office in the church, however lowly it might be. In fact, for the last few years of his life, he, along with another brother, filled the post of doorkeeper. Although the labours of our dear brother were more intimately connected with the church, yet he was not unknown amongst those who were not members of our Society. In many a home in Dunston, especially amongst the poorer classes, his loss will be keenly felt, as he was ever ready to help them in time of adversity, and many a tale could be told of his generosity. If a case of need occurred either in the village or out of it, application was generally made to John, and if he could help the sufferers in any way, he always did so. Cases have been known, when a family has been afflicted with a dangerous or infectious disease, and other people have been afraid to venture near their dwelling, he has gone and done all in his power to comfort and console the afflicted ones, not leaving them until he has given some practical proof of his sympathy. Instances might be multiplied, each showing the many virtues and excellencies of his sterling character. Even among the lower classes, those who never enter the sanctuary, his loss is sincerely deplored, for he had always a kind word and look for every one; no matter what their position in society, he acknowledged them; and since his death it has often been remarked, "John Blenkinsop will never be forgotten." An instance might be mentioned of his earnestness for the welfare of the inhabitants of the village. A year gone Christmas he was the chief promoter of a dinner given to the aged poor, and by his efforts, with the co-operation of one or two others, a good substantial repast was provided, which was most heartily enjoyed by the old people. Two or three keels of coals were also distributed among the most reedy in the village, thus bringing comfort to some whose homes would otherwise have been cold and cheerless. It had been intended to make this an annual gift, but through the illness of our late brother it fell through. His loss will be felt very much by the Christian young men of the village; his influence over them being very great, as he was ever ready to do all in his power for their temporal or spiritual welfare. If one was out of a situation, he was sure of a friend in John, who would use his utmost endeavours to procure him a place, in which he was generally successful, owing to the influence he had amongst all classes. His library was always open to these young men, into whose minds he endeavoured to instil a thirst for reading and knowledge; especially did he in this respect encourage the members of his Sunday-school class. He was always ready to work for the good of his neighbours, who showed their appreciation of his services by electing him a member of the Whickham School Board (on its formation), and being chosen by the members of the Board to be their chairman. He held that office, as well as the position of a member of the Local Government Board, until his death. With the exception of a bilious attack now and again, he enjoyed very good health, but in the spring of last year he was attacked by gastric fever, which brought him very low. On recovering a little, he was sent to Harrogate, and afterwards was ordered to the Isle of Wight. Arriving at London on his way thither, he consulted Sir William Jenner, who sent him to Mentone, in the south of France (in preference to the Isle of Wight), giving him the assurance that with care he might recover. For a few weeks the changed air and medicine had a beneficial effect, and hopes rose high that he might yet be spared; but in the beginning of the year unfavourable symptoms set in, and he was confined to the house. He again partially recovered, but on the 4th of February, 1878, a severe fit of coughing was succeeded by shortness of breath, which was very distressing. While manifesting a desire to have his worldly affairs settled, he never alluded to his approaching death, being wishful, no doubt, to spare the feelings of his beloved partner as much as possible. On the night before he died, while a lady who sat up with them was reading the hymn "Abide with Me," he frequently and fervently responded, and then a few times said, "God bless thee, and the bairns, Bella." The next morning, being thought a little better, he only smiled. At half-past ten he took his medicine, and a minute or two after, giving his wife an affectionate look, without a struggle or a sigh, he fell asleep in Jesus. "O may we triumph so, When all our warfare's past, Connexional Department. EPWORTH. RE-OPENING OF MONUMENTAL CHAPEL. THE above chapel having been closed for a considerable time in consequence of undergoing extensive alterations and repairs, was re-opened for Divine worship on Sunday, November 10th, 1878, when two impressive sermons were preached by the Rev. A. M'Curdy, of Birmingham. There was a good attendance, and the collections amounted to £31. The sum of £250 has been expended on the chapel, which now presents