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125

Connexional Department.

HOOLEY HILL NEW SCHOOL,

ASHTON CIRCUIT.

(With an Engraving.)

THE Sunday-school in this locality has been in use over fifty years. Hard-working, earnest men built it who were not given to æsthetics. Their whole concern, it appears, was to have a weather-proof building of fair size, in which to exercise and nourish their spiritual nature. So they raised a structure that would have delighted the stern old Puritans. But while we smile at the Spartan simplicity of their architecture, only respectful feelings fill our minds as we remember the good that has been accomplished in the barn-like house they built for God's service. Though unadorned, the old school is dear to numbers, because associated with what is best in their lives, and many eagerly affirm that it has been a great blessing to the neighbourhood.

For some years the premises have been too small. As a consequence, the usefulness of the institution is restricted, and its growth effectually hindered. There is not the slightest doubt but that double the present number of scholars would be to-day enjoying its benefits had more spacious premises been erected a few years ago. As it is, the teachers have carried on their work hampered on every hand. To build such schools as were really required was a serious undertaking; and, very reasonably, many paused when the financial difficulties of the undertaking were realised. At length, in the spring

of 1875, negotiations were opened for taking the plot of ground adjoining the chapel; and in the July following very favourable terms were come to with the owners.

For a little time the matter was let to rest. Then admirable plans, prepared by Mr. J. H. Burton, of Ashton-under-Lyne, were adopted by the trustees, and tenders for the proposed building solicited. On the 5th October last the tender of Messrs. Holmes and Webster was accepted. The agreement stipulates that the infants' room and the foundations of the main building are to be finished in April next, and the whole contract in the December following.

The new Schools will accommodate an average attendance of seven hundred scholars. The large assembly room is seventy feet by forty feet, and has a gallery over the front portico, forty feet by ten feet. On the ground floor there ten classrooms, which are arranged on both sides of the assembly room; while at the back there is a detached infants' room, with accommodation for one hundred and thirty children.

The entire cost will be over £3,000. In raising this large sum of money, a subscription list and a grand bazaar (to be held some thirteen months hence) are the sources of revenue principally relied on.

In November last a meeting of of the trustees was held for the purpose of opening the subscription list. The result was very gratifying; but before appealing to the outside public it was resolved to

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