. Maughan, the Rev. T. Scattergood concluded the service with prayer. The scholars had then each a cake kindly given them by our generous friends, Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn, after which the company adjourned to the Bethel School-room, where upwards of 500 persons sat down to tea. After tea the friends returned to the chapel. Mr. Richard Waddington presided. The meeting was subsequently addressed by the Rev. C. Atkinson, T. Scattergood, J. Henshaw, J. Maughan, H. Marsden, Messrs. W. Crampton, R. Britton, J. Oldfield, G. Varley, J. Gledhill, J. W. Walker, J. Bywater, and other friends. The choir enlivened the meeting with some beautiful selections of music, and the meeting concluded about ten o'clock.

The new school-rooms will be capable of accommodating nearly 500 children. There will be two large class rooms on the ground-floor, available for the use of the church; together with one large band meeting room, 60 feet long by 24 feet wide. There will also be three large rooms for select classes on the same floor as the school-room. The largest room will be 75 feet long by 24 feet wide, and will join the present school-room in such a way as to make the whole one building. The entire cost will be a little over £600. It is also in contemplation to build a preacher's house on the spare ground adjoining the school-room.

I must not conclude this report without stating that we have commenced a number of cottage prayer meetings in the vicinity of the chapel. We have now in all ten prayer meetings during each week, with a staff of forty-five prayer leaders, a regular organization, and a printed plan. Our young members are thus furnished with suitable employment, and many of them already give promise of great future usefulness. I trust that these spiritual and material improvements will prove a great and permanent blessing to perishing thousands. Yours affectionately,

J. M. RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE NEW CONNEXION AT SUNDERLAND.

AT our late Conference held at Sheffield, the Sunderland Circuit was

divided, and as such an event forms an important turning point in the history of the body in this town, the present seems a fitting opportunity for placing on permanent record various facts and incidents connected with the rise and progress of our cause in Sunderland and its neighbourhood, in order to form a grateful recognition of the gracious manner in which the great Head of the Church has guided our course as a people, and at the same time prove an incentive and encouragement to increased exertion in his vineyard.

At the time of the separation in 1797, the Rev. Alexander Kilham had several friends in Sunderland belonging to the parent body, and amongst others Mr. Michael Longridge, who evinced his liberal and Christian spirit by inviting Mr. Kilham to make his house a home after his expulsion by the Conference. There is evidence to show that this devoted servant of the Lord did accept for a short time the hospitality thus offered to him, after the removal of his family from Alnwick, and before the formation of the New Connexion. At the period referred to no secession from the Wesleyan body had taken place in Sunderland; although Mr. Longridge did not separate, he always manifested a kind feeling towards those who had espoused the cause of the "New Itinerancy," and his widow, up to the time of her removal from Sunderland (an event which occurred not many years ago), continued to manifest much interest in our welfare as a community, by her regular contributions to the funds of our Sunday school.

The first society we had here was formed about 1800, by Messrs. Oakes and Wall, the preachers then stationed in the Newcastle circuit; and preaching was commenced by them in the house of Mr. Cuthbert Sharp; but after the lapse of two or three years, the countenance extended to them was withdrawn, and the few members that had been brought together were dispersed.

In 1805 Mr. John Weatherburu came to Sunderland. He had been instrumental in introducing the Methodist New Connexion at Blyth, and the nature of his worldly avocations rendering it necessary to remove to this town, he at once endeavoured to effect an opening for our cause in his

new sphere. At first he offered himself to the Newcastle circuit, and was cordially recognized as a member and local preacher. He then sought out the former members of our little community in Sunderland, and having succeeded in collecting together about a dozen persons of irreproachable character, all of whom were attached to the principles of the New Connexion, the Phoenix Hall was rented as a place of worship at £16 per annum, for the due payment of which Mr. W. became responsible.

