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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Church Index, by William Pepperell
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Church Index
+       A Book of Metropolitan Churches and Church Enterprise: Part I. Kensington
+
+
+Author: William Pepperell
+
+
+
+Release Date: October 14, 2012  [eBook #41048]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHURCH INDEX***
+
+
+Transcribed from the [1872] W. Wells Gardner edition by David Price,
+email ccx074@pglaf.org.  Many thanks to the Royal Borough of Kensington
+and Chelsea Libraries (Local Studies department), for their help in
+making this transcription.
+
+
+
+
+
+                            THE CHURCH INDEX:
+
+
+                                  A BOOK
+                                    OF
+               Metropolitan Churches and Church Enterprise.
+
+                                  BY THE
+                         REV. WILLIAM PEPPERELL.
+
+                                 PART I.
+
+        CONTAINING COMPLETE, ORIGINAL, AND IMPARTIAL INFORMATION,
+   ECCLESIASTICAL, HISTORICAL, ARCHITECTURAL, CLERICAL, RELIGIOUS, AND
+                                 SOCIAL,
+
+                                  OF THE
+
+             _FIFTY CHURCHES—ESTABLISHED AND NONCONFORMING_,
+
+                  IN THE POPULOUS PARISH OF KENSINGTON:
+
+                                   WITH
+
+    NOTES AND COMMENTS ON CHURCH QUESTIONS, AND TYPICAL ILLUSTRATIONS
+                      OF CHURCH AND CHAPEL BUILDING;
+
+               CONSTITUTING A BOOK OF PERMANENT REFERENCE,
+                                    OR
+                       CONTEMPORARY CHURCH HISTORY.
+
+                           All rights reserved.
+
+                                 LONDON:
+
+                            W. WELLS GARDNER,
+
+                        2, PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS.
+   S. M. & A. WARREN, 1, EDWARDES TERRACE; WADE AND SON, 25 & 98, HIGH
+        STREET, KENSINGTON.  R. S. SPALDING, HIGH STREET, NOTTING
+            HILL; W. MEADOWS, 8, FULHAM ROAD, BROMPTON; J. W.
+                  DODD, 270, FULHAM ROAD, WEST BROMPTON.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+                                                      PAGE
+Abbotts, Church of St. Mary                          1, 81
+Andrew, Church of St. Philip and St.                     3
+All Saints, Church of, Notting Hill                     39
+Assisi, Church of St. Francis of                        52
+Augustine, Church of St.                            22, 67
+Baptist, Church of St. John                         41, 70
+Baptist Chapel, Johnson Street                          54
+Baptist Chapel, Silver Street                           54
+Baptist Chapel, Upper Westbourne Park                   60
+Baptist Chapel, South Kensington                        60
+Brethren, Plymouth                                      53
+Barnabas, Church of St.                             31, 81
+Carmelite, Church of, Fathers                           41
+Christ Church, Kensington                               10
+Clement, Church of St.                                  44
+Clarence Place Wesleyan Chapel                          21
+Congregational Chapel, Kensington                       25
+Cornwall Road Baptist Chapel                            50
+Convents                                                62
+Denbigh Road Wesleyan Chapel                            46
+Episcopal Chapel, Brompton                              29
+George, Church of St., Campden Hill                     33
+Horbury Congregational Chapel                           46
+James, Church of St.                                    36
+John, Church of St.                                     32
+Jude, Church of St.                                  5, 70
+Kensington Palace Chapel                                69
+Lancaster Road Chapel (Congregational)                  57
+Luke, Church of St.                                     20
+Mark, Church of St.                                     38
+Mary, Church of St., Bolton’s                           11
+Matthias, Church of St., Earl’s Court            6, 69, 70
+Michael, Church of All Angels and St.                   55
+Missions and Preaching Houses                           61
+Norland Chapel                                      56, 71
+Oratory, Brompton                                       23
+Paul, Church of St., Onslow Square                 17,  68
+Paul, Church of St., Vicarage Gardens                   36
+Peter, Church of St., Onslow Gardens                    18
+Peter, Church of St., Notting Hill                      35
+Primitive Methodist Chapel                              59
+Pro-Cathedral, Kensington                               13
+Scotch Church, Kensington                               29
+Sloane Place Chapel                                     55
+Stephen, Church of St.                                   9
+Swedenborgian Chapel                                44, 72
+Tabernacle, Hornton Street (Baptist)                    42
+Tabernacle, Free, Notting Hill (Baptist)                49
+Talbot Tabernacle, Notting Hill (Baptist)               58
+Trinity, Church of Holy                                 15
+Warwick Gardens, Wesleyan Chapel                        27
+Westbourne Grove Chapel (Baptist)                       48
+Workhouse Chapel                                        61
+                         ESSAYS.
+A Comparative Denominational View                       72
+Church Building                                         74
+Church Music                                            77
+Church and Population                                   79
+St. Mary Abbotts Church                                 81
+The Parochial System                                    82
+Notes                                                   64
+
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+
+Views of the following Churches will be found in their appropriate
+places:—St. Mary Abbotts, Kensington; New Church (exterior, interior,
+Organ); Old Church (exterior); St. Barnabas, Kensington; St. Peter’s,
+Onslow Gardens (exterior and interior); St. Jude’s (exterior and
+interior); St. Paul’s, Onslow Square; Onslow Chapel; St. Mark’s, Notting
+Hill; St. Mary, Bolton’s; Warwick Gardens Wesleyan Chapel; Tabernacle,
+Notting Hill; St. Luke’s, South Kensington.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+PARTICULAR church chronicles are scarcely found among the thousands of
+volumes which annually issue from the press, although there are no
+chronicles that have in them more of what is really of public import.  In
+regard to Metropolitan churches, nothing of the kind we here present to
+our readers has yet been attempted.  Detached notices of a church here
+and there will sometimes be found in our periodicals or newspapers; but
+no effort has yet been made to supply a collective and relative view of
+all particular church history and operations in given districts in a
+permanent and useful form.  Yet, these churches have now become so
+numerous and influential, and are yearly increasing to such a degree,
+unparalleled in any former age, that it would seem they demand distinct
+and special recognition and record, and surely are worthy to be preserved
+in their characteristics as among the ingredients which must enter into
+the general church history of our times.  It may thus happen that we are
+supplying a real desideratum in Christian literature.  The present issue
+may either be taken as an entire work in itself, or as the first of a
+series which will appear at intervals, as often and as regularly as
+circumstances may determine.  It contains accounts, longer or shorter as
+each case admitted, _historical_, _ecclesiastical_, _architectural_,
+_clerical_, religious, and social of over fifty churches—established and
+non-conforming—in the populous parish of Kensington.  This parish extends
+from the Brompton Road, the Boltons and Earl’s Court southward, where it
+joins the parishes of Chelsea and Fulham, to Upper Westbourne Park and
+Kensal, beyond Notting Hill, north, where it abuts upon Paddington, and
+from Hyde Park and Bayswater, east, to Shepherd’s Bush and Hammersmith,
+west.  It covers an area of 2200 acres, and has fifty miles of main
+streets or carriage-ways within the bounds.  The population, according to
+the late census, is 121,100 souls.
+
+It will thus be seen that we have been treating in these pages the
+spiritual provision made for a population greater than that of many a
+large town or city in the kingdom.  We were first attracted to
+Kensington, a former “suburban village,” not only because of its
+importance as a representative Metropolitan parish, but as forming the
+centre of the Western suburbs, and on account of the rapidity with which
+church-building has gone on there of late years.  We now present the
+first part of our task completed, and in the “Index” with the “Notes”
+will be found all that it is requisite to know about these churches.
+There is other church matter included at the end which may add to the
+interest of the whole.  Also, a goodly number of engravings and
+photographs of principal church buildings, additions which will
+contribute greatly to the interest and value of the book in the Christian
+household or in professional hands.
+
+The author’s thanks are due, and are hereby warmly and respectfully
+presented, to those clergy and other gentlemen of all denominations who
+have freely opened to him original and reliable sources of information.
+He is thus enabled to present the work freer from all sorts of
+inaccuracies than would probably otherwise be the case.  He has, also,
+gratefully to acknowledge valuable aid from Mr. J. P. Churcher,
+Architect, of Kensington, who has kindly given the advantage of his
+professional knowledge in regard to a considerable number of the churches
+herein described.
+
+The work is now commended to the considerate attention of the public;
+trusting that the effort may be accepted as some contribution in
+illustration of Metropolitan churches and church enterprise, treated upon
+a thoroughly Catholic basis.
+
+There are not wanting signs of a general growing interest in such
+subjects.  Even the political discussions of the last few years—bearing
+largely upon the state of the Church—have had, at least, the effect of
+concentrating public attention upon its fortunes, and of awakening a
+large amount of sympathy with its varied labours.  Let us hope that this
+will tend to the happy result of securing a permanent practical regard in
+the public mind for every thing connected with the progress of
+Christianity in our midst; and if in some humble degree this great object
+is advanced by the contents of the following pages it will be esteemed an
+abundant reward and cause of much thankfulness by
+
+                                                               THE AUTHOR.
+
+22, ST. STEPHEN’S ROAD,
+               SHEPHERD’S BUSH, W.
+
+
+
+
+DEDICATION
+
+
+                                    TO
+
+                        CHARLES JAMES FREAKE, ESQ.
+
+                   OF CROMWELL HOUSE, SOUTH KENSINGTON,
+
+                      THIS VOLUME IS (BY PERMISSION)
+
+                         Respectfully Dedicated,
+
+     IN RECOGNITION OF IMPORTANT AND MUNIFICENT LAY ASSISTANCE IN THE
+                 WORK OF CHURCH EXTENSION IN THE SUBURBS,
+ AND OTHER NUMEROUS CHRISTIAN, CHARITABLE, AND CATHOLIC-SPIRITED EFFORTS
+                FOR THE GENERAL WELFARE OF THE COMMUNITY,
+             AND AS AN EXPRESSION OF HIGH PERSONAL ESTEEM BY
+
+                                                               THE AUTHOR.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+DEAR SIR,
+
+IT was said of one of old, “He loveth our nation, and he hath built us a
+synagogue.”  It is no less a pleasure than a duty to recognize genuine
+patriotism; and wherever it exists in its highest character, it is
+associated with zeal for the extension of the Church of God
+commensurately with the nation it loves.  Although, Sir, your habitual
+modesty would not allow you to invite the commendation, I cannot forbear
+according it to you, that by the blessing and providence of God you have
+realized the ideal.  Having contributed largely by honourable enterprise
+to the extension of the suburbs themselves, you have been mindful of the
+spiritual interests of the population.  Two handsome churches—St. Paul’s,
+Onslow Square, and St. Peter’s, Onslow Gardens—are due to your Christian
+thoughtfulness and generosity.  Some men can only project such works, and
+leave others to execute and pay for them; but you, Sir, have been endowed
+with the will and the power to do all these yourself; and you _have_ done
+them with that unaffected zeal and good will to men, which, as it
+commands our admiration, will not fail of the blessing of Heaven.  On
+various other good works of Christian charity for the education and
+improvement of the physical condition of the poor, I need not now dwell.
+They are well known to your neighbours, and to all who daily share their
+benefits, and will not be forgotten in time to come.  For these reasons I
+have deemed it appropriate to dedicate to you this work, in the subjects
+of which you take so deep and practical an interest.  Praying that your
+useful life may be long preserved to us an example and blessing to many,
+
+                                                           I am, dear Sir,
+                                                          Yours sincerely,
+                                                            WM. PEPPERELL.
+
+Charles J. FREAKE, Esq.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+
+THE CHURCHES OF KENSINGTON:
+INCLUDING SOUTH KENSINGTON, BROMPTON, AND NOTTING-HILL.
+
+
+KENSINGTON PARISH CHURCH
+
+
+AT the moment of our writing, St. Mary Abbotts, Kensington, is, in a
+literal sense, without a parish church.  The old one has passed away, and
+the new one is in course of erection.  There is, however, _the_ church,
+with its long, chequered, and interesting history and associations of the
+past, and, we trust, its equally interesting and still more glorious
+future.  The Venerable Archdeacon Sinclair, the present vicar, his
+churchwardens and friends must feel themselves the subjects of peculiar
+and pleasurable feelings as being the chief actors in the great change
+now coming over the site lately occupied by the old church, and thus
+placing themselves on a line with a long and eventful history.  We must
+go back far into the middle ages for the origin of the parish church of
+Kensington, and to the days of dark Papal rule in the land.  In the time
+of Henry I. we read of this church being bequeathed, on his deathbed, by
+Godfrey de Vere, Lord of the Manor, to the Monastery of Abingdon.  It
+was, however, shortly after claimed by and restored to the Diocese of
+London, in which it has ever since remained.  This was in the thirteenth
+century.  The first endowment of the Vicarage was in 1260, and from time
+to time it received consideration from various monarchs.  In 1520 Queen
+Mary accorded to it a portion of the 7,000_l._ granted by Henry VIII. in
+augmentation of the living of incumbents and scholars in England.  The
+history of the old Saxon church is bound up with that of the manor, which
+was bestowed, inclusive of the rectory, upon various noblemen by royal
+grants under several reigns.  The collation of the vicarage has belonged
+to the Bishops of London, _pleno jure_, about 390 years.  While the
+Reformation was yet struggling against Papal tyranny, as though we were
+to have a forecast of the Evangelical type and freedom which have marked
+this church in after times, it possessed a martyr.  Not one, indeed, led,
+as far as we know, to the stake, but cruelly driven from his position and
+living, and possibly to temporal ruin.  In 1527 Sebastian Harris, the
+curate, was proceeded against for having in his possession a translation
+of the New Testament and a book entitled _Unio Dissidentium_, containing
+the doctrines of Luther.  He was, for this _criminal_ offence, cited to
+appear before the Vicar-General in the long chapel, St. Paul’s Cathedral,
+and required there to make oath that he would not retain these books in
+possession any longer, nor sell them, nor lend them, nor make any
+acquaintance with any person suspected of heresy, and finally adjudged to
+quit London within twenty-four hours, and not to come within four miles
+of it for two years!
+
+   [Picture: The New Church of St. Mary Abbotts, Kensington, 1872.  The
+                  Venerable Archdeacon Sinclair, Vicar]
+
+The late church began to supersede the first in 1683.  The population
+even then was said to increase, and the inhabitants, to provide for the
+increase, built a new aisle on the south side.  In the beginning of 1695
+the north aisle and chancel were supplanted by others of larger
+dimensions; and in 1696 it was resolved to take down and rebuild the
+whole church, excepting the tower at the west end.  The cost of this was
+met by subscription.  King William gave 300_l._; the Princess Anne
+100_l._; Earl Craven 100_l._; the Bishop of London 50_l._; and the Earl
+of Warwick 40_l._; the entire expense amounting to no more than 1,800_l_.
+_ _Bowack, who visited the church in 1705, thus describes the rebuilt
+church in his “Antiquities of Middlesex”: “In form quadrangular, somewhat
+broader than long, 80 feet from north to south, and hardly 70 from east
+to west.  Paved handsomely with Purbeck stone.  The pewing and galleries
+very neat and convenient.  The pulpit and chancel handsomely adorned with
+carving and painting.”  It might be added that the pulpit and desk were
+the gifts of King William the Third and Queen Mary, in addition to their
+contributions to the building fund.  The pulpit has a crown inlaid with
+the initials, “W. & M. R.,” and the date, “1697.”
+
+In 1704, the defects of the recent work evincing itself so clearly by the
+cracking of the building, it was found necessary to take off the old
+roof, pull down the north and south walls, and rebuild them; which was
+done at a further outlay of 1,800_l._
+
+Again in 1772 the church underwent a thorough repair, and the old Gothic
+tower was taken down and the later one erected.
+
+Once more in the year 1811 the church showed signs of decay, and it was
+necessary to underpin the walls, rebuild the vaults, and entirely
+renovate and adorn the interior.  This was done at an expense of
+5,000_l._, which was met by a church-rate of sixpence in the pound,
+spreading over three years.  This church, now spoken of as the “old
+church,” was a plain brick structure, with no pretensions to
+architectural display.  The interior was composed of nave, chancel, and
+two aisles, separated by wooden pillars supporting the galleries.  It was
+spanned from the entablature of six wooden columns over the nave, and
+three large brass chandeliers wore suspended from the ceiling.  There was
+the royal pew curtained round in ancient style, which long continued to
+be used by high personages from the Palace.  Here the Duke and Duchess of
+Kent and the late Duke of Cambridge worshipped; and from this very pew
+the Duchess returned thanks after the birth of our present gracious and
+beloved Queen Victoria.  The brows of other distinguished persons have
+been seen within the old walls.  Sir Isaac Newton, Addison (after his
+marriage with the Countess of Warwick, of Holland House), Lady Margaret
+Macdonald, “Lady of the Isles,” Wilberforce, George Canning, Sir David
+Wilkie, Lord Macaulay, Thackeray, &c.—all of whom were residents in
+Kensington, were attendants at the parish church.  Such were the minor
+glories of the former house.
+
+  [Picture: Church of St. Mary Abbotts, Kensington, 1872.  The Venerable
+                       Archdeacon Sinclair, Vicar]
+
+In 1866 it was seen that its fate was sealed.  Competent architects
+pronounced that it would not be safe to use it for public worship more
+than two or three years beyond.  The closing services were held on
+Whit-Sunday, May 16, 1869, when sermons were preached by the Bishop of
+London in the morning and by the Vicar in the evening.  The church was
+crowded—said, indeed, to be “packed to the ceiling.”  Collections made on
+the occasion towards the new building fund amounted to 265_l._  The
+church contained no less than 114 monuments and tablets, among which one
+in white marble was most conspicuous, dated 1759, in memory of the Earl
+of Warwick, the Countess, and their daughter, Lady Charlotte Rich.  The
+Earl is represented sitting, resting his arm on an urn and clothed in a
+Roman habit.  All the monuments were carefully removed before the church
+was pulled down, and some, it is expected, will be reinstalled in the new
+edifice.
+
+[Picture: Design of Organ for new Church of St. Mary Abbotts, Kensington.
+                       Built by Hill & Son, London]
+
+At first it was thought that the entire enterprise of the new parish
+church could not be undertaken at once, for want of funds, and it was
+resolved to proceed by degrees, laying the foundation and building vestry
+and chancel, with a temporary nave.  But the funds shortly realised and
+promised encouraged the deacon and churchwardens to build the whole of
+the fabric at once, with the exception of tower and spire.  The estimated
+cost of the work when completed is 35,000_l._, the tower and spire alone
+being estimated to cost 10,000_l._ of the amount.  The fine old ring of
+bells—eight in number—which have quickened and delighted the ears of
+Kensingtonians for many a long year, will find a place in the new tower
+and be heard again, and probably their joyous music be listened to by
+generations to come.  The spire, when completed, will be 240 feet from
+the base to the vane.  The estimated cost of the interior fittings, pews,
+pulpit, screen, and altar is 4,460_l._  The church will be brilliantly
+lit with gas, and warmed with hot water on the most improved principle.
+The length of the interior is 155 feet, and its greatest breadth 100
+feet, and is capable of accommodating 1,600 persons on one floor.  There
+will be no galleries.  The style of the building is Gothic, a specimen of
+the transitional period from the early English to the decorated, and the
+architect is Mr. Gilbert Scott R.A., of Spring-gardens; the contractors
+Messrs. Dove Brothers, of Islington; and the grotesque and other carving
+with which the church is ornamented is executed by Messrs. Farmer and
+Brindly.  The external material of the building is Kentish rag, with
+selected Bath-stone dressings.  From what can be seen of the work in
+progress, the ample Bath-stone turrets and mouldings will add much to the
+effect of the building.  In the interior there is no plaster, but the
+whole of the church is faced with solid Bath ashlar.  There are on plan,
+nave, side aisles, and transepts.  The nave will be 107 ft. and the
+chancel 48 ft. long, and 27 ft. wide; the aisles are 14 ft. 6 in. wide.
+There are also chancel aisles, and on the north side of the chancel an
+organ chamber, and the tower—the tower space being occupied with a
+vestry, from which the clergy will pass to the chancel by a vestibule.
+The font is on the north side of the west door; it is intended to be a
+very handsome marble one, with a conical cover, the cost being 400_l._
+Several ladies in Kensington are exerting themselves to raise funds for
+this particular work.  The principal entrance to the church is on the
+west side, and the door has a sumptuous carving in Bath stone over it.
+The next principal entrance will be on the south side, through a porch,
+and another on the north side.  A scheme is projected by the ladies of
+the congregation, and a plan is now preparing by Messrs. Clayton and
+Bell, to fill the whole church with painted windows.  Should this be
+accomplished, and the eminent firm mentioned be employed to carry it out,
+it will doubtless add vastly to the effect of the interior.
+
+     [Picture: The Old Church, High Street, Kensington.  In Memoriam
+                                1697–1869]
+
+It is hoped and expected by the Vicar that the church will be opened by
+Easter next (1872).  A very fine organ is now being built for this
+handsome fabric, by Messrs. Hill and Son, of the Euston-road, at a cost
+of about 1,200_l._, to be provided by a separate fund.  This instrument
+has three manuals and a pedal organ.  _Great Organ_—containing double
+open diapason and bourdon, 16 feet; open diapason, 8 feet; ditto, No. 2,
+8 feet; gamba, 8 feet; stopped diapason, 8 feet; principal, 4 feet;
+harmonic flute, 4 feet; 12th, 3 feet; 15th, 2 feet; mixture, 4 ranks;
+Posaund, 8 feet; clarion, 4 feet.  _Choir Organ_—open diapason, 8 feet;
+dulciana, 8 feet; Gedact, 8 feet; Gamshorn, 4 feet; Wald flute, 4 feet;
+flautina, 2 feet; clarionet, 8 feet.  _Swell Organ_—Bourdon, 16 feet;
+open diapason, 8 feet; salcional, 8 feet; stopped diapason, 8 feet;
+principal, 4 feet; Suabe flute, 4 feet; 12th, 3 feet: 15th, 2 feet;
+mixture, 3 ranks; horn, 8 feet; oboe, 8 feet; clarion, 4 feet.  _Pedal
+Organ_—CCC to F, 30 notes; sub-Bourdon, 32 feet; open diapason, 16 feet;
+violone, 15 feet; Bourdon, 16 feet; principal, 8 feet; 15th, 4 ft.;
+trombone, 16 ft.; 5 couplers.  Up to the present time about 24,000_l._
+has been received and promised to the Building Fund, to which Her Majesty
+the Queen subscribes 200_l._  It will be seen, therefore, that a large
+proportion of the money has yet to be raised, although no doubt is felt
+that public spirit will display itself in connection with this great
+public object, so as to relieve the promoters of all anxiety as to the
+speedy and successful termination of their work.  Archdeacon Sinclair is
+the treasurer of the fund, and the Rev. W. Wright, of 2, Bath-place, the
+secretary.  The present churchwardens are Charles Greenway, Esq., of 3,
+Bath-place, who has filled the office for sixteen years, and Robert
+Harvey, Esq., of 92, High-street, Notting-hill, who has been in office
+for two years.  Attached to the parish church there are national schools,
+with 200 boys and 130 girls; an infant school with 200; and a
+ragged-school in Jennings’-buildings—a notoriously low part of the
+town—with 60 or 70.  There is also an industrial school for young girls,
+where 35 or 40 are taught various useful domestic works.  There are
+Sunday-schools answering to the day-schools; also a district visiting
+society, composed of ladies and clergymen who visit the poor and
+distribute alms; and annual collections are made for missionary and other
+religious and charitable purposes.
+
+The venerable Archdeacon Sinclair has been Vicar for the last twenty-nine
+years, and was appointed Archdeacon soon after his accession to the
+Vicarage.  It is known to be a wealthy living, but its exact value cannot
+be precisely stated.  The net value, however, is estimated at 912_l._ per
+annum.  The Vicar is well known and admired both for the elevation of his
+personal character and his able and truly Evangelical ministry.  He is
+now well stricken in years—being seventy-four years of age—but retains a
+notable degree vigour, and preaches regularly twice every Sunday, at
+present to the congregation of St. Paul’s, Palace-gardens, one of the
+chapels of ease to the parish church.  Christ Church, Victoria-road, is
+the other.  Associated with the Vicar in the spiritual work of the parish
+are at present four curates, the Rev. W. Wright, M.A., the Rev. E. T.
+Carey, M.A., the Rev. G. Averill, M.A., and the Rev. J. J. T. Wilmot,
+M.A.
+
+The principal congregation of the old church are, during the re-building,
+worshipping in the vestry-hall adjoining.  Here we had the pleasure of
+uniting with them on the morning of Sunday, Oct. 15, 1871.  The service
+is a reflection of what it was in the old temple, and what, under the
+venerable vicar, it is intended to be in the new.  It was plain devout
+Church of England service, earnest and as inspiring as it could be in a
+plain hall.  The officiating clergyman was the Rev. J. J. T. Wilmot,
+M.A., who took the whole of the service and preached the sermon.  The
+latter was a faithful exposition and application of 1 Tim. i.
+16—“Godliness with contentment is great gain.”  Some very pointed remarks
+on the evils of the lust of riches, and the value of the gain of
+godliness, were delivered in a clear and sonorous voice, and pointed with
+familiar illustrations.  The impression on our minds was that such a
+method of conducting worship, and such a style of pulpit or platform
+discourse, cannot but be the means of doing great good.
+
+                              (_See Notes_.)
+
+
+
+ST. ANDREW AND ST. PHILIP’S CHURCH, GOLBORNE ROAD, UPPER WESTBOURNE PARK.
+
+
+THIS church is a recent instance of the modern forward movement to
+overtake the spreading population of the suburbs.  It is situated at the
+extreme north of the parish, in the midst of a vast mass of new property,
+which is very properly called _New-town_, or Kensal New-town.  The
+parish, which was formed out of the extensive one of All Saints’,
+Notting-hill, has a population of 9,000; and up to the present has been
+very ill-provided with means of religious worship.  Indeed, it seems as
+if no effort can be abreast of the fast-growing needs of the metropolis.
+But here is, at least, a large and handsome church situate in a locality
+in which _primâ facie_ it would appear a very _God-send_.  Alighting at
+the Westbourne-park Station, and passing over the bridge, a sign-board
+directs the inquirer along the main Newtown-street, and after four or
+five minutes’ walk another board points out the site of the church.  Or
+an equally ready way of access may now be found from the Notting-hill
+Station, by the Ladbroke and recently-opened Golborne-road.  This edifice
+is the fruit of private and public zeal combined.  A Christian lady in
+Bayswater devoted 5,000_l._ of her abundance, and the Bishop of London’s
+Fund, together with some local donations, supplied the remainder of
+7,000_l._, which was the cost of the building.  It is therefore
+unencumbered with debt, and has a free and open course before it for
+Christian usefulness.  The ceremony of consecration took place on
+Saturday, the 8th of January, 1870, when our reporter in attendance wrote
+that, “Notwithstanding the furious gale over the parish, upwards of 700
+ladies and gentlemen were present.”  The then new Bishop of London (Dr.
+Jackson) officiated, and was assisted in the service by the Venerable
+Archdeacon Sinclair, Vicar of St. Mary Abbotts, Kensington; the Rev. A.
+G. Pemberton, of Kensal-green; the Rev. A. Campe; and the Rev. R. Towers,
+the incumbent.  A number of other clergymen were also present, amongst
+whom were the Rev. R. W. Forest, the Rev. Daniel Moore, the Rev. Bryan
+Hodge, the Rev. W. A. Newton, the Rev. W. A. Bathurst, &c.
+
+The building is of red brick with Bath-stone mouldings, covered with the
+best Welsh slates, and surrounded on all sides with a strong iron
+railing.  In the exterior there is no other particular feature, except a
+prettily-shaped belfry, which is an ornament to the east front.  The
+interior does credit to the architect, Mr. Keeling, of Gray’s-inn; who,
+forbidden the versatility of device he has displayed in St. Mark’s,
+Notting-hill, St. George’s, Campden-hill, and elsewhere, has given a free
+adaptation of early French Gothic.  There are a nave and aisles,
+separated on either side by five handsome columns of Devonshire marble,
+with carved-stone capitals, and supporting an entablature of six arches
+on each side, from which a lofty groined roof spans the nave.  The arches
+are of variegated brick, with Bath-stone dressings; and the higher part
+of the side walls in the same, the lower part being faced with Bath-stone
+ashlar.  The choir and chancel are ample in dimensions, the former being
+furnished with high cathedral-backed stalls, and the former ornamented
+with neatly-illuminated texts, the Ten commandments, &c., and over the
+communion-table the words—which it may be hoped, will be a faithful index
+to the ministry ever to be exercised in the church, “Christ is the end of
+the law for righteousness to him that believeth.”  The organ is a
+borrowed instrument of very inferior quality, and which is shortly to be
+supplanted by one more adapted to the beautiful and spacious edifice.
+Towards this most desirable improvement 40_l._ only has yet been raised,
+towards 250_l._, the estimated cost.  As the congregation and immediate
+neighbourhood are mainly poor, it would be a real boon if some wealthier
+person or persons beyond the district could devise the means to present
+to the church a suitable instrument.  The church is admirably adapted for
+the free passage both of light and sound, and the plain but
+variously-stained windows, without Scripture or canonical characters, add
+to the beautiful effect of the whole structure.  There are no galleries;
+but the ground floor, well laid out with substantial open pews, supplies
+accommodation for 950, but is capable of taking 1,000 without
+overcrowding.  We regretted to observe that the congregation present at
+the morning service were not anything like half the number.  The audience
+in the evening, however, is said to be much larger, a feature very
+characteristic of poor localities, where many week-day working people are
+seldom prepared for church before evening on the Sabbath.  The place is
+well warmed by a large stove, which sent a comforting glow of heat
+through the entire space; and is lit at night from ornamental pillars,
+each having four branches, and each branch three jets, specially designed
+by Messrs. Johnson Brothers, of High Holborn.  The floors of the aisles,
+choir, and chancel are inlaid with tessellated tiles.
+
+The first builder was unable to fulfil his contract, which occasioned
+considerable delay; but ultimately it was taken in hand by Messrs.
+Scriven and White, of Camden-town, who carried out their engagement to
+perfect satisfaction.
+
+Church work, in this case, is yet in its infancy, and seems to ask for
+assistance.  There are, however, the seeds of what, let us hope, may
+prove a future moral and spiritual harvest.  The population requires to
+be wrought upon outside the walls, that they may be brought more fully to
+comprehend their privileges.  It appears quite certain that within there
+are all the means of good to them.  The service is devoutly and earnestly
+performed in its Evangelical interpretation, the prayers, psalms, and
+creeds being read, and responded to by the congregation.  The musical
+part is Gregorian plain-song; but sufficiently varied to prevent the
+sense of severe monotony.  The choir is at present a mixture of male and
+female voices; and there is some room for improvement, which will
+doubtless come when it is assisted by a better organ.  The hymn-hook is
+the “Church and Home Metrical Psalter and Hymnal.”  The Rev. Robert
+Towers, B.A., the Vicar, was without assistance in the clerical portion
+of the service.  He reads in a distinct and feeling manner; and preaches
+extempore, purely and properly so.  His text was taken from Matthew ix.
+12: “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick,”
+&c.  In this discourse in simple language and illustration, we verily
+believe was preached _the_ truth as it is in the Gospel.  We could not
+but wish that the place had been crowded to hear it.  The disease of sin
+was scripturally set forth as _inherent_ in man’s nature, _hereditary_,
+_loathsome_, _contagious_, and by all human means _incurable_.  Mr.
+Towers is a preacher who is not afraid to speak of sin in appropriate
+terms, telling his audience plainly that “it damns the soul and fills
+hell”; and that in the world wherever it is found, “the blast of the
+devil passes over, and carries its accursed infection beyond.”  As to its
+human incurability, “Not even religious ceremonies in themselves could
+avail.  Baptism was not regeneration.”  Sin would still reign and
+increase “its deadly and damnable effects in the soul,” for there was “no
+getting through or living it down.  It was very _death_ itself.”  “But
+thanks be unto God that though the wages of sin be death, the gift of God
+is eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  The character and
+ability of the great Physician, and the Divine mode of cure, through the
+application of “the precious blood” by “the Holy Ghost” to the repentant
+sinner, were impressively and unmistakeably set forth, together with the
+delightful effects in the experience of men.  In short, we have never
+listened to more real Gospel within thirty minutes of time than on the
+morning of Sunday, November 12, 1871.  We sincerely hope the church will
+soon be filled, from the chancel to the baptistry.  There is a
+Sunday-school with about 150 scholars, and an excellent staff of
+teachers.  A Church of England Young Men’s Society has been established
+about six months, and supplies a number of very competent male teachers
+to the school, which at present meets in the church in the afternoon.  A
+near site, however, for a school is already purchased, and will be built
+upon as soon as funds are secured for the purpose.  Mission-rooms
+attached, capable of holding about 100 persons, are at 15,
+Appleford-road, where a missionary is employed and holds service Sunday
+afternoons and Monday evenings; three Bible-women are also doing their
+useful work in the parish.  There would appear, therefore, to be much of
+the machinery requisite for carrying on the work in this new locality;
+but the church is entirely dependent on voluntary support, and, the
+people being poor, that support is as yet but feeble.  The weekly
+offertory was at first adopted; but soon discontinued, being considered
+unpopular, and boxes were placed at the doors.  The financial result,
+however, is most insignificant; and it is evident that something more is
+necessary, if this fine church and zealous few are not to be crippled in
+their energies.  An earnest appeal is therefore being made by the Vicar
+and the Churchwardens, Mr. W. J. Murlis and T. Horsman, for help to meet
+the expenses.  One thing should not be unnoticed; a provident fund is
+established for the poor, from which the sick, aged, and persons
+suffering from want of work, are aided in time of need.  The society adds
+two-pence to every shilling deposited by the members when able, and
+already between 60_l._ and 70_l._ stands to the credit of the fund.
+
+
+
+ST. JUDE’S, SOUTH KENSINGTON.
+
+
+THE new Church of St. Jude’s, South Kensington, is situate close to the
+Cromwell and Gloucester-roads, and stands out boldly, tree-less, and
+alone, a striking object in the surrounding plain, looming largely in the
+distance.  Nor is it less striking on a closer view.  It is in the early
+Gothic style, some fair detail of which it possesses, especially in the
+character of the west front, which is a happy composition; but its most
+remarkable features consist in the number of gables, gable-crosses,
+terminations, and chimneys, the great size of some of its windows, and a
+certain stilted appearance that the structure has, altogether a whole not
+perfectly pleasing or picturesque.  The view from the north-west is
+perhaps the most telling in point of effect, but this would be greatly
+improved by the addition of the tower and spire, which we hope will soon
+appear, but there is a certain comfortable-looking bell-turret which
+seems to say, “I answer all purposes required.”
+
+        [Picture: Interior of St. Jude’s Church, South Kensington]
+
+The church is built of Kentish rag and Bath stone dressings, and the
+roofs are covered with slate in bands of colour.  The gates and
+approaches when finished will add greatly to the general appearance.
+
+If the outside is peculiar, the inside, perhaps, is more so.  The
+building, which is slightly cruciform on plan, covers a large area, about
+135 feet long by 87 feet wide.  These dimensions are sufficient to give a
+great idea of space, and this effect is increased from the fact of the
+floor being nearly free from the usual obstructing columns; for although
+there is the general arrangement of nave and aisles, yet the slight iron
+columns, that support the arcades offer but very little impediment either
+to sight or sound.  The acoustic properties are exceedingly good, and the
+preacher can be seen and heard to advantage from all points; whilst the
+large north and south windows admit such volumes of light that there is
+an entire absence of that “dim religious light” favoured by a section of
+the English Church.
+
+          [Picture: View of St. Jude’s Church, South Kensington]
+
+Architecturally the iron columns are suggestive of having too much to
+do—looking weak and unequal to the task of supporting the pretty nave
+roof and coloured-brick arches; this is especially the case with the
+columns at the transepts.  The iron, as we have said, from its lightness,
+assists sight and sound, but then beauty is sacrificed to utility, which
+to some extent we think unfortunate; but the church has evidently been
+designed to assist the preacher’s voice, and therefore we must
+congratulate the architect, Mr. J. H. Godwin, of Brompton, on his
+complete success.  The prevailing buff colour of the bricks, being
+imitated in the painting of the columns, is not pleasing, and we think
+may be altered with advantage.  The church will hold 1,700 persons, and
+the galleries add to the auditorium, but are no assistance to effect, and
+compel the use of a stilted and old-fashioned pulpit.
+
+The organ-chamber and a capital vestry are at the north-east angle of the
+church, and the baptistry, at the west end, is well arranged and contains
+a handsomely-designed early font.  The east window is of stained glass,
+illustrating the life of Christ.  The doors are ample and admit of good
+entrance and exit.  The pewing is comfortable and compact.  The school
+class rooms and offices below account for the stilted appearance before
+referred to.
+
+St. Jude’s is one of the latest and most noticeable instances of
+aggressive effort on the part of the Established Church.  It was
+originated by the Rev. J. A. Aston, late Vicar of St. Stephen’s,
+Kensington, to provide for the spreading suburban population in that
+part, and has cost, as it now stands, 10,000_l._, which is entirely the
+munificent gift to the district of Mr. J. D. Allcroft, of 55,
+Porchester-terrace, and Wood-street, E.C.  When all complete, including
+the site and the vicarage shortly to be erected, the cost will be about
+19,000_l._, the additional 9,000_l._ being jointly guaranteed by Mr.
+Allcroft, the Rev. J. A. Aston, and the present Vicar.  There is a
+capital organ, ably presided at by Mr. M. Lochner, having four manuals,
+and favoured on the choir organ with that very rare stop, the _Vox
+Humana_, and capable of enlargement.  This fine instrument was built by
+Mr. H. Wedlake, of Fitzroy-square, at a cost of 700_l._, and is another
+of the grand offerings in connexion with the St. Jude enterprise—being
+the sole gift of Mrs. Walter Powell of Notting-hill.  The largest of the
+three rooms underneath the east end of the church is forthwith to be
+fitted up.  It is capable of holding 400 people, and to be used for the
+purpose of meetings, Sunday-schools, &c.  It is not intended at present
+to have day-schools.
+
+Although opened for Divine Service so recently as the 23rd of Dec., 1870,
+it has within three months collected within its walls one of the largest
+congregations to be met with around London.  It is estimated to
+accommodate 1,700 worshippers—and on a special occasion it might very
+well contain 2,000.  On Sunday morning, February 26, there were from
+1,500 to 1,600 present, and the church did not present a crowded
+appearance.  A glance over the large assembly showed that it contained
+scarcely a sprinkling of the lower or labouring classes.  It was composed
+almost entirely of the aristocracy and gentle people of the district,
+together with the middle and trading classes.  The sittings are let at
+2_l._ 2s., 35s., 30s., and 20s. per year; but as one-third of the entire
+number are to be _free_, it may be hoped that the “rich and the poor”
+will here also meet together before Him “who is the Maker of them all.”
+
+The service is a vigorous rendering of the plain Church Service,
+cautiously guarded against Ritualistic signs.  The members of the choir
+are not robed in white, nor have they anything to distinguish them but
+the place they occupy.  The clergy wear a simple surplice at prayers, and
+appear in the pulpit in a black gown.  The Rev. R. W. Forrest, M.A., of
+Trin. Col., Dublin, the first vicar of this new church, was transferred
+to it from the Lock Chapel, Paddington, having been previously incumbent
+of St. Andrew’s, Liverpool.  In Paddington he enjoyed a well-deserved
+popularity, which appears still to attend him in his new sphere of duty.
+In appearance he is about forty years of age, tall and commanding in
+presence, and possessing a strong pleasant voice, used with ease and
+heard without effort in the remotest corner of the spacious edifice.  His
+reading of the Holy Scriptures is specially distinct, natural, and
+impressive.  The pulpit discourse was founded on Heb. iv., and part of
+the 16th verse, “But was in all points tempted, like as we are, yet
+without sin.”  It was a practical and touching illustration of our Lord’s
+temptations in their bearing upon the experience and present comfort of
+his people, and, being delivered _extempore_, brought the preacher into
+direct sympathy with his audience.  The Rev. F. Moran (curate) assisted
+in reading the prayers—a clergyman who also possesses a clear and
+distinct enunciation—suitable to the place and the congregation.  Among
+Mr. Forrest’s hearers on the occasion of our visit were Bishop Barker, of
+Sydney, Metropolitan of Australia, and the Dean of Ripon.
+
+
+
+ST. MATTHIAS WARWICK ROAD, EARL’S COURT, SOUTH KENSINGTON.
+
+
+THE Church of St. Matthias, Warwick-road, Earl’s-court, Kensington, is
+within sight of St. Jude’s, and, like it, stands almost alone in the open
+fields.  It has no boundary walls or fences, unless a broken-down hedge
+on the east side can be called a fence.  Externally, as a structure,
+there are no very pleasing features; the permanent and temporary portions
+do not harmonise, and, indeed, the chancel and aisles, the only parts
+finished, have not in point of detail and design much to recommend their
+brick walls with bath stone dressings and window tracery of simple
+character.  Of course the temporary portions as such cannot fairly be
+criticised; yet if we must have temporary churches and of corrugated
+iron, we see no reason why they should not be picturesque, or at any rate
+sightly.
+
+Internally the temporary nave has no attempt at appearance or effect, a
+remarkable fact seeing that the Anglican school generally pride
+themselves upon effects.  A matched-boarded lining to walls and roof is
+simply varnished, the glazing of the windows is rendered shocking to
+taste by masses of blue and red colour, and a box pulpit is too much like
+a box.  The excessively plain chancel, arch, and arcades, and general
+detail of the windows, have evidently been designed with a view to
+economy; and if, when the nave is built, the same quiet spirit is
+adopted, we shall be anxious to learn the cost of the structure, which
+will certainly be a minimum sum, and valuable to note in these
+church-building days.  The style is early English.  The dwarf stone
+parapet and ornamental iron screen across the chancel arch form rather a
+nice feature, and the stall-seats are of good design.
+
+The east window is partly filled with effective stained glass, and as the
+predominant colour is blue, it is vexatious that the side-lights, not yet
+completed, are screened with green blinds.
+
+Two figures of saints over the altar-table are not clearly seen—one might
+be St. Matthias; and the reredos might as well have English written on
+it—the unlearned could then understand and appreciate.
+
+St. Matthias stands in the midst of a poor district, which was originally
+cut off from St. Philip’s, Kensington.  A temporary iron church was first
+opened on April 17, 1869, and the permanent chancel was consecrated and
+opened on the following 10th of July.  Nave and chancel together
+accommodate from 700 to 750 persons.  The cost of the whole structure has
+been 4,800_l._; and it is intended if possible to build the nave this
+year 1871, which will cost about 4,000_l._ or 5,000_l._ more.  The
+architect is Mr. J. H. Hatrevile, 5, Southmolton-street.  There are no
+appropriated sittings; all are free, and the church is always open for
+public or private prayer.  It is supported by the offertory alone, which
+in 1869–70 amounted to the sum of 1,100_l._, and in 1870–71 it will
+amount, we are informed, to 1,600_l._  Out of this all the expenses of
+the church and the charities and the clergy are met.  There are three
+_priests_ attached—the Rev. S. C. Haines, M.A., the Vicar; the Revs. H.
+Westall, A.K.C., and S. Martin.  There is a superb organ built by Jones,
+of the Fulham-road, with three manuals, forty stops, and 2,255 pipes, at
+a cost of 700_l._  The choir is large—about fifty in number—under the
+precentorship of Mr. J. Elwin, of 21, Coleherne-road, Brompton, professor
+of musical elocution.  During Lent there is daily Communion at eight
+A.M., four services every day, and five on Friday, when there is an extra
+Communion at eleven A.M.
+
+The service is Gregorian plain song, and on the morning of March 5, the
+second Sunday in Lent, the ceremonial is described as being extremely
+ornate and symbolical.  Our representative says: The chancel is unusually
+deep, the space between the altar and the railing being apparently
+designed with a view to Ritualistic development.  In fact, it is a large
+stage on which a numerous company can play their parts.  The choristers
+wear surplices, and the clergy, over the surplice, a stole, which is at
+the present season of the true Lenten violet—according to the practice of
+Ritualists—who use the symbolic colours of violet for Lent, black for
+Good Friday, red for Martyrs, yellow for Confessors, and so on.  The
+altar-cloth and pulpit-cover, and even the offering-bags, are also of the
+same tinge, the latter being embossed with a white cross.  The prayers
+were intoned by Mr. Westall, a young gentleman whose voice is in some
+danger of collapsing from sheer tension of monotone.  The Ritualists have
+attained perfection in denying to nature its own freedom and flexibility
+of voice.  The lessons were read by the second curate, Mr. Martin, who,
+we learn, is new to the church, and whose voice, trained in the true
+Anglican style—rises always where it ought to fall, and _vice versâ_.
