convey to the friends at Church Street, and to Mrs. Burns and family, the sympathy felt by the brethren in the great loss they have sustained.

Resolved, That the following be sent as a "Case" to the Association-That, with a view to the increase of the usefulness of our work in the villages it is desirable that a return of the Local Preachers belonging to each church should be made in the annual schedules, and their names and addresses printed in the Year Book.

Resolved, That the next Conference meet at Church Street Chapel on Tuesday, Sept. 26; the business meeting to commence at three p.m.; that the Rev. T. Thomas, of Wendover, or, in case of failure, the Rev. C. Pearce, of Tring, be requested to read a paper; that a public meeting be held in the evening, and that all further details be left for the Business Committee to arrange.

At the evening service the Rev. R. Y. Roberts preached.

J. WALLIS CHAPMAN, Sec.

The MIDLAND WHITSUNTIDE CONFERENCE met at Belper, June 7th. A devotional service was held in the morning, Mr. W. Richardson (Secretary of the Nottingham Local Preachers' Association) presiding, and prayer was offered by the Revs. C. T. Johnson and John Stevenson, M.A. Afterwards the Rev. H. Marsden preached from Luke xix. 41, "He beheld the city, and wept over it."

In the afternoon the Conference met for business. The chairman for the year, the Rev. C. Clarke, B.A., presided, and Mr. Sharman, of Nottingham, offered

prayer.

I. Reports were presented respecting the condition of the church at BOUGHTON; and the Rev. H. Marsden having intimated that the occasional preachers in the church at Mansfield would aid this needy church to the full extent of their power, it was resolved (a.) that we commend the consideration of the cause at Boughton to our friends at Mansfield; and (b.) that we request Messrs. Harrison and Thompson, of Derby, to act with Mr. Marsden, in order to secure the chapel property, if possible, to the denomination.

II. Midland Home Mission Arrangements for 1876-7.-Messrs. W. Bennett and E. Barwick were re-elected members of the Committee, and Mr. P. Bothamley, of Derby, was elected in the place of Mr. C. Stevenson. Mr. James Hill, of Derby, was re-elected Treasurer, with thanks for his past services. The Rev. W. Bishop was re-elected the Secretary.

III. A collection of £2 13s. 7d. was made for evangelistic purposes in the district, as agreed upon at the Spring Conference.

IV. New Churches (a.) The church at Prospect Place, Radford, Nottingham, numbering 90 members; the church at Eastwood, Notts, numbering 28 members; the church at Carley Street, Leicester, numbering 24 members; and the church at Carlton, Notts, numbering 37 members, were all received unanimously, and recommended to the Association, (b.) Resolved that we recognise the church at Whitwick, 55 members, as a separate church, and recommend it for admission to the Association.

V. Future Conferences.-(a.) It was agreed to omit the Autumnal Conference, in consequence of the meetings of the Midland Baptist Union at Melbourne. (b.) The Spring Conference of 1877 was appointed to be held at New Lenton, and the Whitsuntide one at Hugglescote. (c.) The Rev. W. Evans was elected chairman for the year. (d.) The Rev. J. Parkinson and Mr. Tagg, of New Lenton, and the Rev. J. Salisbury, M.A., and Mr. Dennis, of Hugglescote, with the chairman elect, were appointed the Conference Committee. (e.) It was resolved that there should be a sermon at the morning meeting of the Spring Conference, and that the Rev. F. G. Buckingham, of Nottingham, be requested to preach.

VI. The thanks of the Conference were given to the Rev. H. Marsden for his sermon in the morning.

VII. The convener of the Provisional Home Missionary Committee having made a statement respecting its purposes and arrangements, it was resolved, that we rejoice to hear that the Provisional Committee have met and matured their recommendations to the Association, and trust that the new Society will speedily begin an energetic work.

In the evening at six o'clock a public meeting was held. Mr. F. Thompson presided; Mr. Slack (of the Derby Local Preachers' Association) offered prayer; and addresses were delivered by the Revs. E. H. Jackson, J. Parkinson, and J. Wild. A Conference at Belper was a novelty. The friends there made admirable arrangements, however, for the comfort of the representatives and visitors.

WATSON DYSON, Sec.

DERBY AND DERBYSHIRE BAPTIST PREACHERS' ASSOCIATION.