a beautiful, substantial, and comfortable appearance. The following improvements, amongst others, have been satisfactorily carried out: namely, the introduction of open-work hammer-beams to the roof, which have been firmly secured by iron ties on an improved principle, with horizontal purlins, thereby giving increased strength and beauty to the building. A dado five feet high with moulded architrave, wood stencilled in pattern, has been carried round the walls and behind the pulpit. The vestibule, or entrance, has been enlarged and double folding-doors have been added. Cathedral glass has been introduced to give light, and materially contributes to the comfort of the congregation. The north arch over the gallery has been remodelled, the brickwork has disappeared, and a graceful Gothic arch substituted, corresponding with the rest of the chapel. The gas-fittings are quite new, each corona holding fifteen starlights, and, when lighted, have a very elegant appearance. The walls have been coloured French grey, and the whole premises have been put in thorough repair. The work has been designed and carried out in the most satisfactory manner. LAYING MEMORIAL STONES OF MINISTER'S HOUSE. About twenty years ago the members and friends of the Methodist New Connexion erected a Memorial Chapel in Epworth, in memory of Alexander Kilham, a native of the town and one of the founders of the Connexion. Since that time the Epworth friends have felt the urgent need of having a minister's house erected on the unoccupied ground adjoining the chapel. The ceremonyoflaying the memorial stones for the house took place in the afternoon of Friday week, when the following ministers were present and took part in the proceedings:Rev. W. Cocker, D.D., Principal of Ranmoor College, Sheffield; the Revs. J. Connon (Wesleyan), W. M. Anderson (Baptist), T. Lowe (Primitive Methodist), and P. Baker and W. Waine. After singing and praying and the reading of the 103rd Psalm, the Rev. P. Baker presented, in the name of the friends, a silver trowel, containing a suitable inscription, to T. Gervas, Esq., whose frequent acts of liberality on behalf of the chapel and kindred objects were duly referred to. Also, on behalf of the friends, a handsome mallet was presented by Mr. Leadbeater to Mr. Gervas, who forthwith laid the first stone. The second stone was laid for Edward Firth, Esq., and Mrs. Firth, of Sheffield, by Mr. Jones, of Epworth (who afterwards laid a stone for himself). Mr. J. Brownlow, of Mosswood, then requested Mrs. Jones to lay a stone for Mrs. Crookes; and Mrs. Baker laid a stone for H. Crookes, Esq., of Sheffield. Stones were also laid by Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Leadbeater, and Mrs. Wm. Dawson; and bricks were laid by Miss Hannah Mary Coy, Miss Gorrill, and Miss Emma Brooks. In each case a donation or purse was presented by the person who laid the stone. The proceedings concluded with singing and prayer. A public tea, at which nearly two hundred persons sat down, was provided in the Temperance Hall, the following ladies presiding at the trays Mrs. Oliver, Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Brownlow, and Mrs. Needham; Mrs. Coy, Mrs. Wm. Dawson; Mrs. U. H. Capes, Epworth, for Mrs. Allen, Crowtrees; Mrs. Thos. Kelsey and Miss Hepworth, Westwoodside. In the evening a service, at which there was a large attendance, was held in the Wesleyan Chapel, and an able and impressive sermon was preached by the Rev. W. Cocker, D.D., from Luke x. 21. Mrs. A. M. Sharp presided at the organ, the choirs of the Wesleyan and Methodist New Connexional chapels uniting for the occasion. During the afternoon and evening there was a bazaar for the sale of useful and ornamental articles in the Methodist New Connexion Schoolroom; also a refreshment stall, both of which were well patronised. The following ladies presided at the stalls:-Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Jones, Miss Crackle, Miss Emma Brooks, Miss Gorrill, Miss Needham, Miss E. Dempster, Miss Clara Fawcett, and Miss L. Sissons. The entire proceeds of the day were £101 6s., including the amounts given by the friends at Epworth, etc., also the following donations: E. Firth, Esq., and Mrs. Firth, £10; H. Crookes, Esq., of Sheffield, and Mrs. Crookes £10-besides their previous subscriptions. The house, which is being erected by Mr. Henry Kelsey, of Epworth, is to be of a substantial character; and, when finished, will harmonise with the architecture of the chapel and schoolroom. P. B. REVIVAL AT DUDLEY PORT. OLDBURY CIRCUIT. DEAR MR. EDITOR,-I have ventured to give an account of the above revival in the fervent hope that others, whose zeal seems flagging, may be aroused to fresh diligence. For some time the religious vitality of the congregation attending St. Paul's, Dudley Port, has been on the wane; so much so that our connexional brethren have pitied us sincerely. There has been a want of brotherly love among us, and besides this several in our chapel were stumbling-blocks