+The bowings, curtseys, and genuflexions of this service are so numerous
+and complicate, we almost despair of tracing them.  Not only in the
+Creed, but in every other part where the name of the Saviour occurred and
+on every repetition of the _Gloria Patri_, there was a low curtsey as
+long as the body could be conveniently bent, which had a most singular
+effect in the general aspect of the congregation.  In the Nicene Creed,
+in the part “Light of light” and up to “rose again,” there was a sudden
+drop of voice to a mere whisper—which, being quite unprepared for at the
+moment, might startle one into the idea that the congregation and choir
+had simultaneously lost their vocal power.  But all this was merely
+dramatic.  On entering the Communion Service the _processional_ hymn is
+sung, during which the clergy three abreast commence their pilgrimage to
+the altar.  They approach it by three stages, pausing at every one, and
+on arrival bow and cross themselves, and then dispose themselves on the
+left, in line with their backs to the congregation—one a step above the
+other—the highest reading the Commandments, turning meanwhile to the
+people.  They then break line again, and one reads the Epistle for the
+day; they form inline again, and the centre figure, the Vicar, reads the
+Gospel, during which the curate at his feet turns towards him obliquely,
+bending in a worshipping attitude.  After the Creed—and so as to chime in
+with the close—the Vicar passes with a sharp step to the pulpit, which is
+as close to the chancel as it can be; and on entering it, whilst the
+people are still standing, crosses himself, fronting them, and repeats
+quickly, “To God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Amen,” and at once
+announces his text.  The short prayer before sermon is dispensed with.
+The motion with the finger to the two shoulders and the forehead is the
+great feature at this point.
+
+The sermon was founded on 1 Cor. i. 20—“Where is the wise?  Where is the
+scribe?  Where is the disputer of this world?  Hath not God made foolish
+the wisdom of this world?”  Having on the previous Sunday treated of
+bodily mortification and fasting, the preacher would now speak of the
+subjugation of human imagination, intellect and reason to the dominion of
+truth—of the folly of the “wise,” the “scribe,” the “disputer of this
+world,” in view of the “wisdom of God.”  In what was mainly an
+_extempore_ address, aided only by copious notes, and accompanied by much
+declamation and earnest action, Mr. Haines denounced the intellect and
+literature of the day as extremely sordid, timeserving, and egotistic.
+It was “a day of advertisements,” when intellect was “bought and sold
+over the counter,” when one might “buy all the intellect of England for
+gold, and for so many guineas have so many pages;” and if in any case
+pride prevented this degradation, literature was then “but the expression
+of an extreme egotism.”  Periodicals and books were “pretentious and
+misleading;” the novels of the age embodied its “sensualistic intellect;”
+our art in its exhibitions handed down pictures and ideas of depravity.
+“It would be well if the scientific world would send forth no more
+theories.”  In short the preacher held in the profoundest contempt all
+the ordinary exercises of the human mind and reason.  Perverted intellect
+had produced anarchy in America, revolution and bloodshed in Europe; and
+in the history of Christianity there had been nothing but contention and
+division since the intellect of the church first departed from the “holy
+Catholic religion,” and so rendered government impossible.  The preacher
+eulogised, indeed, intellect _sitting at the feet of Christ_; but this
+was so explained as to mean, in fact, sitting at the feet of “Holy
+Catholic Church.”  This part of the sermon was, to our minds, a virtual
+denouncement of the Protestant Reformation.  In speaking of the mysteries
+of religion against which the world’s intellect revolted, the preacher
+adverted to that one, “the sacrifice of the altar,” which they were then
+daily celebrating.  “Christ was in Heaven, but he was also there, yea,”
+glancing round to the spot, “on that altar was the real body and the real
+blood of our Lord.”  Would they deny these mysteries because they could
+not understand them?  Were there not mysteries in all nature? and did not
+the saint see all around him the great sacrifice of nature—the outward
+and visible sign of the inward, present, and omnipotent God?  After
+sermon the preacher returns to the altar, when a fourth functionary
+appears, whom we suppose must be termed an acolyte.  He carries in his
+hand a taper, with which he proceeds to light the candles in the
+candelabra at either end of the altar, each having seven lights.  A hymn
+is being sung and the collection made at the same time, and when ended
+the offertory bags are borne to the altar, and, being solemnly placed
+upon it, one of the priests, prostrating himself before it, raises the
+offering high towards the cross, and there holds it for some moments in
+the act of consecration, after which the Benediction is pronounced.  The
+church in the morning is filled with a congregation chiefly composed of
+the higher middle classes of the people, and in the evening principally
+of the poor of the immediate locality.
+
+
+
+ST. PHILIP’S, SOUTH KENSINGTON.
+
+
+A PLEASANT walk on a Sunday morning from westward, through that
+fashionable part of Kensington known as the Addison-road and
+Warwick-gardens, brings us to the Church of St. Philip, which stands at
+the corner where the Earl’s-court and Pembroke-roads join.  It is a brick
+structure in the perpendicular decorated style belonging to the fifteenth
+century; and as, with its modest spire, it comes into view, and the
+worshippers slowly moving up every main approach, in response to the
+“church-going bell,” the whole produces a very pleasing effect.  As one
+silently views the interior a somewhat mystical impression imperceptibly
+steals upon him.  The architect, Mr. Thomas Johnson, of Lichfield, would
+appear to have studied and followed out the ideal of a former period in
+the details generally.  This is especially seen in the windows, the
+arcades, &c.  The nave has a lofty aspect, much more so than would be
+expected from the exterior view.
+
+This church was built in 1858, and its district taken principally out of
+St. Barnabas, with a small portion from the old Kensington parish.  It
+originally had accommodation for 1,000, but, in consequence of the
+increasing demand, it was enlarged in 1862 to 1,400 sittings, 500 of
+which are free.  The cost of both the original building and the
+subsequent enlargement has been almost entirely borne by the Vicar, the
+Rev. J. Dickson Claxton, M.A., of Trinity College, Cambridge, he having
+been aided only to the amount of 1,400_l._ or 1,500_l._ in subscriptions,
+which were towards the first erection.  The enlargement was carried out
+at his own sole cost.  The great need of this was manifest from the magic
+rapidity with which population increased in the neighbourhood of the
+church.  It stood at 8,000 until recently—the spring of 1869—when the
+formation of the sub-district of St. Matthias reduced it to 5,000.  But
+so rapid is the growth that it has already again risen to fully 6,000.
+There is at present but one curate, the Rev. J. C. Sykes, B.A., of
+Queen’s College, Cambridge.
+
+Three schools are in part connected with the church, being maintained in
+conjunction with St. Barnabas, and containing altogether upwards of 600
+children.
+
+The other charities maintained alone by St. Philip’s are several.  There
+are “A Provident Fund and District Visiting Charity,” a “Maternity
+Charity,” “Work Charity,” “Soup Charity,” “Blanket Charity,” and “Old
+Clothing Charity.”  Taking the year round it would seem that a large
+amount of temporal comfort most be distributed over the poorer parts of
+the district by these benevolent operations.  The church itself contains
+several objects of interest worthy of note.  There is a splendid reredos
+of Caen stone and alabaster, and a peculiarly handsome altar-rail of vert
+antique and alabaster.  Over the altar is a beautiful stained window by
+Heaton and Butler, at the west end an immense and magnificent one to the
+memory of the late Lord Holland, also two other small memorial windows,
+all by the same firm.  The organ is a superior instrument by Walker, of
+the Tottenham-court road, and cost upwards of 600_l._  It is played by
+Mrs. Higgins—whose husband holds the post of master over a choir without
+surplices, chiefly voluntary, aided by a few paid voices.  Under the same
+direction there a large choral association connected with church.  The
+services are principally, through not exclusively, Anglican.  In the
+morning the responses are intoned, and at night the choral is adopted.
+Daily prayer at 9.30 A.M. and 5 P.M.  On Sundays there is a children’s
+service at 9.30 A.M., and full service at 11 A.M., 3.30 P.M., and at 7
+P.M.  The weekly offertory, and proceeds of the Communion Service twice a
+month, are solely relied upon for the maintenance of the charities and
+church expenses, in lieu of church rates.
+
+The vestments of the clergy are of the simplest and most irreproachable
+kind, and the performance of the service according to the order of the
+Common Prayer.  There is certainly no trifling with rubrics, and no need
+for dexterous evasion of ecclesiastical injunctions.  Yet the service we
+attended was earnest and solemn.  The curate read audibly, and the
+preacher, who happened not to be the Vicar, was scholarly and
+Evangelical.  But, on the whole, the service might be deemed a little too
+quiet to be a perfect model of what a service in our English Church
+should be.  As to the general ministry under the Rev. J. D. Claxton, whom
+we had not the pleasure of hearing in _propria persona_, its effects must
+be taken as proofs of its acceptableness and usefulness.  Commencing, as
+we understand, with an original congregation of ninety, he has had the
+gratification of seeing it increase to 1,400, and that, too, whilst so
+many other churches and chapels have risen all around.  The congregation
+appeared to our eye to bear that settled and orderly aspect which is one
+of the readiest proofs of ministerial success and pastoral fidelity; and
+not the least pleasing feature was the large number of the poorer people
+who filled the free seats, and regarded with attention and reverence
+every part of the service.  An official kept the door, who cannot be
+termed a verger, scarcely a beadle, but who, if he had no rod or robe, or
+staff, had a coat with bright buttons fixed upon a brown cloth.  He
+handed the stranger over to the care of a matronly-looking female inside,
+with a white cap, who very courteously led the way to a seat.  When
+there, the general effect upon us undoubtedly was that we were in a
+church of _the people_—one where _the people_ were to be found quite at
+home in their worship of the Creator, and free from the stiffness and
+restraint of more tinselled and conventional forms.
+
+
+
+ST. STEPHEN’S, GLOUCESTER ROAD.
+
+
+ST. STEPHEN’S, close to the Queen’s-gate-gardens in the Gloucester-road,
+South Kensington, is a very handsome and well-proportioned church, and is
+a pretty object seen from the Cromwell-road.  The composition of its west
+front is remarkably good, and indeed there exists an agreeable harmony in
+the design and in the quiet general tone of colour in the stone of which
+it is built that is pleasing to the eye.  There is a refined look about
+the building, and perhaps it would not be too much to say that it seems
+accustomed to good society.  To the architect there are some portions of
+the detail rather interesting.  The cloistered doorways beneath the
+buttresses, the triplet and rose-windows of the east front, and the north
+porch and back turret are all worthy of remark.  The interior is
+exceedingly effective and elegant.  Again the harmony strikes one as
+perfect; there is a peaceful influence produced by the quiet colouring
+and grey columns and excellent proportions of the church, such as ought
+to belong to the house of God.  There is nothing glaring, nothing
+particular to arrest or attract the eye, yet every part is worthy of
+inspection, and the parts taken together produce one of the best and most
+exquisitely charming interiors with which we are acquainted in this
+neighbourhood.  The plan of the church may be said to be cruciform, and
+is divided into a nave and aisles, north and south transepts, and chancel
+and aisles.  The grey columns of the nave support the arcades and
+clerestory, and the light nave roof springs from angel-corbelled columns.
+The chancel arch is well-proportioned, and the dog-tooth enrichments
+harmonise with the caps of the columns.  The chancel is parted from the
+aisles by light screens supported by alabaster columns, and on the north
+side above the screen is the organ loft, and the south side is occupied
+by a gallery.  The chancel itself is simply decorated, the
+Communion-table space without any colouring other than of the softest
+kind.  Three figures of saints occupy the triplet—St. Stephen filling the
+centre, and St. John and St. Paul the side lights; the rose window over
+has the Saviour in His Ascension scene.  The stone pulpit on the north
+side of the chancel arch is well designed, and its little alabaster and
+coloured marble columns relieve the still colour of the stone.  The font,
+of similar design, occupies a slight recess in the baptistry, close to
+the north porch door.  An octagonal vestry is at the south east angle of
+the church.  A new west gallery is not exactly an improvement to the
+effect.  The pewing and stall seats are of good design.  The passages are
+floored with tiles of simple pattern.  The architecture is early English.
+
+The one drawback to the external appearance of this church is its want of
+relative elevation.  Its base appears to drop about two feet below the
+level of the roads and ways which form its approaches.  The fault was
+that of the architect, who did not calculate on the effect of making-up
+roads where they had not previously existed.  In 1866, when the church
+was built, that part of South Kensington was only beginning to open up.
+The base of the edifice should, therefore, have been raised.  But instead
+of this the architect appears to have proceeded in utter disregard of the
+near and certain future of the locality.  The result is that whereas
+originally steps upward were required to enter by the gates, it is now
+necessary to descend in reaching the interior; and a flat and depressed
+aspect is thus given to a building which would otherwise have been a most
+prominent and pleasing object in the view.  We understand it is intended
+to add a spire to the edifice very shortly, and this will probably
+somewhat relieve to the eye the defect of which we have spoken.
+
+The church was built under the ministry of the Rev. J. A. Aston, M.A., to
+replace an iron church which for some time he occupied on the opposite
+side of the road.  The same continued minister until the autumn of 1870,
+when he was succeeded by the present officiating minister, the Rev. J. P.
+Waldo, M.A.  The progress made under Mr. Aston’s pastorate is seen from
+the circumstance that it was found necessary in two or three years to
+increase the accommodation by the building of galleries on the west and
+south sides.  This work was completed in March, 1870, at a cost of
+600_l._, by Mr. Aldin, of Queen’s-gate-place.  The cost of the whole,
+when completed, we are told will not be less than 20,000_l._, a very high
+figure when it is considered that the church has no more land than that
+on which it stands, and the narrow bare paths around it.  There are about
+1,150 sittings, which let at an average of 2_l._ 2s. per annum each,
+leaving about 150 sittings free—1,300 in all, which appear to be well
+occupied by a congregation of a superior class.  Out of the pew-rents and
+collections the clergy and the church are supported.  There are temporary
+day and Sunday schools attached, situated in the Queen’s-gardens, near
+the site, where from one to two hundred children are instructed.  The
+organ is very ably played by Mr. Lowe.  The choir is composed of both
+males in plain dress and females.
+
+The prayers were read and also the psalms, with the exception of the
+first, which was chanted.  There is no variance from the accepted English
+and Evangelical mode of conducting worship.  The hymn book is the “Church
+and Home Metrical Psalter and Hymnal,” selections from various authors.
+The congregation did not join with so much zest and animation in the
+service as could be desired, except in one hymn—“Lord of the Worlds
+above,” &c., the peculiarly lively words and music of which appeared to
+evoke devotional feeling and dispel restraint.  We are sorry, however, to
+see this hymn, which in its original dress, as it stands in another
+hymn-book, is one of the finest in the language, so sadly mutilated by
+the simple act of transference from one collection to another.  We
+deplore the liberty which editors of our numerous collections sometimes
+take with the productions of even our best hymn-writers.  Why should this
+be so?  We have never seen an alteration of this kind which has not been
+for the worse as it regards both thought and expression.  The curate
+reads well and agreeably to the ear, in a voice more remarkable for
+clearness than strength.  The vicar, the Rev. Mr. Waldo, is still new to
+the audience, having been at St. Stephen’s about four months.  His vocal
+powers and reading are good; the former have not that compass which
+enables them to meet the requirements of the large congregation with the
+greatest ease.  The sermon, founded on Gen. xlv. 5, was an elegant piece
+of composition, not only _read_, but _delivered_ in the reading, which is
+not always the case.  The thoughts presented on the _general_ and
+_special_ providence of God, as unfolded in the history of Joseph, were
+those of a devout, thoughtful, and cultivated mind, and most comforting
+to the troubled and disconsolate.  From what we saw and heard, we have
+much pleasure in recording our belief that good Christian work is being
+done at St. Stephen’s.
+
+
+
+CHRIST CHURCH, SOUTH KENSINGTON.
+
+
+THIS church, which stands at the foot of the Victoria road, might have
+been much better placed, so as to be seen in perspective, which indeed
+its near appearance would warrant.  Its fair and well-proportioned tower
+and spire would then have formed a striking object, and might have been
+visible even from Kensington-gardens.  Could it be lifted out of the pit
+in which it seems to nestle at the dark end of a road which is no
+thoroughfare, and out of its unsightly surroundings in Cornwall-gardens,
+it would be an immense benefit to the mere appearance of the building.
+The building in itself is generally very simple, but not without effect.
+It is built of ragstone with bath-stone dressings, and covered with
+slate.  The enclosure is nicely planted, neatly kept, and fenced with
+dwarf walls.  Internally the church is unimposing.  The nave and aisles
+are surmounted by a heavy-looking but plain roof—without clerestory
+lights.  The tower space on the north side of the chancel, is occupied as
+an organ chamber.  The chancel is quite plain and without aisles.  In the
+windows, which are of good design and filled with glass of geometrical
+patterns, there is an absence of stained glass and decoration; which in
+reality the church requires, to relieve that tame and cold look, which
+some day might be slightly altered with advantage.  A large gallery at
+the west end does not tend to lighten the interior aspect of the church;
+nor do the exposed heating pipes, which it would be better to conceal
+from view.  The font, pulpit, and pewing are of plain design, and the
+passages are paved with red and black tiles, laid diagonally.  Christ
+Church is a chapelry of ease to the parish church of St. Mary Abbotts,
+Kensington, or rather a trust chapel, served by the Venerable Archdeacon
+Sinclair, Vicar of Kensington.  It was opened and consecrated July 23,
+1851, by Bishop Blomfield.  The present officiating ministers are the
+Rev. W. Wright, the morning and evening preacher, who has been curate
+since 1855, and is now termed the “senior curate.”  The Rev. E. T. Carey
+is the second curate and afternoon preacher, and entered upon his duty in
+1869.  Both ministers are much esteemed; and from the impressions of our
+visit the estimation in which they are held is well founded.  Mr. Carey
+read the prayers and lessens in good voice, and with an evident mental
+appreciation of their religious sense and application.  Mr. Wright
+officiated in the Communion Service and preached the sermon.  His voice
+is penetrating, if not full, and leaves the most dull-eared without
+excuse.  His sermon was an able and faithful exposition of Psalms 142 and
+4th verse—“Refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.”  The distinction
+between the circumstances of the Psalmist and his times and our own was
+finely drawn.  In the former case every incident of temporal life—adverse
+or favourable—was interpreted as a certain indication of the Divine
+favour or displeasure.  With us it was not so much so.  We had in general
+every spiritual advantage; although there were yet some, as at the
+East-end of London, who, from the scarcity of religious provision, might
+still say, “No man careth for my soul.”  In short we quite thought we
+were listening to a charity sermon; and after so touching an appeal on
+behalf of the spiritually destitute, prepared ourselves for a collection.
+Mr. Wright, however, has our best thanks for touching in so delicate a
+manner a very sensitive chord in our moral nature.
+
+The chapel is capable of holding 700 persons, and there are less than 100
+free sittings; but although it was supposed to have not only its own, but
+also many of the congregation of the parish church—which is closed for
+re-erection—it was by no means full.  It is hoped, when the central
+church is completed and reopened, it will have a good effect in the
+locality, and help to supply the dependent church with an adequate
+congregation.  We have known churches and chapels in the worst
+situations, under special influence, to be filled with devout
+worshippers; but they are occasions too rare.  Would that we could see
+them more frequently!  One remark made by the preacher in speaking of the
+need of churches at the East-end was much to the point.  It was to the
+effect that it would be useless to build churches unless there were
+efficient ministers to carry on the service and occupy the pulpit.  Mr.
+Wright appears to have reflected long enough to learn that the greatest
+problem of the day is, after all not how churches may be built, but
+rather how, when built, they may be suitably and successfully served.
+Here is a good organ under the care of Mr. Brain, of the Eldon-road, but
+no choir.  It is, therefore, purely congregational singing assisted by
+the organ.
+
+
+
+ST. MARY’S, WEST BROMPTON.
+
+
+THE Church of St. Mary, West Brompton, from its position in the centre of
+the Boltons, can be seen from many points of view to great advantage.  It
+is in the decorated Gothic style, and is an exceedingly good specimen of
+the Revival of Gothic architecture, having been built some fifteen years
+ago.  Built in the shape of a cross, its tower and spire rise at the
+intersection of the nave, chancel, and transepts, and are in excellent
+proportion.  The spire is octagonal, and is terminated at its junction
+with the tower by a pierced parapet with angels at the angles.  The
+octagonal portion of the tower is continued downwards below the tower
+lights, when it becomes square, with corbelled angels at the four
+corners.  The west front is well designed, and surmounted by a corbelled
+bell turret, in which hang the only two bells the church possesses,
+though there would appear to be ample room in the empty tower for a
+chime.  The ragstone of which the church is built, with Bath stone
+tracing and dressings, has now enough of age to give a softened look to
+the exterior generally, and the young spring foliage and well-kept
+surrounding gardens lend their aid to make a rather pretty picture.
+Internally the church is effective, especially the view from the west
+end; but the absence of the usual nave arcades and aisle give a long,
+narrow look to the church, and take from the idea of its size, as at this
+point the transepts cannot in any way be seen.  The nave roof is heavy,
+and the apostle corbels that support it too large and too near the eye to
+be in good taste.  The choir stalls have lately been extended westwards
+under the tower space, and the pulpit, of very peculiar design, being
+more properly a rostrum, though by no means unsightly, stands at the
+north side of the nave arch, and a recently-erected gallery across the
+north transept contains the organ.  The small vestry is at the north-east
+angle of the church.  The chancel has lately been redecorated and made to
+agree with the usual arrangements of the Anglican school of worship.  The
+stained glass in the east windows is poor, representing the Ascension
+some geometrical patterns fill some of the other windows, likewise of a
+very poor character.  The pewing is very plain, and the passages are
+paved with tiles.  The stone font is large and very well executed.  The
+church, as we before said, is a Revival church, and as such it would be
+unfair to criticise it too much; but, on the contrary, much praise is due
+to the architect, Mr. Godwin, for giving so fair a specimen of Gothic
+work when the art was at so low an ebb.
+
+         [Picture: St. Mary’s Church, The Boltons, West Brompton]
+
+The performance of Divine worship at St. Mary’s is decidedly of the High
+Church order, with a Ritualistic tendency.  In this it differs from what
+it was under Mr. Swaile, the first minister of the church, and even under
+Mr. Pearson the second.  The present vicar, the Rev. W. T. Du Boulay,
+M.A., has been there about two years, and during his time a constant
+Higher tendency has been observed.  This has been traceable in the large
+increase of public services and Eucharistic celebrations.  The latter
+takes place every Sunday morning at eight, and on every alternate Sunday
+at the eleven o’clock service as well.  After Lent we understand a still
+further increase was intended in the number of these in ordinary.  During
+Lent and other great festivals there is a celebration every morning at
+the early service, on Good Friday two, and on Easter Sunday three.  Apart
+from this, the whole aspect of things in the chancel looks towards
+Ritualism.  Thus, for instance, the Communion-table, or what High
+Churchmen call the “Altar” or “Altar-table,” is surmounted by a large
+gilt cross, which from its exceeding brightness forms a most conspicuous
+figure—also two large candlesticks, and other lustrous objects.  The
+cover is of deep violet, trimmed with white, and all the moveable
+furniture, even to the cushions of the chancel, desks, and pulpit, are of
+the same—this being the colour used by the High Church party during Lent.
+The choristers number over thirty, and are led in procession to the
+choir, the people all rising as they and the clergy enter.  The vestments
+are a surplice with the cassock underneath, and visible below the knees;
+and in addition, the clergy themselves wear the usual sign of degree.  No
+change of dress is made for the pulpit.  The Curate—the Rev. Arthur
+Veysey—intones the prayers, in, we may say, the most perfect style we
+have yet heard out of a cathedral.  His voice is sonorous, and he has
+cultivated the manner of intoning to a high degree.  He has certain
+little varieties, too, of his own, which render such a method of
+performing worship as pleasant as it can be.  Thus the note is altered in
+the absolution, and the voice dropped to the lowest tenor, and at the
+same time quickened; and then again at the Lord’s Prayer a strong bass is
+put on in a low key.  In like manner the Collects were sung quickly in an
+undertone.  At every mention of the Saviour’s name, whether in the
+prayers, the _Gloria Patri_, creeds, epistle, or gospel, the reader
+bowed.  And as in the latter it was often named, the frequent bowing of
+the head must have been a great task; for in this case the Curate read
+the gospel as well as the epistle, passing in the act from one side of
+the chancel to the other.  The Vicar read the lessons well and
+distinctly, and preached the sermon.  On entering the pulpit the
+customary invocation was not used; but, standing erect and glancing
+eastward, the preacher simply uttered the words, “The Father, Son, and
+Holy Ghost,” and at once proceeded.  Too little, to our minds, was made
+of the sermon; it was a short homily in the midst of the service, very
+good in its way.  It consisted largely of exhortation, found on Phil. ii.
+3, in which the Saviour was presented as an example of passive and active
+obedience, and some very practical remarks were made.  Quietly useful
+this style of preaching may be when based on pure Gospel doctrine and
+view; but it is one from which the old power and higher effect of the
+pulpit are absent.  A novelty, at least to us, occurred in this service.
+Instead of the usual hymn on the minister entering within the Communion
+rail, another form is adopted, called the “Introit,” which is a selection
+of Scripture adapted as much as possible to the day, and sung as an
+anthem by the choir.  To our modern ears the Introit is new; but it is in
+reality an old thing, in this and some other instances revived.  In the
+first Prayer-book of Edward VI. there is a psalm, containing something
+proper to the day, printed before every collect, epistle, and gospel.
+This, from being sung or said whilst the minister made his entrance
+within the rails, was called _introitus_ or _introit_.  There is,
+therefore, an ancient reference in the adoption of this form; and by
+adoption of the name as well as the form, the Vicar of St. Mary’s betrays
+a certain mediæval direction in church matters.  It is, in our opinion,
+far from an improvement.  The “Introit” is a poor substitute for the
+devotional hymn, in which all the congregation can join, and which has no
+particular reference to the minister’s bodily movements.
+
+There are connected with this church, a National School, situated in the
+Chelsea-grove, Fulham-road, and a Sunday-school, containing about one
+hundred scholars; and it is a pleasing circumstance that the ordinary
+afternoon service on Sunday is given to the children, and is called the
+“Children’s Service,” consisting of the Litany and catechising.  There is
+also a lending library in the schoolroom, where books are given out and
+exchanged every Monday between twelve and one o’clock, the subscription
+being only one penny per month.  There are District Visitors, and a
+“Mother’s Meeting” is held at the Vicarage on Mondays from 3 to 5 P.M.
+There are also a Maternal Charity, Coal, Clothing, Shoe, and Blanket
+Clubs, and even a “Guild” or association for servants.  It is clear that
+the Rev. Mr. Du Boulay has laid himself out for extensive influence and
+usefulness, and, there is no reason to doubt, in all Christian sincerity.
+But there are certain forms and ecclesiastical signs about his church
+arrangements which in many minds cause fear, lest his zeal should not in
+its effects prove to be of the purest Evangelical character.  We regret
+this very much, as the impression on our own minds of his personal spirit
+was most favourable.  It is of course within his power to remove anything
+from before his congregation that tends to impair his usefulness.
+Experience will, no doubt, suggest to him that the Ritualistic line, or,
+what is really the same, the High Church, is not that in which a
+clergyman can now be so religiously useful as we are convinced Mr. Du
+Boulay desires to be.  He has daily matins at 8 A.M. and evening song at
+5 P.M., choral celebrations at great festivals and on the third Sunday in
+every month; and the Litany on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 A.M.  The
+musical arrangements for Easter Sunday, were very extensive and
+elaborate, and the music entirely Anglican.  Less singing, more genuine
+prayer, with able and earnest preaching, would, as many think and feel,
+be a vast improvement in the services of this church.  The choir is a
+partly paid one; and the organist, Mr. Buttery, of 173, Piccadilly, is
+highly esteemed both by the clergy and congregation, and no less so by
+the choir over which he presides.  There are 720 sittings, 220 of which
+are free.  There are no endowments; the church and services are supported
+by pew rents, valued at about 350_l._ per annum, and by the offertory,
+which raises about 440_l._ per annum.  The numerous charities and the
+schools, together with the Water-side Mission Association, and one in aid
+of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, all have their distinct
+funds and resources; not at present to any large extent, but all capable
+of extension.  There is a strong band of district visitors—consisting of
+fourteen or sixteen, chiefly ladies, with a few gentlemen, to whose care
+as many districts are allotted.
+
+One of the most remarkable things connected with St. Mary’s is what the
+vicar has called the “Guild of St. Michael,” an association for female
+domestic servants, the object of which is stated to be to help and
+comfort “those who are striving to get their own living and to do their
+duty.”  Among the terms of admission are: A year’s good character from
+last employer; that they be monthly communicants; that they engage to add
+to their morning and evening prayers a _short prayer_ which will be given
+on admission; that they regularly deposit in a savings bank; that on the
+feast of St. Michael and All Angels they send back their cards of
+admission and receive fresh ones, and promise not to attend fairs, races,
+dancing, or music-halls.  The privileges held out to secure obedience to
+this unique code are that at an annual meeting “refreshments will be
+provided,” a monthly paper to be sent to each, the benefit of a registry
+and the society’s recommendation for situations; a temporary home when
+out of place for a small weekly payment and a small added interest to
+their yearly savings.  The intrinsic idea of all this is excellent; but
+why revert to the antiquated name of “Guild,” and why connect it with the
+feast of “St. Michael?”  This veneration for saints’ days and festivals,
+of which the Vicar of St. Mary’s appears enamoured, is a mere relic of
+Popery, nay, very much a relic of old heathenism.  It is this bent
+towards the obsolete and discarded, with the general tendency to ornament
+and formality in worship, that we fear will damage, if it does not
+entirely destroy the real good that might otherwise result from the
+multifarious labours undertaken by Mr. Du Boulay and his colleagues.  The
+sooner these matters are looked carefully at in the light of Protestant
+sentiment and feeling, the better will it be for the church in the
+Boltons, and all the interests circling around it.
+
+
+
+THE PRO-CATHEDRAL, KENSINGTON.
+
+
+THE Roman Catholic Church of _Our Lady of Victories_, commonly called the
+Pro-Cathedral, situate in Newland-terrace, Kensington, is a very fine,
+yet simple structure in early English style of Gothic architecture; but
+is so hidden by the houses behind which it has been placed that the real
+effect of the building is lost, and one can therefore only make a guess
+at the probable general appearance.  The building is sufficiently lofty,
+however, to be easily seen from a distance, and its high-pitched and
+crested roof, with miniature angled and decorated spire, breaks up the
+sky line somewhat pleasingly.  Upon closer inspection the north front
+(the church is built N. and S.) possesses some very excellent detail.
+The centre doorway is double, recessed and handsomely treated with
+polished granite shafts, and the doors are surmounted by a seated figure
+of the Saviour.  The buttresses with ancient pinnacles are effective, and
+the general treatment of this front, though executed in simple brick and
+stone, is very bold.  The architecture of the interior is also very
+boldly treated, and even more than the outside is strikingly plain—one
+might say white.  This is accounted for by the absence of stained glass
+and coloured decorations of any kind, a defect which we understand is now
+about to be remedied.  There are six altars besides the high altar.
+Looking up the nave towards the latter, the effect is certainly very
+good, and the polished granite columns and carved stone caps surmounted
+by the lofty arcade and clerestory and simple roof together make up a
+very excellent interior.  The chancel is apsidal and has a groined
+ceiling, and is lighted by a very plain window on each side of the apse.
+The aisles are interspersed with the altars and confessionals, and the
+altar to the Virgin has an elaborate reredos, over which are various
+figures, the centre one being, as the Roman Catholics say, “Our Lady.”
+The organ, a very fine one, is mounted on granite columns at the north
+end of the nave, and is approached by a rather awkward open and spiral
+staircase, and the columns are confusing, which we do not think adds to
+the good effect of the church.  The font is very nice indeed and carved
+in relief; on the four sides are the emblems of the Evangelists; it has a
+handsome oak cover, but, like the building itself, is lost in a corner.
+The benches are very plain, and the aisles are intended to be filled with
+chairs.  The pulpit is enormous, and we must say unsightly; and the gas
+standards, like the pulpit, strike one as being too large, and appear to
+offer great obstruction to sight and sound.
+
+The movement for a new Roman Catholic Church in Kensington began about
+six years ago, on account of the small dimensions of the former chapel in
+Upper Holland-street.  The area of the latter was 71 ft. by 21 ft., that
+of the new church 144 ft. by 58 ft., making a difference of 6,861 square
+feet area; and the architect, J. Goldie, Esq., has made good use of the
+space at his disposal.  There are 820 seats, of which 180 are free.  The
+pews in the centre have 470 seats; the sides are occupied by chairs, and
+those on the right are free.  By an extension of the same system, the
+church can accommodate about 1,100 persons.  The works were commenced in
+1867, and the church opened on July 2nd, 1869.  The total cost, including
+the organ, is about 27,000_l._  Of this a considerable portion remains as
+a debt; which circumstance will prevent a most desirable improvement in
+the entry from the main road for some time to come.  At the opening Dr.
+Manning made it his _Pro-Cathedral_—_i.e._, the church which he would use
+instead of a cathedral, until his own should be finished.  The enterprise
+has been much assisted by the Very Rev. Mgr. Capel, the Travelling
+Chaplain of the Marquis of Bute, and the present principal priest of the
+church.  The other clergy attached are the Rev. R. F. Clarke and the Rev.
+James O’Connell.
+
+Intending to visit the church on Easter Sunday morning, we made a
+preliminary visit on Saturday afternoon.  Although busy preparations were
+going on for the great ceremonial to follow, it was open for worship; and
+during our stay, from five to half-past six P.M., a considerable number
+came and went for prayer and confession, sprinkling themselves with the
+_holy water_ from the vases both on entering and retiring, and bowing the
+knee towards the high altar.  The majority of the comers were females,
+many of them young; but not a few older women, and some both young and
+old of the other sex.  Those who intended confession gathered near the
+“confession boxes,” of which there are two.  The one most in request was
+that on the east side, occupied, as confessor, by the Rev. Monseigneur
+Capel.  The other, on the north side, was held by the Rev. Mr. O’Connell.
+A number of young persons on their knees awaited opportunity near the
+former and some near the latter.  The box or cell known as the
+Confessional is a small wooden structure, fixed against the wall, having
+three niches concealed by curtains.  In the centre one sits the
+confessor, his surplice being just visible where the curtains should join
+over the dwarf door; and on either side a niche into which the penitent
+enters, communicated with by the priest through a grated aperture.  The
+visitor gently taps at this, and the confessor listens to hear the
+whispered complaint, and whispers back his reply, his queries, his
+comfort or admonition.  Most that entered within the curtain were young
+women, apparently of the servant class, but to this there were a few
+exceptions, and in one instance a young man entered.  As we tarried a
+great lady came, closely followed by her footman in powdered wig.  It was
+the Countess of —, known in West-end circles during the London season.
+She has a handsome presence, and entered the church with a cheerful,
+beaming countenance.  Addressing an instruction to her servant, he went
+to a small side chapel near the chancel, and soon returned with a young
+dark official in a dingy cassock, who might have been taken for an ardent
+Carmelite under all the depression of protracted fasting and bodily
+neglect.  To him the Countess gave a note or a card, which he deposited
+with Mgr. Capel at the Confessional.  Shortly both priests left their
+boxes and walked up the centre aisle to the side chapel, the Countess
+following.  In about fifteen minutes they returned, and the lady took her
+departure.  She was much altered in countenance, looking sad and
+discomposed.
+
+On Easter Sunday—the great day of all the days in the year with the
+Catholics—at eleven A.M., commenced the performance of High Mass, and
+Archbishop Manning, as announced, was present, and preached the sermon.
+The church was well attended, but not crowded.  There was no rush to
+obtain the “shilling” or “six-penny” seats, and a large number remained
+unlet to the end.  This charge for the seats probably kept many out; but
+it is understood to be a necessary measure, in consequence of the heavy
+debt on the place, the large current expenses of the services, and the
+general poverty of the people.  In the congregation were several
+notabilities; and far up towards the chancel the white hair and
+expressive features of Mr. Bellew, the well-known dramatic reader, were
+visible.  He was until recently a clergyman in the Church of England, and
+is now a layman in the Romish Church at this place.  It was impossible to
+repress a reflection on the score that the public reader in the pew and
+the principal actor in the scene were both during the better half of
+their days ministers in the Protestant Establishment.  The first view of
+the ceremony revealed a crowd of priests and mass attendants variously
+arrayed and employed.  One faced the altar at a little distance, swinging
+a censer vessel, to the time and motion of the pendulum of a clock.
+During the ceremony he appeared several times in the same position and
+act.  A number, grouped round the Archbishop on his throne, having a
+gorgeous canopy and draped in scarlet and amber, were very busy in
+adjusting their vestments.  The movements, to the uninitiated, might seem
+a simple toilette operation, but were really part and parcel of the
+ceremony, every one having a symbolical allusion to the events of the
+commemoration.  Even the style and colour of the dresses were charmed by
+occult references, not traceable to the outsider.  Taking off the
+Archbishop’s mitre and replacing the tall cloven covering on his head,
+which occurred several times, was a great formality, performed by a
+priest with the most tender and reverent care, all the others devoutly
+witnessing.  The rising and stepping forth of the Archbishop, with his
+huge silver crook, to bow or prostrate himself before the _altar_, and to
+adore the _sacrifice_, were luminous points of interest, and brought into
+view a _tout ensemble_ and tinsel of ornate worship never to be
+witnessed, except at High Mass in a Romish Church.  To describe all the
+acts of this most intricate and complicate ceremonial would not be
+possible in this article.  The flitting of acolytes with candles, the
+processions, the swinging of censers filled with incense, until the altar
+and chancel were enveloped in a cloud; the wafting of the perfume to the
+congregation till it reached the very limits of the church; kissing the
+altar, and all the mysterious movements thereat; the changes of books,
+the brief Latin recitations, the tinkling of bells, the elevation of the
+Host, all allied with perpetual animation, make up a whole which it is
+difficult, indeed, either to describe or understand.  To witness it lays
+very large demands both upon the patience and gravity of ordinary
+mortals, and is liable to trouble even the conscience of a genuine
+Protestant.
+
+The choir accompanied the performance with the grand music of Mozart’s
+7th Mass, Herr Carl Stepan singing the principal bass with admirable
+effect, and the treble being well sustained by the boys.  The organist is
+R. Sutton Swaby, Esq., of Gordon-cottages, Hammersmith.  This instrument,
+built by Messrs. Bryceson Bros., is classed among the finest of the day.
+It has four manuals and a powerful pedal organ.  In all there are
+fifty-four stops, and the solo stops, including the _voix celeste_ and
+the _voix humaine_, are considered particularly fine.  Mr. Swaby is
+master of a very superior instrument, and feels pleasure on Sunday
+evenings after service in giving the people an opportunity of hearing its
+different effects by playing a short selection of music in varied styles.
+On Sunday morning the offertory was accompanied with the _Hæc Dies_, and
+the Hallelujah Chorus formed a grand voluntary at the end.  During the
+execution of this the Archbishop, crook in hand, the priests, and altar
+servants formed and walked in procession down the centre aisle and round
+the church to the side chapel, preceded by the acolytes with candles.
+The prelate waved his hand as he went in token of blessing the people,
+and the chief priests bore his train.  Dr. Manning appeared in the
+closing scene to move feebly and to be well-nigh exhausted.
+
+The sermon came in the midst of the service, a procession escorting the
+Archbishop to the pulpit.  On reaching it, turning to the priests in the
+rear, he delivered to one his crook, and bowing his head another took off
+his mitre, and, wishing to be free from all impediments, he handed to
+them the book-rest and book, and, advancing to the front bareheaded and
+without book or paper, commenced an extempore discourse on John xi. 25:
+“I am the Resurrection and the Life.”  Although somewhat aged of late,
+the Doctor retains remarkable strength and clearness of voice.  As to the
+doctrine of the sermon, it was in the main in unison with the
+requirements of the Christian pulpit, being a review of the Saviour’s
+humanity in his incarnation, suffering, death, and resurrection.  This
+latter event was most graphically portrayed in its various circumstances,
+and in the Christian’s hopes and interests which centre in it, in that
+chaste and elegant language for which the Archbishop is noted.  The
+course of remark offered an opportunity for putting forward some of the
+distinguishing dogmas of Popery, but the preacher did not seem to avail
+himself of it.  Having, however, done with the text and its doctrines, he
+launched into political questions connected with the Papacy.  An article
+had appeared on the previous day in the _Times_ treating of their
+services on Good Friday; and admonishing the Catholics to fall in with
+the course of “modern civilisation.”  This the Archbishop called a
+“petulant, senseless, and clamorous” article; and stigmatised “modern
+civilisation” as the “world going its own course, without God, Christ, or
+religion.”  He inveighed keenly upon this point, referring to the present
+and past condition of Paris as the “centre of so-called modern
+civilisation,” and confidently predicted that the temporal power of the
+Pope, which had been so _wickedly_ assailed, could never be shaken.  By
+that he meant not the mere possession of “a bit of land,” but “that
+independence of all earthly power and control with which the Vicar of
+Christ was invested.”
+
+The Roman Catholic population of Kensington is from 1,800 to 2,000, a
+large proportion being of the poorer classes and principally the Irish
+residents.  Three poor schools are supported—a boys’ school in Upper
+Holland-street, educating about 70 or 80; a girls’ and infant school in
+Earl’s-court, educating about 50; of which more than half are reported to
+be Protestants; the third school (girls’ and infants’) is by
+Kensington-square, with about 150 children.  There are no district
+churches attached; but the clergy supply the convent in
+Kensington-square.
+
+The congregation at the _Pro_-Cathedral is said to have greatly increased
+since the opening; and the collections now reach an average of 30_l._ per
+Sunday.
+
+
+
+TRINITY CHURCH, BROMPTON.
+
+
+HOLY TRINITY, BROMPTON, is a church beautiful for situation.  One cannot
+fail to be struck by the sudden change from town to country experienced
+on entering the long and pretty avenue by which it is approached, and in
+the perspective of which the vestry-door overgrown with ivy is seen.  We
+know of no other church in the metropolitan suburbs thus entered, and
+which has all disturbing sights and sounds so effectually shut out.  The
+church cannot be said to be beautiful as a Gothic structure, being of
+plain brick and stone, but in these days we are so spoilt that nothing
+seems to satisfy us; yet we must not forget that the church was built
+when Gothic architecture was not much studied and but little appreciated,
+so that, added to its woodland effect, it is only a wonder that it is
+Gothic at all.  Then, too, Professor Donaldson was the architect, who is
+now almost the father of his profession, and as such revered and
+respected by all.  The church has undergone very considerable alteration
+with regard to the interior.  The old high pewing has been substituted by
+low oak pewing of good design.  A very handsome font has been added, and
+three sides of the bowl are ornamented with well-cut diaper and the side
+towards the nave is occupied by a panel in relief, containing the
+appropriate figure of Jesus receiving little children.  The stem is
+formed of stout shafts of polished marble, and the foliated caps are
+freely executed.  A rose window in the east wall of the south gallery is
+a good feature added a few years since.  Some of the windows have been
+filled with stained glass; the font and rose windows are from designs by
+Mr. E. C. Hakewill.  The interior effect is very heavy, owing to the
+flatness of the nave ceiling and the galleries which surround three sides
+of the church; but much evidently has been done to relieve this,
+especially with the exposed timbers of the aisle roofs.  The plan of the
+church consists of a nave and aisles and a recess for the chancel at the
+east end, with a vestry.  The tower is at the west end, the space of
+which is occupied by the organ.
+
+Holy Trinity was consecrated on June 6, 1829, being a district church in
+that part of the old parish of Kensington known as Brompton.  Since then
+great changes have come over the district of South Kensington, which
+includes, Brompton.  Those who knew it only then would scarcely recognise
+it now.  Wide open space has been converted into long streets and roads,
+nay, a city of palaces, under the magic touch of capitalists and builders
+like Mr. Freake and others.  The former gentleman still lives, and
+happily continues his labours and enterprise in the neighbourhood; and,
+as though it were to remind us of the fact, as we approached the church
+on Sunday morning, the first thing that caught our eye was a handbill
+upon the board at the entrance convening a meeting for Thursday evening,
+to consider a generous offer of that gentleman to build an infant-school
+at his own cost on a piece of vacant ground in the churchyard, and
+present it to the district.  The consent of the parishioners was needed
+to the use of this land for such a purpose, and of course it was readily
+given.  As we are upon the subject of schools, it may at once be stated
+that there are connected with the church, national schools, which were
+established in 1842 in the Brompton-road, a school library, and evening
+classes for young men.  There are, also, infant schools, and a
+Sunday-school, held only in the afternoon from 2.30.  The church will
+accommodate about 1,500 persons, and from 300 to 400 sittings are free.
+In proportion as the external appearance of that now fashionable suburb
+has changed, the interior has been transformed.  When the late vicar, Dr.
+Irons, was appointed to it thirty years ago he found, as above intimated,
+the old style of pew and the old style of everything.  There was no
+organ-loft or stained window, or noticeable pulpit or chancel.  But under
+his energetic and active measures—at a cost of upwards of 3,000_l._—the
+interior became entirely modernised.  During the greater part of his time
+his ministry was popular, and the church filled; so that he had only to
+ask and to have.  But there was this peculiarity about his character and
+relations with the district—he was in himself, by training and connexion
+with Oxford, essentially _High Church_, but experience taught him that
+the principal elements composing his congregation would not admit of the
+development of his sympathies with Ritualism.  He was wise enough to
+regard this circumstance, and aimed at establishing a medium—a modified
+form of High Churchism—as a compromise between himself and the people.
