The MIDLAND CONFERENCE was held at Ripley on March 4th. The Rev. J. Alcorn, the Chairman of the Conference, presided at the morning devotional service. The Rev. J. J. Irving preached from Matt. iii. 11.

The afternoon session was opened with prayer by the Rev. J. J. Fitch, of Nottingham.

1. Reports showed 284 persons baptized since the last Spring Conference; 42 restored; there were 72 candidates. Forty-three churches did not report.

2. After prolonged discussion of the resolution:-"that the reading of Reports and statistics at the Spring Conference be discontinued." It was agreed that the Reports and statistics be read as heretofore.

3. A report was read from the Rev. J. H. Atkinson, secretary of the Committee appointed to arrange for holding EVANGELISTIC SERVICES in the Midland Counties. The Committee were requested to continue their services during the next winter.

4. Resolved, that this Conference very heartily congratulate the REV. R. F. GRIFFITHS, of Nottingham, on the successful termination of the recent trial, in which he was defendant, and approve the action which he took in the matter, and which led to the prosecution.

5. Mr. Bembridge gave notice of a

resolution to be proposed at the next Conference:-"that in the circular sent to the churches announcing the Conference, there shall be a column for names of delegates who shall have been appointed by the churches to attend the Conference and vote."

6. The Whitsuntide Conference to be held at Barton Fabis, on Whit-Wednesday, June 4th; the Rev. W. H. Tetley to preach. A paper to be read at the afternoon meeting by Mr. Cholerton, of Swadlincote, on "Nonconformity in our Villages."

7. Thanks were given to the Rev. J. J. Irving for his excellent sermon, and to the friends at Ripley for their hospitality.

A public meeting was held in the evening, when addresses were delivered by the Revs. J. J. Fitch, R. F. Griffiths, and W. H. Tetley. J. SALISBURY, Sec.

MIDLAND BAPTIST UNION. The committee of this Union have engaged, as Evangelist for the Midland District, the Rev. R. B. Wallace, of Grantown, in Scotland. Mr. Wallace comes into this district strongly recommended as an earnest and good man, whose visits are likely to be a blessing to the churches. He commenced his labours at Collingham, Notts., on March 16. Churches desiring a visit from him are requested to communicate with the Secretary, the Rev. W. R. Stevenson, 3, Addison Villas, Nottingham.

CHURCHES.

BARROWDEN.-March 3 and 4. On the above evenings Mr. Burnham, one of the Metropolitan Tabernacle Evangelists, held special evangelistic services. The chapel was well-filled each evening, and we trust much good was done.

CHATTERIS.-The annual distribution of prizes to the S. S. scholars was made on Feb. 11. 195 prizes were given, and the scholars were addressed by the Rev. H. B. Robinson. 140 sat down to tea afterwards, and a well attended public meeting followed. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. H. B. Robinson, and F. J. Bird (pastor). Mr. Angell, the superintendent of the school presided.

CLAYTON, near Bradford.-The annual tea took place, Feb. 25. 400 present. Alderman William Watson presided at

the public meeting. Speakers, the Revs. R. Hardy, J. A. Andrews, and J. Bentley. Proceeds £12.

EAST KIRKBY. A public tea and service of song, entitled "Joseph," were held on Shrove Tuesday. The connective readings were given by the pastor, A. Firth. The proceeds were devoted towards the reduction of a debt incurred in repairing and painting the chapel. The friends at East Kirkby intend to hold a bazaar on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Contributions in money, or articles for sale, will be most thankfully received on behalf of the church by Mrs. Firth or Mrs. Garner, East Kirkby, near Mansfield, Notts.

GRANTHAM, George Street-Anniversary services were celebrated Feb. 23. Rev. R. F. Griffiths preached. A public tea and meeting was held next day. The Rev. T. Barrass lectured on "My tour to Rome." Mr. W. Roe presided. Collections good.

GRIMSBY.-Rev. J. Manning is delivering a series of lectures in the Theatre Royal, on Sunday afternoons, to very large audiences. Great interest is taken in them, and good is being done. Our congregations are increasing. We have six candidates.