The following persons composed this little society:-John Weatherburn, John Calvert, William Calvert, James Pyburn, William Scott, George Mitchinson, George White, Hugh Breckenridge, James Robinson, Thomas Price, Mary Henderson, Jane Calvert, and Mary Calvert. Of this company three only survive, and one of them, who has maintained unbroken an honourable connection with our church to the present time, thus speaks of the way in which he was induced to cast in his lot with them:-"I was a singer at the Wesleyan Chapel in Burleighstreet, and one Sunday it was whispered amongst the members of the choir that a Kilhamite had come to the town. I could not imagine what kind of outlandish person this could be, but it was not long ere, to our great surprize, the individual referred to, in the person of John Weatherburn, made his appearance in our singers' seat. After remaining a Sunday or two with us he began preaching at the Phoenix Lodge. I went to hear him, made one of the little society then formed, became a Kilhamite myself, and have continued so to the present time. I was warned by a Wesleyan to whom I looked up with respect, and who, I believed, wished well to the New Connexion, that the cause was weak and not likely to stand; but I considered that if every one took that view they would not get any members to join them at all; that if I united it would make one more, and perhaps help to strengthen them. I did so. I bless God the cause has stood to the present, and I believe it was never so firmly established as it

is now.

The Newcastle Circuit was then applied to, and the labours of a circuit preacher were obtained once a fortnight, on the Sunday and Monday evenings; the rest of the services

being supplied by local preachers. Mr. Weatherburn took his full share in those duties, and it was no uncommon thing with him, after the labours of his calling during the week, to be employed on the Sabbath preaching at Philadelphia in the morning, at Wapping in the afternoon, and at Sunderland in the evening. The congregation and society continuing to improve, in 1808 it was deemed desirable to obtain a larger share of circuit preaching, but this it was found could only be secured by calling out an additional preacher.

At the next conference, it was found necessary to divide the Newcastle circuit, when Newcastle formed the head of one circuit, North Shields of the other, and Sunderland, as a matter of course, becoming a branch of the latter. Previous to this arrangement, Mr. Weatherburn had conceived a project for the erection of a chapel; but to some of the friends this appeared too serious an undertaking, and they were unwilling to incur the responsibility which it involved. Mr. Weatherburn was not, however, to be deterred by the fears of the timorous, and being confident of success, he endeavoured to enlist the co-operation of the preachers and friends in other parts of the circuit. At length, he persuaded several individuals of influence to accept the office of trustees, and active operations were commenced. A site having been obtained on what was then a brick field, but which has since become a populous and thriving neighbourhood, at last the object of many an ardent wish was realized, and Zion Chapel was opened for worship on January 9, 1809; on which occasion sermons were preached by the Revs. John Grundell and Joseph Manners.

The increase in the hearers rendering it necessary to have the chapel fitted up with a gallery, it was resolved, about 1812, to provide the additional accommodation. This, however, very materially augmented the burdens of the trustees, and, at length, it was found requisite to appeal to the Connexion at large for assistance. Mr. Grundell was re-appointed to the circuit in 1815, and shortly afterwards was deputed to visit various circuits, and solicit subscriptions towards this object. A few weeks after his return

home, he was called to his heavenly reward, and his remains were interred, according to his desire (Dec. 5, 1815), beneath our chapel, and near the pulpit where he had so often preached the word of life.

In October, 1814, a Sunday school was established in connection with the church, and the wisdom and advantage of this step are now very apparent. At least two-thirds of the persons composing our present society and congregation have been reared under religious influences communicated through the agency of this institution, which fact has, no doubt, tended to foster those feelings of attachment to our cause by which our people are characterized.

In 1823 Sunderland became the head of a circuit, which comprised the following preaching places: - · Sunderland, Philadelphia, Lumley, Hetton, Boughton, Chatershaugh, Picktree, West Herrington, New Lambton, Pallion, Newbottle, and Brecons Hill. The first ministers appointed were Messrs. Brough and Hillock. It is satisfactory to state that Mr. Weatherburn, to whom our cause at Sunderland was so much indebted, continued steadfast and untiring to the end in the work of his Divine Master. A change of circumstances obliged him to remove to North Shields, and subsequently to West Herrington. In the latter place, where there were no public means of grace, he commenced preaching in his own house, and succeeded in forming a society. At length, after an absence of six or seven years, he obtained a situation in this neighbourhood and returned to the bosom of the church at Sunderland, to which he was unalterably attached. In 1827, he had the honour of representing the circuit at conference, and having for a short time longer "served his generation according to the will of God, he fell asleep," December 22, 1828.