+As all half-done things are sure to create misunderstanding and
+ultimately to alienate some of both sides, the case of Dr. Irons was no
+exception to the rule.  Despite his great pulpit talent and distinguished
+learning, the congregations declined; and about two years ago he retired
+to a quiet country living in Lincolnshire.
+
+The present Vicar, the Rev. Thomas Fraser Stooks, M.A. (Cambridge),
+Prebendary of St. Paul’s, and Chaplain to the Lord Bishop of London, has
+not, to the present time, succeeded in refilling the church.  On Sunday
+morning last it was thinly attended, but we remembered it was a wet
+morning.  We are, however, informed by a constant attendant that it was
+quite an average congregation.  In that case the church is considerably
+behind the general run of suburban churches as to the numbers attending
+it.  But since this statement appeared in the _Suburban Press_ it is but
+right to say that the editor has received the following from the Rev. W
+Conybeare Bruce: “While fully admitting that, owing to a variety of
+causes, into which it is not our place to enter here, our church is at
+present ‘considerably behind the general run of suburban churches as to
+the numbers attending it,’ I must, with the leave of a ‘Constant
+Attendant,’ distinctly state that the congregation on that particular
+Sunday was decidedly and evidently _below_ the average.  This is a point
+on which I cannot be mistaken as it is my habit to take special notice of
+the numbers of each congregation.  You may, Sir, also accept it as a
+fact, on which I am sure you will congratulate us, that our congregations
+have increased, slowly but perceptibly, since the present Vicar’s
+accession.”
+
+The Rev. Mr. Stooks has, it appears, taken his stand upon the question of
+the services.  He will have no intoning, increase of singing, or
+excessive ritual.  With High Churchism he has no compromise; and in so
+far is still wiser than his predecessor.  The prayers are read and the
+responses said, and the only touches of formality are on entering the
+Communion, when an Introit is sung, and in the passage to the pulpit,
+which is illuminated by the following of a gold-laced church beadle,
+bearing a massive silver-mounted staff on his shoulder.  The clergy, too,
+in addition to the surplice, wear rather a showy collegiate hood.  It is
+in one of a bright violet colour, and in another a rich crimson, and in a
+third black silk trimmed with fur.  The violet hood marks an Associate of
+King’s College, the crimson is the Oxford M.A. hood, and the black silk
+trimmed with white fur is the Oxford B.A. hood.  The organist, H. Lahee,
+Esq., did his work well, but was unassisted by anything in the shape of
+an effective choir.  There are three curates—among whom the Vicar himself
+did not appear on the occasion of our visit (April 16th).  The Rev.
+Nathaniel Liberty read the prayers, the Litany, and the Epistle very
+devoutly, but a little more power of voice would have made it still more
+impressive.  The Rev. W. Conybeare Bruce, B.A., read the first lesson,
+and the Rev. John Bliss, M.A., Senior Curate, read and preached the
+sermon.  The text was John xx. and 20th verse: “Then were the disciples
+glad when they saw the Lord.”  A beautiful text and seasonable, and
+commented upon with piety and Christian feeling.
+
+At this church there are three general services on Sunday, at 11 A.M., 4
+and 7 P.M., and Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday at 8 A.M., and
+at midday.  On week-days—morning and evening prayer daily at 8 and 5.
+Litany on Wednesdays and Fridays at 12.  On holy days celebration of Holy
+Communion and an address, at 12.  The hymn-book used is “Hymns for Public
+Worship,” published under the direction of a Committee of the Religious
+Tract Society.  The church, since the abolition of church-rates, is
+supported entirely by the pew rents, offertory, collections, and
+subscriptions.  The first source of income is appropriated for the clergy
+exclusively; one reason, assuredly, why the pews should be well occupied.
+The income from other sources is applied for the maintenance of the
+church, its services and accessories.  Brompton is a fine field for
+Christian labour; and situated as Holy Trinity is, in the midst of a vast
+population composed of all classes, from the higher to the lower, and at
+the very next door to the Roman Catholic _Oratory_ and the South
+Kensington Museum, it may—we hope it will—revive to an extent which will
+make it a centre of light and true religion influence to all around.
+
+
+
+ST. PAUL’S, ONSLOW SQUARE.
+
+
+ST. PAUL’S, Onslow-square, South Kensington, is a specimen of one of
+those churches built not so much for effect as for utility.  A church was
+wanted in this locality at the time it was erected, and hence the idea it
+gives one of having been built in a hurry.  The plan of the church is
+reversed, the Communion table being at the west end; but the architecture
+is tame and poor.  It may be said to be a perpendicular Gothic,—certainly
+not an excellent example.  The tower and spire have a stunted appearance,
+and would have looked better a few feet higher.  The inside is in the
+fashion of a past age.  Roofed in one space, there is no arcade; large
+galleries run round three sides of the church, and to enable the reader
+and preacher to be seen from these, a large and very tall pulpit and desk
+are used, which quite shut out the west, or Communion end.  There is an
+entire absence of decoration, the church being almost Quakerlike in its
+simplicity, and, to the searcher after the picturesque, contains but
+little to interest.  There is some coloured glass of geometrical
+patterns, but not pleasant in tone.
+
+For this church the district is largely indebted to the Christian
+liberality of Charles J. Freake, Esq., of Cromwell House, a near
+resident, and owner of large properties in the locality.  The site and
+two-thirds of the building fund, which amounted to about 14,000_l._, were
+entirely from this source.  Mr. Freake is also the patron.
+
+On Sunday morning, the 23rd of April, some disappointment was felt at
+this church through the absence of the esteemed Vicar, on rather a
+prolonged after-Easter holiday.  The Rev. Capel Molyneux—formerly of the
+Lock Chapel, Paddington—is favourably known as a very popular and
+attractive preacher.  He is, also, distinctly Evangelical in his
+ministry, and anti-Ritualistic in all his services, which are conducted
+in the plainest style of outward devotion.  Yet, out of one of the most
+aristocratic centres to be met with around London, he has succeeded in
+building up a very large congregation, upon whom he appears to have
+impressed that form as the very ideal of Christian worship.  And we
+cannot refrain from saying that, as far as we could judge, a more lively
+and earnestly devout congregation is rarely to be met with.  The church,
+which accommodates in all 1,600 persons—inclusive of 600 free
+sittings—was well filled, to our eye, except in the galleries; but we
+were informed the congregation was by no means equal to what it is when
+the Vicar himself is present.  His place, however, was very ably and
+profitably supplied by the Rev. J. F. Sargeant, of St. Luke’s,
+Marylebone, who performed the entire service, and discoursed extempore
+with much pathos and power on the 23rd Psalm.  There is no intoning in
+the prayers, and no chanting or singing but in the _Jubilate_, the _Te
+Deum_, the _Gloria Patri_, and the hymns; the latter being Psalms and
+Hymns based on “The Christian Psalmody” of the late Rev. G. Bickersteth,
+as compiled by his son, and sold by Dean and Son, Ludgate-hill—one of the
+very best of all the collections extant.  The organist, Mr. Carter, uses
+an instrument by Bishop to good effect, and is accompanied in the vocal
+parts of the music by a rather numerous and full-voiced choir in, of
+course, plain dress.  There is one assistant clergyman—the Rev. T.
+Burrows—who was not present on the occasion.  On Sundays there are three
+services—at 11 A.M., 3.30, and 7 P.M.; Holy Communion on the first Sunday
+in the month after the morning, and on the third after the evening,
+service, and on the last Tuesday evening in the month.  There is a usual
+week-day service on Thursday evening at seven, and on the first Monday
+evening in the month, at eight, there is a special service for working
+men, when all the seats are thrown open.  This, we understand, is a most
+interesting and important service, and usually well attended.
+
+Although St. Paul’s was opened by Bishop Blomfield on Christmas Eve, in
+the year of our Lord 1860, there are no day or Sunday-schools identified
+with it,—a fact in part resulting from the almost total absence of poor
+people in the district.  The circumstance is remarkable; but may find
+some explanation also in the general character of Mr. Molyneux’s
+congregation, and in the direction of its zeal and resources to other
+Christian objects.  We do not know whether, in London or out, any church
+can be found so distinguished for Christian benevolence, in all its
+social branches, as St. Paul’s, Onslow square.  We have been familiar
+with many grand doings of Christian people, but we have not in our
+recollection any congregation which, as a whole, must feel it “more
+blessed to give than to receive” than this one.  It is no small pleasure
+to us to record it as a matter of local Church history.  Sometimes it has
+been said that Church people do not understand the art of giving.  If
+there were any truth in this as a rule, we may point to St. Paul’s as a
+noble exception.  The clergy and the church are maintained solely out of
+the pew-rents, and the offertory taken at the doors is for other
+purposes; and the latter, commonly thought not the most effective mode of
+making collections, yields an average of nearly 100_l._ per Sunday.  The
+offertory at the Communion is in full proportion.  In addition to this,
+the congregation supports a “Church Home for Destitute Girls,” for which
+about 500_l._ a-year is contributed at sermons preached by the Vicar, and
+in donations and subscriptions.  An annual effort for the Church
+Missionary Society results in little short of 300_l._  The Irish Church
+Mission and Church Pastoral Aid Society are yearly united together in an
+appeal, and the response to the last was taken at the doors, in the
+morning, 53_l._ 10s. 9d.; and in the evening, 23_l._ 4s. 10d.  The London
+City Mission, we hope, recognizes in St. Paul’s one of its strongest
+supports.  The collection after sermon for this object amounted on the
+last occasion to 108_l._ 18s. 4d., and the regular subscriptions swelled
+the amount to over 450_l._  The “Jews’ Society” has also an annual
+benefit.  The “Consumption Hospital,” which is situated within the parish
+bounds, has its funds replenished every year to a very important and
+gratifying extent.  At the last preaching of sermons on its behalf, there
+was taken at the doors in the morning 70_l._ 10s., and in the evening
+92_l._ 9s. 7d.—162_l._ 19s. 7d.  All this is done in a general way; but
+there are special occasions on which the distinguished charity of this
+Church has shone forth with even greater lustre.  We all remember what
+national sympathy was evoked by the Lancashire Famine in 1862.  The Rev.
+Capel Molyneux made a collection for thirteen weeks in succession for
+this object.  On the first day—November 9, 1862—there was taken at the
+doors in the morning 780_l._, and in the evening 299_l._ 9s. 9d., making
+for the day 1,079_l._ 9s. 9d.  In the twelve following weeks the gross
+amount collected in the same way was 1,363_l._ 5s., making a grand total
+for that patriotic object of 2,442_l._ 14s. 9d., which was duly remitted
+to the Lord Mayor’s Committee.  So recently as the 26th of February last,
+a collection was taken up in relief of the Paris distress which reached
+the figure of 229_l._ 16s. 8d.  In the midst of all this we have further
+to record that for the past five years this congregation and people have
+contributed 600_l._ a-year towards poor and distressed churches in the
+east of London.  We repeat, we do not know where, with an average
+congregation of 1,500, or where with any congregation, such figures as
+these can be paralleled.  We confess to a profound admiration of such
+results.  The persons who have contributed to them are known to
+Omniscience; it is not necessary that they should be known to the world.
+Although our architectural correspondent, from a professional point of
+view, does not appear to think highly of the church, as a material
+structure, it forms, to our eye, a very pleasing feature in
+Onslow-square.  Even outwardly, it breaks up the monotony of palatial
+secular dwellings very agreeably; but religiously, morally, and socially,
+it is a bright and beautiful spot, which we trust will shine and flourish
+more and more unto the perfect day.
+
+
+
+ST. PETER’S, ONSLOW GARDENS.
+
+
+THE Church of St. Peter, situate in Onslow-gardens, South Kensington, is
+a much more important church, on close examination, than a distant view
+leads the observer to believe.  There are not many good points from which
+the church is seen, and the view from the north is cut up by the vicarage
+recently erected, which we suppose is to form part of a terrace, but
+which does not improve the general appearance.  The west front, by no
+means a fine composition, possesses some good details, and the tower and
+spire, which form a portion of this elevation, do much to assist in
+lending a picturesque effect.  The spire is of very good design, but the
+tower is too stunted, and, like St. Paul’s, would be improved by an
+additional ten feet in height.  The spire wears the appearance of having
+been placed on too soon.  Entering the church by the west door, the
+perspective view is very effective and telling; this is mainly
+attributable to the arcades, which, though of very simple Early English
+character, are very well-proportioned; and the pointed triplet arcades at
+the transept form a pleasing variety from the usual monotony of ordinary
+church nave arrangements.  The transverse arch at the transepts rather
+takes from the perspective, and might with advantage have been less
+depressed.  A very peculiarly corbelled chancel arch—in shape like a
+bishop’s mitre—is, we should think, unique.  The arch, as originally
+built, was too contracted; the chancel pieces have been cut away, and
+large corbels introduced, suggesting the shape before referred to.
+Indeed, if it had been possible to open the apsidal chancel a little
+more, it would have been an improvement.  The good general appearance of
+the eastern windows, with their excellent stained glass, by Messrs. Ward
+and Hughes, of Frith-street, Soho, is still very much obscured and lost.
+The nave roof is light and well-designed, but not quite agreeable, being
+somewhat too late in character.  The details of the windows and
+clerestory are all very simply designed, to accord with the style of the
+church; the stalls, prayer-desk, and lectern, being somewhat in advance
+of the chancel arch, are enclosed by a dwarf-stone screen, which
+separates them from the body of the church.  The font is very plain
+indeed—indicative of the simplicity of baptism, we suppose—possessing no
+ornamentation on the octagonal bowl save the monogram well cut in relief.
+But it is in contemplation further to embellish it.  The stone pulpit is
+octagonal also, and has well-carved figures in relief of the four
+Evangelists.  The floor of the church is well covered with some rather
+pretty benches, which, together with transept galleries, will contain a
+congregation of about 1,500.  The vestry is on the north-east angle of
+the church, and the organ, quietly decorated, is placed in the south
+chancel aisle.  This instrument, which is a very superior one, was built
+by Messrs. Hill and Sons, at a cost of 800_l._  It has three rows of keys
+and 29 stops.
+
+St. Peter’s was consecrated on St. Peter’s Day, June 29, 1867, by the
+Bishop of London, Dr. Tait, now Archbishop of Canterbury.  It was build
+and presented to the district by Chas. J. Freake, Esq., of Cromwell
+House, who is its patron, and the pulpit was the special gift of Mrs.
+Freake.  The parsonage is also built on ground given by Mr. Freake.  The
+district is composed of the area between the Fulham and the
+Brompton-roads, including Elm-place, and in about the centre of which the
+church stands, being at present only very sparsely populated.  This
+church, like many others in the suburbs, was built in anticipation of
+future population, and meanwhile draws its congregation mainly from
+beyond.  It is, however, a large one, there being present at the ordinary
+Sunday morning service over a thousand persons; but, almost without
+exception, of the upper class.  Strictly speaking, there is not a poor
+person to be seen in it.  There are few free sittings to mention; and
+such as go by that name at the remote end from the chancel appear ready
+to let as occasion may offer.  Not that all the other sittings are taken;
+for although the body of the church appears tolerably full, there are not
+700 sittings really let—scarcely one-half the number provided.  We
+cannot, therefore, understand why the verger guards all that part of the
+church so jealously, and when a stranger asks for a seat higher up tells
+him with some peremptoriness that he cannot go.  If, however, the Vicar
+has no poor people within his church walls, the Rev. Gerald Blunt, Vicar
+of Chelsea, has lately made him a present of 2,300, who border on his
+district, to care for.  This sacred trust the rev. gentleman is setting
+himself to fulfil with zeal and diligence.
+
+We must confess to some surprise, considering the evident social
+character of the congregation, that the collections and offertory yield
+comparatively so little.  There are boxes at the doors for offerings
+towards church expenses, and the highest sum received from this source in
+one day, in 1870, was 4_l._ 19s. 5d., and that was on Easter-day.  But,
+taking the year through, it does not average one pound per week.  There
+is something in this more than ordinarily sad, for the people that go in
+and out at those doors count their income not by hundreds, but by
+thousands.  The offertory is a more direct appeal, but it only yielded in
+the year 184_l._ 16s. 9s.  Altogether, including subscriptions (less
+commission for collecting them), there was only 357_l._ 16s. 6d. raised
+for church expenses.  For the poor of the district, by offertories and
+private donations, there was raised 144_l._ 1s. 6d.  This sum was
+disbursed in various outlays for the relief and comfort of the needy
+poor.  But how small the amount compared with the ability to do!  There
+is a day-school in Arthur street, connected with the church, for the
+support of which from all sources, private subscriptions, collection
+after sermon, &c., there was raised 305_l._ 19s. 11½d.  Collections in
+church for other than local purposes amounted to 121_l._ 6s., including
+60_l._ 13s. for the Bishop of London’s Fund, and for the Chelsea
+Dispensary and Victoria Hospital for sick children 60_l._ 13s.  The
+whole, therefore, of the visible liberality of this wealthy congregation
+is at present summed up in the figures 985_l._ 1s. 2½d. per annum.  We
+trust that an era of larger heartedness will speedily dawn.
+Congregations, as well as individuals, require to learn the art and
+luxury of giving.  It should not be passed without notice that Mrs. Byng,
+assisted by a few young ladies of the congregation, has established a
+Sunday-school and mothers’ meetings, which are in good working, although
+as yet in their infancy.  There are also an evening sewing class,
+night-school and a clothing club, superintended and directed by Mrs.
+Byng.
+
+The Hon. and Rev. Francis E. C. Byng, M.A. (Oxford), was formerly of
+Twickenham, from whence he was introduced to the new church of St.
+Peter’s by its patron, Mr. Freake.  He is a minister unquestionably
+Evangelical in doctrine, and the ceremonial he has established in his
+church is a _medium_ one, being at equal distance from excessive
+plainness on the one hand, and High Church Ritual on the other.  The
+service is earnest and lively without over much singing; but what there
+is of the latter is excellently done by a choir in surplices, under the
+able direction of Mr. Arthur Sullivan, the organist; who, as a composer
+and conductor in other than church music, has just earned himself no
+small praise at the opening concert of the International Exhibition.  Mr.
+Sullivan has conducted the musical part of the service from the first and
+it is owing to his zeal and talent that it has attained such efficiency.
+The prayers and lessons were well read in a clear voice by the Rev. C.
+Scholefield, M.A. (Cambridge), curate, the Litany being taken by the
+Vicar.  Both as reader and preacher, the Hon. and Rev. Mr. Byng, gifted
+with a good voice and having a suitably animated manner, fixes and
+retains the attention of his audience.  His sermon on April 30 was from
+Deut xxxiii., 25th verse, “And as thy days so shall thy strength be.”  It
+was the effusion of a devout mind, intelligently comprehending the trials
+and experiences of our common life, and fully aware of the sole secret of
+human hope and consolation.  Though read there was nothing perfunctory in
+the delivery, the preacher being sufficiently free from his manuscript to
+put himself on a line with the eye, and we cannot but think with the
+heart of all his hearers in every part of the church; occasionally even
+turning to look into the galleries and into the chancel, that the
+occupants of those parts may not think themselves forgotten.  If all
+preachers used their MSS. in the manner of Mr. Byng, and always made them
+speak such excellent things, much of the current objection to their use
+in public would vanish.  In taking leave for the present of St. Peter’s,
+we cannot but congratulate the people there on their beautiful church,
+and the religious advantages they enjoy.
+
+
+
+ST. LUKE’S CHURCH, SOUTH KENSINGTON.
+
+
+AS another interesting example of how churches spring up in our midst,
+following or hastening before the population, we have now to notice
+another new enterprise in South Kensington.  St. Luke’s is at present a
+temporary iron church, put up to await the erection of a more enduring
+one, on what is known as the Redcliffe Estate, in South Kensington, now
+being covered with dwellings of a superior order, by Messrs. Corbett and
+M‘Clymont.  These gentlemen have presented the site for the new church,
+which is a most eligible one, situate in the yet uncompleted
+Redcliffe-square.  Plans for the new-church are in preparation by Messrs.
+G. and D. Godwin, of the Fulham-road, and it is intended to be built in
+the course of 1872.  By the time it is erected, it will show itself to be
+in one of the best-selected positions to be met with around London.  The
+structure will be in the early decorated style, and is to cost about
+10,000_l._, and it is a circumstance to place the promoters beyond the
+reach of much anxiety on the subject, that 7,000_l._ of the amount is
+already deposited.  Meanwhile the iron church on the other side of the
+way is doing good service.  It was put up in July last, and opened on the
+23rd of that month, just six months ago, by the Rev. Wm. Fraser Handcock,
+M.A. (of Oxford) the vicar (designate), and previously vicar of St.
+Luke’s, Cheltenham.  To this latter church South Kensington has recently
+given a new minister, in the person of the Rev. J. A. Aston, late vicar
+of St. Stephen’s, and has received in return the Rev. W. F. Handcock, but
+to open entirely new ground.  Mr. Handcock not only came from Cheltenham,
+but he brought the material of the church in which he now preaches with
+him from thence.  It was a wooden structure, and consequently before he
+could commence work in it, occasion was given for some correspondence and
+trouble with the Metropolitan Board of Works.  He unwittingly incurred
+the Board’s disapproval by violating one of its bye-laws, and they
+compelled him to case it in iron of certain dimensions before it was
+opened.  This caused a further outlay of 400_l._, which was a matter of
+some consequence to the rev. gentleman, as he had personally undertaken
+the whole responsibility of the temporary church.  The district assigned
+to St. Luke’s is taken out of that of St. Mary’s in the Boltons, and
+includes at present about 3,000 population; but may have double that
+number four or five years hence.  The present building has sittings for
+700, and between 100 and 200 are free; the remainder let in the nave at
+2_l._ per annum and in aisles at 1_l._  Considering the time it has been
+opened, the church is very well attended.  At the morning service we
+found about 300 present, a full choir of youths in surplices; who
+rendered the chants, psalms, and hymns in a creditable manner to Anglican
+strains.  The organ—well played by Mr. Henry P. Keens—is small; but, like
+the church itself, temporary.  The prayers were read, and the whole tone
+of the service was Evangelical.  Hymns in use, “Ancient and Modern.”
+There is a weekly offertory for the church expenses, which is taken
+before the sermon.
+
+     [Picture: St. Luke’s Church, Redcliffe Square, South Kensington]
+
+The Rev. W. Fraser Handcock is a minister apparently about forty years of
+age.  He begins his service in rather a low tone of voice, but
+immediately rises to the compass of the auditorium, and thoroughly
+maintains it to the end.  The emphasis in his reading is placed with
+almost faultless accuracy; so that the true sense is never lost to the
+hearer.  The sermon was read, but delivered with very considerable
+effect.  In matter it was most intelligent, instructive, and Evangelical.
+Discoursing from John xviii. 38: “Pilate saith unto him, what is truth?”
+the preacher considered Pilate as the representative sceptic of his age;
+and drew a striking parallel between him and modern sceptics, in their
+affected uncertainty and unbelieving inquiries, as to how the truth was
+to be determined; and, like Pilate, they found vain excuses for their
+infidelity in the divided state of Christendom.  In France religion was
+suffering through the recoil from that “sham” of Christianity set up
+there by Popery; and in England, silently but too certainly, the evil
+leaven had been at work; in the Universities, in schools, and in
+literature.  When a convert from Rome, as had often happened, first
+landed on our shores, it was not to be wondered at if, on a superficial
+survey of the Church as it was, he inquired, doubting, “What is truth?”
+When he glanced at the various tenets taught within even their own
+Church, could any other result be expected!  We heard, for instance, from
+some that a species of magical spiritual power was vested in the
+ministers of religion, so that the sprinkling of a little water in
+baptism, or the uttering of a few words over the elements used in
+celebrating the Lord’s Supper, produced necessarily divine
+effects—teaching against which our finer sense revolted.  He went to
+another extreme, and found others objecting to everything in the world
+not purely spiritual; even to all kinds of music not sacred in its
+character and use.  Then, perhaps, he took up a book written by some
+plausible, philosophising author, the fallacies of which he was not able
+to detect; and it was easy enough for him in all these phases of our
+intellectual and religious life to find an excuse, and inquire, “What,
+then, is truth?”  But after all, it was out a mere excuse, a vain
+pretence; for there were the great cardinal truths of Revelation plain
+enough to be understood: about God, about eternity, the soul, and God’s
+way of winning it.  But men rejected or quibbled about these Bible truths
+and things raised upon them, because, in fact, Christianity was not
+merely a _creed_, but it was a life—a life that men must live both
+inwardly and outwardly.  And this was the grand reason why men evaded it:
+the Master said, if any man would _do_ God’s will, they should know of
+the doctrine that it was of him.  But it was because they were not
+inclined humbly to _do_ it, that men remained in such ignorance and
+confusion about it.  This witness is faithful and true, for there can be
+no doubt that the chief difficulties in the way of the reception of the
+religion of the Bible are to be sought in the moral rather than the
+intellectual condition of men.  This was the great point clearly and
+forcibly brought out by the preacher, and if this is an average sermon in
+purport and aim, we cannot but congratulate the neighbourhood on the
+advent of Mr. Handcock, and on the building of the new church.  As yet,
+as a matter of course, the usual church adjuncts are only in
+contemplation.  A Sunday-school, however, will be opened immediately, and
+before the permanent edifice is consecrated, all the usual parochial
+machinery will be at work.  The assistant minister is the Rev. E. J.
+Haddock, B.A., Dublin.  The churchwardens are Capt. A. Waldy, of 9,
+Stanhope-gardens, and Dr. Daniell, of Cathcart road, South Kensington.
+
+
+
+CLARENCE-PLACE WESLEYAN CHAPEL, KENSINGTON.
+
+
+THERE is a very old lady still living in Young-street, Kensington, whose
+recollections of early Methodism in that town are still with her, and who
+is fond of the opportunity of quietly recounting them.  Among her
+remotest remembrances is a visit of Mr. Wesley, the incidents of whose
+advent were the talk of the neighbourhood when she first began to notice
+anything she heard.  She tells how the great evangelist preached in a
+smithy, somewhere in the vicinity of the present Jenning’s-buildings,
+“amidst great opposition.” {21}  Subsequently preaching services were
+held in a house—which has long since been taken down—but which stood upon
+the site 17, Young-street.  This was the property of her husband’s
+father—who was one of the earliest Methodists in Kensington—and who
+suffered much persecution.  It was, it appears, the object of his
+opponents to make him stop the Methodist service altogether; but his
+devotion to the cause enabled him to brave the taunts and injury to which
+he was subjected; and to afford larger accommodation he built up a
+temporary chapel in his own yard, which answered for the service of the
+Methodists many years.  Methodism, however, has never flourished in the
+Court suburb to the extent to which the self-sacrifice and devotion of
+its few first members might have seemed to promise.  To the first
+temporary building succeeded another; then followed the present chapel in
+Clarence-place in the year 1838.  A ninety-nine years’ lease of the land
+was obtained at a ground-rent of 10_l._ per annum in 1836, and the
+foundation-stone was laid by the late Mr. Farmer, of Gunnersbury House,
+in 1836, and in June, 1838, the Rev. Dr. Bunting and the Rev. Dr.
+Beaumont conducted the opening services, when the collections amounted to
+42_l._ 5s. 2d., the whole cost being 600_l._  It is a very plain edifice,
+almost completely hidden from view by the surrounding dwellings, and
+having no architectural expression.  It has no gallery, and will
+accommodate on the ground-floor 200 persons, the congregation as a rule
+reaching to about half the number.  About twenty sittings only are held
+as free, although many more must generally be so used.  There are between
+fifty and sixty Church members meeting in class.  Prior to 1861, when the
+Bayswater Wesleyan _Circuit_ was formed, this chapel was ministerially
+supplied from Hammersmith circuit, and from the Theological Institution,
+Richmond.  But since that date the services have been attended by the
+regular ministry of the Bayswater station, to which the chapel was at
+that period attached.  The form of service is that belonging to the
+Wesleyan Body, which consists of 1, a hymn; 2, a prayer; 3, a lesson; 4,
+a hymn; 5, sermon; closing with another hymn and benediction.  The hymns
+of the Wesleys are those mainly used; although there are bound up with
+them some select productions from other well-known hymn-writers, the
+whole forming, without any controversy, by a long way the best collection
+of hymns that Christendom has yet produced.  Its excellence is attested
+by the fact that into whatever church or chapel we enter, the collections
+there in use, under all sorts of titles and editorships, are much
+indebted to its pages.  In the present instance the singing is aided by a
+harmonium, which might very well give place to the more suitable
+instrument—the organ.  Behind the chapel there is a very capital
+schoolroom, where about sixty children are taught on the Sabbath; and
+adjoining this a large vestry, both built in 1857, and forming a good
+reserve for meetings of all kinds connected with the church and
+congregation.  In the Wesleyan circle in Kensington the following names
+appear to be much revered and honoured as having contributed at
+successive stages of the work, time, talent and money towards its
+building up, names for the most part well known in the town—Messrs.
+Rowland, Tomlinson, Maunder, Pocock, Bridgnell, Jarvis, Eyles, Bond,
+Gush, Rigg, Haine, Trownsan, Farmer, &c.  The building of the larger and
+more beautiful Wesleyan chapel in Warwick-gardens has, however, tended to
+weaken the society at Clarence-place, by drawing away some of its
+principal members and supporters, and a small portion of its general
+congregation.
+
+
+
+THE CHURCH OF ST. AUGUSTINE, SOUTH KENSINGTON.
+
+
+ST. AUGUSTINE’S CHURCH, close to Hereford-Square, South Kensington, is a
+temporary iron erection, and, like most such buildings, possesses no
+architectural features or details worthy of notice.  The Incumbent, the
+Rev. R. R. Chope, B.A., five or six years ago conceived a necessity for a
+church in that place, and, means failing him to obtain a substantial
+structure, or to procure a separate site, he made use of a corner of his
+own private garden, put up the iron building, and called it the “Church
+of St. Augustine.”  It is a low, dull, dingy-looking object outside, and
+as a stranger approaches it—with its roof only just visible above the
+garden-wall, it is in danger of being passed without notice, except one
+should suppose it a rather large conservatory or garden shed.  It must
+have required some courage in a minister to attempt a church for himself
+in such a position; and we are not surprised after this that Mr. Chope is
+now going on to a larger and more promising enterprise.  In the
+Queen’s-gate, a new and permanent church is rising, under the same energy
+which originated the first.
+
+The present “St. Augustine’s,” in the interior, is a long narrow space
+fitted with very plain benches, all being free to all-comers, and capable
+of containing 700 or 800 persons.  They were well filled on Sunday
+morning, the 7th of May, with a congregation remarkable for its
+preponderance in the female element.  One whole side of the church is
+reserved entirely for females, and no intrusion of the other sex is
+allowed.  On the other side both sexes are compelled to mingle, and even
+there two-thirds are of the feminine gender.  To say that the service
+here is High Church is not saying all the truth; it is Ritualistic, and
+highly so, in its whole spirit and ceremonial.  It is, in fact, the
+nearest approach to Romanism that we have yet witnessed in an Anglican
+Church in the course of these visitations, if indeed it be not very
+Popery itself under the thinnest guise of the Protestant name.  The
+communion-table is called an _altar_, and regarded as such in fact, and
+decorated accordingly.  It is covered with a white cloth embroidered with
+yellow and red flowers and fringe.  It has a large gilt cross upon it,
+two huge gilt candlesticks, and several vases of flowers.  Branching
+candelabra also on its right and left.  The ministers are called
+_priests_, and look very priestly in their garments, with short surplice
+and long cassock, and stole of yellowish silk with rich embroidery and
+fringe.  In the absence of the Incumbent, the Curate, the Rev. A. J.
+Foster officiated.
+
+Prior to the beginning of the service, an official in long cassock with
+tassels was busy in arranging the chancel furniture, and adjusting a silk
+embroidered covering upon the altar over the elements to be used in the
+celebration of the Eucharist.  This work he performed with the minutest
+punctilio, moving backward and forward and on one side to see its effect,
+and never failing to bow on passing the Cross, and on leaving off moving
+backward and bowing.
+
+On entering church, the people, before taking their seats, bow one knee
+in the aisle towards the altar, and some cross themselves precisely in
+the manner of Roman Catholics.  The time of service arrived, the organist
+takes his seat, having on a surplice and purple hood with white fur
+trimming, and, sending out a few solemn strains, the choir is heard in
+the vestry at the remote end of the church singing “Amen.”  It sounds
+like a distant echo among the mountains.  Immediately the people rise,
+and choristers and clergy walk in procession through the centre aisle to
+the chancel.
+
+Except the lessons, which were read in a serious and rational manner by a
+stranger, an aged clergyman, who did not seem quite at home in his
+priestly apparel, and appeared, amidst all the circumstances, somewhat to
+dislike himself, the whole service was intoned and sung.  The music was
+Gregorian, and performed in its most sombre mood.  The congregation
+appeared perfectly trained to bowings and genuflexions.  At every mention
+of the Saviour’s name they bent lowly, and during the whole of the first
+part of the _Gloria Patri_.  In one of the hymns, the sacred name
+occurred in every verse, and in some verses almost every line, and there
+was a constant bending and rising.  It appeared merely a mechanical
+process, and quite inconsistent with that mental gravity which is
+essential to true devotion.  Amidst all this mechanism of outward
+worship, we regret to say there was small visible evidence of spiritual
+concern.  It was the coldest piece of formalism it has been our lot to
+witness in an English church.
+
+In intoning the Litany, the clergyman came out of his desk, crossed
+himself, and knelt with both knees on the lowest step of the chancel in
+front of the altar, with his back to the people.  This motion is quite
+advanced in Ritualistic practice; and, taken together with the peculiar
+strain of the intoner’s voice, and its rising at the end of every verse
+of that sublime and all-comprehending prayer, gave the service the stamp
+of parody rather than of sincere and enlightened Christian devotion.  We
+can only express ourselves in this form, for nothing else will indicate
+our real sense and conscience of this mode of religious service.  The
+puerilities of Romanism Englishmen we thought had learnt to despise, and
+yet here are some untalented young gentlemen in the Church of England
+whose habits would deprave our Protestant religious instincts and lead
+the young and weaker intellects of our race back into the thraldom of
+Popish superstition.  After the Litany there was a hymn, and then
+followed the sermon, differing in this respect from the usual church
+order, which places the sermon after the Creed in the Communion Service.
+After ascending the pulpit and crossing himself, pronouncing “To God the
+Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost,” whilst standing erect, the text was
+taken from John xvi. 7, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; it is
+expedient for you that I go away,” &c.  As in most cases where excessive
+attention is lavished on the mere ceremonial, the sermon failed to fulfil
+the most modest ideal of pulpit work.  There appeared to be no intention
+or effort to give it effect either as an exposition or application of
+Scripture.  In this case, too, it was evident the preacher could not
+shake off the intoning habit of voice, but carried it in great measure
+with him from the desk to the pulpit.  The principal point of doctrine in
+the sermon was on the important subject of God _dwelling_ in believers,
+and was stated in this way: “As St. Paul said we were the temples of God
+by the Holy Ghost dwelling in us; so God the Son dwelt in us by _means of
+his holy sacraments_”.  “For,” it was further explained, “by the holy
+sacraments he gives us spiritual life; for, except we eat the flesh of
+the Son of God and drink his blood, we have no part in him,”—a strange
+confusion of ideas between the outward and visible, and inward and
+spiritual.  Baptismal regeneration, sacramental efficacy, were clearly
+articles in the preacher’s creed.  We always thought the teaching of
+Scripture to be that both God the Father and God the Son dwelt in the
+true believer by one and the same inhabitation of the Holy Ghost.  In
+connection with this sublime principle of spiritual life, there is no
+place in the Bible where such words as “by means of the holy sacraments”
+are to be found.  Feeble preaching can diffuse error if it cannot do
+justice to the truth.  After the sermon, during the singing of the hymn,
+the offertory is taken every Sunday, by which the church is wholly
+supported, and the minister passes to the Communion Service.  The
+collectors bow towards the altar on presenting the offertory bags in the
+chancel, or on leaving; and in preparing for the celebration the
+_priest_—with his back to the people—is long engaged, and on one occasion
+kneels and rises quickly twice or thrice in succession before the
+consecrated bread.  The Rev. R. R. Chope has studied to make his service
+as ornamental, high, and formalistic as can be under the Anglican name.
+He says he believes that “the meanness and costliness of worship reflects
+the spirit of the worshippers,” a fundamental error if it be attempted to
+apply it as a general rule.  We take it that there is a medium to be
+observed, and in all cases the _costliness_ must be regulated by
+circumstances.
+
+Every Sunday at 8 A.M. there is Communion, Prayer (choral), with sermon,
+at 11; second celebration at 12 30.  Evening prayer (choral) and sermon
+at 7 P.M.  Thursday, at 8. A.M., Communion. 11 A.M., morning prayer.
+
+Saints’ days: Two celebrations and daily prayer, at 8 A.M. and 5 P.M.
+
+There are several small charities, a day-school, and Sunday-school, both
+in their infancy.
+
+
+
+THE ROMAN CATHOLIC ORATORY, BROMPTON.
+
+
+THE Roman Catholic Oratory stands within an enclosure of high brick walls
+and gates, above which its plain brick, warehouse-looking south gable is
+visible, and if it were not that the said gable is surmounted by a plain
+Latin cross, there is nothing to indicate an ecclesiastical structure.
+The interior (in effect reminding one of a large music-hall) is Italian
+in its style of the simplest kind, painted and gilded.  The nave or body
+of the church is very long, roofed in one span, and covered with a plain
+panelled ceiling.  The northern end is occupied by the high altar, richly
+decorated with artificial flowers and burdened with candles.  The altar
+stands considerably elevated and enclosed by dwarf balustrades, and
+flanked by rather ornate benches or sedilia.  The nave floor is entirely
+occupied by mean wooden benches, intersected by a centre and two side
+passages, the latter giving entrance and exit also to numerous recesses
+or bays, which serve as chapels, in which are erected altars to saints;
+and also to a number of confessionals, by which last we infer that the
+practice of confession is carried on to a great extent by Oratorians.  As
+to the saints, those represented at the Oratory have their altars all
+duly supplied with pictures, candles, and flowers, and have their
+particular admirers and devotees.  A large platform kind of pulpit is on
+the west side, in which the preacher is accommodated with a chair.  The
+font is very plain, close to the main entrance doors in the bay called
+the Baptistry.
+
+The “Oratory of St. Philip Neri,” situate next to the South Kensington
+Museum on the one side and Holy Trinity Church, Brompton, on the other,
+was dedicated to the “Immaculate Heart of Mary” in the year 1854.  It had
+previously been established in King William-street, Charing-cross, since
+1849, in the building now known as the Charing-cross Theatre.  But the
+more eligible site in Brompton offering, it was embraced; and this centre
+of Roman Catholic propgandism in West London was transferred from amidst
+the shops, warehouses, and _cafés_ of the Strand, to a scene of
+retirement, wealth, and fashion.  The interior of this church is laid out
+in the most elaborate style of Roman Catholic art.  On entering, the high
+altar in the distance—north—strikes the eye irresistibly.  It has upon it
+a high cross and six tall candlesticks with candles lit.  There are also
+other candles and suspended burning lamps through the entire vista.  The
+æsthetic effect of the first glance is not soon forgotten.  The details
+are not less effective, considered as mere imagery addressing the outward
+sense.  Including the Baptistry, there are eight side chapels, or
+altar-recesses, four on each side, all richly and artistically furnished.
+On the left, or what is termed the “Gospel side,” the first is the
+“Chapel of the Sacred Heart;” second, the Chapel of St. Eutropius; then
+that of St. Joseph, and that of St. Philip.  On the right, the first
+recess is the Baptistry; second, “Calvary Chapel,” where there are
+life-size figures of the crucified Saviour with the malefactors, and the
+mother of Jesus and his brother sitting at the foot of the cross; third,
+the Chapel of “Our Lady of Dolours” (sorrows); and forth, the Chapel of
+“Our Lady.”  The altar here, with a large image of the Virgin and her
+infant Son upon it, is now profusely decorated with flowers.  It is the
+month of May; and the following notice is attached to the doors of the
+church: “Offerings of flowers and candles will be thankfully received for
+the month of Mary.”  The former part of the appeal appears to have been
+already liberally responded to.  The bouquets are piled up to the very
+feet of the image, and decorating her brow in all their radiant
+freshness.  The whole reminds one of a certain wax-figure display in
+Baker-street: only in this instance the kneeling worshippers around the
+rails of the chancels suggest that something more is involved.  We saw
+many of them, especially in front of “_Our Lady’s Altar_.”  But they were
+distributed all through in smaller numbers or in ones.  The “Calvary
+Chapel” is intended as a most literal rendering of the crucifixion.  It
+is a shocking scene to look upon—those carved images of bleeding and
+mangled forms.  To any one who has really in imagination conceived
+something of what the actual crucifixion was, and dwelt upon its moral
+import, it is likely to seem an impious mockery.  But some appeared to
+approach it with reverence; and a little girl, who had been kneeling by
+her mother’s side, crossed over the rail, crept up to and kissed the
+wooden cross on which the central image hung!  These scenes are to be
+witnessed after every public service, matins or vespers, or whenever the
+church is open, which in fact is at all times when people can attend
+either by rule or chance.
+
+The usual services at the Oratory are numerous and continuous.  On Sunday
+there is Mass at 6.30 A.M., at 7, 8, 9, and 10; and at 11 High Mass and
+sermon; at half past 2 P.M.  “Exposition of the Sacraments,” and
+“Vespers” at half-past 3; occasional courses of lectures at 4 P.M., and
+service with sermon and the benediction at 7 P.M.  At this latter the
+meetings of the confraternities of “The Precious Blood” and of “St.
+Patrick” are held, and the “Intentions of members _given out_.”  This
+means that each member confesses to some dominant desire or purpose then
+in his mind.  It may be for the comfort of a sick friend, the repose of a
+dead one, the conversion of sinners or heretics, or any other matter that
+may engage his thoughts at the moment.  There is also the “Little
+Oratory,” where there is a separate service for “Meditation and Mass,”
+for brothers only, at 7.30 A.M. and 4.15 P.M.  On week-days there is Mass
+at 6.30, 7, 7.30, 8, 8.30, 9, 10.  Sermon every evening at 8, except
+Saturday; and on Thursday and Saturday a benediction at 4.30.  On holy
+days, High Mass, with sermon, at 11 A.M., and vespers at 4.40 P.M.  The
+work of the confessionals appears to be interspersed at all times between
+these numerous services.  The wonder is how such a machinery can be kept
+always going, how it does not wear out in interest and effect from sheer
+continuity of motion.  We must assume that it has its flagging moments,
+and sleepy rests, by which its motive energies are recruited, and that at
+certain seasons and services the priests have it pretty much to
+themselves.
+
+THE FATHERS.—At the present time there are fourteen attached to the
+Oratory, the majority, we are informed, having been previously clergymen
+in the Church of England.  Their names are as follows: The Very Rev. W.
+T. Gordon (superior); the Rev. John B. Dalgairns, the Rev. Richard M.
+Stanton, Thomas F. Knox, John G. Bowden, Edward G. Bagshaw, James B.
+Rowe, Felix Philpin, Edward S. Keogh, W. B. Morris, Chas. H. Bowden,
+Kenelm Digby Beste, Thomas Graves Law (nephew of the Earl of
+Ellenborough), James Arthur V. Maude, Francis A. O. Carroll, Henry G. S.
+Bowden.  There is a large library belonging to the Fathers in common,
+which occupies an entire quadrangle, about one-third the length of the
+church itself westward, where the clergy spend such spare moments as they
+can snatch from their other engagements.  Little is known of these
+gentlemen by the outside world.  They act their parts from day to day
+within the sombre enclosure of their high brick walls, and continue to be
+content to move in their appointed spheres amidst the gaudy but wearisome
+formalism within.  On Sunday morning, May 14, it was High Mass at the
+eleven o’clock service.  The magnificent organ, played by Mr. Pitts, sent
+forth its thrilling peals precisely at the moment.  The organ itself is
+considered one of the very best in London, and cost 2,000_l._  Meanwhile
+four principal priests appeared at the altar, and after bowing several
+times turned to face the congregation.  They proceed to the front of the
+chancel, the centre one waving a rod, and one on each side bearing his
+train and exhibiting the rich scarlet lining of his robe.  He bows lowly,
+and stretches out the rod waving it right and left over the people, and
+they retire again to the altar.  This action in glittering vestments,
+heralded and followed by bursting music, is in all respects like the
+opening scene of an opera, and ostensibly not a whit more solemn or
+religious.  It is difficult to realise that you are in a house of prayer.
+It is useless here to give a description of the whole performance.
