diminish, the missionary activities of the district.

-A meeting of unusual significance was held in Channing Hall under the auspices of the Monday Club, May 17. Rev. C. F. Dole presided; and representative speakers from the Trinitarian Congregationalists, the Methodists, the Universalists, and the Unitarians addressed the meeting on the subject of "Our Common Affirmations." Dr. W. E. Barton spoke for the Congregationalists, Dr. John D. Pickles for the Methodists, Rev. D. M. Hodge for the Universalists, and Dr. Charles G. Ames for the Unitarians. The hall was filled with ministers, many of other denominations than those represented by speakers also being present. There was remarkable unanimity of thought and faith. The broadest spirit of appreciation prevailed, and desire for an enlargement of the area of truth was expressed by all. Such meetings mark the progress of reason and common sense in religion.

Burlington, Vt.-At a mass meeting held in the parlors of the church on the evening of April 16 it was voted after some discussion to establish a Young People's Religious Union in the First Congregational Church (Unitarian) of Burlington, Vt. As soon as this had been done, Unity was called to order by its new president, Miss Frances A. Hall, and voted to become a branch of the Y. P. R. U., thus becoming the section for "Truth" by carrying on the literary work of the society. This work is not a new departure, but only a continuation of the work which it has done for several

will be represented at the May meetings by Miss Frances A. Hall, the Sunday-school by Mrs. C. A. Mosely, the church by its pastor, Rev. J. H. Metcalf, Mrs. E. C. Mower, and Miss Hall.

Cambridge, Mass.-Rev. Augustus Phineas Reccord was installed pastor of the Third Congregational Society on Thursday evening, April 22. The sermon was preached by Rev. John Cuckson. Others who took part in the service were Rev. S. M. Crothers, Rev. S. W. Brooke, Rev. F. B. Hornbrooke, Rev. George W. Bicknell, Rev. F. Gill, and Hon. L. M. Han

num.

Castine, Me.-The church here has been

put in thorough repair, handsomely decorated, has had a new and expensive organ fitted into the beautiful old case. The services are well attended. We have good music, bright prospects, and a feeling of courage and cheer prevails, much of which is due to the generous assistance of those who responded to our appeal for help, and who, we feel sure, will rejoice with us in the pretty and attractive church interior, which they have had so large a share in effecting.

There is no lovelier spot on the coast of Maine than this old and historic Castine. It is easy of access, and a constant delightful surprise to all who visit it. Come, and be convinced.

Charlestown, N.H.-A very large congregation gathered at the Unitarian church April 25, including the Charlestown Lodge,

Wadsworth Club was also called to order, and decided to become the branch of the union which should stand for "Service." This is not new work for this club, either; for its existence has for years past been wholly for this purpose. Throughout the winter they have met regularly, and have contributed to several poor families both food and clothing. This clothing they have made themselves at their fortnightly meetings; and the result of their work is a great credit to the young girls who have been so faithful to their motto, "Lend a hand." During the evening upon which the union was organized seventy-seven names were entered in the book given by the pastor for the purpose, and more have been added since. So the new society starts off with a goodly number. The weekly meetings held on Monday evenings for the purpose of worship are conducted by the young people. They have been well attended, thus proving the interest which is being manifested; and we can only hope that this interest will grow, so that we may reap a bountiful harvest from this newly sown seed. The Y. P. R. U.

the anniversary sermon by Rev. T. D. Howard. Mr. Howard's text was Hebrews xiii. 1,-"Let brotherly love continue."

Chattanooga, Tenn.-Among the many enterprises conducted in Chattanooga for the betterment of the humbler classes, none have met with greater favor or proved more commendable than the free night-school organized by the Lend a Hand Club at the Unitarian church. There are now about

sixty pupils enrolled, and the entire church and guild house will be devoted to the work. Sessions are held Monday and Thursday nights, from 7.30 to 9.30 o'clock. Instruction is given free of all expense, with text-books furnished in the following branches reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic, book-keeping, shorthand, free-hand drawing, piano music, vocal music, elocution, and sewing.