to God's cause. God inclined the hearts of our beloved minister-Rev. Jos. Stark-and the "leaders" to make one grand effort to overturn the work of Satan and lead perishing souls to Jesus. It was at first determined to engage the services of a "revivalist," but an examination of the financial affairs of the church showed this was impossible. Our prayer was, "Lord help us," and this fervent effectual prayer availed much. Without any pressure our minis ter volunteered to conduct revival services for us; this offer we gladly accepted, and at once commenced arrangements. We agreed to let the services be preceded by a week's prayer-meetings; these meetings were characterised by much fervour and mighty faith. They were the means of quickening believers and arousing many sinners. The burden of our prayer was, “O Lord, revive Thy work." Almost simultaneously with these prayers came blessed answers, assuring us that our prayers were heard, for four sinners were converted to God. Throughout the circuit our brethren remembered us in their prayers. Now commenced our revival services. On the first Sunday fifteen souls found a Saviour. The Holy Ghost descended upon us in copious measure; we felt His presence, and acknowledged that He had won this mighty victory. In This blessed day will long live in our memory. At the morning service the subject was "effectual prayer," and the sermon was delivered in an effective manner. the afternoon tickets were renewed in the chapel to all classes, ninety members being present. Some idea of the feeling in this meeting may be gathered from the fact that three persons were up together, longing to tell their experience. Previous to the evening service the streets were missioned by the minister, leaders, and members; hymns were sung, and the people invited to God's house. At the evening service the blood-stained Cross was preached to an immense congregation. The word came with mighty power, and told upon the people. So intense was the feeling when the minister said "It is finished," that the chapel was filled with shouts of "Glory to God!" "Hallelujah!" The preacher's voice was drowned; one woman who had found peace shouted for joy. The congregation sang "O remember Calvary." After waiting some time the Rev. J. Stark concluded his sermon. Afterwards we had a powerful prayer-meeting, and the communion was thronged with penitents. Passing over the services on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, when several more were added to the list of the converted, I am anxious to give you some idea of the service held on Friday. It was announced as a "praise-meeting." We were forbidden to introduce trials and troubles. We had to leave these on the outside, and speak only of the goodness of God to us, and praise Him for some special blessing received during the week. A few cases may be cited in illustration: The chapel-cleaner praised God that there had been so much dirt on the floor of the chapel during the week. Another praised God for converting his wife and family during these services; and another praised God because his wife had prayed in the prayermeetings. Such a glorious, happy time I have scarcely ever enjoyed before; all seemed happy, troubles were forgotten, and the goodness, mercy, and loving-kindness of God remembered. The second week was a glorious one. Many souls found peace and pardon. We felt it undesirable to close the services, and so determined to continue them for another week, and God abundantly blessed us. During the last few weeks a mighty wave of salvation has rolled over this circuit, resulting in one hundred and twenty-five conversions. We have now plenty of willing and efficient workers. The classes have had their numbers considerably augmented, and a Bible-class has been inaugurated. Looking at these facts we thank God and take courage, feeling assured that the work will not cease. Yours in Christ, F. BAXTER. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE TEACHERS AND FRIENDS OF THE PECKITT STREET SABBATH-SCHOOL, YORK. THE Annual Teachers' Meeting in connection with our Sabbath-school in this city was held on November 18th, 1878. An excellent tea was partaken of by upwards of seventy persons, embracing the teachers, a few friends of the school, and the two senior classes. After tea the chair was taken by one of our superintendents, William Groves, Esq., whose interest in the prosperity of the cause of Christ in the church and school has, from the first, been unbounded. In his opening remarks the chairman referred to several ways in which God had blessed us as a school in the past, and how certain he was that we should receive still larger blessings in the future. He then called upon the assistant secretary to read the report, from which the following particulars are taken :-There were a hundred and four boys on the register, and a hundred and fortyeight girls, making a total of two hundred and fifty-two; of these, twenty-one are in church membership. The average morning attend |