+Barring a few brief intonings of the priests in Latin it consisted
+entirely of the sundry dumb and complicated bodily movements peculiar to
+the Mass.  If we were to criticise them it could only be to say, as we
+should say of any other performing company, that this performer was more
+graceful and striking in his action, et cetera, than the other.  The
+plentiful smoke of incense and the music made up the rest.  This latter
+accompanied the whole with the briefest intervals.  There were solos and
+choruses innumerable, and the art-pretension of the performance was its
+great feature.  The choir is railed in effectually from the congregation
+around the organ, and consists of male singers only in plain dress, under
+the conduct of M. Wilhelm Schulthes, a composer of some note.  It is but
+just to say that the singing was in itself excellent, if one could forget
+the main object for which a church is erected.  The voices were
+unexceptionally good, and the parts brilliantly executed; but the whole
+was _operatic_ in effect—too secular, and too much of it, to assist
+devotion.  But the Mass music of the day is employed with a special
+regard to popularity; which, however, as a matter of fact, and as a part
+of religious service, it does not succeed in acquiring.  There is, after
+all, an idea, however vague, in the popular mind of the moral “fitness of
+things,” and if people find themselves in a place ostensibly for
+Christian worship, and yet chiefly entertained with an artistic and
+elaborate display of music not distinctively devotional, it does not
+commend itself to their better judgment.  The congregation at the Oratory
+on Sunday morning appears to bear out this remark.  Had the same musical
+skill been announced for an ordinary evening concert in any London
+music-hall it would have commanded plenty of patronage at 5s. and 2s.
+6d.; but in this case (although the charge was only 3d., and 1s. for the
+best seats) they were far from fully occupied.  Undoubtedly, the most
+rational and appropriate part of the service was the sermon, which was
+preached _extempore_ by Father Law, who is the morning preacher for the
+“Month of Mary”—a somewhat youthful-looking Father, but he discovers
+considerable maturity of mind; and somewhat pleasingly surprised us at
+the Protestant colour of some parts of his teaching.  Grounding his
+remarks upon Luke xix. 5: “Zaccheus make haste and come down, for to-day
+I must abide at thy house,” the preacher explained how it was that Jesus
+dwelt with his people.  In passing, the preacher observed that Christ
+dwelt with us in his Church, sacraments, and through the “Blessed Lady,”
+who ruled over them that day, in allusion to the peculiar homage paid to
+the Virgin at this time.  But this was only in passing, and as though to
+keep his Catholicism in countenance.  He enlarged chiefly and with much
+feeling upon what was, he said, “most important of all,” “Christ dwelling
+in us by the Holy Ghost, and so abiding with us,” in our inner life.  The
+Rev. Father seemed for the moment to rise above the trammels of peculiar
+Popish dogmas, and to conceive the fundamentals of religious life as
+practicable without them.  Certainly he did not say as much in as many
+words, but if he did not intend it, his discourse was without meaning or
+aim.  It is remarkable that on the previous Sunday we listened to an
+Anglican divine discoursing on the same subject, and were boldly told
+without any qualification that Christ dwelt in his people “by means of
+the Holy Sacraments.”
+
+There are attached to the Oratory day-schools for boys and girls, which
+are carried on in Pont-place, near to St. Luke’s Church, and are rather
+numerously attended.  There is also what is termed “The Nursery of our
+Lady and St. Philip Creche,” at 56, Walton-street, where infants of
+working people, from three weeks to five years old, are taken charge of
+whilst their parents are at work in the day-time.  References must be
+given as to honesty and engagements before the child is admitted, and 3d.
+per day is charged for each child.  The church itself will accommodate
+about 1,200 persons.
+
+
+
+KENSINGTON CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL.
+
+
+KENSINGTON CHAPEL, on the east side of Allen-street, is worthy of notice.
+It is substantially built of stone, and commands a foremost place amongst
+the best examples of classic architecture in the neighbourhood.  The
+portico is the most noticeable portion.  Its Corinthian columns and
+pilasters are in good proportion and well-executed, and assure even the
+most unpractised eye of their capability to support the massive
+entablature and pediments that surmount them.  The present minister, Dr.
+Stoughton, laid the chief corner-stone in June, 1864.  The interior is
+well and handsomely treated, and is light, commodious, and adapted for
+sound.  The large British School recently erected is certainly not an
+improvement to the architectural appearance of the chapel.  There is a
+want of truthfulness about the design, which one must regret, seeing that
+the chapel itself is in such good taste.
+
+The church connected with this place traces its origin so far back as the
+year 1795, and owns a very interesting history.  The first Congregational
+Chapel was in Hornton-street, and was founded in 1793; and in October,
+1794, the Rev. Dr. Lake was chosen first pastor.  In March of the
+following year he gathered into religious communion about forty persons,
+and on the 9th of April following was solemnly ordained to the pastorate
+by Dr. Hunter, author of “Scripture Biography,” who was assisted in the
+service by other ministers.  The church and congregation gradually
+increased under Dr. Lake’s ministry, and also under his successors.
+These were men of no less eminence than the Revs. John Clayton, Dr.
+Liefchild, and Dr. Vaughan.  For a church to have held such pastoral
+relations in unbroken succession, and for these to be followed and
+crowned by the worthy name of the present esteemed minister, Dr.
+Stoughton, is a remarkable fact, and prepares us for chronicles of
+superior influence and success.  In this we are not disappointed.  In the
+year 1845 the jubilee of the church was celebrated.  Dr. Stoughton had
+commenced his ministry in 1843, and on the 50th anniversary preached a
+commemorative sermon.  From this, which is in print, it would appear that
+the first half-century witnessed a gradual but certain growth of
+Congregationalism in the town, the number of church members having
+increased from the foundation number of 40 to 251.  These were the
+figures when Dr. Stoughton began his work.  The labour of those earlier
+times had been well and patiently done, and the basis firmly laid for a
+larger edifice of success to come.  The Rev. John Stoughton appears to
+have been the well-chosen minister for the opening era of its later
+history.  On Monday, October 4, 1868, the church and its friends rejoiced
+together over the fruits of the pastor’s labours through a quarter of a
+century.  At that time, which may be allowed to speak for the present,
+1,200 members had been added, and there was a fixed membership of 500,
+having just doubled itself since 1843.  The Hornton-street Chapel had
+been enlarged in 1845 at a cost of 1,400_l._; a branch chapel—now known
+as the Horbury Chapel, Notting-hill—had been built in 1849, and a church,
+of 40 members and 100 seat-holders, given it from the parent congregation
+to begin with.  This new cause was largely aided and supported by Mr.
+Stoughton and his people.  Notwithstanding this separation, the places of
+those who had retired to the north of the parish were soon filled, and
+the chapel became overcrowded, so that it became a necessity to provide
+new and enlarged accommodation.  Hence the present commodious chapel in
+Allen-street, which was opened for Divine worship on the 30th of May,
+1855, the foundation-stone having been laid in June, 1854.  The entire
+cost, including the freehold site and organ, was 8,748_l._ 9s. 6d., the
+whole of which was defrayed by the end of January, 1860; 600_l._ more was
+laid out on repairs and embellishments in 1863.  There is accommodation
+for 1,000, including about 250 free sittings.  More recently British
+schools have been built, adjoining the chapel, at an outlay of 5,000_l._,
+which now have from 300 to 400 children in attendance.  Here, also, large
+and important Sunday-schools are conducted, having about 700 children
+under religious instruction.  These were established in the year 1809.
+We understand that every available sitting is at present let; and the
+congregation contains several persons of literary eminence and
+professional distinction.  It is generally of that character which a
+minister of Dr. Stoughton’s ability may be expected to draw and keep
+around him.  For Christian liberality it is justly entitled to a record;
+and is, undoubtedly, one of the best instances to be found of what can be
+achieved on the voluntary principle when intelligently and powerfully
+directed.  During the first twenty-five years of Dr. Stoughton’s
+ministry—independently of the amounts raised by pew rents, &c., for
+support of the ministry—there was raised for various objects the noble
+sum of 32,821_l._, being an average of 1,313_l._ per annum. 12,800_l._
+was for chapel and school building purposes; 8,870_l._ for missionary
+societies at home and abroad; 5,630_l._ for support of educational
+institutions; and 5,480_l._ for relief of the poor and distressed, both
+in a general way and in various cases of public need.  This scale of
+giving is maintained and even enlarged upon, the church raising 500_l._
+for the London Missionary Society last year; and—which may be considered
+an expression of genuine catholicity of spirit—contributing 100_l._
+towards the building fund of the new parish church now in course of
+re-erection.  Annual collections are made for St. Mary’s Hospital,
+Paddington, the West London Hospital, for a Christmas Poor Fund, Chapel
+Building Society, London City Mission, and various other Christian
+objects.  There is no endowment, and the ministry is entirely supported
+from seat rents.  As a proof of the esteem in which the minister is held,
+the church voted him 400_l._ in 1868, to enable him to visit Palestine,
+which he did; and it may be added that at the present time a co-pastor is
+being arranged for to assist him in his labours.
+
+The Rev. Dr. Stoughton has the good fortune—attending but few settled
+pastors in the same degree—to enjoy the continued confidence and good
+opinion of his people; and through the effect of a prolonged ministry he
+has acquired an amount of influence over them seldom realised.  That
+influence has been for good.  It has lifted them out of the narrowness
+which, rightly or wrongly, is generally considered an attribute of close
+churches; it has moulded them into a catholic temper, and imbued them
+with social sympathies which render them a fact and a power in the town
+and district.  “Like priest, like people,” is an old adage; and probably
+it has never found a better illustration than in the present instance.
+And where the former has strength and goodness combined, the likeness to
+himself he impresses upon his congregation over a long ministry, at any
+rate, ought to be traceable.  Dr. Stoughton himself cultivates the most
+friendly relations with ministers and Christian people of all
+denominations.  Occasionally at his house may be witnessed a little
+Evangelical Alliance, in the presence of a bishop, or a dean, or an
+archdeacon, with clergymen Episcopal, Baptist, Methodist, and
+Congregational; and the same genuine fraternal feeling he carries into
+public meetings and committees of all kinds where general Christian or
+social interests are concerned.  On the rev. gentleman’s pulpit
+characteristics it is scarcely necessary to enlarge.  In these sketches
+it is our plan only to say enough on this point to indicate the general
+standard of preaching, talent, or aptitude, together with the doctrinal
+teaching and mode of conducting service.  As to the latter, the minister
+appears in the pulpit in a gown; and in the singing part of the service
+the usual Congregational Hymn-book is supplemented by a collection of
+church music, consisting of chants, anthems, _Te Deum_ and Sanctuses.
+After the second prayer the _Te Deum_ is sung; and the music, both for
+hymns and chants, inclines pretty much to the Gregorian strain.  We may
+describe this congregation, in its general tone and style of worship, as
+occupying that part of the Dissenting territory which lies nearest the
+Church of England.  In the minister’s personal part there is a brief
+opening prayer, a lesson, a second prayer, a second lesson, and a third
+prayer; and in these several extempore petitions, in the present
+instance, were included almost every conceivable object of supplication
+hardly exceeded in variety of matter by the Book of Common Prayer itself.
+The discourse was founded on 2nd Corinthians x, 5: “Bringing into
+captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ,” and was delivered
+extempore, with the aid only of a manuscript skeleton.  The perfect ease
+and quiet of the preacher is apt at first to tempt the stranger to think
+him slightly indifferent to his hearers; but he has only to be heard a
+while to convince one that the feature arises from complete self-control
+and command of his own thoughts; and that, so far from indifference, it
+arises from deliberate anxiety to clear himself with the intellect and
+conscience of his audience.  It is certain that this is achieved with
+great success.  The clearness of the preacher’s thoughts, and equal
+clearness and felicity of his language, make one feel as though sitting
+in the calm light of intellect, reflected from every point of the
+compass.  Starting with the assertion that the words of the text were
+directly “against the grain” of the “most fashionable thinking of the
+day,” which was on the side of what was called “freedom of thought,” he
+entered the lists with the free-thinkers of the period.  Demonstrating
+with a masterly hand that the true liberty of our nature is only found in
+the captivity of thought to the obedience of Christ, he showed, on the
+other, with convincing power, that the boasted “freedom” of the day was
+slavery itself.  It was slavishness to prejudice, to some human
+irresponsible authority, to the most “fantastic ideas,” without any basis
+in reason, to an idea of novelty and change, where, however, there was no
+originality; for, the preacher remarked, amidst all this, “originality
+was a very rare thing in our time.”  The freedom contended for was one
+which bound our whole nature up in the bonds of fixed and rigid laws of
+development, which extinguished the very possibility of freedom.  After
+so withering an exposure of the boasted free thought of the age, there
+was peculiar force and beauty in pressing home the great Gospel truth,
+“But if the Son shall make you free, then are ye free indeed.”  Christ
+carries us away captive; but He does it as a conqueror of our foes, who
+tyrannised over us; and following in His train is our deliverance, our
+“freedom.”
+
+On Sunday, service is held at 11 A.M. and 6.30 P.M., and at 3.15 P.M. a
+prayer-meeting in the Lecture-room.  The Lord’s Supper the first Sunday
+in the month after morning service; baptism every three months, both to
+adults and children, or more frequently if desired.  Communion tickets
+are distributed to members in December, which they are expected to put
+into the plate after each celebration.  Members are accepted after
+private conversation with the minister, and approval by the church in its
+ensuing monthly meeting.  The time when the minister may be consulted on
+this solemn subject is from six to seven on Thursday evenings weekly.
+
+
+
+THE WESLEYAN CHAPEL, WARWICK GARDENS.
+
+
+THE WESLEYAN CHAPEL, situate at the corner of Warwick-gardens,
+Kensington, is a specimen of one of those buildings by which we may say
+that Nonconformists have made a step in the right direction.  It is
+architectural, and, though of simple character as regards material, being
+of brick and stone and covered with slate, yet the brick and stone have
+been treated very successfully in the design of the west front.  It
+claims to be an example of Early English work, and, with its spire and
+pinnacles, forms a good feature, seen from the entrance of the gardens
+from the Kensington main road.  Enclosed by iron gates and rails, and
+dwarf walls, the chapel is approached by a flight of steps and entered by
+a vestibule or lobby, which also gives access, to the right and left, to
+the gallery stairs.  Inside, considering the large galleries, which at
+all times are an objection, the effect is exceedingly good.  The light
+ribbed roof over the body of the chapel is supported by a timber arcade
+of very good design, and if, instead of iron, the columns that receive
+the arcade had been of wood, we should, in spite of the galleries, have
+been able to report some very successfully effective work.  The organ is
+recessed, and appears just above a somewhat tall and bulky pulpit.
+Beyond this there is very little to remark save the quiet neatness that
+prevails generally.  The basement is occupied by school and class rooms
+and offices, with separate entrances and approaches.  The chapel is from
+the designs of Messrs. Lockwood and Mawson, of London and Bradford; and
+the building contract carried out by Mr. Nevill Simonds, of London.  The
+warming was executed by Messrs. Stuart and Smith, of Sheffield; and the
+standard gas-lights by Messrs. Thomasson and Co., of Birmingham.
+
+          [Picture: Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Warwick Gardens]
+
+This chapel was opened for worship on Thursday, the 10th December, 1863,
+and is partly the fruit of a general effort among the Wesleyan Methodists
+for chapel extension in London and its suburbs.  The first metropolitan
+chapel building fund was started in 1861, and zealously promoted by the
+Rev. W. Arthur, M.A., and the late Rev. John Scott, in connexion with
+several of the wealthier laymen.  The spirit of church and chapel
+erection which has recently taken hold of other leading religious bodies,
+and notably of the Establishment, has been largely participated in by the
+Wesleyan body; so that the chapel business which centres in a Chapel
+Committee has become a very large and imposing department.  It
+superintends the erection of chapels in every part of the Connexion, and
+has its rules upon which these works are to be carried out.  Every chapel
+built without compliance with its regulations and primary sanction is
+jealously viewed, and reported to Conference as irregular, with profound
+“regrets” at the Methodistic insubordination implied in it.  No matter
+though a chapel be made really a good property of and handed over, it
+cannot condone the offence against the spirit of _red-tapeism_ centreing
+in the Conference Committee.  It will only be officially recognised after
+a good scolding has been administered to the offenders for the pains they
+have taken to erect a chapel for Methodism.  This is one of the points at
+which the Central Conference rule is liable to collision with local
+voluntary efforts, and often produces great irritation.  The Committee
+administers the chapel erection fund and makes grants in aid.  It also
+controls a large sum of money—raised some years ago to assist in clearing
+chapels from debt.  This money is lent out to trustees upon application,
+to be returned in so many annual instalments, free of interest.  Probably
+no fund has been more useful to the material interests of Methodism.
+Chapels formerly burdened with debt have been set free by yearly payments
+similar to what they were before paying for interest; and thus their
+resources have been left available for extension purposes.  There is also
+a special fund for chapel building in Watering-places, commenced by the
+Rev. W. M. Punshon in 1861, which succeeded very well as far as it went,
+but did not attain large dimensions.  The “Metropolitan Chapel Building
+Fund” is a more important and progressive affair.  It started with a
+subscribed fund of 20,000_l._, to be kept up by annual appeals; and an
+effort is now being made to raise a very much larger sum—Sir Francis
+Lycett having made the generous offer of 50,000_l._, to be distributed in
+sums of 1,000_l._ each to fifty new chapels, that shall be erected in the
+metropolis with a specified accommodation, within a given time.  For this
+offer to be utilised to the full extent, at least 200,000_l._ will have
+to be raised.
+
+The Warwick gardens Chapel benefited from the first fund to the extent of
+1,000_l._, the whole estimated cost being 4,700_l._  In default of a
+freehold, 32_l._ per annum is paid as ground-rent, which was to be
+covered by a yearly investment.  1,175_l._ was left as a temporary debt,
+to be paid off within one year.  We believe, however, that this was found
+to be impossible, and the debt in whole or part, still remains.  The
+estimated income from seat-rents was fixed at 200_l._ per annum, a very
+small estimate indeed, had the project succeeded.  But in this there has
+been grievous disappointment.  The chapel will accommodate 1,000 persons,
+but after more than seven years it hardly commands an average
+congregation, in all, of 200, and a number of these are from a distance,
+and properly belonging to other Methodist congregations.  We fear,
+therefore, this is a case to be recorded as so far a failure.
+
+A degree, perhaps, of laudable ambition has led some leading Methodist
+ministers and laymen of late years to desire to place chapels in
+neighbourhoods different from those usually occupied.  In short, there
+has been a movement to plant chapels in more _respectable_ localities,
+such as that of Warwick-gardens.  But if the experiment is to be judged
+by its results in this instance, it would appear a lamentable mistake;
+and it may after all be worth considering whether John Wesley’s own rule
+will not yet serve Methodism for all time—“To preach the Gospel to the
+poor, and to go not only to those who need us, but to those who need us
+most.”  There are Sunday-schools, where about 100 children of both sexes
+attend; and four or five small classes, which include all the society at
+present attached to the chapel.  It is united in what is called the
+Bayswater Circuit, the headquarters of which are in the Denbigh-road,
+Bayswater, and which has three ministers appointed to it by the
+Conference.  These are assisted in the occupation of the pulpits by
+ministers belonging to Connexional departments in London, or students
+from the college at Richmond.  The chapel, therefore, has the best
+ministerial provision that the system of Methodism can supply, but there
+appears to be no public effect.  On Sunday evening, 21st of May, the
+pulpit was occupied by the Rev. W. B. Boyce, one of the secretaries at
+the Mission-house in Bishopsgate-street.  He holds a high position in the
+body, and on many accounts is deservedly respected.  He has seen much
+service in the Mission-field; and to this it may be in part attributable
+that he retains in speech the broad provincialisms of his early life.  He
+also holds fast to the old Methodist style of putting the doctrine of
+“Conversion,” which was the subject of his discourse.  According to his
+teaching on this occasion, a man may be everything Christian to the
+outward eye—and even be a martyr for the truth—and yet be unconverted,
+unsaved, and perish eternally.  If such a case be _possible_, we must
+remark it is so rare in experience that it may well cause a minister to
+pause before he gives it prominent and unqualified application in a
+sermon.  There are certain to be a number of weak consciences and
+doubting minds in every congregation, who must be very much troubled and
+perplexed with such teaching, whereas there may not be a single
+individual to whom it really applies.  It is a mode of preaching, in our
+idea, not based upon sufficiently large views of human experiences and
+circumstances; yet Mr. Boyce exhibits great sincerity and earnestness.
+
+
+
+THE SCOTCH CHURCH, KENSINGTON.
+
+
+THE Scotch Presbyterian Chapel stands at the corner of the Foxley-road
+and Allen-street, and is a fair specimen of geometric gothic.  Of course
+it requires the tower to be finished to make it the good architectural
+object that it should be in the long perspective of Allen-street; yet it
+is even now fairly prominent, and is substantially built of Kentish rag
+with Bath stone dressings, and roofed with slate.  The principal entrance
+is on the north side, over which is a large and rather noticeable window,
+and the rose window in the west gable, too, seems to invite the visitor
+to an inspection of the interior.  Passing through a very plain corridor
+or vestibule, the body of the chapel is immediately entered to the right
+and left hand.  A feeling of disappointment it is impossible to repress
+ensues.  The interior in no way accords with the idea conveyed by the
+outside inspection.  It is roofed in one span, and heavily ceiled and
+panelled, producing a sense of depression.  The walls are simply bare
+plaster, the pulpit very large and heavy, the pewing poor and plain.  A
+northern gallery, evidently intended for an organ, is organless, and not
+much improved by large curtains.  The Presbyterian movement in Kensington
+began in 1861, under the present pastor, the Rev. Gavin Carlyle, in a
+hall in Holland-street.  After about a year’s labour in this place some
+forty or fifty members had collected, and it was then resolved to build a
+church.  A site was first sought in Campden-hill, but was not to be found
+there.  Ultimately the present site was scoured, the building commenced
+in July 1862, finished in May 1863, and opened on the 24th of that month,
+and the Rev. Mr. Carlyle, was formally ordained to the charge on June 2nd
+following.  Since then the progress has been steady; and the membership
+has increased to between one and two hundred.  The church is connected
+with the English Presbyterian Church, and the late Dr. Hamilton, of the
+latter, took great interest in it, and did much to originate it.  It will
+contain 500 persons, and cost to build 5,280_l._; by the addition of
+galleries, it would be capable of accommodating 700 or 800.  There is no
+endowment, and the minister is dependent upon pew-rents and voluntary
+offerings.  A Dorcas Society is kept up by a few ladies; and collections
+are made annually for foreign missions and other objects.  The Duke of
+Argyll is a seatholder and frequent communicant; and other persons of
+general and literary distinction.  At a meeting a few weeks since, at
+which the Duke of Argyll presided, several Indian and other notabilities
+were present, including Dr. Macleod, Sir Bartle Frere, Sir Wm. Hill, &c.,
+who had assembled to hear a lecture on India, by Dr. Wilson, of Bombay.
+The Rev. Gavin Carlyle is an M.A. of the Edinburgh University, and
+studied theology in the Free Church College, Edinburgh, followed by a
+year’s study in Germany.  He is a nephew of the famous Edward Irving; and
+editor of his uncle’s “Collected Writings,” published by Strahan and Co.
+He is also editor of the _Weekly Review_, the weekly organ of
+Presbyterianism in England; also of _Christian Work_, a monthly journal
+of religious and missionary intelligence.  Mr. Carlyle’s congregation is
+at present a small one compared with many; but on the occasion of our
+visit his sermon was certainly such as to justify a larger attendance.
+It was the first of a series of discourses on the Ten Commandments, and
+founded on the first “I am the Lord thy God,” &c.  The distinct existence
+and all-pervading presence and control of the Almighty was the subject.
+It was well and clearly treated, in a manner to meet the principal
+intellectual quibbles or difficulties of the times; and the preacher
+proved to the satisfaction of every thoughtful mind—to use his own
+words—that “all reason speaks to us of God; and that it is nothing but
+unreason and mystical cloudiness that attributes the effects of Nature to
+any other cause or operation,” and that science when rightly conceived is
+“the handmaid of religion.”
+
+
+
+THE EPISCOPAL CHAPEL, BROMPTON.
+
+
+THE Brompton Episcopal Chapel, situate close to the Brompton-road, in
+Montpelier-street, is a structure strictly Georgian in its character,
+Georgian indeed to the back-bone, if one may be allowed to use such an
+expression ecclesiastically.  It has no beauties to make it worthy a
+visit in the search after the picturesque.  It is simply ugly outside,
+and very little more may be said of it inside.  It rather reminded us of
+old Kensington Church, without its historical interest.  Like all
+buildings of the kind, it has its painted columns supporting a flat
+ceiling, and high-back gallery.  It has its high pulpit and prayer-desk,
+each duly draped in hot velvet, its high-backed pews comfortably shut up
+and cushioned, in fact, everything belonging to it is high, only that it
+would be too much to call it High Church.
+
+This chapel attained its centenary in 1869, being opened on Easter
+Sunday, 1769, as a chapel of ease to the parish church of Kensington.
+The Rev. Richard Harrison was the first minister, who was a preacher of
+some note, and continued his labours to the end of life, which occurred
+in 1793.  A tablet to his memory may now be seen on the south side of the
+Communion-table.  Since then the course of the ministry has been somewhat
+chequered, and not always connected with the happiest reminiscences.
+Although so ancient a chapel, it appears to have been generally poor, and
+the only relic it contains of bygone days is a set of old _pewter_
+collecting-plates, having the original engraving, “The Parish of
+Kensington.”  The building is now seen in every respect as it was at the
+beginning.  It has successfully resisted all modern innovations; no
+alterations of any kind have taken place, excepting that a coating of
+stucco has been bestowed upon the front.  The same is true of the
+character of the public service.  It has rigidly preserved its own
+unadorned plainness, against all the ecclesiastical refinements of later
+years.  The clergy are ordained ministers in the Church of England, and
+licensed by the Bishop of London, and the present are the Rev. W.
+Dunford, who is also the private owner of the property, and the Rev. W.
+Crofts Bullen, assistant minister.  The latter was doing duty at the time
+of our visit, with rather a thin congregation, but showed considerable
+earnestness, read distinctly and audibly, and preached in his black gown
+an extempore discourse on Rev. iv. 3.  The sublime passage was expounded
+by references to other parts of Scripture, connected with some plain,
+out-spoken utterances applied to the audience in a fearless and faithful
+manner.  Regarding the text as symbolical of the Holy Trinity—it being
+Trinity Sunday—the preacher knew nothing about “the liberality of faith
+in the nineteenth century.”  There was “a severe and hard line to be
+drawn between the believer and unbeliever, the saved and the unsaved.”
+
+The Episcopal Chapel will hold about 800 persons, and the congregation
+averages from 400 to 500.  Having no endowment, the clergy rely only on
+seat-rents and quarterly collections for church expenses, which are made
+by passing the pewter-plates round to the assembly in the pews.  There is
+a good Sunday-school carried on in the chapel, morning and afternoon,
+with about 130 scholars, a number which it is said might be greatly added
+to but that the Churchwardens will not allow more space.  This
+unfavourable condition, however, the zealous superintendent, Mr. Warder
+and teachers, assisted by the children, are seeking to remedy, having
+opened among themselves a weekly subscription towards a separate and
+commodious schoolroom.  The weekly pence already contributed amounts to
+50_l._  This is a most worthy example; and it may be hoped that some
+large-hearted persons outside the school, may some day or other feel
+inclined to encourage by large gifts so laudable an attempt at self-help.
+The school is also provided with a library by subscriptions of the
+teachers and churchwardens, from which books are lent free of charge.
+The Sunday-school is an interesting feature at this chapel, and is said
+in the neighbourhood to be highly prized by the children themselves, who
+are reported to be most regular in attendance.  The services are—Sunday,
+morning at 11, evening at 6.30; Wednesday at 7 P.M.; the Lord’s Supper on
+the last Sunday in the month.  The hymn-book used is a selection of
+psalms and hymns arranged by the Rev. Charles Kemble, M.A.—the 1853
+edition.
+
+
+
+ONSLOW CHAPEL.
+
+
+ONSLOW CHAPEL, situate in Neville terrace, Brompton, has many pretensions
+to Gothic architectural effect.  It is slightly decorated in design, and
+somewhat early.  Long before the two churches were thought of, between
+which it now stands, St. Pauls and St. Peters, its two little spires
+could be seen like landmarks in the surrounding plain.  It is one of
+those early attempts of the Nonconformists to establish a better style of
+architecture in their buildings for public worship.  The west front is,
+however, all of which it can boast, the inside being of true chapel type,
+consisting, one may almost say, of a large hall, ribbed and vaulted in
+plaster.  The western gallery adds to the accommodation for sittings, and
+the body of the chapel is well filled with simple pewing.  The pulpit is
+tall, and backed up by the organ.  In the usual way the Vestry is at the
+east end.  The foundation-stone was laid by that great and good man, the
+Hon. Arthur Kinnaird, in 1856.
+
+                 [Picture: Onslow Chapel, Brompton, 1856]
+
+This chapel was built fifteen years ago, for the church then meeting in
+Alfred-place, under the pastorate of the Rev. G. Bigwood.  It seats 650
+persons, and cost 6,000_l._  But this outlay included, besides the
+chapel-proper, convenient class-rooms, and a spacious schoolroom which
+runs back on a line with the chapel into Neville-street, and is now
+mentioned as Onslow Hall, a suitable place for meetings and lectures.
+The Rev. G. Bigwood’s ministry lasted about eighteen years, and he was
+succeeded in 1870 by the Rev. Joseph Upton Davis, B.A., the present
+pastor.  The minister is a Baptist, but the membership is open to
+Christians of other Evangelical communions.  As a preacher, Mr. Davis has
+considerable gifts.  To a pleasing manner and voice there is a goodly
+share of refinement, general evidence of culture, and preaching ardour,
+which are essential to the modern pulpit.  “He that hath an ear let him
+hear what the spirit saith unto the churches” was solemnly enforced, and
+the dwellers in Laodicean ease—the “neither cold nor hot”—were keenly
+rebuked, although affectionately dealt with.  The congregation was not a
+full one; but it was pleasing to note that with very few exceptions all
+remained to the Communion service, which immediately followed the first
+service.  The hymn after the sermon was followed only by the benediction,
+briefly rendered, which, as a rule, is somewhat unlike Nonconforming
+services, in which the preacher generally offers a short prayer, having
+some reference in spirit to the matter of the discourse.  A Sunday-school
+is conducted in the schoolroom, where, under management, 400 scholars
+assemble morning and afternoon, superintended by Mr. Mayers.  The general
+services are—Sunday morning at 11, evening at 6.30, Thursday evenings at
+7, and communion the first Sunday in the month.
+
+
+
+ST. BARNABAS, KENSINGTON.
+
+
+THE Church of St. Barnabas is situated in the Addison-road, and can be
+seen with pleasing effect from the main road.  In the distance the
+brickwork has a nice grey tone about it, and harmonises well with the
+stone dressings and tracery and the contrast of the mounting ivy round
+the pinnacled buttresses gives a picturesque appearance which is much
+assisted by pretty surrounding foliage.  A nearer view, however, is
+somewhat disappointing as to architectural detail, in which it resembles
+the chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, which is generally considered
+the best example of perpendicular Gothic.  The west elevation is worthy
+of description.  The gable and pierced parapet partially conceal a
+low-pitched roof, which is flanked by open bell turrets.  The centre of
+the gable is occupied by a large perpendicular window above the western
+entrance to the church.  This consists of a centre and two side doors
+opening into a corridor or vestibule, giving access to the body of the
+building and to the galleries right and left.  Flights of steps lead up
+to the several entrances, which are enclosed by rather lofty railings and
+gates.  The interior, roofed in one span with sub-arcades or columns, is
+finished with a flat ceiling, relieved and pannelled by horizontal bands
+and kerbed ribs.  Large galleries surround three sides of the church, and
+at the west end a double tier.  At first sight these galleries look
+almost unsupported, the iron columns are so slender as well-nigh to
+escape observation.  The body or ground floor is fitted with simple
+square pewing, divided by a centre and two side passages.  Close to the
+western doors stands a bold font, a fair specimen of perpendicular work.
+The pulpit is tall and plain.  The prayer-desk, lower and more ornate, is
+placed on the north side of a very simple chancel arch, before which the
+very handsome bronze eagle lectern stands slightly elevated.  The chancel
+is a simple recess, and its entrance is occupied by stall benches.  The
+front of the altar is pierced with tracery, which has a good effect.  The
+east window is filled with stained glass of Georgian school design,
+strongly reminding us of the Church of St. Dunstan, Fleet-street, where
+there is a similar window.
+
+         [Picture: St. Barnabas Church, Addison Road, Kensington]
+
+Three windows on the north side and four on others are also filled with
+stained and quarried glass, with designs of a better school.
+
+The organ, a fine instrument by Walker, is at the west end in the
+gallery, and well decorated.
+
+It is now forty-three years since this church was consecrated, and during
+the last eighteen years it has been under the same incumbent, who has
+been one of the Kensington Clergy for nearly thirty years.  It occupies a
+large district in the west of Kensington, and has itself, in progress of
+time, become a parent church to several others which have risen within
+its bounds.  St. Philip’s and St. Matthias are districts formed out of
+it; and the more recent erection of St. John the Baptist’s Church in the
+Holland-road marks a still further development.  It has also a separate
+appendage to itself in the “Church House” in the Warwick-gardens, which
+has been built to accommodate the surplus of its regular congregation,
+sanctioned by the Bishop, and served by its own clergy.  Here invalids
+who cannot conveniently attend the larger congregation, and such as
+cannot for the present obtain accommodation there, are invited to attend.
+In point of fact it is altogether a separate church served by the Vicar
+of St. Barnabas and his curates.  As, however, it is treated simply as an
+out-building of St. Barnabas—and is used for the transaction of its
+various parochial business—we must consider it as included with it.
+
+    [Picture: St. Barnabas Church House, Warwick Gardens, Kensington]
+
+St. Barnabas’ Church has accommodation for about 1,500, and its morning
+congregation averages from 1,200 to 1,400, looking well filled.  The
+evening congregation, however, is much smaller, as a rule, as is the case
+with most West London churches.  But we may attribute this partly to the
+existence of an afternoon service, at which there is public catechising,
+which is very fully attended.  The church is daily open, and the Holy
+Communion is celebrated every Sunday.  There is no High Church costume,
+or parade of surpliced choristers, but there is a most efficient choir,
+who fill the space in front of the organ in the end gallery.  On the
+occasion of our visit, which was St. Barnabas’ day, June 11, the church’s
+annual Feast of Dedication, the performance consisted in a Gregorian and
+other much more pleasing chants in D and A, with hymns special to the
+occasion.  The Gregorian strain never pleases; and seems to us adapted
+mainly to break up and destroy the natural form, music, and sense of the
+English tongue.  There are three curates, who perform their subordinate
+parts in the service with great propriety and credit.  Such only who
+could accomplish this would be at all in keeping with the character of
+the chief pastor.  Dr. Hessey has a matured, well-cultured Christian
+mind, in addition to learning, and natural talent and taste for the
+duties of the pulpit.  There is also a gravity and kindliness in his
+general manner and utterance which leaves one in no doubt as to the
+secret of his power.  The sermon on the occasion of our visit was an
+anniversary one, and as being confined to a portion of appropriate
+historical Scripture (Acts xi, 26), did not offer scope for the full
+exercise of the preacher’s powers.  Yet the evidence of their existence
+was there.
+
+The clergy are supported chiefly by pew-rents, and there are offertories
+and collections for various charities, missions, and other objects.  For
+the poor, for schools, missions, choir, incidental church expenses, the
+Bishop of London’s Fund, in aid of hospitals and other charities, there
+was raised altogether in 1870 704_l._ 11s. 10¼d.  Out of this it is found
+impossible to provide for the heavier church expenses.  A church-rate is
+also levied, to which it does not appear what response is made.  We have
+reason, however, to believe that no large sum is thus collected, or the
+churchwardens would have been able to spend more on the decoration of the
+church.  There is clearly room for considerable improvement here, and we
+hope there will be no great difficulty in providing means to carry out
+the church repairs which are so much needed.  The whitewasher, painter,
+and grainer might in the interior be employed with good effect.
+
+
+
+ST. JOHN’S CHURCH, NOTTING HILL.
+
+
+A BUILDING set on a hill cannot be hid, and it is literally true of St.
+John’s Church; it is just on the crest, of Notting-hill, and may be seen
+from a great distance in the perspective of the long road, to the west of
+which it stands.  Its effect is at first sight very good; the spire,
+however, rising at the intersection of the nave and transepts, appears
+too stunted, as if it had been drawn down several feet into the tower, a
+fault to be deplored in many instances.  Built of stone and covered with
+slate, the early English detail, generally very good, the character of
+the style very truthfully retained, as shown by the chancel windows, the
+well-executed caps and bosses, and in the eastern triplet, make up a very
+excellent attractive whole.  The plan of the church is cruciform, and is
+divided into a nave and aisles, north and south transepts, chancel and
+aisles, with a vestry at the N.E. angle.  There are several large
+galleries, one at the west end, one in each of the transept and chancel
+aisles, which add very considerably to the accommodation for sittings.
+The organ is placed in the west gallery, and rather takes from a good
+perspective, as seen looking westward, the stone columns and
+plaster-moulded arcade giving a very poor effect; and the church
+generally supports some well-designed work in the clerestory, where oddly
+enough we find stone used again, though we cannot help feeling glad to
+see it, instead of the plaster work before referred to.  The roof is
+high-pitched and open, of good design, but, owing to so little of the
+light of heaven illuminating the interior, we are unable to say much
+about it.  The lancet windows are not enough to admit the cheering rays,
+and this is certainly a drawback; it gives to the church a gloomy
+appearance which it ought not really to have.  Most of the windows are
+filled with stained glass, but of no good type, except the eastern
+subject, representing the Lord’s Supper.  The font, close to the west
+door, is of simple design, and has the emblems of the Evangelists
+sculptured in relief on the bowl.  The pulpit, too much like a large
+wineglass, is lofty, and blocks out the view, looking east.  The pewing
+is very mean, and on a level with the pewing of the passages, which is
+not improving.  Some simple wooden screens shut out the chancel from the
+aisles, and the table is plain and railed off.  The diaper work painted
+on the chancel wall is well done and effective.
+
+Early in 1845 the Church of St. John was consecrated for divine service
+in the northern division of Kensington.  Misgivings were expressed at the
+time that the site, one of the most attractive in London, had been chosen
+too far out in the fields; but the population of the district has since
+risen from less than 3,000 to more than 60,000, and has been partitioned
+among six new parish churches, all built from voluntary contributions,
+and maintained without endowments.  The church, parsonage, and schools of
+St. John’s represent an expenditure of nearly 20,000_l._, almost entirely
+raised within the parish; and the subscriptions and collections for 1870
+amounted to 996_l._ collected in the church, besides 850_l._ pew-rents,
+and 2,390_l._ collected in other ways for local and missionary purposes.
+Between 500 and 600 children are in attendance at the schools, and nearly
+400 of them belong to the Parochial Provident Society, which consists in
+the aggregate of 731 members.  The congregation appear much in need of
+the additional comfort and accommodation which would be derived from
+removing the organ out of the west gallery, and letting in the light from
+the handsome window behind it.  The design of the architect might then be
+carried out, and the organ and pulpit be placed as originally intended,
+throwing back the fronts of the north and south transept galleries.  This
+church has suffered a good deal at different times from well-meant
+efforts to provide additional accommodation for the vast population which
+has grown up round it; but nothing has been done which might not be
+easily set right at a small expenditure.  The present incumbent has been
+seventeen years in residence, and was appointed by the late Bishop
+Blomfield, of London, the see to which the patronage belongs.  The east
+window is an adaptation in coloured glass of the “Last Supper” of
+Leonardo da Vinci, and was offered by the parishioners as a memorial of
+their sorrow for the early loss of Eleanor Isabella, only child of Sir
+John Franklin, and wife of the incumbent, who was cut off in the midst of
+a career of singular activity and Christian usefulness about ten years
+ago.  A mural monument close by records the decease of the previous
+incumbent, the Rev. E. Denniss, who fell a victim to cholera in 1854.
+This likewise was placed there by the parishioners as a monument of their
+affectionate regret; and it is very observable that our new churches
+derive increased solemnity and repose from the gradual increase of such
+mementoes as these.
+
+Out of 1,400 sittings, this church has about 400 free; all the others let
+at rates varying from 4s. to 15s. per quarter.  The congregation is
+composed mainly of the well-to-do people of that part, and the
+collections which are made for various objects through the year average
+from 50_l._ to 60_l._ a Sunday, whether it be for home or foreign
+objects.  The organist, Mr. Cooper, is surrounded in the orchestra by a
+selection of the male Sunday scholars—who are evidently well-trained, and
+make up an effective choir—without surplices.  The service is completely
+on the Evangelical model, animated and thoroughly devotional, and the
+congregation join in it earnestly.  The prayers and lessons were well
+read by a substitute for one of the curates, who are two, the Rev.
+Messrs. Leicester and Newton.  The sermon was preached by the incumbent,
+the Rev. J. P. Gell, from Psalm iii. 4, “He hath made his wonderful works
+to be remembered.”  The rev. gentleman’s preaching is careful, practical,
+and devout; and appears to come directly home to his hearers, over whom,
+through a long series of years he has maintained a very manifest
+influence for good.  The ordinary services are on Sundays at 11 A.M., and
+7 P.M., and lecture on Wednesday evening.  At 12.30 there is full
+Communion Service every first Sunday in the month, after the morning
+service; and an early celebration at 9 A.M. on every third Sunday in the
+month.
+
+
+
+ST. GEORGE’S, CAMPDEN HILL, KENSINGTON.
+
+
+ST. GEORGE’S, Campden-hill, the spire of which, in the distance, is so
+closely allied to the Kensington Water-tower and that other familiar
+object of West London distance, Tower Cressy, that we suppose there are
+few who are unacquainted with the rather odd-looking trio.  Either of
+them taken alone would form a good distance object, but as it sometimes
+happens they all three lump together in the landscape, the effect is not
+only odd, but certainly striking, the water-tower always looking like the
+big brother of the other two.  St. George’s, however, must now be taken
+alone, and really it deserves to be especially noticed.  The church
+stands N. and S., the south elevation being worthy of remark for much
+excellent and effective detail.  The tower and spire, of fair proportion
+at the S.E. angle of the building, form an important feature of this
+view.  The spire is broached and covered with slate in bands, and
+relieved with wooden spire lights with iron finials, giving a picturesque
+appearance.  The tower is without buttresses, and, like all other
+portions of this south elevation, is faced with stone in random courses,
+with Bath stone quoins and dressings, and clean-cut bands of stone of
+warmer colour.  It is lighted by deeply-recessed lancet windows, with
+columns and foliated caps, and bands on all sides.  The staircase within
+is clearly marked by raking lines of windows, simple and effective.  The
+centre of the gable of this elevation is occupied by a large and
+boldly-treated window, with geometric rose and four lancet lights, deeply
+recessed with label mould, encircling three well-carved heads in relief;
+this window is flanked by side two-light windows, partly concealed by the
+tile roof of the large cloistered porch.  Being the principal entrance to
+the church, this roof is supported by dwarf and massive columns, with
+carved caps and cusped arcade.  The whole forms a picturesque feature in
+perspective.  The side and north elevations are very plainly treated in
+brickwork, with coloured bands or strings continued round the buttresses.
+The windows are executed in stone, plain-cut, unsplayed tracery; the
+reason for this change in design is evident—these elevations will shortly
+be hidden by the houses that are hourly springing up round the church.
+The usual stone finials and crosses are replaced by iron of like
+character.
+
+The plan of the church is slightly cruciform, and consists of a nave and
+aisles, east and west transept, a doubly-recessed apsidal chancel, and
+aisles.  Large galleries run round nearly three sides of the body of the
+church, and at the south end there is a double tier for school-children.
+Galleries, as we have often observed before, do not improve the good
+effect of a building; however, these galleries have a novel treatment:
+the balcony—if such an expression may be used—is suggestive of a
+conventional ship’s side with the ports complete.  We by no means wish to
+convey a false impression by these remarks, for the lines of these
+galleries are very graceful, and yet sufficiently angular to be quite in
+keeping with the style of the church.  The corbelled principals of the
+galleries, too, are effectively cut; they take a bearing on the iron
+columns of the arcades, from which, in every other respect, they run
+clear.  We never remember to have seen iron better treated in
+church-arcade columns.  The detail is sharp and clean, and the columns
+are not so slender as to appear unequal to their task of supporting the
+brick arches and clerestory, and the light nave and other roofs with
+saw-tooth cut and intersecting ribs.  Generally the interior effect is
+exceeding good, especially the arcade of the east transept.  There is
+evidence of great originality of thought on the part of the architect,
+which we cannot fail to notice and admire, and the colouring is
+harmonious and quiet in the corbels, bands, and courses, which are of
+stone, nearly all ornamented with flowing Gothic scrolls, painted black
+and incised.  The font is an excellent example of early work jewelled
+with coloured bosses round the circular bowl, with the inscription “One
+Lord, one Faith, one Baptism.”  It stands near to the southern doors.