MEASHAM.-Sermons were preached at Measham and Netherseal, March 1, in behalf of the Foreign Missionary Society, and a meeting held at Measham on the Monday following. Rev. W. Bailey was the deputation. Amount realized, £7 Os. 9d.

NETHERTON.-On Feb. 17, a public tea meeting was held to celebrate the second anniversary of the pastor, Rev. W. Millington. 156 to tea. Mr. Councillor Howatt, of Dudley, presided, when the following resolution was moved by H. Crow, senior deacon, and seconded by J. Read, junior deacon, and supported by the following ministers, Revs. G. Cousins, G. S. Daniels, E. Farnell, T. W. McGregor, W. Spurgeon, "That this meeting desires to record its high appreciation of the faithful, zealous, and unwearied services of the Rev. W. Millington during the second year of his pastorate, and earnestly implores the Divine blessing upon all his future efforts for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom."

NORWICH.-With a view to aid the Home Mission, an interesting and instructive lecture- subject: "Auld Lang Syne" -was delivered in St. Clement's schoolroom on Feb. 12, by Wm. Bampton Taylor, eldest son of the pastor. At the close a collection was made on behalf of the Mission, and a hearty vote of thanks passed to the young lecturer.

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OLD BASFORD, Nottingham.-Annual church tea meeting, largely attended, Jan. 13. After tea a public meeting was held, Rev. J. Alcorn, pastor, in the chair. Deacons thanked for past efficient services, and re-elected for the next three years. Society for the distribution of tracts inaugurated. The Hymnal to be introduced on the first Lord's-day in Finances April, and used exclusively.

in healthy condition. Proceeds of weekly offerings more during last quarter than in any previous quarter in the history of the church. A very happy meeting, and the friends separated with a feeling of thankfulness to God for past mercies, and strengthened for future work in the vineyard of our Lord.

SHORE.-On Feb. 7, a tea and entertainment were given by the members of the "Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society." 500 persons present ceeds £8.

Pro

TODMORDEN, Wellington Road. - In order to meet the growing requirements of the Sunday school it has been found necessary to increase the accommodation by building new class rooms and a minister's vestry, which are now in course of erection. To raise some part of the money needed Mrs. John Shackleton Gill, of Greenfield House, generously provided a public tea, Feb. 8. 232 were present. At the concert the room was filled to listen to music given by several vocalists of the neighbourhood, who kindly gave their services. Miss Mather and Miss Stansfield gave solos on the pianoforte. Both tea and concert were a complete sucMr. D. Sutcliffe presided. £12 2s. was thus added to the building fund.

cess.

SCHOOLS.

DERBY, Osmaston Road.-The anniversary was held on the 9th and 10th ult. On Sunday the sermons were preached by Rev. W. H. Tetley, who also gave an address to the scholars in the afternoon. On Monday evening a tea and public meeting. The pastor presided. A very interesting and encouraging report was read by the Secretary, Mr. Goodall, which gave some very gratifying details of the flourishing and prosperous state of the school. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. T. Mirams, J. W. Williams, and W. Griffith.

MINISTERIAL.

REV. J. MANNING.-On behalf of the church at Freeman Street, Grimsby, at a largely attended social meeting, Mr. Shipman presented the pastor with

Matthew Henry's Commentary, in three vols., as a token of their esteem. Mr. Manning, in very suitable terms, acknowledged the gift. Addresses were given by the deacons and other friends.

REV. W. HARVEY SMITH'S anniversary was held Feb. 19. The pastor presided, and addresses were given by Revs. J. Fletcher, J. Clifford, J. Marten, and J. Farley. The report, read by Mr. J. Marten, stated that during the past year two important events had taken place in connection with the church; the first was the settlement of a new minister; and the second was that of the pulling down of their old meeting-house. The last service held in the old chapel in Worship Street was on the 23rd of June, 1878. The late minister, Mr. Means, was very anxious not to leave them till the old chapel was handed over to the Metropolitan Board of Works; and before the old building was pulled down he had passed away.

BAPTISMS

BRADFORD, Infirmary St.-Six, by W. Wood. DERBY, Osmaston Road.-Eleven, by W. H. Tetley.