THE half-yearly Conference was held at Milford. The chair was taken by Mr. Slack, the president, who stated that he

little thought, some twelve years ago, when the Association was first formed, such results would accrue from it as were seen to-day. The secretary, Mr. Blount, read the church reports, which showed that thirty-four had been added to them since the Christmas Conference, while all spoke very highly of the services of the Association. Three new preachers were added to the list, and two others are to be put on probation six months, providing they get a recommendation from the church to which they belong. It was also agreed that the preachers on probation be permitted to attend the monthly meetings. A vote of thanks was accorded to Rev. C. Clarke for the resolution to be presented to the Annual Association to be held at Osmaston Road, Derby, and for the interest he has taken in the matter. It was also contemplated holding some camp meetings and special services during the summer months at some of the villages. After tea a public meeting was held, Mr. A. Swan in the chair, and addresses delivered by Messrs. C. Smith, J. Newbury, and T. Cooper, Derby; Mr. Woolley, Long Eaton; and Mr. Bridges, Darley.

CHURCHES.

BARLESTONE. The bazaar for our "New House" was held, June 8th and 9th. There was a large assortment of useful and beautiful articles. Throughout the ladies have worked with commendable diligence, and are deserving of much praise. The nett gain is £190. There are between £40 and £50 worth of goods left, which we hope to dispose of in the course of a few months.

EASTWOOD, Notts.-Rev. J. Clifford preached two sermons, May 30, for the site of the new chapel. Collections and tea, £26. We have since paid off the money for the land, and hope soon to be able to commence building.

FORNCETT, Norfolk. A tea meeting was held on Whit-Monday. Addresses were delivered at the public meeting afterwards by Messrs. Jermyns, Thugur, Atkinson, and Taylor. Our venerable brother Maddeys (who is in his 81st year) occupied the chair, and amid manifestations of deep regret throughout the audience, reminded them it was the last time he expected to be with them at their Whitsuntide tea meeting. Our brother has been at Forncett twenty-one years, and for TWENTY years was never absent from his pulpit through ill health. He will leave Norfolk accompanied by the regrets and prayers and best wishes of a large circle of friends.

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LINCOLN, St. Benedict's Square.-On Monday, May 22, a tea meeting was held to bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. G. Hood, sen., who, after seventeen years' residence in Lincoln have removed to their native town, Loughborough. After tea Rev. E. Compton, pastor, presented to Mr. Hood, on behalf of the members, a very handsome Family Bible, with a suitable inscription. Afterwards Mr. G. F. Muse, senior deacon, on behalf of the members, presented Mrs. Hood with a China tea service and silver-plated tea-pot. Much regret is felt by us at their removal, since they were amongst our most active workers.

MANSFIELD. On May-day a public tea was enjoyed by many of the friends of the church and congregation. After tea a public meeting was held, and addresses delivered by the Revs. E. J. Silverton, H. Marsden, and other friends, after which £319 was promised towards the erection of a commodious house of worship. MOUNTSORRELL. Rev. J. Clifford preached for our new chapel, May 29. Collections, £10.

WISBECH, Ely Place.-The annual midsummer morning service for young men and women was held on Wednesday, June 14. The sermon was preached by the pastor, Rev. W. E. Winks, from Neh. v. 15, "But so did not I, because of the fear of God." After service a numerous and happy company of young people sat down to breakfast. Many brought flowers, which were presented at the close of the proceedings to the inmates of the Wisbech and North Cambs. Hospital.

SCHOOLS.

BIRCHCLIFFE.-June 4, Rev. T. Goadby, B.A., and Rev. W. Chapman preached. Collections, £101 13s. 6d.

CONGLETON.-May 21. Preachers, Revs. J. Moore and R. Pedley. On the 22nd Mr. T. D. Mathias lectured on Merry Hearts and Happy Homes." Collections in advance of former years.

CONINGSBY.-The anniversary services of our Sunday and day schools were held, June 4 and 5. The Rev. W. Jarrom, the pastor, preached. On the Monday the children and teachers enjoyed their annual treat. In the evening the chapel was filled, while the children performed, in a very creditable and satisfactory manner, a "Service of Song." Subject: "Elijah." The parts usually read in such a "Service" were repeated memoritor by the children very correctly, and with very good effect. Collections in advance of

late years.

CROWLE, Lincolnshire.-June 11, sermons by Rev. E. Compton, of Lincoln.

HEPTONSTALL SLACK.-May 21, preacher, Rev. J. Jolly. Collections, £100 10s.

HUCKNALL TORKARD.-June 4. Revs. J. T. Almy and E. Holyoake preached. Collections, £16 13s.

HURSTWOOD.-June 4, sermons by Rev. J. Batey. Collections, £42 13s. 4 d.