In May, 1830, about forty members separated from the Wesleyan Society at Durham, for reasons which were sufficient to justify their conduct; and having offered to unite with us, they were recognized at the July quarterly meeting as forming part of the Sunderland Circuit. On this occasion the new interest was represented by Messrs. Thwaites and French. A union was then cemented which has proved a source of mutual advantage to all par

ties for a period of twenty-five years, and was only dissolved when the borders of the circuit had become so extended as to render such a step unavoidable.

Our chapel at Sunderland having become dilapidated and unsafe, so as to excite the apprehensions of the friends, it was deemed advisable to make an effort for the purpose of having it rebuilt. Fourteen shares, of the value of £120 each, were accordingly taken in the New Providence Building Society, recently established in the borough; and in August, 1845, the foundation stone of the new edifice was laid by Joseph Love, Esq. In May of the following year, our "holy and beautiful house," of which it is not too much to say that it is both an ornament to the neighbourhood and a credit to our denomination, was opened for divine worship by the Rev. S. Hulme, and other esteemed ministers. As another source of gratulation, it may be stated that, through the kind assistance of the chapel committee, the generosity of the shareholders, and the liberality of the members and friends generally, the sanctuary will very speedily be entirely free from debt, and its surplus funds become available towards carrying on the cause of God amongst us.

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The advantage of "a patient continuance in well-doing" has been strikingly seen in the history of our cause at Monkwearmouth. In 1826 the friends at Zion turned their attention to this important part of the town, with the view of establishing preaching there; but the attempt then made did not succeed. It was tried again in 1832, but with no better result. May, 1842, the Rev. L. Stoney, then stationed in this circuit, with our tried friend, Mr. Hardy (on whom the mantle of John Weatherburn would seem to have fallen), put forth another effort in that direction. A room for preaching was procured, and a few children were collected to form a Sunday school. Five or six persons then began to meet in class; but the interest continued very feeble for several years, and the removals were frequent. A school-room, a place formerly occupied as a butcher's shop, the Sailors' Bethel, and a small Baptist chapel, were successively occupied. After the termination of the building fund, Mr. Hardy devoted all his energies to Monkwearmouth. Subscribers were obtained, and a few shares taken in a building

society, for the purpose of erecting a chapel. Eventually, the foundationstone was laid, July 10th, 1854, and the opening services held Nov. 5th and 12th of the same year. These latter events have been fully detailed in the pages of the Magazine, and need not be dwelt on in this narrative. The aspect of affairs in this part of the circuit is now very encouraging; the number of members at present is about fifty; the Sunday school is flourishing, and numerously attended; the congregation is steadily increasing; and the finances are more than realizing the anticipations which had been entertained. All things considered, there is abundant cause of congratulation at the state of affairs at Monkwearmouth, which under the Divine blessing has been mainly brought about by the perseverance and enlightened zeal of a very few individuals.

It had for some time been the conviction of the ministers and friends that a division of the circuit was highly desirable, as it would tend greatly to an increased amount of pastoral oversight, and be a great saving of time and money, now occupied in travelling from one end of the circuit to the other, the distance being not less than twenty miles.

The accomplishment of this object, however, appeared to be very remote, until within the last twelve months, during which time a succession of favourable events opened the way in a remarkable manner. The first of these was the opening of the large new chapel at Durham, which has laid the foundation of a more extended cause in that city. The next event was the erection of the commodious chapel at Monkwearmouth.

Owing to the almost unparalleled zeal and activity of our esteemed superintendent, the Rev. Thomas Griffiths, and the kind and munificent liberality of Joseph Love, Esq., of Willington, united with the efforts of the people of Sunderland, the object has been accomplished. The third and most recent event referred to is the reduction of the debt on Zion Chapel from £704 to £236-the shareholders having given up their interest in the chapel either wholly or in part, in which arrangement the kind and prompt assistance of Mr. Griffiths, and the disinterested liberality of Mr. Love, have been brought into exercise; and the trustees

are placed in a position to hand over a large amount of the proceeds of the chapel for the support of the ministry; and they further contemplate the liquidation of the remaining portion of the debt as soon as practicable.

Taking these events into consideration, and the obvious and certain advantages resulting therefrom, application was made to the next Conference, and the circuit was divided as follows:-Sunderland, Monkwearmouth, Lumley, and Philadelphia, to constitute the Sunderland Circuit, with the appointment of a married and single preacher; and Durham, Willington, Beechburn, New Durham, Frankland, and Oakenshaw formed the Durham Circuit. Thus has God prospered us; and now we expect still greater things at his hand.