GRANTHAM, George St.-Five, by A. Gibson. GRIMSBY.-Five, by J. Manning.

LEICESTER, Dover St.-Eight, by W. Evans. LONDON, Commercial Road.-Three, by J. Fletcher.

LEEDS, Wintoun St.-Two, by W. Sharman.
OLD BASFORD.-Seven, by J. Alcorn.
RETFORD.-Four, by R. Silby.
TARPORLEY.-Two, by I. Preston.
WALSALL.-Six, by W. Lees.

EDUCATIONAL.

HALIFAX.-Amongst those who have passed the Examination of the Royal College of Preceptors is the name of Miss Pollie Law, of Halifax, a scholar in the North Parade Sunday School.

MARRIAGES.

HALL-HUMBERSTONE.-Feb. 23, at the Baptist Chapel, Macclesfield, by the Rev. J. Maden, Mr. Richard Reece Hall, to Miss Annis Hum

LEWITT-COPELAND.-March 13, at the G. B. Chapel, Kirkby, by the Rev. A. Firth, Mr. Joseph Lewitt, of Kirkby, to Miss M. A. Copeland, of Annesley.

TEMPERANCE.

DERBY-ST. MARY'S GATE BAND OF HOPE.-March 4th, an entertainment was given. Mr. A. W. Pollard, of Reading, presided. Mr. L. Wilshire ably presided at the pianoforte. A collection was made in aid of a debt on the new banner. The large school-room, and the class-room adjoining, were crowded.

LONDON, Devonshire Square.-The first annual meeting of our Band of Hope was held, March 19. Tea at six o'clock, and public meeting at Ebenezer

seven.

Clarke, Esq., F.S.S., presided, and speeches were delivered by Revs. D. Burns, M.A., J. H. Cooke, J. Russell, T. E. Rawlings, and H. T. Clarke, Esq. The report, read by Rev. W. T. Henderson, stated that 170 had signed the pledge. During the proceedings Mr. Robert H. Johnson, in the name of the members and friends, presented Mr. Horace W. Henderson, the Hon. Sec. of the society, with a handsome clock, suitably inscribed, as an expression of their esteem.

WALKER-THIRLBY.-Feb. 27, at the G. B. Chapel, Castle Donington, by the Rev. J. Parker, William, younger son of Mr. W. Walker, Sutton Bonington, to Mary Ann, daughter of the late Mr. Richard Thirlby.

WATKINSON-THROWER.-Feb. 13, at Dover Street Chapel, Leicester, by the Rev. J. C. Forth, John Thomas Watkinson, son of the Rev. T. Watkinson, Newthorpe, Notts., to Elizabeth Jane, third daughter of Mr. George Thrower, Fleet, Lincolnshire.

OBITUARIES.

HARROP.-On June 15, 1878, after many years of infirm health, borne with Christian patience and fortitude, Mr. John Harrop, of Poynton, entered the rest of God. In the year 1833 he was awakened under the earnest ministry of the Rev. R. Kenney, and after being publicly baptized on a profession of his faith in Christ, was united in membership with the Macclesfield church. In 1840 business necessitated his removal to Tring, when he was transferred to our church there. After five year's sojourn there he returned again to Macclesfield, resuming his membership at that place, which continued unbroken until his decease. For many years, when health permitted, he exercised the office of deacon and Sunday school visitor. He was the worthy grandson of the late Rev. Thomas Holt, for forty-two years the esteemed minister of the ancient church at Wurford. His attachment to Baptist principles was the result of intelligent conviction, and in the services of the church of his choice he found constant delight. When the approach of death was manifest, the severing of the tie from the wife of his youth was a severe trial, but he was soon able to meekly resign himself and his earthly attachments to the divine will. Resting on the Rock of Ages there was no condemnation, but a settled peace, and, in the final conflict the eternal God was his refuge, and underneath were the everlasting arms.

WRIGHT.-March 6th, at Derby, Mrs. George Wright, aged 67. She had been a consistent member of the church at Castle Donington thirty years, and at Derby about twenty years.