+The oak pulpit is elevated to suit the galleries, stilted on stone
+clustered columns, with foliated caps, and butts upon the chancel west
+pier.  The oak-eagle lectern is also at the entrance of the chancel, and
+is very well executed.  The pewing, perhaps the least attractive portion
+of the fittings, is, however, well cut, but too dark to our mind.  The
+organ occupies the west chancel aisle, and is placed over the vestries
+and quite undecorated.  The chancel windows in the apse are well filled
+with stained glass, by Messrs. Lavers and Barraud.  In the rose is
+represented the Crucifixion; the four lancets, the Evangelists and their
+emblems.  The passages are paved with plain tiling.  Mr. Bassett Keeling,
+of Gray’s-inn, was the architect, and we must congratulate him upon
+having produced an exceedingly beautiful and original type of church.
+The first stone was laid by the Ven. Archdeacon Sinclair, in Feb., 1864,
+and by Trinity Sunday in the following year the church was opened for
+Divine Service.
+
+This church is situated partly in the Ward of St. Mary Abbotts and partly
+in that of St. John’s, Notting-hill, having in both departments a little
+over 8,000 inhabitants.  It provides 1,400 sittings in all, 413 of which
+are free.  But these in cases of emergency can be added to by about 150,
+provided by a system of _telescopic_ seats, which can be drawn upon
+occasions from under the fixed pews, across the main aisles, filling up
+the entire area of the church.  Six or seven years ago the site of St.
+George’s was a cabbage-garden; but a private Christian gentleman
+conceived the happy idea of converting it to its present purpose, built
+this beautiful edifice at his own cost, and presented it to the district.
+The congregation has grown up almost as rapidly as the building itself.
+All the sittings not free are let at from 1_l._ 1s. to 2_l._ 2s. per
+annum, and the congregation is usually full and of a superior class at
+the morning and evening services.  The Duke of Argyll and the Earl of
+Airlie and families hold sittings, and usually attend here, with other
+families and persons of note and character located in and about this
+aristocratic neighbourhood.  On Sunday morning, the 25th of June, 1871
+the church was crowded, a rumour having gone abroad that the Princess
+Louise, the daughter-in-law of the Duke of Argyll, was expected to be
+present.  If this were the cause, however, there must have been
+considerable disappointment, as the Princess was certainly not there.
+The Vicar, the Rev. George Bennett, who is usually the morning preacher,
+preached a useful and discriminating sermon on John xvii. 16, pointing
+out in what sense Christ was not of the world, and in what sense his true
+people are not of the world.  Some seasonable remarks were made about the
+temptation under which Christians now lie to succumb to what is called
+“public opinion,” until there is danger of their placing the voice of
+“society” above the voice of conscience and the word of God.  Yet this
+was the only standard of right and wrong; whilst the standard set up by
+the world was an _unreal_ one, and not sincerely believed even by those
+who, from the force of fashion, practised it.  The prayers were read by
+the Rev. Mr. Becker, and the Litany by the Rev. Mr. Frampton, the
+Curates.  In this instance there is also a lay reader, Mr. Gordon
+Cleather, who, in a surplice, read the lessons well and distinctly.  The
+Rev. Dr. Davis is the evening preacher, who is known as a clergyman of
+distinguished talent.  The church has no endowment, and the clergy are
+maintained and the expenses met out of the pew-rents and offertories.
+There are several religious and benevolent institutions, also, supported
+by the congregation or receiving aid from it.  In St. George’s Schools
+there are boys about 100 and girls the same number, with infants about
+130.  These received voluntary aid to the amount of 160_l._ in 1870.
+There is a District Visiting Society account, for which, including a
+_Maternity_, Provident, and Work Society, there was received from various
+sources and disbursed the sum of 360_l._ in the year.  The offertories,
+apart from subscriptions—and from which all objects are aided in
+proportion—brought 181_l._ 0s. 6d.; and there are lists of subscribers to
+all the funds—as, for instance, to the Church Service Fund, the
+offertories for which amounted only to 39_l._ 16s. 9d., but which was
+raised by two collections in the year and subscriptions to 108_l._ 11s.
+4d.  The worship is plain Church of England, barring the intoning of
+portions of the prayers.  The choir is not surpliced, and the singing,
+for the most part, lively, accompanied by a good organ, well played by
+Herr Sowerby, Professor.  The hymns are “Ancient and Modern,” published
+at the Sacred Music Warehouse, Novello and Co., Dean-street.  The order
+of services are—Sunday: morning at 11, afternoon 3.30, evening at 7;
+Wednesdays, Fridays, and holidays.  Holy Communion on the first and third
+Sunday in the month at 9 A.M., and on the second Sunday after the morning
+service.
+
+
+
+ST. PETER’S, NOTTING HILL.
+
+
+ST. PETER’S, Notting-hill, in the Kensington-park-road, is an Italian
+edifice, looking of some importance as regards its west elevation, the
+only portion of the church seen from the road.  On close inspection it is
+disappointing to find stucco in place of stone facing the work.  The
+elevation consists of a large enclosed portico with engaged columns,
+supporting an entablature and pediment, which is surmounted by a square
+tower with engaged columns and tower lights, and terminating with a sort
+of pepper box top.  Although not so prominently or so beautifully placed
+as St. John’s, it has a pleasing appearance from the road; the effect,
+however, is somewhat diminished by a dwarfed cupola.  A more lofty,
+tapering campanile would have added much to its importance.  The façade
+is not seen to advantage, from its close proximity to the road.  A large
+vestibule gives access to the main body of the church and the gallery
+staircases.  The plan of the church consists of a nave and aisles, a
+portion of the east end being railed off to form a chancel.  Three large
+galleries partly enclose the church, and entirely cover the space of the
+aisles.  Large Corinthian columns and entablature support the roof; just
+above the cornice are semicircular clerestory lights, glazed in a
+fan-like manner.  The roof is enclosed by a flat ceiling in panels,
+ornamented with centre flowers, and the aisles are ceiled at a lower
+level below the clerestory.
+
+The church has had everything done for it that can be in the way of
+decoration, which has been very beautifully executed, and in perfect
+keeping with the style of the building.  The Greek ornament and colouring
+are at once harmonious and agreeable, and should prove a good lesson to
+all, showing what may be done to beautify even a heavy building, and how
+very efficient church decorators have hitherto been in the adornment of
+our churches.  One can only hope that some whitewash advocates may be
+induced from these remarks to visit St. Peter’s.  We are quite sure they
+will change their minds—and some churchwardens may well blush for their
+own doings, and set about an improved state of things in their own
+churches.  The east end is more ornately decorated than other portions;
+the caps and bases of the columns are guilded, the panels are fitted with
+diaper and lily ornaments.  Some rather happy stained glass, illustrating
+incidents in the life of St. Peter, assists in producing an exceedingly
+well-conceived whole.  Two of the windows are of superior workmanship, by
+Clayton and Bell, but the centre large one is slightly pretentions,
+somewhat faulty in drawing, and not equal to the general features of the
+decorations, though the appearance of the chancel on entering the church
+is singularly fine.  The Gothic furniture and stalls of the chancel we
+dislike, being out of place.  The pulpit is cleverly contrived to be as
+light and unobstructive as possible, yet necessarily high, on account of
+the galleries, and, moreover, so gossamer-like with regard to its
+enclosing railing, that any near-sighted strangers may be forgiven for a
+feeling of nervousness for the safety of the preacher.
+
+The vase font is near the western entrance.  The organ is in the west
+gallery.  Some stained glass of good design fills some of the
+aisle-windows.  The passages are paved, with ornamental tiles, the pewing
+has been cut down, and would be greatly improved raised four or five
+inches above the level of the passage-paving.  The church is thoroughly
+and expensively heated with warm air, and lighted at night by a
+sun-burner from the roof, containing 120 jets.  Every attention appears
+to have been paid to ensure the comfort of the congregation.  The most
+marked feature of St. Peter’s Church is its interior, which, as a whole,
+is very beautiful.  The style is worked out in Pompeian red, and,
+although florid in development, is by no means obtrusive; and from the
+general harmonies of colour and subdued blendings, it is thought to
+conduce to a feeling of devotional repose.  The galleries, however,
+constitute a great drawback to this otherwise very pleasing interior.
+They are too flat in construction, and too ponderous for the limited
+space between the roof and the floor of the side aisles.
+
+This church is one of six now gathered round the original church of St.
+John’s, Notting-hill, and is allocated to one of the six new parishes
+into which the old parish has been subdivided.  It was built in the year
+1856, with funds furnished partly by the incumbent and partly by
+donations from the immediate neighbourhood.  It has sittings for 1,400
+persons, out of which 400 are free.  There are, in connexion with it,
+large and exceedingly well appointed schools, numbering 150 boys, 150
+girls and 220 infants.  The efficiency of these schools has been
+authoritatively commended.
+
+The present vicar, the Rev. J. Robbins, D.D., of Christ Church, Oxford,
+was appointed in the year 1862.  We had not the opportunity of hearing
+the rev. gentleman preach, but he read the first lesson, and we consider
+him quite a model reader.  From a firm, distinct, and flexible utterance,
+and as from a ready appreciation of its sense, Scripture is made to speak
+its meaning, and to convey real effect in the reading.  The general order
+of service he has adopted is semi-choral.  The prayers are monotoned, the
+chants and responses are Gregorian.  The choir is mostly composed of
+boys, with surplices, educated in the schools attached to the church, and
+who sing the music about as well as such music can be done.  The Creed
+is, also, in reality, sung and accompanied with the organ.  We must
+confess to a disappointment in the effect produced by the organ, the
+tones of which did not seem to harmonise with the flow of voices; but we
+hear this is about to be remedied.  To many there would doubtless seem in
+this service an excess of singing, and that, monotonous in a large
+degree.  But it is the High Church order of things; and St. Peter’s is
+confessedly High Church.  There are various societies attached for the
+visitation of the poor and the distribution of several charities.
+
+The sermon on Sunday morning, July 2, 1871, was preached by the Rev. C.
+R. Robinson, M.A., Canon of Rochester, for the Gravesend (or St.
+Andrew’s) Waterside Mission.  Notwithstanding the inclement weather, the
+church was fully attended by a congregation in the midst of which it was
+hard to discern a single poor person.  The preacher discoursed pleasantly
+on 1 Peter v. 10, 11—“But the God of all grace,” &c.  His account of the
+origin of St. Andrew’s Mission, of which he himself was the founder about
+ten years ago, and of his personal interviews with seamen in going to sea
+and returning, distribution of books, &c., riveted the attention of the
+audience, and appeared to excite intense feeling in favour of the noble
+objects of the society.  The usual preliminary part of the Communion
+Service, including the Commandments, the Nicene Creed, Epistle and
+Gospel, was not read; but the sermon followed the Litany and hymn.  The
+hymn-book used is “Hymns Ancient and Modern” (Novello, Ewer, and Co.,
+Berners-street).  Usual services—Sundays: 8 A.M., Holy Communion; 11,
+Morning Prayer, Litany, and sermon; 12.30 P.M., Communion (choral); 3.30
+P.M., Evening Prayer and catechising the children; 7 P.M., Evening Prayer
+and sermon.  Week-days: 8 A.M., morning prayer; 5.30 P.M., Evening Prayer
+(choral); Wednesday and Friday, Litany, 12.30 P.M.; Thursday, Communion
+at 7 A.M., and also on saints’ days and holidays.  The church is open all
+day for prayer and meditation, and a public notice at the doors requests
+“all persons to observe silence.”
+
+
+
+ST. PAUL’S KENSINGTON.
+
+
+ST. PAUL’S, Campden-hill, is a large iron structure, standing at one
+corner of Vicarage-garden.  As an iron building there is very little to
+say about it; it is not beautiful—iron buildings never are—but the
+situation is so very charming, that, plain as the features are of the
+church, the pleasant nook in which it is placed seems quite to take from
+its ugliness and lend some of its cheerful pastoral happiness to its iron
+tenant.  One thing strikes us as worthy of notice—the very large open
+porch at the western entrance offers ample shelter and accommodation to a
+large dispersing congregation in wet weather, and it has the advantage of
+offering protection from heat as well as wet, and keeps the west end of
+the building cool; it is like an open vestibule or lobby.
+
+St. Paul’s was erected as a chapel of ease to the parish church, St. Mary
+Abbots, Kensington, in the year 1854, so that it was one of the earliest
+of this temporary method of providing for public worship; and it may be
+added that, from the present firm and substantial appearance of the
+structure, it is evident this comparatively inexpensive way of dealing
+with the question—where larger funds are not at command—may be made to do
+good service through at least a generation.  It affords accommodation for
+1,200 people, and but few of the sittings are free, not, we believe,
+amounting to more than fifty.  The church is served by the curates of
+Archdeacon Sinclair, Vicar of Kensington, and at present, during the
+re-erection of the new parish church, has double service performed in it
+every Sunday.  The early service at a quarter to ten, and afternoon at
+half-past three, at which the Archdeacon’s curates officiate, are for the
+congregation of the Old Church, who, _pro tem._, are without
+accommodation, and the services at half-past eleven and seven are given
+to the congregation of St. Paul’s, when the Archdeacon himself usually
+preaches.  This is of a high-class character, and remarkable for a very
+large preponderance of gaily-dressed ladies, quite in keeping with our
+established ideas of a court suburb.  The service is Evangelical, the
+clerical robes of the simplest character, and the chancel without
+conspicuous ornament of any kind, but that which is the greatest adorning
+of a church, a reverent and rational performance of Divine worship,
+without formalism or Ritualistic affectation of voice and manner.  We
+were favoured to hear the venerable Bishop of Bangor, who delivered an
+impressive sermon, full of Evangelical sentiment, from 1st Epistle of
+John, c. iii., v. 2: “Beloved now are we the sons of God; and it doth not
+yet appear what we shall be,” &c.  A young clergyman—a stranger to the
+congregation—read the prayers, Psalms, lessons, and Litany.
+
+The congregation is of course interested in the schools and charities
+belonging to the parent church, and contribute in a liberal degree to
+their efficiency and support.  These will be fully described in their
+proper place, when we treat of the beautiful new parish church now in
+course of erection.
+
+
+
+ST. JAMES’S, NOTTING HILL.
+
+
+ST. JAMES’S, Notting-hill, is situated in the Addison-Road North, and is
+seen to some advantage at the entrance to the road.  From its central
+position, its square tower and sharp pinnacles look grey and old, an
+appearance which the church loses upon closer inspection.  It is built of
+grey brick, with moulded angle bricks and slight stone dressings, and the
+low-pitched roofs are covered with slate.  The plan of the church
+consists of a nave and aisles, with an apsidal chancel, the tower forming
+an excrescent on the south side, about the middle of the nave.  This
+tower acts as a porch on the lower story, and has a ringing floor on the
+gallery level; these galleries surround the church on three sides,
+extending to the arcades.  In style the church is a revival of the early
+English, and, like all churches of the period, is full of mistakes,
+though as a specimen of that age it is perhaps a very fair example.  But
+the efforts of revivalists must not be forgotten; much of our perfection,
+if it can _yet be called so_, is due to their endeavours.  The iron
+columns of the nave are worthy of remark, showing how very well iron
+could be treated even in those days.  The roofs are open, and though
+rather heavy possess some fair effect.  The windows are chiefly without
+tracery, and the stained glass is poor.  The pewing is very simple; the
+pulpit high.  The prayer-desk and oak-eagle lectern speak of a desire for
+better things.  The font is poor and too perpendicular.  The organ is in
+the western gallery.  The decoration of the nave is not well done; it is
+evidently the work of an unskilful hand.  There is no need for Greek
+ornament in a Gothic building; surely there is scope enough for the
+ornamentalist in Gothic work without going to the Greeks for examples.
+
+St. James’s, Notting-hill, is one of the older modern suburban churches,
+having been built more than a quarter of a century ago, which is a great
+deal to say as compared with a number of the churches we are now
+reviewing.  It accommodates 1,100 persons, and 500 of the sittings are
+free, which is in larger proportion than general.  It has national
+schools attached to it, where 135 boys, 100 girls, and 150 infants are
+instructed according to the principles of the Church of England.  These
+schools are kept up at a cost of about 500_l._ per annum, about 170_l._
+of which is obtained by Government grant, about 140_l._ from the
+children’s fees, and the remainder from subscriptions and offertories.
+There are Mothers’ Meetings and a District visiting Society, with which
+is connected a mission woman and a mission-house in Crescent-street,
+where extra services are held.  Also a Maternity Charity, and the “St.
+James’s Norland and Potteries Benevolent Society,” and an “Auxiliary
+Church Missionary Society.”  Help is also given to the Additional Curates
+Society and the Bishop of London’s Fund.  All these charities and works
+were well inaugurated in the time of the former Vicar, the Rev. T. P.
+Holdich, and have been well sustained since his removal—three years
+ago—by the Rev. George T. Palmer, M.A., his successor, and the present
+Vicar.  An important alteration, however, has been made in the mode of
+providing the necessary funds.  Formerly it was done by special annual
+charity sermons; but for this method Mr. Palmer has substituted, we are
+informed with some advantage to the interests concerned, a weekly
+offertory, or collection taken at every Sunday morning service, which is
+apportioned among all the charities and calls, according to their
+relative claims.  This covers everything, and beyond it there is nothing
+but a church-rate, voluntarily given, amounting to about 25_l._ per
+annum.  From these sources and the pew-rents the clergy are maintained,
+the church expenses met, and the charities supported.  The Curate, up to
+Michaelmas-day last, was the Rev. P. E. Monkhouse, M.A., which
+appointment he resigned on accepting the head-mastership of the
+Notting-hill Proprietary School, in order to devote the whole of his time
+to the education of the boys entrusted to his charge.  Mr. Monkhouse,
+however, still gives his services to Mr. Palmer, and preaches frequently.
+His successor is the Rev. I. Cammack.  On the occasion of our visit the
+latter read, or rather monotoned the prayers with a clear voice, and Mr.
+Monkhouse read the two lessons with good taste and effect.  Mr. Palmer
+himself read in the Communion Service and preached the sermon.  In giving
+notice of the Communion for the following Sunday morning, the rev.
+gentleman dispensed with the usual form, and simply made the announcement
+that it would take place at nine A.M.  The sermon was founded on 1 Peter
+iii. 13: “And who is he that will harm you if ye be followers of that
+which is good!”
+
+The sermon was extempore, expository, and instructive.  What it was to
+follow good was well expounded; and the limitations with which the
+implied promise was to be understood clearly set forth.  Although the
+Christian’s lot was not to be represented too darkly, it was not to be
+supposed that he had no trials or suffered no evils.  Yet, after all,
+many of his trials did not arise from his following good, but rather from
+his not doing so in some particulars in connexion with which his trials
+arose.  Mr. Palmer has thoroughly entered into the labours of his
+predecessors.  He has, however, instituted a few changes as to which some
+members of the congregation, who could bear no variation from the order
+of things under their old pastor, took offence and betook themselves
+elsewhere—not in any great numbers, but it was sufficient to draw from
+the rev. gentleman a justification in his first pastoral.  Therein he
+shows that some of the changes, especially in regard to the offertory,
+were contemplated by Mr. Holdich; and as to the conduct of the service,
+he had done nothing but what was in accordance with the Rubric.  To allay
+all suspicions of a Ritualistic tendency which had, he says, “unjustly,
+though not unnaturally risen,” he declares to his flock his belief that
+“the practices commonly known as Ritualistic are as much opposed to the
+spirit and structure of the Prayer-book as they were for the most part
+unknown in the worship of the Church in the apostolic age, and that every
+decision in the ecclesiastical courts had made this conclusion more
+plain.”  There is no pretence for styling Mr. Palmer a Ritualist nor a
+High Churchman.  His service occupies a position between the latter and
+what is known as extreme Low Church.  His prayers are not intoned, but
+monotoned; his music is Anglican; his chancel is freshened up with modest
+ornament; the choir, although not surpliced, is very efficient; the hymns
+used are “Hymns Ancient and Modern.”  He considers that “a dislike to
+Ritualism had in many cases produced tediously dreary services, and
+painfully indecorous conduct in church,” and has been influenced by a
+desire to give “heartiness” and “reverence” to the service.  The words
+are probably a little too strong to convey the true meaning.  Tedium and
+indecorum are, alas, things incidental to High service as well as Low,
+and must by no means be connected essentially with a plain and simple
+performance of worship.  Mr. Palmer has an interesting, well-conducted
+congregation of a very respectable class, with a fair intermixture of the
+humbler classes, especially in the evening.  It struck us that the
+assembly was heartily devout; but was not yet thoroughly congregational
+in the singing.  The last published pastoral bears evidence to the energy
+with which the minister follows out his plans for usefulness; but he has
+occasion still to notice a degree of _unpunctuality_ in attendance at the
+service, many not being in their places at the reading of the general
+confession.  It is gratifying to see a clergyman dealing faithfully with
+his people and entering into the details of their practice, not shrinking
+from pointing out their failings as occasion offers, but in an anxious
+and kindly spirit.  For this Mr. Palmer is to be admired, and his people
+will love him all the more.  Shortcomers have no objection to be
+faithfully dealt with, if done in a genial temper; and it is a mistake to
+suppose that winking at irregularities of this kind pleases anybody.
+
+Beyond the church and church work there are few things to be noticed in
+St. James’s.  We have only been able to ascertain one very special matter
+of interest, which was found in the book of the register of marriages.
+The marriage of a certain Edward Walker and Ann Whinfield Williams, which
+took place on Sept. 30, 1847, was attested by no less a personage than
+the present ex-Emperor Napoleon—then as now an exile in this country.  As
+we read the handwriting, “Napoleon Louis B.,” followed by another, “Count
+de Montauban,” a crowd of reflections rushed to our minds such as
+probably our own age alone could supply.
+
+Services on Sunday are at 11 A.M., 3.30, and 7 P.M.  Holy Communion is
+celebrated on the first, third, and fifth Sunday in the month after
+“Morning Prayer,” and on other Sundays at 9 A.M.
+
+
+
+ST. MARK’S, NOTTING-HILL.
+
+
+ST. MARK’S, Notting-hill, takes one by surprise, it being almost hidden
+from view until the visitor turns the corner of the St. Mark’s-road.  The
+west elevation possesses some good composition, and is boldly treated.
+The tower stands at the south-west angle of the building, and is
+surmounted by a broached spire, covered with slate in coloured bands, and
+terminating in a weathercock, with the cardinal points indicated,
+relieved by spire lights.  The spire dies into a square brick tower,
+banded in colour with stone dressing.  The belfry windows are deeply
+recessed with marble shafts and foliated caps, with sharp-pointed
+lancets.  The tower also contains one of the western entrances to church,
+which forms an excellent feature.  It is treated as a square-headed
+double door, with the tympanum enclosed by a large hood mould, encircling
+well-carved panels in relief, containing the emblems of the Evangelists.
+The principal gable contains a three-light, simply-designed west window,
+with a series of lancets, and small buttresses below.  A porch also at
+the north-west angle, in harmony with the rest of the front is plainly
+and boldly designed, and is flanked by a stone pinnacle, the use of which
+we do not quite understand.  One of the most striking portions of the
+outside, however, are a series of flying buttresses, which are,
+unfortunately, nearly hidden from view by the closely-surrounding houses.
+These buttresses spring from square piers, standing perfectly free from
+the church, and in perspective giving the effect of a north and south
+cloister arcade.  The finials are of iron.
+
+Entering the church by either of the before-mentioned porches, they lead
+into large lobbies, containing the gallery stairs, separated by screen
+walls one from the other; in the northwest porch is a large and handsome
+stone bench, the elbows well cut, and each ornamented with a Maltese
+cross.
+
+The interior may really be said to be grand, owing very much to the
+imposing height of the nave and the fearless nature of the detail of roof
+and clerestory; the bold ribs, the bold sustaining caps and corbels, all
+with sharply-defined and clean cut foliage, indicating a skilled hand in
+design.  We confess not to be very fond of many bands of brick and stone,
+they give to an interior a sliced appearance and take away from the
+effect of space; yet, notwithstanding this defect, there can be no
+question of a fine effect of heights.
+
+The detail of galleries—the arrangement of the arcade and iron columns,
+with the clustered angle columns at the transepts—resembles St. George’s,
+Campden-hill, which was planned from the pattern of St. Mark’s.  The
+transept and chancel aisle arcade is also similarly treated.  The church
+is cruciform in plan, with the galleries free of the transepts.  The
+north transept contains the organ in a sort of high-legged loft, which
+rather looks like putting the organ out of the way.  A fine chancel-arch
+shows nearly the whole of the apsidal chancel, the walls of which are
+well-covered with a tessalace of tiles.  Seven steps lead up to the
+Communion space, the pulpit is raised on four clustered shafts of red
+Mansfield stone, with richly-carved caps, and handsomely enclosed with
+good ironwork, instead of the usual stone box.  The choir-stalls and
+prayer-desk are complete and of good design, and the brass lectern is
+well-raised.  The pewing and bench-ends strike us as being too heavy.
+The font is peculiarly elegant and graceful, and is a good specimen of
+early work.  The passages are all paved with tile of dark colour.  The
+style of the church is early English ornately treated, if anything
+perhaps a little too much so, the charm and beauty of early work being
+its extreme simplicity.
+
+St. Mark’s was consecrated on Nov. 27, 1863, by Bishop Tait, the
+foundation-stone having been laid Nov. 1 in the previous year.  E. B.
+Keeling, Esq., was the architect, and Messrs. Dove, Bros., the builders,
+and the cost in all 7,720_l._  A debt of about 1,000_l._ on the building
+account was discharged by the contributions of the congregation within
+the first three years.  The site was given by Mr. Blake, a freeholder in
+Notting-hill, and the sum of 5,000_l._ presented towards the building by
+the present patron—a great gift and benefit to the locality.  The church
+is furnished with a good organ, built originally by Hunter and Webb at a
+cost of 450_l._, but which has been considerably improved since by
+Bryceson, by the addition of several stops, including the _vox humana_,
+at the moderate further outlay of 65_l._  The instrument is skilfully
+employed in the service by Mr. Tamplin, professor of music, who has
+associated with him rather a numerous choir, which has, within the last
+twelve months only, taken to surplices.  In the first instance the
+service at this church was Evangelically plain; but within the last three
+years, monotoning the prayers and chanting the psalms have been
+introduced, as well as a large increase of Eucharistic celebrations, and
+now more recently the surpliced choir.  These changes have occurred under
+the same pastorate—that of the Rev. Edward Kaye Kendall—who has been
+Vicar of St. Mark’s from its foundation.  Mr. Kendall is an enlightened
+and able minister, as is evident from his pastoral circulars and the good
+reputation he has among his people; and we presume is fully satisfied in
+his own mind as to these changes, although some others have not approved
+them.  His congregation is good.  The church, including the accommodation
+of _telescopic_ seats, will hold 1,500, 1,000 of the sittings being
+rentable, and 500 free.  The average congregation is about a thousand or
+over; and, together with a large proportion of the higher middle class,
+there are many poor.  Earnest parochial work is being done.  Quite
+recently capital school buildings have been erected in St. Mark’s road,
+where there is an average attendance on week-days of near 400 children of
+both sexes, including infants, and on Sundays 350.  At the first a house
+close to the site was rented and used as a school, but soon it was so
+crowded in every room, and even on the stairs, that to obtain better
+accommodation became a necessity, and it is gratifying to note that the
+liberality of Mr. Kendall’s friends and congregation has enabled him to
+accomplish this work with so much expedition and success.  A separate
+service is held for the children on Sunday mornings in the schoolrooms,
+conducted principally by lay-helpers, whose church-work the Vicar is very
+anxious to utilise.  Once a-month the children are also taken to a
+service in the church in the afternoon.  There is a “Lay-helpers’
+Association,” the members of which, with the district visitors, have done
+much towards filling the church with people, and in extending parochial
+work in general.  There is also a “Mothers’ Meeting,” a “Clothing
+Repository,” a Provident and a Maternity and Sick Funds, a Needlewomen’s
+Institution, a Lending Library, and a Soup-kitchen in winter.  For these
+various objects, as well as for several foreign Christian enterprises,
+the offertory account amounted last year to 663_l._ 2s. 6d.  There is no
+endowment, and the clergy are supported and all expenditure provided for
+by the pew-rents and other voluntary means.  The usual services are:
+Sundays, at 11, 3.30 P.M., and 7 P.M.  Weekdays, on Wednesday, prayers at
+11 A.M., and Fridays prayers at 11 A.M., and prayers and sermon at 7.30
+P.M.  Communion every Sunday at 8.30 A.M., and after morning service, and
+on every holy day falling on a weekday at 8 A.M.
+
+We had not the opportunity of hearing the Rev. Vicar on Sunday, July 23,
+1871, his place being supplied by the Right Rev. the Bishop of Honolulu
+(Dr. Staley).  The prayers were monotoned by the Rev. F. F. Kelly, LL.M.,
+who succeeded to the curacy at Christmas last, upon the removal of the
+Rev. A. H. Dunn to Acton, where we understand the latter is very usefully
+employed as a missionary in originating a new church, of which he is to
+be the future vicar.
+
+
+
+ALL SAINTS’, NOTTING HILL.
+
+
+ALL SAINTS, NOTTING-HILL, once looked desolate and forsaken.  It was like
+a church in a desert, and for a long time remained so; but now the houses
+and pleasant squares have grown up around it, and we can say it is
+situated in Colville-gardens.  It is early English in style, built of
+stone in regular course, and covered with slate.  At a distance it is
+cathedral-like in miniature, and it is not too much to say so, for upon a
+closer inspection the beautiful detail of all its parts quite satisfies
+the mind of the artist, and he leaves it without a feeling of
+disappointment.  The roofs are peculiar in the rise of their ridges at
+the gables.  This gives a somewhat broken look to them.  The tower is
+very handsome, but unfinished.  It requires the lantern to be completed,
+and marble shafts are required at the belfry windows.  The church has
+three entrances—one in the tower to the west, by a handsome south porch,
+and by a north door.  Slightly cruciform in plan, without nave aisles,
+transepts, chancel, and aisles, the nave arcade is peculiarly good,
+clustered marble shafts, and well-designed caps and bases, with full
+moulding to the arches.  The clerestory is excellent in detail, and the
+ring-post and ribbed roof is a change from the usual style of church
+roof.  The aisle corridors, too, are treated as a light arcade with
+clustered marble columns.  The church is light, and the windows are
+filled with tinted and figured glass, also some good stained glass in the
+aisles.  The pulpit and font are of alabaster; the pewing is light and of
+good design; the flooring is tiled.  The organ in south transept is
+raised in a gallery of its own.  The eastern wall of the Sacrarium is
+decorated with fresco, rather floridly painted—the angel saluting Mary
+and the birth of Christ.  These frescoes have been universally
+recommended by art judges.
+
+All Saints was consecrated in 1851, and represented an outlay of
+20,000_l._  The tower alone cost 10,000_l._—a very large sum, when we
+consider the incomplete character of the object on which it was spent.
+One chief thing about it worth notice is its bell; which tolls for
+church, and which has a deep and rich tone, reminding the ear, more than
+any other in the vicinity, of a cathedral “Tom.”  The church is furnished
+with a very fine organ, by Messrs. Gray and Davidson, and cost 1,500_l._
+It has forty stops, including the _vox humana_, and is, at present, under
+the management of Mr. Walker, a pupil of Dr. Steggall.  There is sitting
+accommodation for between 1,100 and 1,200, 300 sittings being free, and
+the remainder letting at from one to two guineas per annum.  The
+congregation is of a highly respectable class, and apparently matured and
+settled.  The clergy consisting of the Rev. John Light, M.A., and three
+curates, the Revs. Messrs. Bathurst Coults, and Griffiths, are supported
+entirely from pew-rents, and a weekly offertory, which produces between
+500_l._ and 600_l._ a-year, meets all other expenses.  With regard to the
+service at All Saints it is moderately High Church; in every part of it
+there is an imitation of cathedral effects.  There is a good choir, with
+surplices of course.  Twelve of the boys have a free literary and musical
+education under one of the curates in what is termed the Choir School,
+the efficiency of the choir being thus continuously provided for.  The
+singing is of a superior order—lively and spirited—and sufficiently wide
+of the Gregorian monotone.  The _Te Deum_ and _Jubilate Deo_ are sung as
+anthems with good effect.  The Prayers and Psalms are intoned, and the
+responses sung by the choir and congregation.  And in excess of what is
+sometimes witnessed in High churches, the General Confession was intoned
+by the priest, and responded by the choir and people in song; and the
+Commandments were intoned by the Vicar himself.  It may be observed that
+the assistant curate knelt with his back to the congregation, whilst the
+Vicar intoned the Commandments.  At the name of Jesus in every place the
+minister and people bow.  A more striking illustration of the
+inconvenience of this carried to excess could not be witnessed than in
+the singing of one of the hymns.  It was Hymn 314 in the Appendix to
+“Hymns Ancient and Modern,” “When morning gilds the sky,” &c.  There are
+eight verses of six short lines each, and in every third line the sacred
+name occurs—that is sixteen times in the course of the hymn.  And the
+hymn being quickly sung, the head was kept in almost constant motion.
+The Nicene Creed was also sung.  Then followed the sermon.  The Vicar,
+ascending the pulpit and facing the congregation, whilst yet standing,
+pronounces, “To God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost;” and at once gives
+out his text.  It was a brief address of fifteen minutes, delivered
+without book or note.  High Churchism pretty much sets on one side the
+old-established Gospel and Apostolic institution of “preaching the Word.”
+In the present instance, here was a minister of very considerable natural
+and acquired ability, which all who know him must allow places him far
+above mediocrity; there was a magnificent text of Scripture to discourse
+upon, “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for
+the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (3 Phil. xx. 1.)  It would have been
+refreshing had there been time for this Scripture to have received a more
+adequate illustration from the lips of Mr. Light.  But there are two full
+services every day, four on every Sunday and on festivals.  Two
+administrations of the Holy Communion on Song Sunday and Festival; three
+sermons every Sunday, the brevity of which is justified at All Saints
+upon the principle, “That as God’s house is a house of prayer, and not
+merely a house of preaching, the service should be put before sermons.”
+But may not this notion be carried too far?  What is the relation between
+_preaching the Gospel_ and a proper devout performance of general
+Christian service, implied in true conversion and progress in spiritual
+life?  We are not advocates for long sermons, but it appears to us to
+abbreviate them as some are doing is calculated to impair or defeat the
+higher spiritual objects of public worship.
+
+
+
+THE CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, KENSINGTON.
+
+
+THE Church of St. John the Baptist is a temporary iron structure, and,
+like most other buildings of the sort, offers no point for architectural
+notice.  It is, however, very good of its kind, and is, externally—as
+seen in the comparatively vacant part of the new Holland-road in which
+its stands—more picturesque than some others we have had to review.  But
+the approaches to it are at present quite unformed, and when autumn and
+winter returns—unless something be done—the state of the road can
+scarcely be expected to help the congregation.  We are glad, however, to
+hear that road improvement is in immediate contemplation.  The interior
+is fitted with plain benches, and the temporary chancel neatly arranged,
+with a slight tendency to ornament.  The church was at first rented from
+the builder, but has since been purchased.  It has sittings for about 900
+persons, of which one half from east to west are free.  Of the other half
+a proportion only are at present let, at rentals varying from 1_l._ 1s.
+0d. to 30s. per annum; so that a great majority of the congregation
+appear to avail themselves of the free seats.  The church was opened in
+February, 1869, being planted in and intended to form a sub division in
+the ecclesiastical division of St. Barnabas, Kensington.  The Rev. George
+Booker is incumbent and vicar designate.  The rev. gentleman is at
+present without assistance in the services, except on Sunday evenings,
+when the Rev. Dr. Cosmo R. Gordon, minister of St. Mary’s, Park-street,
+Grosvenor-square, and head-master of the Notting-hill Collegiate School,
+is lecturer.  In consequence of this arrangement, the Sunday evening
+lectures at this church are highly appreciated, Dr. Gordon being a
+talented and an esteemed preacher.  The Rev. G. Booker, we believe, has
+set before him in the services—“To realise the spirit of the Prayer-book
+_as it is_, and not as any extreme party, High or Low, would wish it to
+be.”  There is, however, nothing in the general service but what is
+reconcilable with High Churchism, although it does not appear to be
+intended.  Unisonal chanting has been introduced within the last few
+weeks, on account of its greater volume of sound, the acoustic qualities
+of the church being very indifferent; but partly, also, from the
+difficulty felt in this as other churches in keeping together a complete
+double choir for antiphonal singing, where the services of the lay-clerks
+are voluntary.  There is, however, a great preponderance of chanting in
+monotone, and this, whilst the minister intones his parts in the service,
+gives to the whole the impress of High Church service.  There is a
+four-part surpliced choir of considerable efficiency, and one is apt to
+think it might appear to greater advantage in another style of singing.
+But the Rev. Mr. Booker is personally a minister of an earnest,
+evangelical type.  His reading of the Scriptures is deliberate and most
+appropriate in tone and manner, and his sermon is by no means stultified
+in deference to the other parts of the service.  This is a great merit.
+The sermon we had the privilege of hearing was founded on Luke xvi. 9:
+“And I say unto you make to yourselves friends of the mammon of
+unrighteousness; that when ye fail they may receive you into everlasting
+habitations.”  There was a very clear exposition of the parable of the
+unjust steward, and the right use as against the abuse of riches was
+cogently put, with a due amount of illustration and enforcement.  We do
+not remember to have listened to a more instructive, practical, and
+useful treatment of this somewhat delicate subject.
+
+The maintenance of the clergy, church expenses, interest on purchase
+money, &c., are objects to which the proceeds of the pew-rents and weekly
+offertory are devoted.  The former source of income is at present limited
+and undeveloped.  The offertory, up to this time, averages about 330_l._
+per annum.
+
+There is a very excellent middle-class school in connection with this
+church, conducted by Mr. Studdy, a B.A. of the London University.  In
+this school the boys of the choir are amongst the pupils and have their
+education free.
+
+
+
+THE CARMELITE CHURCH, KENSINGTON.
+
+
+THE Carmelite Church in Church street, Kensington, is built of plain
+brick and stone and covered with slate, and though plainly treated and of
+simple and almost severe design, is nevertheless a good specimen of
+modern early English church-building.  The east front (the church stands
+east and west) is the principal feature externally.  It contains a fine
+rose window and double entrance doors; those doors open into a lobby to
+the right and left.  The inside is certainly very good, and reminds one a
+great deal of the style of the Pro-Cathedral, but slightly more decorated
+and ornate, though not so large.  It has a fine effect of height, and the
+roofs are handsomely decorated—between the rafters having gold stars on a
+blue ground.  The plan of the church is simple; a nave and aisles, and
+the west end is treated as an apse, in which stands the high altar, very
+fine and richly decorated, with crocheted canopy, pinnacles, and niches.
+The nave arcade requires to be finished, and the plaster arches present a
+very poor effect.  It is to be regretted that such a substitute has been
+employed.  The church has a number of chapels, altars, confessional
+boxes, &c., usually found in Roman Catholic churches.  The floors of
+passages are paved with tiles, and the nave is occupied with simple
+pewing.  The pulpit is very plain, almost ugly.  Some good stained glass
+fills the windows of the apse and some of the aisle windows, but we do
+not admire the red glass of the clerestory.
+
+The Church of the Carmelite Fathers was opened six years ago, having been
+erected at a cost of 5,000_l._, after the design of Mr. Pugin, architect,
+of Ramsgate, by Mr. Smith, builder, of the same town.  The organ, which
+is a very splendid instrument, built by Cavaille and Co., of Paris, and
+which is equally remarkable for its soft and powerful tones, cost
+2,000_l._  The altars, furniture, confessionals, &c., cost about
+3,000_l._ more, so that there is here represented an outlay of at least
+10,000_l._
+
+The fathers, who occupy the monastery adjoining, and serve the church
+only—having no parish work—are at present five in number.  The prior is
+the Rev. Stanislaus Viney; and the second and following priests are,
+Signors Lignori, Eschewiria, Felix Rizzo, Hillarion Berger, and Edmund
+Sharples—four Italians and one Englishman.  There are services every hour
+from seven A.M. to eleven; and on Sundays vespers at half past three P.M.
+Sermon and benediction, high-mass at eleven A.M.  There are two
+confraternities—that of St. Peter and the Arch-confraternity of
+Thanksgiving.  In connexion with the first was established in 1863, at
+the invitation of Cardinal Wiseman, “nocturnal adoration” of the
+sacrament.  Each active member—who can only be a male person—has to watch
+once a-month one hour at night—a bed being provided for him in the
+monastery the remainder of the night.  Fourteen members of this
+confraternity are summoned for every Wednesday, and attend at ten P.M.,
+the “Service of Exposition” and prayers, after which all but two retire
+to the dormitory.  These two then commence the “Adoration of the
+Sacrament.”  Ladies are admitted as honorary members only, and their
+privileges are to partake with the others of the “merit of the
+adoration,” to be allowed to “forward their intentions to be prayed for,”
+and to pay a subscription of 2s. 6d. annually.
+
+“The Arch-confraternity of Thanksgiving” has for its special objects to
+render thanks for gifts, and above all for the “gift of God—the
+Eucharist.”  “To make up for the frightful ingratitude of the greater
+number of men.”  For all benefits, but especially for Jesus, “Who is
+really present on our altars in the Divine Eucharist as pontiff and
+victim.  For the Eucharist is not only the gift of God to men, but the
+sacrifice of men offered to God.”  The sole obligation of the brothers
+and sisters is to “recite every day as a thanksgiving for all men, three
+_Our Fathers_, three _Hail Marys_, and _three Glorias_.”  The rewards
+promised to this confraternity are _special plenary indulgences_—
+
+1.  _On the_ “_usual conditions_, _on the day aggregation_.”
+
+2.  _At the point of death_.
+
+3.  _On the second Thursday of each month_.
+
+4.  On the Thursday of _Corpus Christi_.
+
+5.  On the 8th of September, the feast of the “Immaculate Conception.”
+
+6.  One of seven years and seven quarantains; whenever an hour of
+adoration is made before the sacrament.
+
+7.  One of 300 days attaching to the reciting of three “Our Fathers,”
+three “Hail Marys,” and three “Glorias.”  All these indulgences are
+further declared to be “applicable to souls in Purgatory,” and subjects
+of them are exhorted to use prayer especially for this object.  All this
+is enforced by the following reflection: “Association tends rather to pay
+our debts to heaven than to acquire new personal gifts.  Would not this
+end be sooner attained by placing in the merciful hands of the Virgin the
+suffrages obtained by the exercise of our gratitude, so that she may
+dispose of them as she pleases in favour of the poor suffering souls who
+are still waiting for their deliverance from the _expiatory_ flames?
+Heaven would thus be opened for the souls whom Mary loves best.”
+
+Such is Popery, in the very heart of West London!  The church is capable
+of holding about 800 people; but the congregation is usually not full.
+There is no preacher of any note, but the English priest, E. Sharples, is
+represented to be the best and most acceptable.  There are three side
+altars on each side of the church, besides the High Altar, and an equal
+number of confessionals, and the church is open all the day.  A quiet
+midweek afternoon was the occasion of our visit.  It was very warm; and
+here, at this confessional or altar and the other, was a lady or a girl,
+bending in silence.
+
+
+
+THE TABERNACLE, KENSINGTON.
+
+
+KENSINGTON TABERNACLE, in Horton-street, close to the High-street, is a
+very neat-looking modernised building, so far at least as its west front
+goes; all has been done for it that stucco can do, and its entrance
+arcade gives to it an uncommon appearance, unlike the usual arrangements
+applied to chapels.
+
+The interior, with its large encircling gallery, good pulpit, harmonium,
+nice pewing, make up a very satisfactory whole; but the great charm of
+the interior consists in the quiet, excellent taste displayed in the
+coloured decoration and painting, very much to be admired, and worthy of
+imitation, and seeming to tell its own tale of the simplicity and the
+faith of the congregation that worship there.
+
+The history of Hornton street Chapel has been various and chequered.  The
+church connected with it has been successively Presbyterian,
+Congregational, and Baptist.  The old Presbyterian cause in Kensington
+began to shape itself about the year 1790, when the few united together
+met in a plain barn-like building at a place called South-end, at the end
+of St. James’s-street, leading out of Kensington-square.  The most
+remarkable part of the church’s history here was that it was right in the
+teeth of the noted local infidel of that day, Tom Taylor, who held near
+the same spot what he called his “Hell-fire Club,” in which, with his
+rough disciples, he used to meet, and rave against religion and society.
+From hence, we believe, the corner is vulgarly known by the awful
+nomenclature of “Hell-fire-corner.”  From this scene the church removed
+to Hornton-street in 1793.  Three of the members had joined their means
+and influence to procure this more eligible meeting-house.  They were a
+Mr. Gray, a nurseryman, Mr. Broadwood, the founder of the great
+pianoforte firm, and Mr. Foreacre, the then coachman of King George III.
+Of these three worthies it is told that they built the chapel by
+bond-deeds, the amount of responsibility being equally divided among
+them.  Some time after the opening there remained still due to each of
+them 600_l._, 1,800_l_. in all; and at a certain meeting of the deacons,
+one of them took up the poker from the grate and, winding his bond round
+the end of it, thrust it into the fire, the other two immediately
+following his example.  By this noble act the chapel was freed from debt,
+there remaining only a ground-rent of 8_l._ 8s. per annum.  It is also
+related that the royal coachman about this time dropped a handful of
+tracts into the coach one day, when about to take out his royal master,
+and the King, who it appears perused the tracts diligently, afterwards
+commanded his devout servant to get him a further supply.  The Rev. Dr.