Chelsea, Mass.-The Chelsea Branch of the Women's National Alliance, Mrs. A. P. Reccord, president, held its last meeting for the season on Tuesday, May 11. Its records show a long list of activities. The Philanthropic Committee have disbursed $138 for

charitable purposes, and donated $45 to the church. It has given to the needy three tons of coal, five barrels, collectively, of vegetables and apples, and has distributed ten large packages of clothing and two hundred and forty-four single garments. The Post-office Mission has disseminated Unitarian literature to the number of fifteen hundred copies of books, magazines, papers, and tracts. The Cheerful Letter Club shows a correspondence aggregating one hundred and sixty-eight letters, with its other work; and the Entertainment and Social Committee have joined in spirited emulation. The treasurer reports a disbursement to the church of $817 from the Alliance, and from the Alliance and Social Circle Combine.

-First Church: The new chapel is very nearly completed, and will probably be dedicated early in June. Services are to be held there throughout the entire summer. The question as to whether it is advisable to start a Sunday-school there has not yet been settled, but such a school will undoubtedly be started if there seems to be a prospect of securing a good attendance. Mr. Fenn's address has been changed to 5817 Madison Avenue.

-Unity Church: Mr. Bulkeley left on May 19 to attend the Unitarian anniversaries in

Boston, returning to Chicago on Saturday, May 29. The Elm Street settlement, which has been conducted by Unity Church, has been put in charge of a board of directors outside the church, who intend to make it as powerful a force on the North Side as is Hull House in its section of the city. -Third Church: The ladies of the Third Church have been active in the work of the Post-office Mission, which is under the charge of the Alliance, and which has during the past year sent out over eight hundred papers, sermons, tracts, books, etc., to its thirteen correspondents. The church was well represented at the various sessions of the Western Conference held at Unity Church, May 3 to 6; and on Sunday, May 9, Rev. F. L. Hosmer of the Church of the Unity, St. Louis, occupied the pulpit. The Aid Society and Branch Alliance, which

have been occupied through the winter with charitable work, have concluded their work for the season.

Colorado Springs, Col.-Rev. W. A. Pratt of All Souls' Unitarian Church has resigned the pastorate here on account of ill-health. Mr. Pratt intends spending a long vacation, probably in Europe. After eighteen years of continual pulpit and par

ish work he both needs and deserves a period of recuperation.

Concord, Mass.-Rev. A. W. Jackson has recently delivered a course of three lectures on "Immortality" in the First Parish parlors. It has been esteemed a great privilege on the part of the goodly number present to have been permitted to listen to so thorough and masterly a treatment of this great theme. Mr. Jackson has made a long and profound study of the subject, and brings to bear on it light from philosophy, science, and literature. We hope that other churches may have the pleasure of hearing these lectures, in order that they may benefit as large a number of people as possible.

Concord, N.H.-Our pastor, Rev. Frank L. Phalen, is spending a few weeks in Engduring his absence, the pulpit has been supland for the benefit of his health. Thus far, plied as follows: on Sunday morning, April 25, by Rev. Alfred Gooding of Portsmouth, N.H.; May 2 by Rev. Mr. Valentine of Boston; May 9 by Rev. George L. Chaney of Leominster, Mass.; and May 16 by Rev. Dr. Young of Waltham, Mass. On Saturday evening, May 1, the annual May Festival was held in White's Opera House. This festival is given under the auspices of the Parish Fund society of the Unitarian church. The interior of the hall presented a beautiful appearance, when it was thrown open to the public at 3 P.M. Supper was served in an adjoining hall throughout the evening. The afternoon entertainment was opened with the "May-pole Dance," which was most charmingly given on the stage by twelve little misses. This was followed by the beautiful "Butterfly Dance," given by eleven young ladies.

The evening's entertainment opened with "The Toy Shop." This was a complete novelty, participated in by about forty young people and children. The festival was a social and financial success, and reflects much credit upon those who had it in charge.

Dighton, Mass.-A correspondent writes: "Beautiful is Dighton, with its picturesque hills and the Taunton River, -Dighton, celebrated for strawberries and alewives and shad and clam-bakes, and for a Unitarian church, curiously yclept "Pæ

dobaptist," old and so venerable, ministered to by Rev. Mary L. Leggett, herself not old enough to be venerable, yet esteemed for her pulpit effectiveness, her utter consecration, and her tireless work. Under her faithful ministry the old society has had experience of new life. Not only have new members been brought in, but a guild has been organized, a Woman's Alliance has been formed, a Lend a Hand Club called together; and all have done good work. And now money is being raised to repair the church, which to our summer visitors, we trust, may wear a more inviting look."