NEWBOLD VERDON.-June 11, sermons by Rev. J. Greenwood. Collections, £5 9s. 6d.

LONG WHATTON.-May 28, sermons by C. T. Johnson. Collections, £11.

SUTTON ST. JAMES.-May 28. Preacher, Mr. Goodacre. Festival was held on the day following, and an address delivered by Rev. T. Watkinson, who also presented a purse of gold, as a practical token of love, to the pastor, the Rev. W. S. Harcourt. Addresses were also given by Messrs. Douse and Crosby.

MINISTERIAL.

REV. G. NEEDHAM.-The Rev. George Needham, who for seven years has held the pastorate at Ebenezer Chapel, Burnley Lane, has accepted a call to the New Basford church, Nottingham. Before leaving Burnley, an opportunity was given by Mr. J. Taylor, to the Nonconformist ministers of the town, to bid Mr. Needham good bye, and wish him happiness and prosperity in his new sphere of labour. The following gentlemen were present: The Revs. J. Stroyan, G. Gill, J. Nance, G. Charter, G. W. Oldring, and W. Boyden; Messrs. E. Heap, A. Strange, S. Woolley, and H. Riley. Several ministers who could not be present, sent messages of regret that they could not attend, and expressing their warmest sympathy and good will towards Mr. and Mrs. Needham. Amongst them was the Rev. H. H. Robinson, M.A., Vicar of St. Andrews, who wrote as follows:

"North Parade, May 22nd. "Dear Mr. Taylor,-I very much regret that I cannot accept your kind invitation, as I am leaving home this afternoon to rejoin my wife, who has been away for her health. It would have given me much pleasure to have joined personally in wishing 'God speed' to one for whom I entertain so high a respect as I do for the Rev. G. Needham; his kindly, courteous spirit, and freedom from all bigotry and narrowness, have caused me to regard him, not as a rival in St. Andrew's District, but as a coadjutor. I think he is one who, like myself, can regard the differences which separate the various Protestant Churches as very trivial matters, compared with the aim they have in

common of bringing souls to Christ. Wil you kindly convey to Mr. Needham my most hearty good wishes, and my hope that his labours in his new sphere may be blessed, and that he may experience at the hands of his flock that kind and generous treatment which a faithful pastor deserves, and

Believe me, faithfully yours,

H. H. ROBINSON,"

A purse of gold was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Needham, which, together with the sum presented by the deacons of Ebenezer Church, amounted to about £50. A collection of books was also presented to Mr. Needham.

BAPTISMS, MAY 18 TO JUNE 18. BIRCHCLIFFE.-Five, by W. Gray. CLAYTON.-Seven, by J. Brown. COALVILLE.-Two, by C. T Johnson. CHESHAM.-Four, by D. McCallum. DERBY, Watson Street. -Two, by G. Wright.

HEPTONSTALL SLACK.-Fourteen, by J. Lawton.

LONDON, Borough Road.-Eight, by G. W. M'Cree.

LONDON, Commercial Road.-Four, by J. Fletcher.

LONDON, Praed Street.-Four. LONGFORD, Salem.-Four, by E. W. Cantrell.

LONG SUTTON.-Seven, by G. Towler. MANCHESTER, Hyde Road.-Three, by Mr. Ryan.

MANSFIELD.-Nine, by H. Marsden. MEASHAM.-Three, by W. Millington. NORWICH.-Seven, by G. Taylor.

NOTTINGHAM, Stoney Street.-Four, by T. Tootell.

PETERBORO'.-Four, by T. Barrass.
POYNTON.-One, by G. Walker.
WISBECH.-Four, by W. E. Winks.

MARRIAGES.

BROTHWELL-GOODYEAR.-May 24, in the G. B. chapel, Bourn, by the Rev. Wm. Orton, Mr. Brothwell, farmer, of Braceby, to Louisa Minta, daughter of the late Mr. James Goodyear, of Cawthorpe.

SPRINGTHORPE-BAILEY.-May 30, at Belvoir Street Chapel, Leicester, by the Rev. J. P. Mursell, Mr. A. Y. Springthorpe, of London, only son of the Rev. C. Springthorpe, of Longton, to Esther Anne, only daughter of the late Mr. W. Blackwell, Leicester.

WILFORD-WILKINS.-June 13, at Emanuel Church, Leicester, by Rev. LI. H. Parsons, George Craven, son of Mr. Joseph Wilford, to Emilie, daughter of Mr. W. Wilkins.