+Lake was the first minister, in whose time members of the Royal Family
+from Kensington Palace rented a pew in the chapel.  He was succeeded in
+the pastorate by the Revs. John Clayton, Dr. Liefchild, Dr. Vaughn, and
+Dr. Stoughton, now of Allen-street Chapel, our account of which we should
+recommend to be read in connexion with this.  In the time of the latter
+pastorate, Hornton-street Tabernacle became the parent of two other
+chapels—viz., Horbury and Allen-street, to the latter of which Dr.
+Stoughton attached himself with his church.  The chapel was then closed
+for a considerable time, and used only as an appendage to Allen-street
+for school accommodation, &c.  There was, however, a division of opinion
+in the matter, a few of the old members, contending that the chapel
+should still have been used for its original purpose, and that there was
+in the town abundant room for a second cause.  To this Dr. Stoughton
+himself was decidedly opposed, and consequently it remained closed until
+it had been purchased by the Metropolitan Railway Company, who, needing
+the schools in the rear for the progress of their works, were compelled
+to take the whole property.  4,000_l._ was thus obtained, with which Dr.
+Stoughton was enabled to build his present superior schools in
+Allen-street.  In the meantime, Mr. Orchard and a few others of the
+Baptist persuasion, had met in an office, now an auction and estate
+agency, adjoining the old chapel, and engaged the Rev. R. J. Mesquitta,
+of Mr. Spurgeon’s College, as pastor.  That minister’s success was so
+great that they were shortly obliged to adjourn to the Avenue Assembly
+Rooms.  Whilst here, the railway company put the old chapel into the
+market to be let.  The church availed itself of the opportunity and
+returned to it, undertaking it at an annual rental of 115_l._  This was
+about a year and a half ago.  600_l._ was required to put it in order,
+build galleries, &c., which was promptly promised by members of the
+congregation.  One would have thought that this was the beginning of
+better days; but, alas! through some evil fortune, it was the beginning
+of a new and distressing decline.  In the settlement of the property now
+acquired in the chapel, the four persons who had transacted the business,
+it appears, did it all in their own names, without any legal reference to
+the church for which they were the intended trustees.  This certainly was
+an error, from which one subsequently, when he discovered the effect, was
+honourably anxious to disentangle himself.  The other three, however,
+held out against the remonstrances of the minister, Mr. Orchard, and
+others, who had made themselves responsible for the money to those whom
+they had looked upon as trustees.  The natural ultimate consequence was,
+that the minister left in the midst of his usefulness, the members and
+congregation quitted their seats, and the church became again a wreck.
+To this state of things the present pastor, the Rev. Mr. Hawes, succeeded
+a short time since.  He appears to be a minister of great earnestness of
+purpose.  He is a good Evangelical preacher, and delivers himself mainly
+extempore, with considerable power and unction, and it can only be hoped
+that he will succeed in repairing the breaches of Zion, and building up
+this church anew.  There are about 700 seats, 300 of which—all the
+galleries—are free.  There is a small Sunday-school, having about 60
+scholars of both sexes.
+
+
+
+PALACE GARDEN CHAPEL, KENSINGTON.
+
+
+CLOSE to the Mall and the High-street, Notting-hill, is a large,
+gloomy-looking structure of the Classical School, not that it is by any
+means a good example of classical work; it is heavy and badly
+proportioned as regards its stucco-pediment cornice and columns, the
+latter engaged, and the spaces bricked in and filled with window and
+doors with stucco dressings.  The interior we are not able to report
+upon, the chapel being without a congregation.
+
+This chapel was built nine years ago by Mr. Robert Offord, of Kensington,
+for his brother, the Rev. John Offord, then of Plymouth.  It appears to
+have been originally designed for a Baptist Chapel, being provided with a
+baptistry; but the Rev. Mr. Offord from the first gathered around him
+Christian people of all denominations, and formed what may be termed an
+open union church.  Of this he was the minister about seven years, and
+won himself high esteem with all who could appreciate Christian learning
+and excellence of character.  He was not in the general sense popular as
+a preacher, but drew around him a goodly number of admiring friends, and
+the congregation prospered.  The chapel contains accommodation for 1,000
+persons, and the average congregation in his time was between 600 and
+700.  The chapel, however, was the private property of Mr. Robert Offord,
+and it had never been settled upon trust for the benefit of the church,
+but had, in fact, been hired by the congregation of the owner, at a
+rental of 200_l._ a-year.  The consequence was that, when the owner died,
+about two years ago, some confusion ensued in the affairs of the church.
+The minister and his friends, not feeling equal to the task of
+undertaking a chapel in no degree their own, were inaugurating
+arrangements to remove to some other place, when, in the providence of
+God, the minister himself—surviving his brother but by a little time—was
+called away by death.  The chapel was then put into the market for sale,
+and was bought for 5,500_l._ by the late Dr. Schwartz, of well-known
+German Jewish origin, but converted to the Protestant faith and
+ultimately a Presbyterian minister.  As a condition of concluding the
+purchase, the property was made freehold, which must be a great advantage
+to all subsequent owners.  This was all in last year, and Dr. Schwartz
+entered upon his labours, but only for a short time.  Six months after
+his commencement, and only six weeks after his formal induction by the
+presbytery to the pastorate, he, too, was called to his rest.  And now,
+the chapel still having remained private property, the prospects of the
+church became as clouded and uncertain as ever.  It was put again into
+the market by the executors of Dr. Schwartz, in the interests of his
+widow and family, and was brought to the hammer at the Mart, in
+Tokenhouse-yard, on the 14th of June last.  The matter had now been taken
+in hand by the presbytery on behalf of the church, and they instructed
+their solicitor, Mr. Lewis, to attend the auction and bid for the church
+to the extent of 5,000_l._  He, however, found himself at the Mart, in
+presence of a powerful competitor unknown to him, but who seemed resolved
+to outbid him.  He was induced to exceed his limit by 225_l._, but, being
+still pressed, declined to follow on his own responsibility, and,
+accordingly, the chapel was knocked down to the highest bidder, who
+turned out to be purchasing for the Swedenborgians.  Mr. Finney, a
+wealthy merchant of Manchester, had made this body a present of
+10,000_l._ for the purpose of establishing a cause in Kensington.  Hence
+the sharp competition into which they entered for the edifice, which was
+obtained by them for the sum of 5,000 guineas.  It is intended to build
+an organ, and make other improvements, and in four or five weeks to open
+it as the place of assembling for the “New Jerusalem Church,” or, in
+other words, the Swedenborgians.  None appear to regret more than the
+friends of the Presbyterian cause themselves the passing entirely away
+from them, and from the use of Orthodox Protestant Christianity, of this
+well-situated and commodious structure.  They would have given, and on
+the next day one of them offered a very considerable premium to the
+purchasers to relinquish their bargain; but, although remarking that had
+they known it was the congregation of the chapel itself bidding against
+them they would not have persevered, they nevertheless held to their
+purchase.  The Congregational Church is at present meeting in the Mall
+Hall, where they hold Divine Service every Sunday, and are making inquiry
+for an eligible site, on which, as soon as secured, they are prepared at
+once to build.
+
+
+
+ST. CLEMENT’S CHURCH, NOTTING HILL.
+
+
+ST. CLEMENT’S, Notting-hill, situated close to the Lancaster-road and the
+Potteries, is a very noticeable structure—as simple, indeed, as it is
+possible to be, yet treated with much good feeling and power.  The style
+is early English in a rather modest form, plain lancets and gables,
+without decoration or carving.  As a faithful example of the style,
+however, it is worthy of notice; and it may be observed that a permanent
+structure, plainly and simply, and therefore cheaply treated, is at all
+times preferable to temporary iron buildings, often unworthy to be called
+churches, but which far too often are allowed to be anything but
+temporary.  The nave and chancel and aisles have an unbroken line of roof
+and ridge, save that at their intersection a small spire or bell-turret
+rises square on plan, and like the roof is covered with slate.  The
+gables and facials add importance to the structure.
+
+The building is of yellow brick with red bands and stone dressings, and
+the construction of the roof might be noted as being peculiarly light and
+elegant in appearance.  Mr. St. Aubyn was the architect, and was
+certainly successful in producing a building well adapted for hearing and
+seeing the officiating clergy.  The ventilation is excellent.  The nave
+and aisles are separated by wooden posts or iron columns supporting the
+roofs, taking the place of the ordinary arcades.  The furniture of the
+church is in keeping with its general character, and the floors are paved
+with tiles.  The cost of the whole was 5,500_l._  There is a very
+sweet-toned organ by Holdich, but we are sorry to learn it is not the
+property of the church, but hired.  As, however, it can be acquired for
+the sum of 300_l._, or probably something less, we hope it will not be
+long before the congregation will own it.  It is ably played by Mr. F. K.
+Blanch, who is assisted in the musical parts of the service by a very
+efficient surpliced choir.  The cast of the service generally is
+semi-Anglican; the prayers are read and nothing is _intoned_ by the
+clergy; but all the responses are sung by the choir and the congregation.
+The worship appears carefully guarded against the peculiarities of High
+Churchism, without falling into the other extreme, and we must confess
+the performance struck us as being hearty and devout, as it regarded both
+the clergy and the congregation.  The present ministers are the Rev.
+Arthur Dalgarno Robinson, M.A., of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, vicar, the
+Rev. E. J. Venning, M.A., of Worcester College, Oxford, and the Rev.
+Herbert Rowsell, M.A., of St. John’s College, Cambridge, curates.  We had
+the pleasure of hearing the Rev. Vicar himself, who, in the absence of
+his curates taking their holiday, had all the duty to himself.  Mr.
+Robinson has a clear and pleasant voice, distinctly heard in every part
+of the church.  He reads with remarkable propriety and effect, a matter
+of first importance in a clergyman.  In the sermon, which was read, and
+founded on Deut. iv. 22, referring to the last words of the great Jewish
+lawgiver, and to his not being permitted to cross over into the land of
+promise, but to die in that land, the preacher gave evidence of careful
+study, imaginative powers, and deep feeling.  The remarks were highly
+instructive, and specially consolatory to the Christian chastened in
+tribulation and disappointed of his earthly hopes.  The Rev. A. D.
+Robinson has been incumbent from the foundation of the church, which was
+opened for Divine Service and consecrated by the Lord Archbishop of
+Armagh on Tuesday, the 7th May, 1867.  It was erected for a district,
+perhaps the poorest in all the Western districts, and containing a
+population according to the recent census of 20,000.  It supplies 900
+sittings, the whole of which are free, and has an average congregation of
+from 600 to 700.  It is noteworthy that, though in the midst of so poor a
+neighbourhood as the Potteries and vicinity, the congregation in the
+morning does not by any means appear of the poorer order, but in the
+evening many of the poor are to be seen enjoying the services.  The
+Argyle family, and others from the wealthier parts of the parish of
+Kensington, have taken a warm interest in the St. Clement’s cause with
+regard to the peculiar population around.  But that people have not yet
+shown great appreciation of these Christian efforts.  Yet a good work is
+doing.  There is the church, in which we are glad to believe the Gospel
+is preached, and into which any poor man can freely enter.  There is a
+mission-woman working about among the poorest, both in body and soul; but
+she sadly needs a co-labourer in this useful department of Christian
+work.  There are, too, we are pleased to add, very capital day and
+Sunday-schools, where about 700 of the children of the poor are receiving
+a sound religious and elementary education for the modest fees of 3d. and
+2d. per week.  There is, therefore, the hope that St. Clement’s will be,
+more and more, the centre of Christian civilisation and religious
+influence to that needy neighbourhood which it was originally intended to
+be.  We heartily wish that the Rev. Mr. Robinson could obtain what the
+particular work in which he has embarked really deserves and
+demands—viz., a larger amount of general recognition and support from the
+outside public.  As the case now stands, he must often look around him
+and say, “Truly the harvest is great, but the labourers are few.”  There
+is a small endowment on the church, to which the proceeds of a weekly
+offertory are added.  As both sources of income, however, are at present
+small, they can barely suffice to keep up the work even to its present
+standard.  We are assured that a little more material support would be
+highly acceptable and useful, well bestowed, and gratefully felt and
+acknowledged at St. Clement’s.
+
+
+
+HORBURY CHAPEL
+
+
+STANDS at the fork of two roads—the Kensington-park-road and
+Ladbroke-road—and looks effective and well, which is partly owing to its
+open position, and partly to the grey and sombre appearance of the stone
+of which it is built, and rendered darker, too, by the effect of London
+atmosphere and a little age.  The detail is not very good.  The south
+front is the principal feature, composed of a high-pitched gable and two
+square flanking towers and dwarf tile spires.  The towers are relieved
+with windows, simple arcade work, weather bands and strings, and
+oversailing and corbelled courses, and each has a gallery entrance.  The
+gable has a terminal with a large window of fair design, and divided into
+four lights.  The chief entrance to the chapel is also in this front,
+approached by steps.  The interior is simple—roofed in one span with
+light open timbers, and ribs on stone corbels.  Galleries on iron columns
+surround three sides of the chapel, parts of which in the transepts are
+set apart for the schools, a large pulpit and railed platform, with table
+and stalls, is at the north end, and the body of the chapel is filled
+with close pews.
+
+The Horbury Chapel and congregation date from the year 1849; and the 21st
+year of their existence was celebrated in 1870 by the erection of side
+galleries and by other improvements, at a cost of about 950_l._  Horbury
+Chapel enterprise was an off-shoot from Hornton-street Congregational
+Church, under the care of the Rev. Dr. Stoughton.  The Rev. W. Roberts,
+B.A., is the minister, and enjoys the reputation of an able and judicious
+pastor of his flock.  There is accommodation for nearly 1,000
+worshippers, and the congregation averages from 550 to 650.  The
+pew-rents yield about 500_l._ per annum, and the weekly offerings 120_l._
+There are excellent day-schools attached, with 400 children on the books,
+and an attendance of 300; also a Sunday-school, with an attendance of
+about 200.  There is an out-school, too, in Notting-dale, with 115 under
+instruction and a ragged-school in Ernest-street, which is eminently
+useful in collecting together a class of children who would not otherwise
+be cared for.  100 are in attendance at the infant day-school, and 50 at
+the night school, and there are 50 in a Sunday-night school.  There is a
+penny bank established in connection with the ragged-school, and last
+year there were deposits to the amount of 278_l._ 8s. 10d.  At a mothers’
+meeting there are usually in attendance thirty persons.  Following the
+example of the parent congregational church in Hornton-street, the
+Horbury is aggressive in its labours.  The increasing population about
+Acton has attracted its attention.  A new chapel is built there, and it
+is hoped that a large congregation will shortly be gathered into it.
+There is a tract society—the useful labours of which deserve notice;
+besides which and its other home enterprises the Horbury congregation
+contributes sums of various amount to the London City Mission, the
+British Missions, the Foreign Sailors’ Society, the London Missionary
+Society, and the Evangelisation of the Jews Society.  There is much that
+is gratifying about the unobtrusive Christian character and efforts of
+this church, for which every Christian mind must pray them “God speed.”
+
+The services are: Lord’s-day, 11 A.M., 3 P.M. (Young Women’s
+Bible-class), and 6.30 P.M.  Holy Communion, first Sunday in the month,
+after the morning service, and on the third Sunday, after the evening
+service.  Wednesday evening at 7, an expository lecture, followed by a
+Psalmody-class, to practise anthems and tunes.  Prayer and church
+meetings at stated times.  There are six deacons, Messrs. Coats,
+Cullingford, Holt, E. Nash, Starkey (Mrs. S.), and Walton.
+
+
+
+DENBIGH ROAD WESLEYAN CHAPEL.
+
+
+THE Wesleyan Chapel situate in the Denbigh-road, Notting-hill, is the
+principal chapel of what is marked on the Methodist Conference plan as
+the _Bayswater Circuit_.  It was built in the year 1858, after the
+designs of W. W. Pocock, Esq., architect, and is a fair specimen of the
+Grecian style.  In no religious body do tastes as to ecclesiastical
+architecture vary more than among the Wesleyans.  Some prefer the Gothic
+of the thirteenth century, others the decorated Gothic of the fourteenth.
+Some adopt the perpendicular of a still later date, whilst others hold to
+the Grecian, which was the style in which Mr. Wesley himself built.  The
+Wesleyans of Bayswater have followed the original Connexional pattern,
+but have erected a very neat edifice, which would be more effective as an
+ornament to the neighbourhood but that its front falls slightly behind
+the line of houses amidst which it stands, and cannot be seen except in
+close proximity.  The interior arrangement is noticeable for its combined
+utility and elegance.  The seats on the ground-floor are arranged in the
+amphitheatre style, and all made to converge to the pulpit, so that every
+hearer directly faces the preacher, and the latter has the most perfect
+command of all his audience.  There are galleries on three sides, and in
+the west gallery is a good organ with ornamental pipes, played by Mr.
+Brocklehurst, and a numerous choir of young persons of both sexes, whose
+singing is lively and animating, the tunes being such as the congregation
+can join in, and which it does with remarkable freedom and spirit.  The
+chapel has recently been repainted, and decorated very tastefully by Mr.
+Hearne of London, at a cost of 450_l._  The occasion of our visit,
+Sunday, September 10, 1871, was also the occasion of the re-opening after
+a closing of five weeks for this purpose.  The work is done in white and
+gold, and the gilt on the columns, gallery fronts, and pulpit, which is a
+wide platform structure, is ample, and, together with the light blue and
+white and buff of the ceiling, contributes to make up one of the
+prettiest and most effective interiors we have yet seen.  The original
+cost of the chapel was 4,500_l._, and it affords accommodation for 950
+persons, 300 of the sittings being free.  After retiring from their
+former chapel in Queen’s-road, and securing the present site, the
+Wesleyans, resolved not to build until secure of funds to complete the
+work undertaken, first worshipped in a large room.  Next, proceeding by
+degrees, they erected their walls and put the roof on, and used the body
+of the chapel in an unfinished state, and finally they built their
+galleries, and completed the furniture, both of the chapel and
+schoolroom; and, what is most gratifying to add, possessed themselves of
+their beautiful sanctuary in its completeness entirely free from debt.
+The Rev. W. M. Punshon, M.A., now President of the Canadian Conference,
+was the first resident minister appointed to take charge of this new and
+important enterprise.  Under his popular ministry the congregation
+rapidly increased and reached its full dimensions, which it retained to
+the end of the three years itinerant term, every sitting being let and
+occupied, and the aisles also generally being crowded.  The Revs. J.
+Rattenbury, George Maunder, J. D. Brocklehurst, who followed Mr. Punshon
+in succession, were also highly popular and useful ministers, so that the
+Denbigh-road congregation has enjoyed all the influence and advantage
+that Methodism could supply, for raising up and consolidating a
+prosperous church.
+
+The able ministry with which it has been uniformly supplied is well
+maintained in the present appointments, if we may judge from our own
+hearing.  The Rev. T. M. Albrighton, the superintendent minister of the
+circuit, and especially attached by residence to that chapel, occupied
+the pulpit; and after an impressive reading of the Church prayers, as
+used by the Wesleyans at the morning service, preached an eloquent and
+powerful discourse founded on Zech. vi. 12 and 13, “And speak unto him
+saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of Hosts saying, Behold the man whose name
+is the Branch; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build
+the temple of the Lord; even he shall build the temple of the Lord; and
+he shall bear the glory and shall sit and rule upon his throne, and he
+shall be a priest upon his throne, and the counsel of truth shall be
+between them both.”  This fine text of Scripture was treated in a manner
+indicative of its importance.  The sermon was delivered extempore, but
+well studied, and, we should say, previously thought out to the last
+sentence.  The discourse was replete with theological intelligence, and
+threw much Evangelical light upon the text with which it had to do.  It
+was delivered too, with feeling, and evident intention of doing good; but
+this paramount purpose, kept steadily in view, did not, as is too often
+the case, disturb in any degree the order, method, and effect of the
+sermon as such.  If a sermon to be really good should have method, then
+this sermon was quite an example.  There was a suitable introduction, the
+divisions naturally rose out of the words of the text, and the
+peroration, delivered with deep feeling, brought it to a close, the whole
+occupying three-quarters of an hour.  The colleagues of Mr. Albrighton
+upon the Bayswater Circuit are the Revs. J. S. Banks and Nehemiah
+Curnock, who interchange pulpits with him and each other, but are more
+particularly attached respectively to the congregations worshipping in
+the Warwick-gardens and Bassin-park Chapels.
+
+There is a present membership of 430—_i.e._, recognised members of the
+Wesleyan body, by virtue of meeting in class—attached to the Denbigh-road
+Chapel.  Every department of Christian work appears to be in fair
+activity.  There is a good Sunday-school, having 450 children under
+religious instruction.  This school has an important feature in a young
+men’s Bible-class, numbering about 100, under the conductorship of Mr.
+Walter Heal.  From this fact it is not difficult to conjecture the cause
+of the presence of so many young men in the congregation as are to be
+seen on the Sunday.  There is also a Young Men’s Mutual Improvement
+Society in full operation during the winter months.  Associations for
+visiting the sick, ministering to the destitute, distributing tracts,
+&c., afford occupation to all willing to work; and these, we are
+informed, are not few at Denbigh-road.  The general efforts through the
+year in aid of foreign missions are supplemented by the activity of a
+“Juvenile Missionary Association,” who use their youthful influence as
+occasion offers to advance the great work of the world’s conversion with
+pleasing results.
+
+
+
+THE WESTBOURNE GROVE CHAPEL.
+
+
+A SOMEWHAT heavy-looking, but substantial structure in the
+main-thoroughfare attracts the attention of every passer-by at the
+west-end of Westbourne-grove, occupying also the corner of the
+Ledbury-road, where it intersects the Grove.  It was intended to be in
+early English style, and so we presume it must be considered, although it
+does not strike one as realising the ideal in a very impressive degree.
+It is, however, slightly decorated, and has something of the details of
+early work.  It is solidly built of Kentish rag, with Bath-stone facings,
+having two flanking towers, surmounted with stone spires.  In addition to
+the principal entrance, over a flight of steps in the front, these towers
+afford access to the galleries, to which, also, there are two other
+approaches from without, at the north end of the chapel, one on each
+side.  This is the largest chapel we have yet seen in West London; and
+the space within is economised to the utmost extent by gallery
+accommodation, there being double galleries on three sides, two having
+nine rows of seats.  These, with the pewing completely covering the
+ground floor, give accommodation for 2,000 persons.  The great feature of
+the interior is massiveness, which is only slightly relieved by an
+ornamental panelling on the gallery fronts, and a modern platform pulpit.
+When pretty well filled, as we saw it on the morning of Sunday, the 17th
+of September, 1871, the place has an imposing effect.  On the north side,
+behind the pulpit, there is an apse, with an organ and a few singers,
+answering well the purpose of leading the large congregation, which joins
+heartily in the musical parts of the service.  There are also behind the
+chapel proper, six spacious rooms for Bible-classes, committees, &c.,
+which is a noticeable feature, affording great facility to the several
+societies attached.
+
+The Baptist Church now worshipping at this chapel was originally formed
+at a small chapel or meeting-place in Silver-street, Kensington
+Gravel-pits, in the year 1823.  Its first settled pastor was the Rev. W.
+Southwood, who laboured with it from 1826 to 1830.  The Rev. John Broad
+succeeded in 1831, who occupied the post for ten years; and was followed
+by the Rev. John Berg in 1841, the Rev. F. Wills in 1843, and by the Rev.
+W. G. Lewis, the present pastor, in 1847.  Mr. Lewis preached his first
+sermon April 11 in that year, and was formally ordained in the following
+September.  The progress made through these years—and especially under
+the latter pastorate—is sufficiently told by the fact that the first list
+of members appearing in the church book in 1826 included only seventeen
+names, whilst the list in December of last year (1870), numbered as many
+as 725.  The small chapel in Silver-street becoming too strait for the
+growing cause—after considerable research—the prominent and important
+site of the present chapel was obtained and built upon in 1853, at an
+entire original cost of 5,500_l._  Since then galleries were added in
+1859, at a cost of 579_l._, and in 1866 a considerable enlargement took
+place, at a further grand outlay of 5,895_l._, so that the chapel as it
+now stands represents an expenditure of about 12,000_l._  Thus,
+apparently by a course of uninterrupted progress, within the last quarter
+of a century has grown up a very large and powerful church, which takes
+rank with the first of West London churches for numbers, for wealth, for
+influence, and for its multifarious Christian labours.  There are few
+finer instances of the effect of the Voluntary principle in religion to
+be found, whether we look for them in the Established Church or in
+Nonconformity.  In the year 1870, 668_l._ 5s. 6d. was received for
+pew-rents, and the weekly offerings amounted to 198_l._ 16s.; collections
+at the Lord’s Supper, 106_l._ 2s. 8d.  There are large Sunday-schools,
+with 632 scholars of both sexes and all ages, and a capital school
+library of 500 volumes, to which 371 of the scholars subscribe.  Towards
+the expenses of the school the church contributed 32_l._ 2s. 5d., and
+from this and its other sources of income, after paying its expenses, the
+school contributed 53_l._ 6s. 7d. to the Baptist Missionary Society, in
+addition to 100 dresses which were made and sent to a mission station in
+Western Africa.  An “Evangelical Mission,” the object being tract
+distribution, sick visitation, &c., obtained from the congregation to
+assist its work 24_l._ 3s.; the London City Mission, 88_l._; Baptist
+Missionary Society, 165_l._ 8s. 2d.; a Soup Kitchen, coals and bread,
+23_l._ 10s.; Children’s Friend Society, 10_l._ 5s. 4d.; Maternity
+Society, 4_l._ 1s. 10d.; a “Ladies’ Working Society” produced 27_l._ 9s.
+7d.; a “Mother’s Meeting,” by which nearly 200 poor women were assisted
+in providing clothes for themselves and families, 115_l._; and a “Young
+Men’s Mutual Improvement Society” raised 84_l._ 2s. 7d.  Besides all
+these, and independently of them, the congregation contributed 524_l._
+5s. 1d. towards the reduction of a debt still remaining upon the chapel,
+the whole representing an income and an appropriation of 2,469_l._ 19s.
+11d.  In connexion with the Children’s Friend Society there is a
+penny-bank, which received in the year 224_l._ 3s. 8d. deposits.  It must
+be evident to all, that great and sustained effort, and some self-denial
+in the moving spirits of these various operations, can alone account for
+such results.  The Rev. W. G. Lewis might well be congratulated upon the
+health and energy he has been enabled to bring to bear on this work, and
+upon the most efficient aid he has found ready to his hands in the
+numerous and zealous church and congregation over which he presides.  As
+to the general character of his pastorate and ministry, their abundant
+acceptableness and usefulness are sufficiently manifest from their
+duration, and from the present aspect of affairs at Westbourne-grove.
+Twenty-five years’ continuous ministry to the same church, and things all
+round still healthy, vigorous, and flourishing, places a minister almost
+beyond criticism, if any were disposed to indulge it.  Mr. Lewis appears
+to be an earnest and affectionate pastor, and calculated to govern a
+church without destroying it, and to its building up in the unity of
+faith and love.  He is undoubtedly an able and gifted minister of the New
+Testament, discerning the spiritual requirements of his charge, and
+skilful in meeting them by bringing out of the treasury “things new and
+old.”  Speaking from our own observations and information, the whole of
+his service, from beginning to end, is religiously profitable and
+instructive in a very high degree.  Having a good voice, capable of
+elocutionary effect, under the control of a well-furnished mind, his
+sermons are refreshing in their originality of conception and their
+terseness, yet completeness of expression and illustration, so that the
+hearer, at the close, feels that he has neither had too much or too
+little, but has been fed with intellectual and spiritual food “convenient
+for him.”  Mr. Lewis is well known as Editor of the _Baptist Magazine_,
+which has been for twelve years under his management.  The subject of
+discourse was Mary of Bethany and the alabaster box of ointment (Matt.
+xxvi. 13).  The force of the Divine love working in the human heart, and
+illustrating the effects of the Saviour’s love to the world, was
+appropriately set forth.  Its power, its freedom, its breadth,
+inventiveness and self-sacrifice in devotion and doing good, were set out
+in vivid contrast to the narrow bonds of worldly conventionality and of a
+cold-hearted time serving religious profession.  The good work which Mary
+did against the Saviour’s burial was symbolical of his own “good work”
+which he did by giving himself for us.  “Very costly, and embodying all
+that he could give.”  The hours and order of service at this chapel are:
+Sundays, 7 A.M., prayer-meeting; 11 A.M., public worship; afternoon: 3
+P.M., Bible classes; 6½ P.M., public worship; 8 P.M., prayer-meeting.
+Monday evening at 6, prayer-meeting for females only; 7, general
+prayer-meeting.  Baptism by immersion administered as occasion arises.
+The Lord’s Supper on the evening of the first Sabbath in each month at 8.
+Church meetings on the Friday before the first Sunday in the month, at 7
+P.M.
+
+The deacons are Messrs. Fenn, W. B. Head, Rabbeth, W. Dearle, J. R.
+Philips, G. Lindup.  The city missionary attached is Mr. J. Browne.
+
+
+
+THE FREE TABERNACLE, NOTTING HILL.
+
+
+THE name of the “Free Tabernacle” and Mr. Varley are indissolubly united
+in Notting-hill.  The Tabernacle is a very plain brick structure, in
+Norland-square, or rather in St. John’s-place, leading out of the square.
+It admits of no architectural description; but on entering one is
+impressed with the idea that it has been built with an object.  It has
+the appearance of a large hall, with a platform pulpit at one end, and a
+choir gallery behind it.  There is no other gallery at present; but the
+ground floor is thoroughly pewed, and the whole is capable of
+accommodating 1,000 persons, and, if necessary, 1,200 could find a place.
+The original cost of the building was 2,200_l._, the responsibility of
+which was entirely borne by the present minister and his father-in-law,
+Mr. Pickworth, who undertook the work solely in the interests of the
+spiritually destitute poor of the neighbourhood.  Mr. Varley, who was at
+the time and has ever since been engaged in business, first began to
+preach nine years ago in the Potteries, in the Notting-dale Schoolroom,
+where he speedily collected a congregation from the poor people of that
+district, so large and overcrowded that he was compelled to find another
+place.  This led to the building of the Tabernacle, and to one of the
+most valuable voluntary religious efforts that we have yet had the
+pleasure of recording.  Upon this basis, at the present time, an average
+congregation of 800 in the morning, and 1,000 in the evening, assemble
+for public worship.  Upon special occasions the number is increased to
+1,100 and 1,200, and it is interesting to note the respect and affection
+with which Mr. Varley is regarded by all this people.  He has succeeded
+in establishing an influence undoubtedly for good over a class not to be
+founds in many of the congregations we have yet had under review.  It is
+notorious that, as a rule, our poor do not attend our churches and
+chapels, but the “Tabernacle” supplies an exception to the rule.  In this
+case the minister himself is an active tradesman, and appears to possess
+that kind of talent which adapts him to the mind and circumstances of the
+class to whom he ministers.  Without even the shadow of lowness or
+vulgarity Mr. Varley has a certain colloquial style and manner which
+impart both pleasure and profit to his hearers, while it wins and retains
+their respect.  His preaching is to a large extent expository, as on the
+morning of Sunday, the 23rd of September, the text (Heb. viii. 6) was
+illustrated by frequent references to other portions of Scripture.  There
+was a peculiarity which we have not observed so fully carried out
+anywhere as here, a great proportion of the congregation had their Bibles
+in their hands, and regularly followed the preacher in his references
+with manifest interest, very much after the manner of a Bible-class
+following the teacher.  They had evidently been well trained to this, and
+did it as from established habit.  Mr. Varley also expounds in the
+reading of the lessons, and in so doing on this occasion denounced all
+assumption of a _priesthood_ by men, and the pretended sacrifice of the
+Mass, as a sin against God and a complete contravention of the
+Scriptures.  The hymns used are entitled “Hymns of Grace and Glory,”
+arranged especially for the service of this congregation, and are sung to
+simple melodies in which all can join.  The singing is universal, lively,
+and devotional, and appears to realise the great object of music in
+public worship.  The harmonium, however, it may be observed, is a little
+too much heard.  It is, perhaps, what some would term noisy, and is too
+apt to drown instead of assist the congregational voice.  The church,
+which now numbers about 550 members, is Baptist by profession, but what
+maybe termed an “open” Baptist Church, freely admitting Christian people
+of all denominations to its communion.  Amongst other peculiarities at
+the Tabernacle there is a communion every Sunday morning after the public
+service, except on the first Sunday in the month, when it is after the
+evening service.  It is the only case in a Nonconforming place we have
+yet had to notice in which there is a weekly celebration.  Mr. Varley
+believes this to be the Scriptural order; and from the large number that
+tarry to that service it would appear that his people are one with him in
+this belief.  The public services are on Sundays at eleven and half-past
+six; Monday evening prayer-meeting at seven, and on Wednesday evening a
+sermon at seven.  There is a good Sunday-school attached, with about 500
+children and a staff of 30 teachers.  The church derives all its
+financial support from voluntary effort.  Weekly offerings are taken at
+the doors, and all the sittings are free.  Up to the present time, Mr.
+Varley’s labour has been gratuitously bestowed.  It is with some surprise
+we learn that he has never yet received any earthly reward or testimonial
+whatever for his valuable services.  We do not know whether it would be
+approved by Mr. Varley himself, but we would suggest that it is one of
+the first duties of the church at the Tabernacle to set their minister
+free from the concerns of worldly business, that he might devote all his
+time to study and the discharge of his pastoral duties.  Having, under
+God, raised the church, he surely is its natural and fitting pastor; and
+one cannot but think that his separation to the work would prove a
+blessing to that people.  At present, his Sunday labour is supplemented
+by that of a missionary (Mr. Ashdown), supported by the congregation, who
+does much pastoral work through the week, visiting the people and
+striving to keep alive their interest in public worship.  Although the
+present building is a large place, it is thought not to be adequate in
+space to the demands; and is, therefore, now about to be closed for some
+weeks, pending important alterations.  After these are effected there
+will be an area of 74 ft. by 94, and galleries all around, affording
+accommodation for over 2,000 people; and in addition to this there will
+be several class-rooms, and one large room for general service,
+calculated to hold 500 persons.  It will easily be conceived that in “Mr.
+Varley’s Tabernacle” (as it is now commonly called) there must be a
+centre of powerful influence in dealing with a great mass of people not
+reached by other agencies, and which circumstances have caused to
+congregate around it.  The exterior will be greatly beautified by the
+alterations—a view of which, by favour of the architects, Messrs.
+Habershon and Pite, we are enabled to produce.
+
+  [Picture: Mr. Varley’s Tabernacle, St. James’ Place, Notting Hill, W.]
+
+
+
+THE CORNWALL ROAD BAPTIST CHAPEL.
+
+
+THIS is situated near the point where the Cornwall-road crosses the
+Ladbroke-grove-road, with a low, single-arched looking front, approached
+by a flight of steps from the footway, and inclining towards the latter
+road.  It is a wooden structure, but protected by a coating of lath, with
+an outside covering of Portland cement; and when on the other side the
+whole building is in view, it looks a long, dark, narrow object, which
+would not be readily taken for a place of worship, reminding one of a
+huge ironclad lying at anchor in a quiet harbour.  It may be explained
+that the shell was formerly a part of an _annexe_ belonging to the
+Exhibition building of 1862; and having been made a present, by the
+contractors, Messrs. Lucas and Co., to Sir Morton Peto, was presented by
+that gentleman for its present good purpose in the Cornwall-road.  It was
+set up in 1863, including a large, commodious schoolroom, deacons’ and
+minister’s vestries all included.  The chapel itself is a spacious
+oblong, fitted with an organ gallery behind the pulpit, and another
+gallery of similar dimensions at the opposite end, but having no side
+galleries.  The organ was also the gift of Sir M. Peto, and built by
+Willis, of the Albany-road, Regent’s-park, at a cost of 300_l._  There is
+a plain pulpit, sufficiently elevated, and the floor is plainly pewed;
+but the woodwork in the roof is tastefully coloured in light blue and
+white, which gives a light and pleasing aspect to the interior.  The
+place will accommodate about 800 persons.
+
+The Rev. J. A. Spurgeon, brother of the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon, of the
+Metropolitan Tabernacle, was the first minister of the chapel.  He
+laboured very successfully for four years—collecting an excellent
+congregation and a goodly body of church members.  He was, however,
+unfortunately for his people, removed to assist his brother in the duties
+of the college which he had founded in connexion with his South London
+enterprise.  Previously to his departure, however, the church gave
+substantial proof of the esteem in which it held him, by presenting him
+with a purse containing 50_l._, and a handsome gold watch and key, by
+Bennett, of Cheapside, which cost 24_l._
+
+The successor was the Rev. Charles White a minister who can scarcely be
+said to have settled in the church.  At his inauguration the Rev. C. H.
+Spurgeon preached an appropriate sermon, at the close of which he hoped,
+and in fact predicted, that the Rev. Mr. White would prove the “right
+man” for the congregation.  It, however, almost immediately after
+transpired that a serious feeling of estrangement, and of something
+beyond, sprung up between several of the principal members and deacons
+and the new minister.  It need not be surmised which side was most to
+blame.  Probably it is safe to omit all conjectures on the subject.  This
+“letting out” of the waters of strife became painful in its consequences.
+The church was completely rent; and in about nine months after his
+appointment Mr. White left the chapel, and betook himself, with a large
+number of the congregation, to the Ladbroke Hall near, where he continued
+to minister for another year.  In the meantime the chapel was well nigh
+forsaken and the church severely tried.  It was at this juncture that the
+present minister, the Rev. R. H. Roberts, B.A. (of London University),
+was invited, and undertook the charge.  Under the difficult circumstances
+he appears to have acted the part of a wise man, resolving and avowing
+his resolution not in any way to interfere with Mr. White, or harbour any
+feeling of hostility towards him or his friends, but, on the contrary, to
+evince towards them an amicable disposition.  There was, however, not
+long the need for this display of Christian temper in that direction, as
+very soon Mr. White removed from the neighbourhood.  From that time the
+church has been gradually revived and the congregation visibly increased,
+many of the old members returning, and some new being added; and at
+present it looks as though it must shortly recover its former strength.
+Mr. Roberts, who has now been two years with the church, is an
+intelligent and thoughtful preacher, and from the discourse to which we
+listened, founded on the parable of the pounds, we should think he is
+aiming at inspiring his people with a high sense of their responsibility.
+There were some pointed and pregnant utterances in the sermon which are
+apt to fix themselves in the memory.  As for instance, in regard to the
+constancy of Christian service: “Let not this be a work for ‘saints’
+days,’ for all days are, or ought to be, _saints’ days_ in the calendar
+of the kingdom of heaven.”  As to the Saviour’s second advent: “The
+_best_ way of waiting for Christ is to continue _working_ for him.  With
+the nearness or distance of his coming we have nothing to do; the word
+says ‘Occupy _till_ I come.’”  As to the proper use of our talents: “Some
+men prosper and come into the front _by accident_; but the outward
+seeming will be _pierced_ through in the day of account, and the very
+heart of whatever reality there is about us will be got at.”  Then,
+again, as to human attainments: “All human attainments are only divine
+endowments developed and magnified.”  These and similar terse remarks,
+thrown out in passing, added effect to various parts of the subject.
+
+The service of song is well provided for here.  “Psalms and Hymns” for
+use in Baptist congregations is the book used, in which it is
+satisfactory to observe the name of every author drawn upon appended to
+his composition.  The Bristol Tune-book is distributed, and the name of
+the tune is given out with the hymn.  There is also Allen’s Book of
+Congregational Chants and Anthems; and that grand and universal hymn _Te
+Deum Laudamus_ was not omitted, but was sung in the midst of the service
+with much propriety and spirit by the whole congregation.
+
+In the Sunday-school there are a little over 300 children on the books,
+and an average attendance of about 100 in the morning and 220 in the
+afternoon.  There is a “Home Missionary Society,” which employs twelve
+tract distributors; a “Maternal Society,” a regular “Mothers’ Meeting,”
+and a “Dorcas Society.”  In its late troubles, as a matter of course, the
+finances of the church became deranged and fell into arrears.  Although
+surely improving, a rather heavy balance is still due to the treasurer.
+Yet, notwithstanding, we observe that the congregation contributed last
+year 43_l._ 18s. 7d. to foreign missions.  The church draws its home
+support from pew-rents, which last year amounted to 185_l._ 11s., and a
+weekly offertory, a special fund, incidental sources, and collections,
+yielding in all, from July 1869 to July 1870, 497_l._ 1s. 11d.
+
+The order of services is: Sunday—Prayer-meeting at 10.15, public worship
+at 11 A.M. and 7 P.M.; Monday, prayer-meeting at 7.30; Wednesday,
+“Congregational Bible-class,” a service intended for the simple
+exposition of any passage of Scripture upon which any person present
+might wish comment offered; alternating with singing classes, teachers’
+meetings, church meetings, &c.  Inquirers’ meetings are held on Monday
+evenings by the pastor in the Vestry, from 7 to 7.30.  Communion on the
+first Sabbath in each month after the evening service, and on the third
+Sabbath after the morning service.
+
+The Deacons are eight in number—viz., Messrs. W. Baynes, W. Knight,
+Charles Chambers, Dr. Pennell, Dr. Manning; Messrs. Catchpole, Hunt, and
+Healy.
+
+
+
+THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. FRANCIS D’ASSISI, NOTTING HILL.
+
+
+THIS church is situated in Pottery lane, near the north end of
+Portland-road, bordering on the Potteries, from the poor population of
+which—more particularly the Irish portion—it draws its congregation.  The
+building and the school attached occupy one side of the road, and a row
+of stables the other; and, as though not to be desecrated by looking on
+the latter, there is not a noticeable window in the road side of the
+church; consequently no architectural attraction in the exterior, which
+is about as uninviting as the site on which it stands.  It is not until
+one has passed through a small enclosed courtyard, thence by an
+unexpected turn into a half-hidden portico, and again through a
+cloistered doorway—all impressing with a strong idea of seclusion—that he
+becomes really conscious of the presence of an ecclesiastical edifice.
+Everything to this point is plain as plainness itself—there being nothing
+to be seen but a heavy, bulky pile of common brickwork, wearing something
+of the aspect of a very poor monastic enclosure.  But on reaching the
+interior a different impression is awakened, although still heaviness and
+gloom prevail.  The principal nave is short, and that, with the side
+called “Our Lady’s Chapel,” are together not capable of holding more than
+about 500 persons.  At the same time it looks overcrowded with pillars,
+which darken and intercept an otherwise limited view.  The effect of the
+whole is that of strength, but dimness and lowness.  The architecture is
+of a mixed kind, in which the Italian is prominent, with a slight
+blending of Gothic.  The diminished effect of space and light are,
+however, of course relieved by the illuminations and ornaments peculiar
+to a Roman Catholic church—the numerous candles, the images, the high
+altar, its bright furniture, drapery, and ministrant priests, standing
+out conspicuously, and lit by daylight from the chancel-windows.
+Moreover, a strip of the walls through the full length on both sides is
+ornamented with some effective painting on slate, representing various
+passages in our Lord’s sufferings, by Westlake, who also executed a
+couple of frescoes at the back of the side altars, and the subjects of
+three or four stained windows.  The decorations of the large side-altars
+to the Virgin and St. Francis are partially seen through the commingling
+columns.  The body of the church is filled with plain benches and
+cane-bottomed chairs, all of which are much the worse for wear, and in
+their present state looking quite in keeping with the voluntary austerity
+and poverty of the famous mendicant friar of the thirteenth century from
+whom the church derives its name, and whom it regards as its patron
+saint, _St. Francis D’Assisi_.  A charge is made for entering the seats,
+and be it noted that not one was observed to enter without dropping his
+coin, larger or smaller, in the plate.  The fee appears to be considered
+in the light of a _weekly offering_.  One of the most notable objects in
+the church is the baptistry, where there is a handsome marble font, with
+a large conical lid and fixed pulley machinery for raising it.
+
+This church was built ten years ago, by Mr. Clutton, as a chapel of case
+to the larger Roman Catholic cause—St. Mary’s, Bayswater—which
+establishment was the first outcome of the late Cardinal Wiseman’s
+Ultramontane mission in London.  The Rev. Father H. A. Rawse, M.A., then
+of the Oratory, Brompton, and previously an Anglican priest of Oxford,
+illustrated his zeal as a convert to Rome by the donation of 7,000_l._ to
+the St. Francis enterprise, and became its first resident priest.  The
+Rev. Father Lescher is the present minister, who is occasionally assisted
+by priests from the parent church at Bayswater, or from the Oratory, and
+had present, on the morning of our visit, Father Robertson, from the
+former place.  Father Lescher himself has lately given proof of his zeal
+by the handsome gift of 500_l._ towards 1,400_l._ for the purchase of the
+Silchester Hall, recently occupied by the Methodists, and being acquired
+by the Catholics for a school.  Their present day-school, in
+Pottery-lane, has about 160 pupils, who pay, as a rule, a penny per week,
+the necessary balance being made up by other funds.