And of Zion it shall be said,-" This and that man was born in her; and the Highest himself shall establish her. The Lord shall count when he writeth up the people that this man was born there. As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there. All my springs are in thee."— Psa. lxxxvii. 5-7. Sunderland.

B. C.

Since the above was written, we have received the cheering intelligence that the extinction of the debt is now a fact accomplished, as appears from the following letter. Our friends have done nobly. They have our hearty congratulations.

EXTINCTION OF THE DEBT ON ZION CHAPEL, SUNDERLAND.

THIS beautiful and commodious chapel was built in the year 1846, by a number of shareholders, at a cost of nearly £2,000. During the last year some of the shareholders relinquished a considerable portion of their claims, while others generously gave up the whole. By these means, in connection with assistance previously obtained from the chapel fund, the debt was reduced to the sum of £200. October last, a meeting of the seatholders and members of society was called to consider the practicability of paying off the £200 without delay. The project was favourably received, and a resolution unanimously passed that the effort should be commenced forthwith. The next day, the super

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intendent of the circuit, in connection with one of the trustees, commenced the canvass of the town, and the result is expressed in the heading of this notice. As this is the first year in which the Sunderland Circuit, in its present form, has had to support two ministers, to do which many of the friends have had to double their contributions to the society funds, it was thought by many that the effort to pay off the chapel debt was premature and might prove a failure; but the friends have responded to our appeal in a manner beyond all praise.

On Easter Tuesday, we wound up the affair with an excellent tea meeting, giving to each contributor to the liquidation fund a free ticket. After tea, Joseph Love, Esq., was called to the chair, and gave an interesting account of the efforts which are being made in various parts of the Connexion o pay off chapel debt, which have long impeded the progress of our community. Able and interesting speeches were then delivered by Mr. W. G.

Tate, of North Shields, the Revs. T. D. Crothers, W. Innocent, J. Wright, and J. Bate, Messrs. T. Scott, W. Sanderson, and Wm. Hardy.

The note signed by the trustees to secure the £200, having been given up on the payment of the money, was read to the meeting by the superintendent minister, and then consumed to ashes at one of the gas burners, amid the loud, joyful, and long continued acclamations of 450 people, who had been prepared for this stage of the proceedings by the valuable services of the ladies and the eloquent addresses of the speakers.

While our attention, during the last five months, has been much necessarily engaged with secularities, it is pleasing to find that we have not been without some tokens of spiritual prosperity. A gracious influence pervades all the societies in the circuit, and we are earnestly praying for and expecting a more copious outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Sunderland, April 2, 1856.

ASHTON.-On Sunday, March 23rd, and the following evening, the usual annual services in support of our Connexional Missions were held in our chapel at Ashton; the Reverends Thomas Boycott and Robert Henshaw being the deputation. In the morning of the Sabbath Mr. Boycott preached on the apostolic commission," Go ye out into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature ;" and in the evening Mr. Henshaw gave a discourse from the text, "Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion." The services were well attended, and both sermons were appreciated by the congregations. On the Monday evening at six o'clock a meeting was held, at which a large number were present; Mr. Alderman Mills ably presided. The platform was filled with ministers and gentlemen, amongst whom we may mention the Revs. Robert Henshaw and Thomas Boycott, the deputation, Revs. John Hudston, P. J. Wright, T. Guttridge, and D. Ryder, with Messrs. James Dean, S. Mills, and others. After an excellent report had been read by Mr. Samuel Mills (on

behalf of the secretary), the Rev. Robert Henshaw was introduced as one of four brothers who had honourably sustained the office of minister in our own community. He spoke of our operations in the home and foreign departments of our mission, and of the desirability of planting our standard in other places, mentioning in particular Australia, to which many have been drawn by a craving desire for gold; and Turkey, since the law which once existed, declaring that whoever should forsake the Mohammedan religion should be punished with death, is now abolished, and thus a door is opened for the introduction of the gospel. He concluded by urging young men to dedicate themselves to the missionary work, showing from the Canadian letters which have reached us, that men, as well as money, are needed to accomplish the noble work. The Rev. John Hudston, who very kindly complied with our invitation to favour us with his presence, next addressed the meeting in an eloquent and energetic manner; he looked at the mission cause in the commercial