Dorchester, Mass.-May 6 was a memorable day in the history of the famous First Parish in Dorchester; for on that day, in the presence of a great representative gathering of laity and clergy, the sixth meeting house was formally dedicated.

This church was organized in England, and the first meeting-house built in 1631, near the corner of Pleasant and Cottage Streets, Dorchester, Mass.; second meeting-house built in 1646, same locality, moved in 1673 to Meetinghouse Hill; third meetinghouse built in 1678, Meeting-house Hill; fourth meeting-house built in 1744, Meeting-house Hill; fifth meeting-house built in 1816, Meeting-house Hill; sixth meeting-house built 1897. The new edifice is almost identical with that of the old church; and the old bell, which was cast in England in 1757, is hung in the belfry, having been recast, owing to the injury it sustained at the fire by falling from the belfry.

The interior is also very much the same as was the interior of the old church. Electric lighting, steam heating, and a more modern arrangement of the pews are some of the changes. The pulpit, which was the original pulpit of the old West Church, was presented to the First Parish Society by Mr. Andrew C. Wheelwright. It is a magnificent piece of work, of solid mahogany, finely carved. The organ, which was purchased at a cost of $6,000, is encased in mahogany of special designs. The interior is finished in white and mahogany. The vestry contains several rooms,-hall, kitchen, pantry, dining-room, and several class-rooms. The whole structure has cost about $58,000.

The dedication exercises began at four o'clock in the afternoon. The church was filled, a large number of ministers being in attendance. The opening prayer was offered by Rev. Arthur Little, D.D., pastor of the Second Church, Dorchester. The report of the Building Committee and the delivery of the keys of the meeting-house were given by the chairman of the committee, J. Homer Pierce. In his report he paid a glowing tribute to the architects and builders. Rev. Eugene Rodman Shippen, pastor of the church, accepted the keys in

He

behalf of the congregation and parish. paid a high compliment to the committee and the satisfactory manner in which the work has been performed. A hymn, written by Miss Mary L. Hall for the occasion, was sung by the congregation, after which the dedicatory prayer was offered by Rev. James De Normandie, pastor of the First Church in Roxbury. The anthem, "Lift up your Heads, O Ye Gates, was then sung by the choir, after which Rev. S. J. Barrows read from the Scriptures Psalms xix., cv., cvii.

An inspiring sermon was preached by Rev. C. C. Everett, D.D., who took for his text Acts iii. 2,-"The gate of the temple which is called Beautiful." Prayer was offered by Rev. Christopher R. Eliot, a former pastor of the church. The hymn written for the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the parish in 1880, by Eliza T. Clapp, was sung; and the pastor pronounced the benediction. A collation was served in the vestry to the invited guests.

The evening services opened at 7.45, every seat being occupied. The invocation was given by Rev. Edward H. Hall. Rev. Richard W. Boynton read from the Script

ures.

Mrs. Emily A. Fifield of the school board, and a member of the parish, was then introduced. Her subject was "The Activity of Women." She told of the activity in good works of women in church matters in the early times, when they were obliged to undergo many hardships, activity in the anti-slavery movement, and activity in the Civil War. Rev. Edward E. Hale spoke of the history of the church for more than two and one-half centuries. Edwin D. Mead spoke upon the Puritans, among whom was an ancestor of his, who rang the bell on the old meeting-house.

The anthem, "Give unto the Lord, was rendered by the choir, after which the pastor, Rev. E. R. Shippen, made the closing remarks. The closing prayer was offered by Rev. William H. Lyon, D.D., pastor of the First Church, Brookline. The singing of a hymn to the tune of "All Saints, and the pronouncing of the benediction by Rev. E. E. Hale, D.D., closed the exercises.

The Building Committee included J. Homer Pierce, chairman, Henry J. Nazro, Henry Hall, Edward B. Allen, Charles A. Burditt, Samuel Crowell, M. D., Richard James E. Swan. The music throughout, C. Humphreys, Miss S. Frank King, and with Mr. C. P. Scott at the organ and a large choir, was exceedingly beautiful.