+
+Father Lescher was the preacher for the morning, and prefaced his homily
+by several announcements, one of which had reference to looking after
+their pauper children who were taken to the Kensington Workhouse.  On any
+child being taken there, notice was to be given to the priest, who would
+cause inquiry to be made as to the spiritual oversight of such children;
+and the congregation were earnestly exhorted to attend to this, as he
+said it would “prevent the _proselytism of the poor_.”  He congratulated
+them that they had succeeded in sending some Roman Catholics to the Board
+at the last election, and so had fared better of late.  But he urged them
+to endeavour to return more at the next election, in order that their
+prospects in regard to the children might be still more improved!
+
+The rev. father took for his text Ephesians iv. 23, 24, “And be renewed
+in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man; which after
+God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”  The discourse was a
+simple, pointed extempore address on regeneration, or, as the preacher
+sometimes called it, “conversion,” occupying about thirty minutes.  There
+was “a great difference between the Christian and the heathen.”  “We were
+not born Christians, but sinners; and sin would master us unless a change
+be wrought in us.”  “Heresy always had some truth in it; but it was truth
+carried out without being duly limited by other truths.”  Thus as to
+regeneration, which was wrought by the grace of God in the soul—no doubt
+that grace began to work in baptism.  But a man was not regenerate or
+converted because he had been baptized, for he might be living in sin.
+Conversion was a thing to go on continually through a man’s life.  Europe
+was covered all over with a race of baptized, but really unregenerate
+men.  Sin should be completely taken out of our heart.  From beginning to
+end regeneration was God’s work.  He made us new creatures.  Christ was a
+new man in this world, and was a pattern to which we were to be
+conformed; we must be like him, setting aside all worldly-vain, foolish,
+and vicious thoughts.  St. Francis was an example, whose feast they had
+just celebrated, who, by the grace of God, was enabled to live a life of
+devotion and self-denial.  “Let them pray to St. Francis, that he might
+help them to follow in his steps.”  Apart from the exhortation to pray to
+St. Francis, many will take the essence, form, and language of this
+outline as thoroughly Evangelical.  There appears to be a departure from
+the strict doctrine of essential sacramental efficacy, and a distinct
+insistence on the necessity of a change of heart and of a holy life.  It
+was high mass, and one of Mozart’s formed the musical part.  The organ is
+a small one, but sweet in tone, and played by a new organist—a pupil from
+the Pro-Cathedral.  The choir did not contain any distinguished voice,
+but the singing, though less florid, was more appropriate than the
+extreme artistic affectations of the Oratory and Pro Cathedral.  On the
+previous Wednesday—which was the Roman Catholic Feast Day of St. Francis
+D’Assisi—Archbishop Manning had preached in the church.
+
+
+
+THE PLYMOUTH BRETHREN, NOTTING HILL.
+
+
+THE meeting-place of this _peculiar_ people is in an upper room,
+Clarendon-place, Clarendon-road, Notting-hill.  It appears filled with
+150 persons, and as far as we could incidentally learn they have about
+eighty acknowledged brethren and sisters.  This society is the result of
+a division in the one formerly united in Bayswater, and is composed of
+what are termed the “Darbyite party” in that schism.  The “Brethren” have
+been in West London over twenty years, but this part of their small body
+has been at Clarendon-place five or six years.  They form the only
+congregation of that persuasion in the parish of Kensington.  We found
+them on visit to be an extremely close and uncommunicative people, with
+the single exception of an amiable sister, next whom we happened to sit,
+and who politely tendered more information than we could subsequently
+extract from all the brethren.  It was the usual Sunday morning service
+of “breaking of bread.”  The loaf, which was a plain baker’s loaf, was in
+the centre of a table; in the coarse of the “breaking” the middle of it
+disappeared, and little but the shell remained.  There were also two
+plain glasses upon the table.  As a rule these services of bread-breaking
+are conducted in silence; but on this occasion some speaking was allowed,
+and two of the leading brethren in succession read and commented in a
+familiar way upon portions of Scripture.  Some of the remarks we are
+obliged to notice were extremely simple, quite spontaneous, and were
+delivered under what the speakers appeared to think _spiritual impulses_.
+There was, however, nothing very instructive or useful in what was said.
+The speaking done, a brother engaged in prayer, and after another brother
+had read a list of names of persons who wished, on the next Sabbath, to
+break bread with them, one marriage of a brother and sister to take place
+on the following Saturday, and two burials for that day, the meeting
+terminated.  In separating the amount of _hand-shaking_ and friendly, and
+doubtless cordial, recognition of each other, was so protracted that we
+could not get from our _extra saint_ seat for a considerable time.  When
+at length we got near the table and encountered a few of the leading
+brethren, being invited thereto by our observant and kindly sister, we
+endeavoured with all humility to make acquaintance with the case as it
+stood; but, we are sorry to say, found ourselves impeded at every step.
+Our object was keenly and suspiciously canvassed.  On being simply told
+that our design was in general to furnish through the Press a connective
+view of the Christian influences and operations at work upon this vast
+population, and by so doing to interest the public more fully on the
+subject, we were met with indescribable scorn at the mention of the
+“Press.”  They would consider it “a sin” to give any information to the
+“Press.”  It was the curse of the world, was the “Press.”  On being asked
+if there was not a Christian side to the “Press,” they emphatically
+answered “No.”  There was no such thing as a “religious Press.”  It was
+“all worldly” from beginning to end.  The magazines even of the religious
+bodies were only trying to unite religion and the world.  With amusing
+simplicity one brother asked if by the “_Press_” we meant “that machine
+by which tracts, &c., were printed;” and we had to explain that by the
+“Press” in this connection we meant “a Christian literature as opposed to
+what was worldly, secular, or infidel.”  With one voice they exclaimed
+there was “no such thing.”  We asked if they did not hope to make some
+use of Christian literature in striving to effect the world’s conversion.
+The reply to this important question given by the principal brother very
+gravely was, “No; _we have nothing to do with the world_; our work is to
+_gather God’s saints out of the world_.”  “But,” we rejoined, “is not the
+Gospel sent to the world?  And did not the Son of God come to save the
+world?”  The answer was unhesitatingly given by the same gentleman, “No;
+it was to collect his saints out of the earth.”  After this we could not
+prolong the conversation and took our leave; but before we had left the
+landing to descend the stairs we were followed by a young man
+commissioned to ask us this question, “Have you eternal life?”  In
+answer, we affirmed our belief and hope that we had, and asserted our
+experience of conversion many years ago.  On this we were reminded that
+there “was but one way.”  We replied that the “one way” was found in
+every Christian Church and in the Church Catholic; but, strange to say,
+this declaration was met with evident disbelief.  “God,” it was said,
+“did not make sects.”  We left, asking ourselves the question, How upon
+these principles could the great purpose of the Son of God in this world
+be answered?
+
+After the above appeared in the _Suburban Press_ a letter of explanation
+was received by the Editor from one of the brethren, which will be found
+among the supplementary notes.  The latter appears to have been written
+upon reflection, whilst the preceding conversation was doubtless
+conducted upon the feeling of the moment.  Yet, it faithfully reflected
+the peculiarities of the members, who appear to have no faith in anything
+but what is strictly identified with their own belief and practice;
+altogether too narrow for the expanding evangelistic tendencies of the
+age.
+
+
+
+JOHNSON-STREET BAPTIST CHAPEL, NOTTING-HILL.
+
+
+THIS is one of the plainest of buildings for religious purposes, low and
+uncommanding, and almost lost even among the humble dwellings amidst
+which it stands—a simple meeting-house, with a stuccoed front, but
+looking neat and clean, having been recently repaired and painted, and
+the walls newly coloured within, giving it a fresh and healthy look.  The
+pewing is of a humble character and unvarnished, and the pulpit plain and
+high.  There is a gallery in the west end, which, added to the
+accommodation on the ground-floor, gives about 250 sittings, the ordinary
+congregation being at present about 100.  The church and people are
+Strict Baptist in persuasion.  Upon the corner-stone we find the
+following inscription: “This stone was laid by Messrs. Foreman and Wells,
+Oct. 13, 1851.  The chapel is for the use of the _Particular Baptists_.
+P. W. Williamson, Pastor.  J. Cook and T. Rowley, Deacons.”  The chapel
+has thus been in existence twenty years.  The church—never very vigorous
+or flourishing—has had a chequered history, disputes having arisen among
+its members from time to time upon subjects relating to its internal
+affairs, and which resulted six years ago in a division, further
+weakening its situation and diminishing its few members.  From this blow
+it appears never to have recovered, there being now no more than between
+fifty and sixty acknowledged members.  The present minister is the Rev.
+C. W. Banks, who has been there one year, and the cause is supported by
+pew-rents and voluntary weekly offerings.  A “Free-will Offering” box is
+fixed on the inside of each entrance to the aisles, and on every
+succeeding Sunday the amount so collected is placed in large figures
+against the side walls.  On the occasion of our visit, the account for
+the previous Sabbath stood thus: “Loose money, 3s. 8d.; in thirteen
+envelopes, 10s. 3d.”  The preacher had a strong voice, and exerted it
+even beyond the natural requirements of his small audience; but at times
+it would be almost impossible to hear him if he did not, in consequence
+of the noisy costermongers, who shout one against the other in the narrow
+street and immediately in front of the chapel, without any regard to its
+presence or the service proceeding within.  This is certainly a crying
+evil, and should attract the attention of the police.  We had no idea
+that vegetable and other carts (hand and donkey drawn) were so numerous
+and noisy during the hours of Divine Service, as we witnessed them in
+Johnson-street, and other adjacent back streets and ways in the rear of
+High-street, Notting-hill.  Surely there is yet need for a “Suppression
+of Sunday Trading Society.”  There is a small Sunday-school, attended by
+a few self-denying teachers, and the public services are—Sunday at eleven
+and half-past six; prayer meeting at three P.M.  Wednesdays, preaching at
+half-past seven; and on Monday evenings, prayer-meeting; and a special
+monthly prayer-meeting every first Friday evening in the month.  There is
+manifest care under difficulties for the Christian work.
+
+
+
+SILVER-STREET BAPTIST CHAPEL, NOTTING-HILL.
+
+
+THE place known by this name is situated in Kensington-place, near its
+junction with Silver-street, a poor unsightly edifice, within two or
+three minutes’ walk of the Johnson-street Chapel, and is the
+meeting-place of the separated portion of its former congregation.  The
+building is in a dilapidated state, the plaster broken away, and the
+woodwork the worse for lack of paint.  The congregation was celebrating
+its sixth anniversary, and from all appearances there was great need of
+replenishing the exchequer.  However, the event did not seem to have
+aroused much enthusiasm, for scattered over a rather larger area there
+was even a smaller congregation than in the former place.  The chapel
+will apparently hold about 350, and there must have been less than 100
+present.  There is a gallery at one end, and all the other sittings are
+on the ground floor.  The present minister is the Rev. D. Crumpton, whose
+voice, in its general tone, was indicative of discouragement, assuredly
+with every apparent reason.  The two congregations together might make up
+an appearance in the smaller of the two chapels; but separately they
+appear weak and helpless in the extreme, a sight to make a good man mourn
+over strife and division.  It will be next to a miracle if ever these
+churches rise to a position of influence and power in the neighbourhood.
+The locality is low and in great need of evangelistic efforts; and if
+anything could be done to bring the noisy, idle people who fill those
+narrow streets, or stand at their wretched little open shop-doors,
+waiting for stray customers, who steal out to market in the hours of
+Divine Worship, it would be a great boon.  There is a Sunday-school
+attached to the chapel, in which some of the poor children around are
+collected together, and in this circumstance there may linger hope.  The
+order of services is: Sunday, prayer-meeting at 7 A.M.; preaching at 11.0
+A.M. and 6.30 P.M., and prayer-meeting at 3.0 P.M.  The school is held at
+9.30 A.M. and 3.0 P.M.  On week-days there is prayer-meeting on Monday
+evening at 7.30, and preaching on Thursday evening.  The prayer-meeting
+at 7.0 A.M. on Sunday morning may be noted as a rarity in these days, and
+if tolerably well attended, shows that there is life, amidst all existing
+discouragements.
+
+
+
+SLOANE-PLACE CHAPEL.
+
+
+THIS is the smallest place of worship we have yet had to notice, being
+apparently intended for the sole use of the occupants of that obscure
+court in North-street, called Sloane-place.  North-street branches out of
+Sloane-street, and runs through a very low neighbourhood; and in about
+the lowest part of it, densely populated, is the court down which one
+passes to reach the chapel.  It is at the extreme end of the parish
+eastward.  The chapel has an aspect in every way in keeping with the
+humble class of tenements among which it stands, and of course has
+nothing architecturally to notice.  It has a lamp over the low front
+door, which may serve in the stead of a parish lamp, to illumine the
+gloomy alley on dark evenings.  The building has a dwarfed and dingy
+appearance; was from the first, is, and perhaps ever will be private
+property, lent for its present purpose by the proprietor.  It will hold
+at the utmost only 100 persons.  There is no settled pastorate; but it is
+supplied with preaching on the Sunday evening only, under the direction
+of the Rev. Dr. Alexander, of the Belgrave-square Presbyterian Church.
+The preacher is usually Dr. Stewart, of Grosvenor-street, a medical
+gentleman belonging to Dr. Alexander’s church.  This Christian doctor is
+regularly at his post on Sunday evenings, except an extraordinary
+professional engagement hinder, holding forth the Word of Life to the few
+poor people who assemble beneath the humble roof.  There are no regular
+ordinances and no other public services, except a prayer-meeting on
+Sunday morning and on Thursday evening.  All the sittings are free.  A
+Sunday-school is a notable feature.  Sixty or seventy poor children come
+together in the chapel from 3 to 4.30 on Sunday afternoons, and are
+attended to by a few zealous teachers who enter heartily into this work.
+Poor and humble as the building is in itself and all its surroundings, it
+is thus undoubtedly a light shining in a dark place.  The self-denial and
+devotion of those kind persons who attend to Christian work in this place
+is quite exemplary, and will certainly meet with its reward.
+
+
+
+ST. MICHAEL’S AND ALL ANGELS’ CHURCH, NOTTING-HILL.
+
+
+THE new Church of “St. Michael and All Angels” embraces the northern part
+of the District of All Saints’, Notting-hill, in its new extension
+towards Kensal-green, in the Ladbroke-grove-road.  No doubt, just at this
+spot, there will, in time, be a middle-class population sufficient to
+fill the church.  But at present the property is new, and, therefore, it
+would seem St. Michael’s must for some time to come draw from a distance.
+The Vicar Designate, the Rev. Edward Ker Gray, was formerly curate to Dr.
+Robbins, of St. Peter’s, Kensington-park, and has family connexions in
+the neighbourhood, who have largely contributed to his present
+enterprise; and the plot of land on which the edifice stands, and that on
+which a parsonage is yet to be built, are the gift of Messrs. Blake and
+Parsons, who are freeholders in that part.  The style of architecture
+adopted differs from that of most churches, being what is professionally
+known as the “Romanesque of the Rhine,” and is executed chiefly in terra
+cotta and ornamental bricks, by Mr. Cowland, of Notting-hill, under a
+contract (exclusive of tower and fittings) for 4,300_l._  The architects
+are Messrs. Edmeston of Crown-court, Old Broad-street; and the plan
+consists of a nave ninety-nine feet long, exclusive of chancel and
+western apse, by forty-three feet wide, roofed in one span, with an
+eastern, western, and southern apse, leaving a northern apse to be added
+at some future time.  On the north side the church is hidden by houses,
+and it is seen to best advantage at the south-west angle, where it will
+form rather a picturesque object, when the grouping of tower, turret,
+apse, and gable are added to the view.  The interior is yet unfurnished,
+and only sufficiently fitted up for the performance of worship.  The
+pulpit, desk, organ, and chancel furniture are all temporary.  The
+contract for the decoration is given to Messrs. Howland and Fisher, who
+decorated St. Peter’s, Bayswater, which is considered one of the
+handsomest church interiors in London.  About 1,000 sittings are
+provided, applications for which are requested.  The occasion of our
+visit was the service of consecration, in May, 1871, conducted by the
+Right Hon. and Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of London.  There was a good
+congregation present; and immediately after the entrance of the Bishop,
+Mr. Shephard, the Registrar of his Lordship’s diocese, read the petition
+of the Vicar, Churchwardens and parishioners praying for the consecration
+of the church.  The Bishop having replied, “I am ready to consecrate this
+church, according to the prayer of the petition,” a procession was as
+once formed, headed by the parish beadles with their staves, followed by
+the churchwardens, Bishop, and clergy, who slowly walked round the
+church, the Bishop repeating the usual service.  On returning to the
+Communion Table, the deed of conveyance was formally received and laid
+upon the table by the Bishop.  The prayers for the ordinary morning
+service were read by the Rev. Mr. Gray, the Psalms, Te Deum, and hymns
+being chanted by a choir of good voices, male and female, blending well
+together, under the direction of Mr. Sydney Naylor, organist.  On
+ascending the pulpit the Bishop took for his text, John xvii. 6, “I have
+manifested thy name to the men which thou gavest me out of the world,”
+&c.  The subject was divided into three parts: 1. What name he
+manifested.  2. How he manifested it.  3. The character of the persons to
+whom he manifested the name of his Father.  These topics were worked out
+with great clearness of thought and felicity of utterance; the Bishop
+steering delicately through the difficult problem of Divine
+predestination and human free will, and rendering the point as
+satisfactory as it ever can become to mortal reflection.  A very feeling
+individual application of the subject to the congregation concluded the
+discourse.  It is about twelve years since we had the pleasure of
+listening to Dr. Jackson at a confirmation service in a small town in
+Lincolnshire, and it is gratifying to observe the same doctrinal safety
+and thorough practical bearing in his ministry which struck us at that
+time.  He also bears his increased years well, displaying a freshness in
+his appearance and a vigour equal to if not superior to himself more than
+a decade since.  A collection was made after sermon from pew to pew
+towards the organ and church expenses, and the remainder of the Communion
+Service and the benediction concluded the whole.  It ought to be noticed
+that a number of the local clergy were present, and that the Rev. Dr.
+Robbins read the first lesson—the consecration of the Temple by
+Solomon—in a most impressive manner, and the Rev. J. S. Gell the few
+verses which compose the second lesson.  The Bishop’s chaplain, the Rev.
+Mr. Fisher, also assisted in the service within the chancel rail.
+
+Mr. Gray’s ministry is reported Evangelical in its character, and his
+service lively and devotional, without Ritualistic features.  The
+congregation gradually increases, and it is hoped that ere long the
+furnishing will be completed, and that the church will answer all the
+purposes for which it was built in that rising population.  The
+Churchwardens are Captain N. W. Boyce and J. D. Cowland, Esq., and the
+services are: Sundays at 11 A.M. and 3 and 7 P.M.  Weekdays, Wednesday
+and Friday at 11 A.M., the Litany, Holy Communion, at 9 A.M. every
+Sunday, and after the 11 A.M. service the last Sunday in every month.
+Baptisms at 2.30 first Sunday in the month, and at 10.30 A.M. on
+Wednesday and Friday.
+
+
+
+NORLAND CHAPEL, QUEEN’S-ROAD, NOTTING-HILL.
+
+
+NORLAND CHAPEL is situate in the Queen’s-road, Notting-hill, and on the
+extreme western boundary of the Parish of Kensington.  The boundary stone
+of the parish is fixed in the wall which surrounds the chapel, and the
+iron pillar which marks the line of the Hammersmith Parish stands near to
+it about half a foot further west.  It was built in the year 1859, the
+foundation-stone being laid in May of that year by the late Robert
+Hanbury, Esq., M.P., for Middlesex.  The architect was Mr. Stent, of
+Warminster, and builders, Messrs. Hill and Robinson, of Whitechapel.  Mr.
+Hill was the builder of the new Holborn-viaduct, and is now building the
+streets connected with the Holborn-valley improvement.  In architecture
+it is of a very various order, but may be defined as “mixed Italian.”
+The front, which is towards the south, is somewhat picturesque.  The
+porch is reached by a wide flight of steps, and is adorned with four neat
+columns of Portland stone, with carved capitals of Bath stone; and
+surmounted with a large circular window; the whole front having
+Bath-stone dressing upon coloured brick.  There are two side doors, which
+lead to the gallery in the south end.  The building, as a whole, is of
+plain brick and has a substantial appearance.  The west front corner was
+intended to receive a spire; which, however, has not yet been built.  Its
+erection would certainly be a great improvement to the edifice.  In the
+interior, the space is well economised.  Beneath the floor of the chapel,
+there is a spacious school-room; which serves also as a week-night
+lecture, preaching, and anniversary tea-meeting room.  It is well
+furnished, and has a harmonium to assist in the services held there.  The
+space behind is laid out in class-rooms, minister’s vestries, and
+offices.  A more compact and commodious suite of rooms for the space at
+disposal we have seldom met with.  The chapel proper provides sittings
+for 650 people—500 on the ground-floor and 150 in the end gallery.  The
+sittings are let at from 2s. 6d. to 5s. per quarter, and the congregation
+averages from 300 to 400.  A modern raised platform pulpit is an
+ornament, flanked with two handsome gas pillars; and the pewing is in
+stained wood, and looks as good as new, after a dozen years’ wear.  In
+lieu of columns to support the roof the ribs which span it rest on
+ornamental Bath-stone corbels inserted in the walls at about 12 feet
+high, which are really stronger than they look, and are adopted to
+prevent the obscurity of the view, and the absorption of space by
+columns.  The chapel is lit by gas pendants from the roof, and is warmed
+in winter by the same, being lit over night.  By this means a comfortable
+heat is diffused through the building, reaching, if required, to seventy
+degrees.  This method of warming will, of course, be greatly improved, if
+the gas companies will adopt the patent gas offered them by the “Patent
+Gas Company,” which professes to reduce the amount of sulphur in every
+hundred feet of gas from forty-four degrees to about four.  In that case,
+warming by gas would no doubt soon supersede some other methods.  Red
+baize with brass mouldings faces the side walls all round to a certain
+height above the pews, which gives a comfortable and cheerful appearance
+to the whole interior.  The original cost of the building, including the
+freehold site, was 3,000_l._
+
+The church and congregation at this place are Baptist; but open their
+communion to all who “profess and give evidence of the New Birth;” and
+are sufficiently open occasionally to receive any Christian person at the
+Lord’s Supper who may desire it, and who has previously sent a note or
+card to the vestry.  The basis of its membership is thus expressed in its
+articles: “We enter this fellowship as Christians, each one holding that
+the other is united to the Lord Jesus Christ by faith in him according to
+the Scriptures.”  Prior to the present chapel, the congregation met
+temporarily in an old building facing Shepherd’s-bush-green; but removed
+to the new and more commodious edifice, with their first minister, the
+Rev. John Stent, as soon as it was ready.  Mr. Stent continued the pastor
+until he had completed eight years.  He was then succeeded by the Rev. W.
+H. Tredray, who after two years was in turn superseded by the Rev. W. P.
+Balfern.  After two years also of ministerial labour, Mr. Balfern has
+just been compelled to retire in consequence of ill-health.  The church
+has thus for some little time been deprived of a stated ministry; but we
+understand, that a minister is upon the point of being formally invited,
+and will, in all probability, be settled for a period.  We heard a plain,
+earnest sermon from an occasional supply on the morning of our visit.
+The service was conducted in the way ordinary to Baptist chapels; but we
+were particularly struck with the excellence of the congregational
+singing, to which we believe the late pastor devoted much attention.  The
+people appeared very well trained to the perception of harmony, and had
+in use the Bristol Tune-book, which is well known to be one of the best
+extant.  They were, moreover, effectually sustained by the organ, which
+is a capital 250_l._ instrument, by Jones, of Brompton, and well played
+by the son of the senior deacon of the church.
+
+The support of the ministry is from pew-rents and the proceeds of a
+weekly offering.  The other active institutions are a Sunday-school, with
+over 300 scholars; a home missionary, supported by the late minister, Mr.
+Balfern; a Dorcas meeting, maternal society, tract society, and a
+mothers’ meeting.  There is in addition a penny bank, in which a number
+of poor people and children store their little savings.  The order of
+services is—Sunday, at 11 A.M. and 6.30 P.M., Sunday-school in the
+afternoon; prayer and preaching on Friday evening at 7.30; a psalmody
+class meets every Thursday evening for the practice of singing.
+
+
+
+LANCASTER-ROAD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, NOTTING-HILL.
+
+
+THE foundation-stone of this chapel was laid by Samuel Morley, Esq.,
+M.P., in July, 1865, when, although so recent, the whole of that part of
+North Kensington in which it is situated was open field, with here and
+there a dotting of new buildings commenced, and new streets laid out.  At
+the present time the occupied suburbs extend quite a mile beyond it
+either North or West.  The congregation worshipping here first assembled
+in smaller numbers in Westbourne-hall, where they kept together for
+between two and three years, always with a view to a separate building as
+opportunity offered.  The present freehold site was ultimately obtained
+for 1,350_l._, and the cost of the building raised upon it, including the
+schoolrooms, was 3,500_l._  It is a substantial structure with a Gothic
+expression, although totally devoid of ornament.  It was, however,
+originally designed, and is yet intended to have a spire, which certainly
+will be a vast improvement to the exterior.  The interior is light and
+pleasant, without galleries, with a plain pulpit and pewing, affording
+accommodation for 500 persons, 100 of the sittings being free, all the
+remainder let at prices ranging from 5s. to 1_l._ 1s. per annum.  The
+chapel was opened in January, 1866, by inauguratory services conducted by
+the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel and the Rev. Samuel Martin, of
+Westminster.  From the first the stated minister has been the Rev. Jas.
+Stuart Russell, whose ministry is highly appreciated as pious,
+scriptural, able, and earnest.  During its continuance there has been
+gradual prosperity, the church now numbering about 120 communicants, and
+the congregation reaching an average of between three and four hundred.
+There is a large Sunday-school, with, including infants, 250 scholars,
+attended by a goodly staff of teachers: morning and afternoon, under the
+superintendence of Mr. S. Hicks.  The form of service is what is
+understood as Congregational, and the Congregational Hymn-book is used.
+An organ well suited to the dimensions of the building is efficiently
+employed by Mr. Charles Wetton, Jun., in aid of the devotional singing,
+which seems to lose nothing of its congregational life and character by
+the presence of the instrument.  Divine Service is held on the Sabbath at
+11 A.M. and 7 P.M., and in the schoolroom during the week, on Monday and
+Wednesday evenings, at 7.30.  A Communion service on the first Sunday in
+every month.  There are at present four deacons, Messrs. Hicks, Ellerton,
+W. Knowles, and Wetton, Sen.  The locality of this chapel is one which
+furnishes ample scope for Christian labour and extension on every side.
+The district in the heart of which it stands, that of All Saints’, has a
+population of 20,747, according to the figures of the recent census, and
+it is the only Congregational place of worship within the bounds.
+
+
+
+THE “TALBOT TABERNACLE” NOTTING-HILL.
+
+
+THIS is an iron church, situate in the Talbot-road, Notting-hill, and a
+few steps only from and on the same side of the road as “All Saints’”
+Church.  It has the same general features as all the iron buildings, but
+is larger than most of them, having an end gallery, and affording ample
+accommodation for one thousand persons.  The north end or chancel is
+occupied with a platform, which serves as a pulpit, and the benches of
+the auditorium come close to it.  It is well warmed with a stove, and lit
+with plain gas pendants; and altogether has a very comfortable
+appearance.  The history of this building must be traced in connexion
+with the career of Mr. Gordon Forlong, a name now well known in and
+beyond the immediate scene of his labours.  This gentleman is a Scotch
+barrister, who, a few years ago (in 1856), felt moved to give up the
+pursuit of his profession for the work of an evangelist.  His endeavours
+to make known the Gospel appear to have been highly appreciated in his
+native Aberdeenshire; and were soon sought for in different parts of
+Scotland and in Edinburgh, where Mr. Forlong spent some time.  After a
+trial, however, he found that the condition of an itinerant preacher,
+with a family, became impracticable, and resolved on seeking a settled
+charge in London.  Here his first appearance was in the Victoria-hall,
+Archer-street, in October, 1867.  The hall, which he hired on his own
+responsibility, was generally well attended at his services, and
+continued to be used by him until 1869.  In the latter half of that year,
+the present building was secured at a cost in all of 2,000_l._, to be
+liquidated by instalments, there being also a ground-rent of 96_l._ per
+annum.  Apart from a little aid which Mr. Forlong has drawn from his
+friends in the North and elsewhere, the whole financial obligation of
+this enterprise has rested with himself and the friends who have been
+inclined to assist him on the spot.  That it has been a great struggle is
+not surprising.  At the end of the first year there was a balance on the
+wrong side of the sheet to the amount of 476_l._ 1s. 9d., which, being
+paid by the minister, left the total amount advanced by him for the
+church 714_l._ 9s. 6d.  This, it may be hoped, has been ere now
+discharged by the congregation; more especially as up to the present
+time, the minister’s services, both at the Hall and in the new church,
+have received no remuneration.  There are about 150 sittings, let at from
+4s. to 30s. per seat per annum; and there are church-boxes for weekly
+offerings and various collections through the year.  This together may be
+considered a sufficient financial basis to work upon, in order to place
+the concern, not long hence, in a free and prosperous condition.
+
+Mr. Gordon Forlong rejects the title of Reverend.  Having never obtained
+or sought ordination in any church, he looks upon himself as a lay
+preacher of the Gospel, called and set apart by God only; and treats with
+indifference and even contemns all ministerial titles and peculiar
+functions, as looking in the direction of priestcraft, which he abhors.
+He has, from the first, taken his special mission in the neighbourhood to
+be to oppose Ritualism, which he found developing itself on his arrival,
+and to call together a people to exemplify spiritual religion.  To these
+objects he has certainly confined himself with great steadiness, and not
+without success.  A number of persons, it is said, find refuge at the
+“Tabernacle” who have been alienated from their mother Church hard by
+through Ritualistic practices; and the truth of this statement, it
+appears, cannot be challenged.  The character of the church and
+congregation which Mr. Forlong has formed is _non sectarian_, and does
+not allow itself to be called either Baptist, Congregational, or
+Wesleyan, or anything else but the Church of Christ; although the mode of
+conducting the service may be described as a free adaptation of any and
+all of these.  Along with the reading of the Scriptures there is
+_exposition_.  The hymns used are gathered from all the Nonconformist
+collections, under the title of “Psalms and Hymns,” published by Elliott,
+of Tichborne-street.  It contains selections from the principal
+writers—Watts, Doddridge, Toplady, Wesley, &c.  One we heard sung was one
+of the finest and most impassioned of the latter author, commencing—
+
+    O Love Divine, how sweet thou art!
+    When shall I find my willing heart
+       All taken up by thee?
+    I thirst, I faint, I die to prove
+    The greatness of redeeming love,
+       The love of Christ to me!
+
+This was sung by the congregation to a lively tune and with good
+devotional effect.  At the close of this, the preacher read a number of
+requests for special prayer from members of the congregation for specific
+objects stated on the paper, connected with their personal or family
+experience, and some of thanksgiving for former prayers answered.  This
+took considerable time, and was followed by a brief petition, giving a
+general utterance to these supplications.  The sermon was extempore, and
+founded upon Psalm xxiii.  Probably it should be termed a free address,
+intended to bring out, by scriptural illustration, the character of the
+Redeemer as the “Great Shepherd.”  Mr. Forlong does not appear to believe
+in the ordinary style of sermonising, or “philosophising” on distinct
+portions or mottoes of Scripture; and has adopted the plan of turning his
+audience into a great Bible class.  They follow him systematically
+through chapter and verse from beginning to end, and the preacher simply
+connects the sense of the passages, and pauses here and there to enforce
+a passing thought.  The expositor, however, is animated (as most
+Scotchmen are), and familiar in his illustrations; and as to Scripture
+itself his system is highly instructive.  The sermon lasts about forty
+minutes.  There were about 400 present, on a very inclement morning.
+There is a Sunday-school attached, with a good voluntary staff of
+teachers, conducted morning and afternoon in the Golborne-Hall, having
+200 children of both sexes.  The public services are, Sunday morning at
+eleven; evening at seven; and prayer-meeting on Thursday evening.
+Communion service on the first Sunday in the month at the morning
+service, and the second Sunday at the evening service.  This service is
+administered without written form, and by handing round the bread and
+wine to the communicants in their seats.  All religious persons are
+admitted to it by introduction to the minister.
+
+
+
+PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL, FOWELL-STREET, NOTTING-HILL.
+
+
+A SMALL plain brick edifice, built in the old, familiar Grecian style,
+and situated in Fowell-street, in the Potteries, Notting-hill.  The
+building is a square; and has in the interior on three sides a gallery,
+the other being occupied with a platform for the preacher.  In all,
+ground floor and galleries, there is accommodation for about 200 people.
+On a memorial stone outside is the following: “This stone was laid August
+2, 1864, by J. Fowell, Esq., who kindly gave the land, Rev. J. Phillips,
+Superintendent Minister.  J. Carrud, Architect and Builder.”  The chapel
+is connected with what is called the “Second London” Primitive Methodist
+Circuit, in which there are about a dozen different localities
+associated, and of which the Rev. Mr. Toulson is the present
+superintendent minister, having with him four colleagues.  As one of the
+earlier branches from the old Wesleyan body—dating as far back as
+1812—the “Primitives,” as their adopted name implies, conceive that they
+follow more closely in the steps of Mr. Wesley than the parent body.
+Nevertheless their doctrines and their practices are precisely the same,
+except in a few minor matters, which it would seem impossible to trace to
+a Wesley origin.  Camp-meetings was the question upon which they first
+separated from the conference, which disallowed them; but this
+peculiarity has much declined of late years.  Female preaching was
+another peculiarity, and at one time female preachers were frequently
+found upon their plans; but this, too, may be said to have well nigh
+passed away.  In general church arrangements and working they assimilate
+to the old body in everything, except in the constitution of their
+Conference, in which there is a considerable difference.  The Conference
+proper of Wesleyanism is composed entirely of ministers, but preceded by
+“General Committees,” where the laity are admitted.  In the Primitive
+Methodist Connexion, the Conference itself is composed of both ministers
+and laymen, and the latter are in the proportion of two to one of the
+former.  The two bodies, however, work side by side without antagonism,
+but it may be said also without much fraternising.  The social status and
+monetary power of the two communities are widely different.  The
+Primitives are poor, their chapels are of the least costly kind, and
+their ministers have barely a subsistence, yet are they highly
+respectable in their order, and exert themselves with vigour and
+enthusiasm in their calling.  One of the junior ministers, the Rev. Mr.
+Knipe, was officiating in Fowell-street, and offered extempore prayer
+with an ardour, read with a homely emphasis, and preached with a
+demonstration of manner that can seldom be heard except in a Primitive
+Methodist chapel.  His congregation consisted of about 70 or 80 of the
+adult population, respectable-looking poor people, by no means the lowest
+class to be found in the Potteries.  The latter is not the class that
+attend either church or chapel.  The _society_, or the church proper,
+consists of from 50 to 70 persons, recognised as members of class.  There
+is a Sunday-school with about 80 children, held in the morning and
+afternoon.  The services are on Sunday at 11 A.M. and 6.30 P.M.;
+Wednesday, 7 P.M.; prayer-meetings, Sunday morning at 7, and on Monday,
+Tuesday, and Thursday evenings at 7.  The society, according to Methodist
+custom, contributes its quota towards the support of the ministry by the
+weekly pence of the members, quarterly contributions, and collections.
+
+
+
+UPPER WESTBOURNE-PARK BAPTIST CHAPEL.
+
+
+THE place of worship known by this name is situated in the Bosworth-road,
+Upper Westbourne-park, or, more properly, in Kensal New Town.  It is in
+the midst of a mass of new houses, either completed or in progress.  It
+was opened for worship in June, 1870.  The Rev. H. W. Meadows, a minister
+from Mr. Spurgeon’s College, first instituted services in a room in the
+neighbourhood, from which he progressed to the building of this chapel,
+at an entire cost of 360_l._  The place is far larger and more commodious
+than this sum would seem to indicate; and it impresses one with how much
+can be done for 360_l._  Of course, the structure is not imposing, but of
+a plain and useful type, having more the appearance of a public hall, but
+the interior is solidly fitted with benches.  There is a good platform
+pulpit, with a gallery behind it, flanked on one side with a minister’s
+vestry.  It is comfortably warmed by a stove in the centre, and well lit
+by a set of neat gas-pendants from the beams of the roof.  A debt of
+200_l._ remains, which it is hoped will shortly be liquidated.
+Accommodation is given for 400 persons; but the attendance, when largest
+(in the evening), does not as yet generally exceed 150; and there are
+about thirty members in church fellowship.  Mr. Meadows and his friends
+have had difficulties to contend with on the spot, as one or two small
+preaching-rooms near conducted by persons of the same persuasion would
+seem to show.  He has evidently had uphill work; and it was not until the
+18th of January, 1872, that a church was finally formed and a settlement
+of his pastorate arrived at; and on January 28 in the evening he held his
+first ordinance of baptism by immersion.  The cause is regarded as a
+branch from Westbourne-grove Baptist Church, and as under the particular
+notice and care of the Rev. W. G. Lewis.  The financial support is from
+pew-rents and weekly offerings, with occasional aid; but the minister has
+never yet derived the benefit of a salary.  The services are, on Sundays:
+Prayer-meeting, 7.30 A.M.; preaching at 11 and at 6.30 P.M.  A
+Sabbath-school is held, in which there are about eighty scholars, at 9.30
+A.M. and 2.30 P.M.  There is a service also on Wednesday evening at 7.30.
+The deacons are Mr. W. S. Hook and Mr. C. Heard.  This is not a Strict
+Baptist church, but adopts the open communion.
+
+
+
+THE SOUTH KENSINGTON BAPTIST CHAPEL.
+
+
+THE memorial stone of this edifice was laid on June 23, 1868, by James
+Harvey, Esq., Treasurer of the London Baptist Association; when an
+address was delivered by the Rev. W. Brock, D.D., of Bloomsbury Chapel.
+A meeting followed in the evening, presided over by J. H. Tritton, Esq.,
+when most of the principal ministers representing Nonconformity in West
+London were present; and among them the Rev. J. A. Aston, M.A., the then
+catholic-spirited Incumbent of St. Stephen’s Church, which is situated
+close to the chapel.  The immediate site is in the Cornwall-gardens,
+Gloucester-road, and near the Gloucester-road Railway-station, one of the
+most eligible sites that could be selected, in the midst of one of the
+newest and choicest suburbs of the metropolis.  The neighbourhood
+included between the Brompton-road and Queen’s-gate in one direction, and
+the Cornwall and Fulham-roads in the other, has few rivals in or around
+London.  It includes the vicinity of South Kensington Museum,
+Cromwell-road, Onslow-square, Onslow-gardens; Gloucester-road,
+Queen’s-gate, Victoria-road, &c.  It was here that the Rev. Samuel Bird,
+after having laboured for some time at the Hornton-street Tabernacle, and
+subsequently at the Avenue-place Room, Kensington, conceived the idea of
+erecting a chapel.  Having taken a lease of the land, with a right of
+pre-emption after a specified period, he proceeded to build.  Messrs.
+Searle and Sons were the architects, and Mr. W. Higgs the builder, and in
+due course it was opened for Divine worship.  At first it seemed as
+though Nonconformity in South Kensington was about to make an onward
+movement; but whether from any social peculiarity in the locality, or
+personal peculiarity in the minister, or from the circumstance of the
+opening and enterprising of two or three more new churches in the same
+part, we cannot pretend to say; but certain it is that the new Baptist
+church, ere yet it was scarcely formed, suddenly collapsed.  After about
+two years’ effort, the minister departed and the chapel was closed.  It
+has remained closed to the present time (Feb., 1872); and is now
+announced to be sold by auction at the City Mart, by Messrs. Fox and
+Bousfield, on the 14th inst.  Its future history therefore cannot for the
+moment be predicted.  It is an affecting sight to see so handsome a
+building deserted; and on visiting it for the purpose of a survey, an
+aged person, formerly, as we learned from himself, a member of the
+congregation, and who now seemed not far from the better world, was
+pensively whiling away the quiet morning in the fresh air around the
+silent temple.  He was sadly deploring the desolation and abandonment of
+his Zion; and seemed to have his own theory as to the cause of the
+failure, of which he made no secret.  The building is one of the
+completest, most commodious and effective chapels to be met with around
+London.  It is in brick with Bath-stone dressings, and designed generally
+in the early geometrical Gothic style of architecture; and has been
+greatly beautified by the mortgagee, since it was closed to the public,
+by the erection of a handsome tower and spire; and the facilities of the
+interior have been also increased by the erection of a gallery.  It now
+affords accommodation for 1,000 persons.  It is substantially fitted with
+modern pewing and pulpit, and has an excellent baptistry, vestry, large
+schoolroom, and apparatus for warming and lighting.  There are three
+front entrances with lobbies, two communicating by staircases with the
+gallery, and the centre one with the body of the building.  There are
+also two side entrances; and three handsome lamp-posts adorn the
+frontage.  It must have been heart-breaking to be the instrument of
+rearing such an edifice, and so soon to be compelled to relinquish it.
+For some time past the Incumbent of St. Stephen’s has been using the
+spacious schoolroom underneath the ground-floor of the chapel for a
+day-school.
+
+
+
+THE WORKHOUSE CHAPEL.
+
+
+DIVINE SERVICE is held at the Kensington Workhouse, for the inmates, on
+Sundays, at 9.30 A.M. and 3 P.M.  At present there are no other services;
+but a new code is now being introduced which will effect a very desirable
+change in this respect.  At a recent meeting of the Guardians, the
+“Visiting Committee” made the following report and recommendation to the
+Board: “The Visiting Committee having in consideration the resolutions
+passed by the Board on the 1st of February inst., and having also
+considered the letter from the present Chaplain of the 14th inst., in
+which he states his inability to devote a much larger portion of his time
+than he has done for the last twenty five years, resolve that it is
+desirable that the Chaplain of the Workhouse and Infirmary give his whole
+time to the spiritual care of the inmates in the same way as the
+clergyman of a parish, and that, considering the numbers of this house
+and the work to be done, the least salary should be 150_l._ per annum.”
+This resolution is adopted by the Board, and will henceforth be acted
+upon—an urgently necessary improvement, although it may come to involve a
+further change in the chaplaincy.  The Rev. Dr. Frost, formerly of the
+Kensington Grammar School, has held the appointment for a quarter of a
+century.  When he first began he had the spiritual care of less than 150
+inmates.  The number gradually rose until two years ago they amounted to
+800.  At the present time, March, 1872, the house contains 760.  It will
+be seen, therefore, that the religious requirements of this large number
+are quite beyond the provision made under the old system; and the
+Guardians have acted under a strong sense of duty in bringing about a
+thorough reformation.  It was not until two years ago, when the inmates
+were 800, that any increase of salary was asked for on behalf of the
+Chaplain.  Previous to that it stood at 50_l._ per annum; since then it
+has reached 65_l._  Double this sum will enable a chaplain to give a
+principal part of his working time to the objects of his calling in the
+house, and to bring a more decisive moral influence to bear upon the
+inmates.  The paucity of religious service in this workhouse up to this
+time can be looked upon in no other light than a calamity; and may serve
+in some measure to explain the fact that there are so many refractory and
+misbehaved paupers taken hence to the magistrate at Hammersmith for
+correction.  We cannot but think there might have been, there ought to
+have been, at least one week-night service instituted long ago; and if
+the Guardians were not in a position to pay for this, among the numerous
+clergy in Kensington some one might have been found who would
+occasionally have taken duty gratuitously.  But we fear that up to the
+present time it has occurred to few to reflect that the _souls_ of
+inmates required a fair amount of attention as well as their bodies.
+
+
+
+MISSION AND PREACHING ROOMS.
+
+
+LITTLE CHARLES-STREET PRIMITIVE METHODIST ROOMS.—Here, in a narrow street
+leading out of Kensington-square southward, is a very humble
+building—apparently a former dwelling house—converted into what are
+termed “Little Charles-street Day and Sunday-schools.”  In the upper room
+the preachers of the Primitive Methodist Connexion hold services on
+Sundays—morning and evening—at eleven and half-past six.  The
+congregation averages about 40, and the Sunday-school children number
+about 60.
+
+PALACE-AVENUE ROOM.—This is a large room sometimes used for other public
+purposes, at the rear of the King’s Arms Hotel, High-street, Kensington.
+It has lately been engaged on Sundays for religions worship and
+preaching, on a professedly _unsectarian_ principle.  Hours of service,
+eleven A.M. and half-past six.
+
+SHAFTESBURY HALL.—At this hall, situated at the end of the Portland-road,
+Notting-hill, a mission preaching service is conducted on Sunday evenings
+at seven, by Mr. William Winton, attached to the City Mission in that
+district.  Mr. Winton is an earnest man, and addresses himself to the
+working classes of the Potteries and vicinity, and generally has the
+hall, which will hold about 100, well filled at his services.