Gouverneur, N.Y.- Rev. Hasket D. Catlin, who was settled over the First Unitarian Society some six months ago, is fast winning his way to the hearts of all the people in the community. His parish, moreover, is steadily growing in size and vigor; and there is the utmost interest and

harmonious feeling in its ranks. The Sunday-school, which has just got to work, is a particularly encouraging feature. Practically, the whole church belongs to it. There is excellent prospect of a Young People's Religious Union Society being formed in the fall. A Wednesday evening

study class meets at the parsonage, and has an average attendance of sixteen to eighteen deeply interested members. Mr. Catlin has recently issued a leaflet for free distribution, which admirably states what this society stands for. It is chiefly for use with the strangers, who are numerous now at the church services.

Helena, Mont.-Rev. Carlton F. Brown entered on his duties as pastor of the First Unitarian Society on Easter Sunday.

Hingham, Mass.-The Year Book of the First Parish, just published, shows a prosperous condition. Over $3,800 was raised by subscription and by a fair to complete payment for the parish house, built in 1891, and to paint the old meeting-house, which has entered on the two hundred and seventeenth year of its existence. The date of the parish house, read upside down, gives the year when the oldest meetinghouse now used for worship in this country was built,-1681.

Hinsdale, Ill,-Reports read at the tenth annual meeting of this society showed that all the activities are in a healthy state. The Church Manual" contains accounts of the past year's work in the various departments. The book is decorated with a picture of the church and of the minister, Rev. Charles F. Elliott.

Holyoke, Mass.-The ladies of our church have just given their sixteenth annual May party, with their accustomed enterprise and success. During the afternoon and evening about thirteen hundred people were in attendance. The treasury of the ladies' society is something over $300 better off for this annual effort.

ago the Young People's Religious Union of our church entertained the young people of the neighboring churches in Chicopee, Northampton, Florence, and Springfield. About one hundred young people were present, sixty coming from the above churches. The meeting was of an informal social nature, designed to cultivate closer acquaintance and a sense of "the larger fellowship."

H. Applebee of Buffalo. The remainder of the morning was given up to two interesting papers on the subject, "Unintended Influences that are promoting the Cause of Unitarianism."' Rev. Thomas R. Slicer spoke on "Some Recent Discussions concerning the Historical Jesus and the Theological Christ," and Rev. Merle St. C. Wright on "Science, the Destroyer of the Doctrines opposed to Unitarianism."

At the afternoon session the first paper was by Rev. Dr. James T. Bixby of Yonkers, N. Y., on "Will the Future Life be a Revolution or an Evolution?" "A Rational View of Faith in Jesus" was the subject of a delightful paper by Rev. Alexander T. Bowser of Wilmington, Del.

Rev. W. C. Gannett of Rochester followed Mr. Bowser, speaking on "The Civic Communion of Churches."

In the evening a platform meeting was held, at which four addresses were made. The general subject was "The Demand of the Times on the Unitarian Ministry." (1)For an Aggressive and Constructive Missionary Policy" was treated by Mr. Slicer; (2) "To proclaim Unitarianism as a Constructive Faith, by Mr. Calthrop; (3) For Leadership in Thought, by Mr. Wright; (4) "To show that Oneness in Spirit, not Intellectual Agreement, is the Condition of Fellowship and Co-operation in Religion," by Mr. Gannett. This meeting closed the conference at Toronto; and the next night there was a second platform meeting held in Hamilton, Ont.

Milbury, Mass.-Rev. Harry S. Mitchell has accepted the urgent and unanimous call of the Unitarian society in this place, and will continue his earnest efforts to strengthen this congregation.

New England Associate Branch Alliance. The Branch of the Alliance con

nected with the First Parish in Medford

A. M.

Lancaster, Mass.- The First Parish hopes to celebrate on August 4 the fiftieth anniversary of its beloved pastor, Rev. Dr. G. M. Bartol.

Middle States Conference.-A special spring meeting of the conference was held in Toronto May 5. The morning devotional meeting was conducted by Rev. John

The

Newport, R.I. Channing Memorial Church was crowded on Easter morning

by an eager and jubilant congregation, drawn thither by the special services and by the perfect climatic conditions.

The handsome church never looked more beautiful or attractive. A confirmation class of ten received the right hand of fellowship, and eight persons were baptized. Rev. George W. Cutter preached an earnest and eloquent discourse upon "Jesus as the Revealer of the Spirit-world." The musical selections were unusually sweet and inspiring. In the evening a Sunday-school celebration again filled the church to its utmost capacity. The Easter carols were sung with remarkable vigor and expression, the children's chorus being well sustained by an amateur orchestra of ten pieces, which added greatly to the volume of tone. Readings, recitations, and an address by the pastor followed.

New York.-There was an unusually large attendance at the last meeting of the New York Unitarian Club, which was held on Wednesday evening, April 28, at the Hotel St. Denis. An excellent dinner preceded the speech-making. The president, Mr. William H. Kenyon, occupied the chair. The guests of the evening were Rev. Joseph H. Crooker, lately installed as pastor of the Unitarian church in Troy, and his wife, Rev. Florence Kollock Crooker. Mr. Crooker made the first address, and spoke on "The Real Significance of the Unitarian Movement." He said the Unitarian movement is the result of a message of religion lifted to the level of all discovered truth. Its real significance is that it is a religious method which is endeavoring to put into divinest harmony the powers and providences of life, such as science, democracy, and philanthropy. Science is not religion; but religion, to be truly religious, must be scientific. Unitarianism is an endeavor to have such a thought of God as shall be inclusive of all the facts. It is, indeed, a religious thought-method vastly superior to that of any other church. There is no room for Unitarianism as simply another variety of Orthodoxy.

Rev. Merle St. C. Wright followed Mr. Crooker, and spoke at length and with great earnestness on the same subject.

Rev. Dr. Minot J. Savage was present, and was announced to speak; but, owing to the lateness of the hour, he said briefly that he was cheered by the outlook in Unita

rianism.

The last meeting for this season of the New York Branch of the National Alliance was held at the Church of the Messiah, New York, with a very large attendance. After the reading of reports, officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: president, Mrs. S. A. Burton; vice-president,

Mrs. J. E. Roberts; corresponding secretary, Mrs. G. W. Smallwood; recording secretary, Mrs. Fiske; treasurer, Mrs. Roswell Skeel; executive committee, Mrs. J. P. Hale, Mrs. Minot J. Savage, Mrs. Maxwell, Mrs. Billings, and Mrs. Chester O. Burton.

The chairman announced that next winter Rev. Minot J. Savage will give a series of "Talks" to the members of the Alliance. Mrs. Gustav Becker read a most able and instructive paper on "The Legal Basis for the Acquisition and Expenditure of Wealth."

Northfield, Mass.-The Northfield Unity Club has devoted six evenings the past winter to the study of the town; and papers were read on each of the following subdivisions of the subject: I. (1) "Settlement of the Town," (2) "Conflicts with the Indians'; II. (1) Northfield in the Revolutionary War," (2) "In the Wars of 1812 and with Mexico," (3) "In the Civil War'; III. (1) "The Geology of the Town, (2) "Its Mineralogy, (3) "Its Botany,' (4) "Its Zoology"; IV. (1) "History of Northfield Churches, (2) "The Public Schools," (3) "The Academy, (4) The Select High School, (5) "The Seminary'; V. (1) "The Town Government, (2) The Masonic Lodge, (3) The Farmers' Grange, (4) The Grand Army of the Republic, (5) "The Woman's Relief Corps," (6) "The Militia"; VI. (1) "Sketches of Distinguished Persons born or at Some Time living in Northfield," (2) "Progress of the Town, The subject (3) "Needed Improvements." awakened so much interest and proved to be so instructive that it is commended to clubs in other towns. Twelve evenings would be better than six for its presentation.

Omaha, Neb.- The Young Women's

Christian Association of this city, organized a few years ago on a distinctly unsectarian basis, with Unitarian representation on its board of managers, has been convulsed of late by the effort of some of its orthodox members to evangelize the constitution, and bring the body into line with the National Association. That done, a meeting of that body in Omaha during the Trans-Mississippi Exposition next year was among the possibilities. Accordingly, at the regular meeting in May, a new constitution was presented and adopted by a decisive vote, making active membership conditional upon membership in an evangelical church. This was a rather high-handed proceeding, as, besides numerous efficient liberal women, a large minority of the membership was Catholic, and aroused much popular protest. eral orthodox preachers, interviewed by reporters, disapproved the action. Sermons were preached about it in the Unitarian and Universalist churches, Rev. Newton M.

Sev