+
+BLECHYNDEN-STREET MISSION-SCHOOL.—Here are day and Sunday-schools for the
+poor children of the Potteries, situated in the lowest part of that poor
+district.  It is a separate building, and answers well its purpose.  On
+Sundays, morning and afternoon, there is school, with an average of 30 to
+40 in attendance, including infants.  In the evening, at seven, there is
+preaching by Mr. Norris, a missionary in that part, who gathers a
+congregation of from 60 to 80.  In the day-school, there are about 120
+scholars, boys and girls.
+
+GOLBORNE HALL, GOLBORNE-ROAD.—This hall, situated in the new
+Golborne-road, Upper Westbourne-park, is capable of seating 200 people,
+and has been opened on Sundays for some twelve months past for Divine
+Service.  It was first engaged for mission services by a clergyman of the
+Church of England, but is now held by the Rev. Mr. Davis, a Nonconforming
+preacher, formerly of the Kilburn-park Chapel.  Here is something like
+the nucleus of a society or church, professing to be _unsectarian_.
+There is preaching at 11 A.M. and 6.30 P.M. on Sundays, and at 7 on
+Tuesday evenings, and the Sacrament is administered every first Sunday
+evening in the month.  All the seats are free, and the cause is supported
+by voluntary weekly offerings.  In the morning the congregation contains
+but few adults; but in the evening it reaches an average of 80 or 90.
+There is a Sunday-school, with about forty scholars of both sexes in
+attendance.
+
+WESLEYAN PREACHING-ROOMS, SILCHESTER ROAD.—The Wesleyans formerly carried
+on service in the Silchester-hall, which they hired, but about six months
+ago adjourned to the present rooms, upon the occasion of the purchase of
+the hall by the Roman Catholics.  Thus excluded from a very commodious
+place, the present rooms, adjoining Silchester-villas, which are not
+convenient, are only held temporarily, until a chapel or a better place
+can be obtained, for funds to provide which an appeal is now being made.
+There is a good Sunday-school attached, with 300 children on the books,
+and an average attendance of 100 in the morning and 200 in the afternoon.
+Between 30 and 40 members compose the society, and the adult public
+services are attended by numbers varying from 30 to 50 in the morning,
+and 50 to 80 in the evenings.  The “rooms” are included in the Bayswater
+Wesleyan “Circuit,” and the preaching is arranged for on the plan of that
+circuit, and principally done by the “local,” with an occasional visit
+from the itinerant preachers.
+
+
+
+CONVENTS.
+
+
+THE CONVENT OF THE ORDER OF ST. CLARE.—A convent of this order of nuns,
+sometimes termed _Clarisses_, but more commonly spoken of as the “Poor
+Clares,” is planted on a fine site, near two acres in extent, in
+Notting-hill.  It comprises two blocks of buildings, one more in the
+interior of the grounds, and the other abutting upon the main, opposite
+to Edmund-terrace in the Cornwall-road.  Excepting this part, by which
+communication with the outside world is kept up, through a low, strong,
+cloistered doorway, the whole premises are enclosed within high brick
+walls, and along the Ladbroke-grove-road the whole length, from its
+junction with Cornwall road to that of Blenheim-crescent.  Entering by
+the low door in the Cornwall-road, the visitor finds himself in a shaded
+vestibule or hall, and having directly on his left the entrance of the
+convent chapel.  This chapel occupies only a small space, being capable
+of containing, if filled, about fifty worshippers.  It is profusely
+decorated on all sides with images of the Virgin and saints.  It has a
+small altar, and on the right a darkened sacristry.  The most noticeable
+thing—the thing mostly felt—is the profound silence reigning, which the
+hushed movement of the priest, whose white surplice was just visible in
+the gloom, only served to make more manifest.  The religious offices are
+performed by priests from the Catholic Church of St. Mary’s, Bayswater.
+This order of nuns was founded in 1212, by St. Clara—from whom it derives
+its name—a native of Assisi, in Italy.  She adopted the rule of St.
+Francis in all its rigour, and her followers are absolutely forbidden to
+have any possessions.  There are also other peculiarities in their rules,
+habit of dress, &c.  Those who enter by this door surrender all ownership
+of earthly treasure, and doom themselves to perpetual poverty; and in the
+end, on attaining the higher degree of devotion, sever themselves from
+all contact with and even from the sight of the outer world.  In this
+convent at Notting-hill there are at present about twenty nuns, who are
+pretty equally divided into the two classes of “Externals” and
+“Internals,” or, in other words, into those who maintain subdued
+communications with beyond the walls, and those who are strictly and
+unchangeably confined within.  Very little farther is or can be known of
+them.  The sisters work with their own hands, and, under the direction of
+the Lady Superior, do all their domestic service according to a
+prescribed order.  Great strictness of discipline is understood to
+prevail.  On ringing at the low door, which is darkened from its depth in
+the wall, the blind of a small grated window was withdrawn, and a pair of
+lustrous dark eyes peered through.  Anon the door is softly opened; and,
+in answer to a deferential inquiry as to whether it might be practicable
+for an outsider to come and look within, the gentle portress—then acting
+as such in her turn—promptly and with a cheerful air gave permission to
+enter and see the chapel.  This nun carried herself so pleasantly, and
+answered our queries so readily and agreeably, as almost to ignore the
+impression so common on these occasions, of secret restraint.
+
+THE CONVENT OF THE FRANCISCANS.—This has been established in the northern
+part of the Portobello-road, Notting-hill, about ten years.  It is a
+substantial brick structure, entered by strong conventual doors, and
+sufficiently enclosed from the profane world.  We were politely admitted
+by the kind sister who attended as portress, to whom we made known our
+object.  “Are you a Catholic?” she asked; “Yes,” was the reply.  But the
+quick-witted sister at once detected the expression of countenance with
+which the answer was given, and said, smilingly, “Ah, a Protestant
+Catholic.”  We readily accepted this position, and were ushered into a
+neat waiting-room, pending consultation by our guide with the “rev.
+mother,” apparently with the view of clearing herself from all
+responsibility in the matter.  In about five minutes she returned with
+permission for us to see the chapel.  This we entered by what is termed
+the door and chapel of the “Externals.”  The compartment is divided into
+three parts, the outer court, a small chapel in itself appropriated for
+“Externals,” which in this case means visitors, or such as may
+occasionally be tarrying in the convent, but who are not really entered
+in the order.  The other part, which resembles the choir in an ordinary
+church, is sacred to the sisters themselves.  The chancel divides the
+two, which has the altar and the usual furniture, and in the background
+an effective fresco by Westlake, portraying the “Annunciation” and
+“Coronation” of the Virgin.  This we were allowed to approach; but when
+we made for the “Nuns’ Choir” below, we were impulsively caught back, and
+told that none “ever entered there” but the “sisters” themselves.  We
+apologised and retired.  There are now between twenty and thirty nuns at
+this establishment, who appear to enjoy slightly more life than their
+sisters the “Poor St. Clares.”  In a remote room a piano was being
+played, accompanying a clear, strong voice; and the corridors and
+apartments through the silence of which it rang were light and cheerful.
+The order established here is not the _strictest_ sect of St. Francis.
+The “Poor Clares” are supposed to be that; but the “Franciscans”
+correspond more with the “Brethren of the Community,” who in the 14th
+century insisted on mitigating the more austere rules of the founder.
+Although the _recluse_ life and the vow of poverty are upon them, in
+practice the severity of these rules is relaxed to meet, in some sort,
+the varying temperament of human nature.  Attached to the convent, at the
+next door, is a school for poor children, called the “Saint Elizabeth’s
+Home.”  This is entirely managed by the sisters, and contains at present
+66 girls, ranging in age from four to fourteen years.  The religious
+ceremonies are here also performed by priests from St. Mary’s, Bayswater.
+
+ST. JOSEPH’S HOME OF THE LITTLE SISTERS.—Of all the conventual
+establishments of the Roman Catholics in West London this is in some
+respects the most remarkable.  It is situated exactly opposite the former
+building in Portobello-road, a large brick edifice, giving one the
+impression of a workhouse or hospital, and in fact not unlike them in its
+objects.  It has been founded about four years, and subsists entirely
+upon voluntary charity.  It is a home for the aged and infirm poor of
+both sexes, and has at the present time no less than 210 inmates.  It is
+under the management of the nuns of the place, known as the “Little
+Sisters,” which may also be considered as a sect of the order of St.
+Francis.  The Franciscans were first called by the saint _Fraterculi_,
+“Little Brethren,” in token of their humility.  For a like reason the
+corresponding order of nuns take the appellation “Little Sisters.”  At
+this place they are foreigners, and of a humble grade.  In the former
+cases the sisters we saw were English, and refined in their deportment
+and speech; in the present they appeared of another class, but adapted to
+the work they have to do.  The “Rev. Mother,” who is the “matron” of the
+place, came, with a meek young nun in attendance, to converse with us.
+She was extremely reticent, and inquisitive as to our motive, concerning
+which we found it difficult to satisfy her.  She, however, readily
+conducted us through the place, the attendant nun following closely.  The
+chapel is large for a private one, and great care and some expense have
+been bestowed upon the chancel, altar, and little side chapels—devoted
+respectively to the Virgin and St. Joseph.  Several of the old people
+were sitting about, saying their _Ave Marias_, and counting their beads,
+and a young foreign priest knelt at the railings enclosing the main
+altar.  Perceiving us about to leave without bowing to the altar, the
+“Rev. Mother,” who had already bowed, turned and bowed again several
+times, as though in atonement for our omission.  The dormitories are
+large and airy, and closely fitted up with beds down each side, having
+plain patchwork counterpanes, made with charitable hands, all after the
+same pattern.  In a large room below many of the old men were sitting
+about at leisure, reading books and newspapers, with which charity
+accommodates them.  In another large compartment the old women were at
+tea, served up to them in good-sized basins, with plain bread, and
+butter, if any, invisible.  They seemed to be thoroughly enjoying
+themselves, and rose politely as we passed through.  The wards of the
+infirmary presented the most affecting sight of all.  The inmates here
+were not numerous, and all—with one or two exceptions—very old bedridden
+people, who appeared to be dying from natural exhaustion in the ordinary
+course, and, as some of them tearfully and hopefully said, in answer to
+our few words of encouragement, “Waiting their change.”  There were more
+men than women; and two or three of the males were about in middle life.
+One of these, the Matron told us, had been in bed for twenty-five years.
+The “Little Sisters” provide homes for the aged poor, professedly
+“without distinction of religion;” although, of course, all the internal
+arrangements are Roman Catholic.  They appeal for help to the public, and
+say they accept “any contributions in money, food, clothing, &c.”  They
+have no funds for the maintenance of the home but what is thus regularly
+supplied.
+
+
+
+NOTES.
+
+
+ST. PETER’S, NOTTING-HI LL.—A second visit to this church enabled us to
+hear a sermon preached by the respected Vicar himself, the Rev. John
+Robbins, D.D.  The text was taken from 2 Tim. i. 12: ‘For I know whom I
+have believed.’  The subject of the discourse was _Faith_; and after a
+brief _exordium_, illustrating that faith was man’s own act under the
+influence of Divine grace, and improved by the exercise of a man’s own
+faculties, the preacher proceeded to show that when God commands us to
+believe, and when he is pleased to make our faith a condition of
+salvation, it would seem that faith cannot be “some magical and arbitrary
+something which suddenly falls into the soul,” but a thing which in some
+measure depends on ourselves.  Faith, in all its stages and degrees,
+“always” depended on the _will_.  The principle was illustrated by the
+experience of two persons starting in life, each having a certain faith
+in justice and honesty derived from early education—the one yields to the
+temptations of evil, and the other resists, the result being that the
+first loses all faith, whilst the other grows in it to
+perfection—retaining “the moral ideal and will” to a “high and happy
+development.”  Each of these characters is responsible for the degree of
+his faith, that “depending on the action of his own will.”  Faith, then,
+was strengthened by fidelity; and he would say to them, “Live for
+holiness, truth, justice, the good, the beautiful, the true, and then
+they would surely believe that they were not mere cold abstractions of
+theology, but the most real of all things!  Let them now go to the very
+core of religious faith.  If the Gospel told them to believe in Jesus
+Christ, was it not that Jesus Christ is truth, was holiness, love, living
+and incarnate?  The more they followed him the more they would believe in
+him.  For instance, there is one who as yet sees in Jesus a mere man, but
+his doctrine attracts and seems of a beauty incomparable.  He would not
+like to pass for a man without faith, yet when he analysed his faith he
+found that it reduced itself to a mere belief in Christ’s moral teaching.
+That was very little, said some of them.  But he was not one to despise
+little beginnings.  Let him act up to his faith, and strive to conform
+his own life to the sublimity of Christ’s morality, and keep that object
+courageously and unflinchingly in view, and he would not need to continue
+this long before he would be forced to admit that he was very far from
+his end, and that the holiness of Christ’s life completely and utterly
+transcends the natural strength of mere humanity.  It would not then
+require a great effort in him to believe that the Scripture speaks truly
+when it speaks of the fall of man and the slavery of sin.  He would defy
+him to examine his state long before a voice from the depths of his own
+heart told him that he too needed pardon.  Following this it would bring
+him to the foot of the cross, and then, casting a glance of holy
+self-abnegation (which was faith in her truest aspect), he would
+gratefully adore the divine wisdom which was able to reconcile on the
+cross, justice and mercy; and, ravished by a pardon which alone could
+satisfy the conscience, he would rise the redeemed of the Lord, and able
+to say with St. Paul, ‘I know in whom I have believed.’”  After some
+further discriminating views as to the possible variations in human
+experience in the attainment of saving faith, the preacher concluded with
+a pointed application of the truth to his hearers, the sermon lasting
+about forty minutes.  As a preacher, Dr. Robbins is earnest and
+intelligent.  He uses his MS., but does so freely, without apparently
+being trammelled by it.  As we before remarked upon his excellent reading
+of the Scriptures, we can now record a similar view of his pulpit work.
+His manner is natural and impressive, and his style fresh; whilst there
+is evident painstaking to think out a subject for his audience, and to
+enable them to follow him along the course of his argument.  His
+congregation is large, and, in appearance, of the more wealthy and
+educated classes; and his mode of teaching the experience of true faith
+as above was probably an adaptation to the mental habitude and
+circumstances of his hearers.  We can conceive a different class of
+audience whom Dr. Robbins would soon discover to require quite another
+way of putting the process of religious experience.  But it is surely a
+great part of the wisdom of the Christian teacher to find out the
+readiest line by which those to whom he is ministering can be led to
+Christ.  Yet, the impression is probably correct that the Rev. Doctor is
+in theology of the “Broad Church School.”
+
+THE PRO-CATHEDRAL, KENSINGTON.—At the time of our former sketch of this
+place, the principal preacher did not occupy the pulpit, and we therefore
+now append a note on Monsignor Capel, who is unquestionably a leading
+attraction at the Pro-Cathedral.  This rev. father appears about forty
+years of age, and may be said to be very superior in everything as a
+preacher, except that in which, after all, we must conclude it is of the
+highest moment that a preacher should attain perfection—viz., the Gospel.
+To say that he does not preach the Gospel would not be quite correct; but
+there is just so much that is not the Gospel intermingling in his
+discourses, that we much fear that in many the good wheat must be choked
+by the tares.  As a divine, he is, of course, framed upon the Roman
+Catholic system of theology—and all that can be said is that his
+preaching does not illustrate the peculiarities of Popery more strongly
+than the fundamental truths of the Christian religion.  To a cultivated
+theological ear the latter will form the staple of his discourses, and
+the former the colouring incidents.  And they are there in sufficient
+degree to show that Monsignor Capel studiously identifies all the errors
+of Romanism with the Gospel—enough to a decided Protestant ear to mar the
+better effect of his eloquence.  To hear him makes one grieve that such
+elocutionary powers as he manifestly possesses are not confined
+altogether to the illustration of those great verities of the Gospel upon
+which he often descants with feeling and power.  But he is trammelled by
+Romish dogma and tradition.  It is impossible to deny that Monsignor
+Capel is an orator of no mean order.  We have heard greater pulpit
+orators certainly, but seldom one who, upon the whole, has been more
+pleasing in his own style.  He has not only the natural gift of voice and
+manner, but he has culture, which together, if he were in any other than
+the Roman Catholic Church, would probably open his way to extensive
+influence.  He is now, however, ministering to a congregation of four or
+five hundred in the morning, and six or seven in the evening, in great
+measure of a very miscellaneous and unsettled character.  He preaches
+quite extempore; but such is the order maintained throughout his
+discourse, and such the flow of appropriate language, that an idea of the
+most careful preparation is conveyed to the hearer.  We are creditably
+informed by those who know the habits of the rev. gentleman that he is a
+very hard worker; that, in fact, he works “night and day” at sermonising;
+hence no doubt the freshness and general excellence of his pulpit
+orations.  Such harmonious arrangement of thought, with such general
+felicity of diction, continued, as a rule, for from forty-five minutes to
+an hour, can only come of mental labour in the study.  The discourse we
+heard was from the words “The Prince of Peace,” being the morning of
+Christmas-eve.  After an appropriate introduction, the preacher proceeded
+to enlarge on the following topics: I. Christ was the only source of that
+principle on which peace could be obtained by man.  Under this head the
+enmity between God and man, by reason of original sin, and reconciliation
+by the atoning death of Christ were topics fully brought out; and an
+affecting appeal was made to the congregation on the “vanity” of seeking
+peace in earthly or conventional sources without coming to the cross.
+II. Christ was the sole undivided object of our affections, and as such
+was the centre of, the Prince of Peace to his people.  Here the ways in
+which the Saviour seeks to win the affections of his people were
+treated—even, the preacher said, to the “multiplying himself upon our
+altars.”  In view of such tokens of condescending love, the
+uncharitableness of Christians, and their frequent cynical criticisms on
+their fellow-Christians, “even from the Pope down to the peasant,” were
+sharply rebuked, and the habitual imitation of Christ’s own love and
+tenderness enforced: for thus were all men to know that they were his
+disciples—that they “loved one another.”  III. Christ was the Prince of
+Peace in that he prescribes the rule by which we are to follow peace.  We
+must submit to his authority in this; and this authority he had placed in
+his Church.  Many sought it outside the Church, in pursuing their own
+fancies, or the opinions of other men; but to them there was no peace.
+And even within the Church, although “the great body of Catholics held
+the truth,” yet there was a vast amount of perverseness with some, and a
+sad tendency to follow their private judgment, or the teaching of some
+preacher or order, rather than the directions of the Church.  But the
+Church alone had authority to teach, and if we would have peace of soul
+we must be ruled by those fundamental laws of authority reposed in her.
+She taught that the royal road to peace was by the Cross.  The crown of
+thorns must be upon our heads.  “There must be bodily mortification as
+well as interior mortification.”  He advised them to try a week of
+mortification—willingly to take up their cross—they would then see if
+peace would not follow.  With this they were to connect prayer; _prayer_,
+and not _vain repetitions_.  They were to struggle as earnestly for this
+divine peace as they had often done for some earthly object.  These views
+were expanded and applied with great force of language and facility of
+illustration, together with a pathos in appeal which led one to lament
+that it had not a sounder basis of biblical teaching to rest upon.  But
+Romish dogmas and discipline were often put in the place of the free and
+open word of God, and bodily exercise in the place of penitent faith unto
+salvation.  Then as to all the eloquence, the fine, flowing sentences,
+the vocal modulations, we were inclined to ask, “_Cui bono_?”  It seemed
+after all but beating the air—a strange confusion of Bible truth and
+man’s inventions and conceits; as distinct from sound reason as from
+sound doctrine.
+
+ST. MARK’S, NOTTING-HILL.—Since our first article on this church we have
+availed ourselves of a second visit.  The Rev. E. K. Kendall, the vicar,
+of whose usual ministry we had heard very favourable accounts, preached
+the sermon.  Being the first Sunday after Epiphany, the rev. gentleman
+took his text from Luke ii. and 51st, “And he went down with them and
+came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them.”  The preacher had on the
+previous day discoursed on the visit of the Magi to the infant Saviour,
+and remarked upon the _humility_ of these learned men in the presence of
+the Babe of Bethlehem.  He now passed to the still greater example of
+humility, presented in the life and conduct of the Redeemer himself, who
+dwelt at Nazareth in humble subjection to his parents, and visibly grew
+in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.  His mother, the
+lowliest of saints, might well think of these things, and wonder at the
+strange dealings of Providence which led her to exaltation by such a way
+of humility.  The present season was full of the same teaching—viz., that
+“Before honour is humility.”  There was not only the lowly mother called
+“Blessed” because the Most High had done great things for her; not only
+the humble wise men, laying aside the pride of human learning before the
+great mystery of Godliness, but there was the still more wonderful
+abasement of Him who is the Son of God, but still emptied himself of his
+glory and took on him the form of a servant, made in the likeness of man,
+and prepared for his Divine work by the life of simple obedience in the
+carpenter’s home in despised Nazareth.  Strange it may seem to us—strange
+in this nineteenth century, that humility should be thus set before us as
+pre-eminently a Christian grace, and that the title and admission to the
+blessings of the Christian covenant should be still declared, “Except ye
+be converted and become as little children, ye shall in no case enter the
+kingdom of heaven.”  “Be ye clothed with humility.”  The saints in all
+ages had learned as a first lesson on entering the Divine Presence, that
+the only seemly attitude of a sinner is one of self-abasement.  He would
+not have them to think that the religion of Christ was one suitable only
+for a world in its infancy and not in its manhood, as some in their pride
+taught; and therefore he would enforce the absolute necessity of all
+being clothed in the same humble garment.  The language of Scripture was
+undeniable in its inculcation of a teachable and childlike spirit.  The
+Old Testament was as clear upon this point as the New, both alike
+insisting on the duty of obedience not only in a child, but in a man, and
+this not only to the ordinance and revelation of God, but even for the
+Lord’s sake to the ordinance of man.  Ambition as such was in every one
+condemned.  It is the duty of man to use and not abuse the powers and
+gifts which come from God; and if he thus becomes great as the world
+reckons greatness, it is only because God has given him the power, and
+the responsibility of using that power well.  But those who measure
+themselves by themselves, and compare themselves among themselves were
+not wise.  Christianity may be summed up in three words, Repentance,
+Faith, Obedience, and each of those implies that the man is humble—humble
+for his own faults, which abase him in dust and ashes; humble as to his
+own understanding, submitting to believe that which he cannot see; humble
+as to his own judgment—even in practical matters content to obey rather
+than behave as may best suit his own notions or convenience.  Was it not
+so, that this humility many would consider somewhat out of date.  True a
+man of extreme self-assertion was apt to wound the pride of his
+neighbours, and so come to be despised, especially if his pretence were
+without solid qualities to back it.  But did we on the whole esteem and
+admire those who are humble-minded; were we not too apt to judge as if
+such a quality were a sign of weakness in its possessor?  Or that,
+however lovely it might appear, it is not one of those virtues which
+ordinary men can afford to cultivate, but rather as a hothouse plant or
+tender exotic; too frail to stand the rough blasts of the world?  Were
+there not tendencies ahead which seem to show that humility is thought by
+some a virtue which might beseem the babyhood of civilisation; but that
+it is ours to practice a mode of thinking and acting natural to its
+manhood?  Repentance well enough if it only meant living by experience of
+the past; faith well enough for those devoid of critical faculties, but
+certainly not to be exacted for any dogmas or doctrines even from the
+unlearned, who should be left free to their own opinions; obedience well
+enough as a thing to be claimed so far as society may agree to lay down
+certain rules for its own protection or benefit, to which all citizens
+must submit as a matter simply of mutual convenience, not at all as a
+matter of duty.  He (the preacher) did not exaggerate when he said that
+such were the evil tendencies which seemed to him to be at work among us,
+contrary alike to the principles of true religion and true wisdom,
+repeating in a form suited to our own day the first temptation of our
+first parents in Eden.  Were they not reminded of the saying of
+Scripture—that in the last days “perilous times should come; for men
+shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,
+blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural
+affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers
+of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure
+more than lovers of God, having the form of Godliness, but denying the
+power thereof.”  He thought the lessons of the Nativity and Epiphany came
+as a very wholesome corrective to these tendencies.  The preacher went on
+to show that the causes of this want of humility were that God was
+forgotten, and self-abasing views of his holiness were, therefore, not
+obtained; and that men lost sight of the fact that this humility was a
+Divine grace, and insisted that it was not to be looked on as littleness,
+want of enterprise or subtle resource, and certainly not a want of power,
+and that the greatest of men have been most noted for humility.  A very
+effective sermon on the subject was brought to a close by a pointed and
+affectionate application of the truth, that this humility can alone lead
+us to true dignity and peace.  As a preacher, Mr. Kendall possesses a
+style of simple and engaging eloquence, with a clear utterance, one under
+which it is next to impossible to be inattentive.  Though advantage is
+taken of the M.S., the sermon is nevertheless _preached_, and that with
+considerable expression of manner.  Indeed, we are glad to observe the
+old style of simply _reading_ over sermons in a perfunctory manner
+passing out of sight; and Mr. Kendall is a good example of the happy
+change.  The sermon was not too long or too short but struck the medium
+well, at the point of thirty-five minutes.  We were pleased in this case
+with the fine effect of a good pulpit to preach from.  St. Mark’s is one
+of the best pulpits we have seen, being of noble proportions and
+commanding, and is a good setting for any preacher who may occupy it.
+This is no small matter in church architecture.
+
+ST. AUGUSTINE’S, SOUTH KENSINGTON.—The church of this name, since our
+former notice, has removed from the temporary iron building then used, to
+the permanent structure in Queen’s gate.  This was opened in an
+incomplete condition in September last, the works of the exterior not
+being finished and the chancel not built.  In consequence of these
+circumstances the Bishop of London declined to consecrate it, and service
+is carried on in the nave.  The edifice, when all complete, will have
+cost about 18,000_l._, more than one-half of which has yet to be raised.
+The building of the chancel is therefore delayed, upon which we
+understand the Vicar, Mr. Chope, is intending to expend a large sum.
+Meanwhile, a space is appropriated for a chancel and choir out of the
+nave, and under what is to be the chancel-arch.  The architect, Mr.
+Butterfield, has produced thus far an elegant interior, combined with
+strength.  Six beautiful columns of alternate blocks of Bath stone and
+Portland divide the nave on each side from the aisles, and support an
+equal number of imposing Gothic arcades in Bath-stone, and clerestory of
+variegated brickwork.  The windows of the clerestory are numerous, and
+form the only medium of light and ventilation.  The west front exterior
+is in the Decorated style, built of red and straw-coloured brick, with
+Bath-stone dressings.  A principal feature is the _window tracery_, which
+is elaborately carried out.  The style of the worship is precisely as in
+the former place, only we do not observe the same _punctilio_ in
+separating the male and female portion of the audience.  At every repeat
+of the _Gloria Patri_, the clergy and choristers turn their backs to the
+people; the intoning was done, in the purest Gregorian tone, by the Vicar
+himself, and the Litany was chanted by one of the curates, kneeling in
+front of the altar with his back to the congregation.  As an instance of
+the effect of the Ritualistic style on the minds of persons brought up in
+the plain Christian worship of the Church of England, we may mention that
+at one part of the service, a gentleman, evidently a stranger from the
+country, turned and observed to us inquiringly, “I suppose this _is_ a
+Church of England Church, is it not, Sir?”  He was clearly in perplexity
+upon the subject, and after he received our answer he looked on with
+growing astonishment through the whole service.  The sermon was preached
+by a visiting clergyman; who possessed a very good voice, but which, from
+some unfortunate peculiarity in its use, did not succeed in conveying to
+us at the other end of the church one single intelligible sentence.
+Apart from sundry not unmusical modulations—alternating with whispers—the
+whole was a blank even to our somewhat practised ear.  The church has
+very grave acoustic defects, or the preacher equally grave defects in the
+management of his vocal organ.  Accommodation is here provided for 1,000
+persons.  At the opening service it is recounted by persons present that
+the celebrant at the communion, at the close of the service, in presence
+of the people, drank up all the wine that remained, completely turning
+the chalice bottom upwards, and ate all the bread with scrupulous care.
+There is a large metal crucifix fixed upon a block on the altar.  What is
+the real difference between this and its standing on the altar itself?
+It is in “apparent connection with the altar,” and the vicar must know
+that this is a contravention of the law.  Two huge candle-sticks with
+candles are upon the altar, and occasionally lit at times “when not
+wanted for the purpose of giving light.”  This also is a thing not
+allowed.  Mr. Willis is building an organ for this church at a cost of
+1,000_l._, towards which not 300_l._ has yet been promised.
+Services—Sunday, Communion at 8 A.M.; matins, Litany, and sermon at 11
+A.M.; second celebration at 12.30 P.M.; evensong and sermon at 7 P.M.
+Week-day matins at 10 A.M.; evensong at 3 P.M.  Saints’ days and
+Thursdays, at 8 A.M., Holy Communion.  Full choral service on Sundays and
+the greater holy days.  Christmas-day, choral A.M., and carols at
+midnight.
+
+ST. MATTHIAS, WEST BROMPTON.—The nave of this church is now being built,
+apparently in the same style as that of St. Augustine.  Meanwhile, the
+temporary structure is used within the outer building shell.  Mr. Haines,
+since our former notice, has not failed to refine Romewards upon his even
+then notorious Ritualism.  Some of his immediate neighbours, who
+occasionally attend his place, have expressed astonishment at his
+progress.  At the celebration of the Eucharist after a Sunday morning
+service we ourselves observed that it was difficult in reality to
+distinguish it from High Mass at the Pro-Cathedral or the Oratory.  There
+were three priests at the altar, with their backs to the audience,
+mysteriously manipulating the elements, crossing and recrossing each
+other, in frequent change of place, bowing each time to the centre,
+alternately kneeling and rising together, breaking the dumb motions with
+an occasional priestly murmur, given in exact imitation of the Low Latin
+monotone of a Romish priest, all varied now and then with a few stains in
+solo or chorus from the choir, which was in full force, apparently
+emulating the Mass music of other places.  All this in the dim light of a
+shaded chancel, with three sevens of candles burning on altar, flanked by
+two tall ones on the right and left—twenty-three candles in all—with
+sundry other movements of symbolical design, and we have the St. Matthias
+representation of the Mass.  The congregation was a full one for a
+Communion Service; but in the main composed of young persons, many of
+whom appeared to be present from curiosity or in the capacity of
+catechumens.
+
+ST. PAUL’S ONSLOW-SQUARE.—On a second visit we had the opportunity of
+hearing the Rev. C. Molyneaux, vicar.  Having heard of his fame as an
+eloquent and Evangelical minister, we were anxious that the “Index”
+should not go forth in its separate form without a note which seemed
+necessary to complete our former account.  Our impression on hearing Mr.
+Molyneaux was that public report concerning him, had “nothing
+exaggerated,” nor “set down aught in malice.”  And, indeed, it is
+noteworthy that the general impression created concerning a minister is
+seldom far from the truth as to prevailing characteristics, although it
+may often be amenable to correction on those finer points which require
+experience and trained appreciation to estimate.  Mr. Molyneaux’s voice
+is moderately strong only, but his utterance is distinct, and therefore
+he can be well heard in every part of the church.  He preaches
+_extempore_; but has so well prepared his theme, that his thoughts and
+language flow evenly and briskly on without hindrance or incumbrance to
+the end.  We can truly say that we have never listened to a minister
+without a MS. with more of that pleasureable sense which arises from the
+feeling that he who is addressing us is perfectly free from
+embarrassment.  Nothing troubles a hearer more than to feel that the
+preacher has not thoroughly mastered his subject, and therefore is liable
+at every step to mental perturbation.  We can safely promise any who go
+to worship at St. Paul’s and to hear the Rev. Capel Molyneaux the most
+complete immunity from any such infliction.  The address is intelligible
+to every one, the eloquence is of that home-speaking kind which is most
+likely to find its way to the heart, and, doubtless, it does reach to the
+hearts of many; whilst the teaching is in the main of that unmistakable
+Gospel kind which enlightens without mystifying.  Mr. Molyneaux is at the
+antipodes from those “priests” who are oft in preaching up the “Church,”
+the “Clergy,” the “Altar,” much as though they were afraid people would
+forget their own professional importance.  In the ministry at St. Paul’s
+all this essential emptiness is scattered to the winds.  The great themes
+are Christ himself, his redemption for man, his glory, and the future of
+his faithful people.  On the latter subject the rev. gentleman discoursed
+on the day in question—“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem,
+coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her
+husband.” (Rev. xxi. 2.)  The preacher opened with expressions of
+gratitude that the new Lectionary had enabled them that day, for the
+first time in the history of their Church, to read under authority from
+the book of Revelation.  It was to him (the preacher) a remarkable and
+somewhat discreditable fact that the use of a book of Scripture into
+which the Holy Spirit had introduced words of special blessing had been,
+though not intentionally, yet virtually ignored and proscribed in the
+public service of the Church.  He intended to take advantage of the happy
+change now brought about to expound to the congregation the heavenly
+teaching of that important book.  In everything that Mr. Molyneaux said
+about the general blissful prospects of the faithful every mind would
+gratefully concur; but even this excellent minister is not without his
+peculiarities.  If men _will_ have peculiarities of doctrinal views, we
+had rather far that they refer to the future than to the past, because
+here men can indulge their fancy with an innocence which they cannot when
+they take liberty with the accomplished and recorded facts of Bible
+history.  Prophecy offers a wide scope for the imagination to play in;
+and Mr. Molyneaux has lively imagination, and gives it a bold flight in
+dealing with the mystical book.  It was apparent enough that the preacher
+was a _Millennarian_; no doubt conscientiously so.  First, he considered
+the City itself; secondly, its relations to this earth; and thirdly, the
+general religious purpose and utility of such a revelation.  The preacher
+declaimed warmly against the “Spiritualists,” who explain everything in a
+spiritual sense only.  This city was “no shadow,” “no myth,” but “a real
+city,” “a locality,” “a glorious habitation.”  True there were figurative
+expressions in describing its “foundations, walls of precious stones,
+gates,” &c., but all this must represent something.  It indicated a
+reality, or else we were led astray from beginning to end.  This was
+evident enough.  But it was not quite so plain to our understanding when
+speaking of the relations of this city to earth, the preacher represented
+it as coming literally down to a position “contiguous” to earth, and
+there being situated with Christ the King and Ruler in it; and, by
+excessive glory, giving light to the saved nations of the earth, which
+(the earth) it was emphatically declared would “never be destroyed,” but
+would continue “for ever and ever.”  This descent of the city was to be
+the salvation of “the nations” then living; and Israel occupying the
+foremost place.  It was an error to suppose that the nations of the earth
+would ever be converted by the preaching of the Gospel, or that there
+would be anything different to what we witness now, before that great
+event.  No nation ever had been, no nation as such ever would be,
+converted until then.  The conversion of individuals would go on, and
+many now in sin may be and would be converted.  But nothing beyond this.
+We confess to feeling a great deal of prophetic confusion under this
+teaching, because whilst the rev. gentleman was rapidly, and with some
+appearance of appositeness, quoting passages in proof his opinions, our
+mind instinctively reverted to other portions of Scripture which he did
+not refer to or attempt to explain.  But this, perhaps, he will do on
+some future occasion.  Thus one could not but think of the 11th verse of
+the 20th chapter, on the subject of the earth’s abiding—“And I saw a
+great white Throne and Him that sat upon it: from whose face the earth
+and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them”—and in
+the very verse preceding the preacher’s text—“And I saw a new heaven and
+a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away;
+and there was no more sea.”  It seemed to us a very heavy draw upon the
+imagination to ask us to believe that the descent of the city was to be a
+literal fact, without believing the context entitled to a literal
+accomplishment.  But as our object is not polemical we cannot pursue, if
+we sometimes permit ourselves to suggest controversy.  In conclusion we
+may say, notwithstanding some divergence of view in minor matters, how
+much we esteem the Rev. C. Molyneux as an able and earnest minister on
+all essential themes of the New Testament, and admire him for his
+sharply-defined Evangelical type; and as to vestment, declining to change
+the colour of his pulpit garb from black to white, although advised by
+the bishops.  If men think there is anything of principle at the bottom
+of the vestment controversy, they ought certainly to be decided and
+unflinching on the side they conscientiously take.  But Mr. Molyneux as a
+Premillennialist is quite another question; and we may be excused for
+expressing a serious doubt as to the possibility of maintaining the
+Chiliast theories on Scriptural grounds.
+
+KENSINGTON PALACE CHAPEL.—The palace is always associated with
+Kensington, being in the very heart of the parish, although strictly
+speaking not belonging to the parish.  It is this which gives to
+Kensington the distinction of the “Court suburbs,” although by some
+ancient eccentricity of events it is really situated in the parish of St.
+Margaret, Westminster.  Yet it comes properly within our province to
+notice it here, as far as the “Chapel Royal” is concerned, included in
+the familiar red brick pile spoken of as Kensington Palace.  It will
+probably be known to most readers that William III. was the first Royal
+proprietor and resident of the palace.  In the various alterations that
+monarch effected, he took care to impress upon the building the plain
+Dutch style; so that if we may attribute to him the existing chapel
+before it was used as such first in 1834, there is no ground for surprise
+at its extremely primitive and unpretending character.  It was the
+character of the man who breathed his last within those walls.  William
+was not one with a passion for magnificent palaces; but was as happy and
+content as his nature would allow in this place in society with his
+beloved Mary, whose death he lamented with the modest remark, “_I cannot
+but grieve_, _since I have lost a wife who_, _during my marriage_, _has
+never been guilty of a single indiscretion_.”  Queen Anne, both beloved
+and adored by her subjects, Prince George of Denmark, were much at this
+palace; also the two first Georges and Queen Caroline, who herself
+effected most of the improvements in the Royal residence.  It is
+impossible that we should forget to note in our day, that here her
+present Majesty passed her early days, and here too she held her first
+council on acceding to the throne.  In taking a seat in this little
+chapel, it is difficult to repress, even for higher considerations, a
+multitude of thoughts which gather around our modern English history.  It
+has nothing of architectural beauty to boast of, being nothing more nor
+less than a loft apartment in the palace set apart for Divine service.
+The ceiling is heavily ribbed and panelled, the walls simply distempered,
+and the three arched openings to the west answer, without the slightest
+ornament, the sole useful purpose of admitting the light.  A dado all
+round forms a back to the high square pewing, and the communion table,
+which is fixed, without any ecclesiastical reference, at the south end.
+There is a simple prayer-desk on the east, and a high pulpit on the west
+side, in which, in consequence of disproportion to the entire space, the
+preacher is well nigh lost to view.  The north end is occupied by the
+Royal pew, elevated considerably above the rest, and screened by crimson
+curtains.  The body of the chapel is filled with about forty chairs.  Any
+strangers, or people from without, are here accommodated, whilst the
+servants and other members of the household occupy the tall pews which
+run parallel with the walls—there being in all 71 seats.  The singing is
+assisted by a harmonium, the young lady performer on which is not cheered
+with much vocal companionship.  The instrument was presented by Queen
+Victoria.  The communion plate is marked with the initials and arms of
+William III., Queen Anne, and George II.  Worship is here conducted in a
+simple, homely manner; and the Rev. W. T. Bullock, the Chaplain, is a
+minister that has to content himself with that, and appears to have no
+disposition to go beyond.  His sermon, however, struck us as being more
+elaborate than necessary to the audience then present; but it must be
+remembered that he often has to address royal personages from that high
+pulpit.  The Princess Mary Adelaide of Teck, her circle and royal
+visitors, sometimes step into the high pew, and the minister is put upon
+his best efforts, and to be always ready is to be on the safe side.  On
+Sunday there is a short household service at 8.30 A.M.; full service,
+with sermon, at 11.15; evening prayer, without sermon, at 3.30; singing
+practice at 4 P.M.  Family prayer every morning at 8.30.  Holy communion
+first Sunday in the month.
+
+ST. MATTHIAS, WARWICK ROAD, WEST BROMPTON.—This church is now near
+completion.  The nave and aisles are built, and the flooring laid down.
+It is Early English in style, the arcades and columns and lofty roof,
+with the distant stained window of the chancel, producing a pleasing,
+though quiet, effect.  The interior is everything here, the exterior is
+very plain, the lancet windows alone defining the structure.  There is no
+entrance from the west and principal front, and the public approach to
+the church is only by two doors—one on the north, and the other on the
+south side; an arrangement approved of by the Incumbent as one to prevent
+the gathering of idle persons around the entrance from the main road, and
+so securing greater quiet in the services.  The building is calculated to
+accommodate, on one floor, 1000 persons, and upon special occasions 1200
+might find place in it.  It is built after the designs of Mr. J. H.
+Hakewill, of South Molton Street, by Messrs. R. Avis and Co., of Baltic
+Wharf, Putney.  In our former account we referred to the very superior
+organ with which this church is furnished, built by Mr. Henry Jones, of
+the Fulham Road.  We are pleased now to be able to give a complete
+description of this fine instrument.
+
+DESCRIPTION OF THE ORGAN IN ST. MATTHIAS’ CHURCH, WARWICK ROAD,
+KENSINGTON.—This Organ has 3 Manuals, compass of each CC to C, 61 notes,
+and an independent Pedal Organ, compass CCC to F, 30 notes.  The Stops
+are arranged as under:—
+
+                  GREAT ORGAN, CC to C, 61 notes.
+                            Compass.            Pitch.        Pipes.
+                                                (Feet)
+1.        Bourdon                CC                 16       wood 61
+2.        Open Diapason          CC                  8      metal 61
+3.        Rohe Flöte             CC                  8       wood 61
+4.        Gamba                  C                   8      metal 49
+5.        Flute                  CC                  8         ,, 61
+          Harmonique
+6.        Octave                 CC                  4          „ 61
+7.        Flute                  CC                  4         ,, 61
+          Harmonique
+8.        Octave Quint           CC                 2⅔          „ 61
+9.        Super octave           CC                  2          „ 61
+10.       Great Mixture          CC            various         „ 214
+          (4 ranks)
+11.       Trumpet                CC                  8          „ 61
+12.       Clarion                CC                  4          „ 61
+                                                 Total           903
+                  SWELL ORGAN, CC to C, 61 notes.
+13.       Bourdon                CC                 16       wood 61
+14.       Open Diapason          CC                  8      metal 61
+15.       Salicional             C                   8         ,, 49
+16.       Lieblich Gedact        CC                  8       wood 61
+17.       Octave                 CC                  4      metal 61
+18.       Flute                  CC                  4          „ 61
+          Harmonique
+19.       Super octave           CC                  2         ,, 61
+20.       Mixture (3             CC            various        ,, 183
+          ranks)
+21.       Horn                   CC                  8          „ 61
+22.       Oboe                   C                   8         ,, 49
+23.       Clarion                CC                  4         ,, 61
+                                                 Total           769
+                  CHOIR ORGAN, CC to C, 61 notes.
+24.       Geigen                 CC                  8      metal 61
+          Principal
+25.       Dulciana               CC                  8         ,, 61
+26.       Lieblich Gedact        CC                  8         ,, 61
+27.       Flauto Traverso        CC                  4       wood 61
+28.       Flautina               CC                  2         ,, 61
+29.       Keranlophon            C                   4      metal 49
+30.       Clarionet              C                   8         ,, 49
+                                                 Total           403
+                  PEDAL ORGAN, CCC to F, 30 notes.
+31.       Great Bass            CCC                 16       wood 30
+32.       Sub-Bass              CCC                 16       wood 30
+33.       Violoncello           CCC                  8         ,, 30
+34.       Trombone              CCC                 16     [wood and
+                                                           metal] 30
+                                                 Total           120
+                            ACCESSORIES.
+35.       Coupler.—Swell to Great Organ.
+36.       ,, Swell to Choir Organ.
+37.       ,, Swell to Pedals.
+38.       ,, Great Organ to Pedals.
+39.       ,, Choir to Pedals
+40.       ,, Choir to Great Organ.
+
+                                 SUMMARY.
+
+                    Stops.       Pipes.
+Great Organ                12          903
+Swell ,,                   11          769
+Choir ,,                    7          403
+Pedal ,,                    4          120
+Couplers                    6
+           Total           40         2195
+
+                       COMPOSITION PEDALS, &C. &C.
+
+1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th       Act upon the Great Organ.
+5th, 6th, and 7th            Act upon the Swell Organ.
+8th                          Ventil to Great Organ.
+9th                          Tremulant to Swell.
+10th                         Swell Pedal.
+11th                         Great Organ to Pedals.
+
+ST. JUDE’S, SOUTH KENSINGTON.—Since our earlier article on this church
+was printed, some slight changes have taken place in the service,—the
+most conspicuous of which is the adoption by the Vicar in deference to
+the view taken of the question by the Bishops, of the surplice in the
+pulpit.  The Rev. R. W. Forrest, however, has not changed the tone of his
+preaching, if he has seen fit to change in the matter of vestment.  He is
+still evangelically effective, and does not appear to have diminished the
+number of his friends by the incident.  Not, however, that it has passed
+without remark; but no one suspects Mr. Forrest of general Ritualistic
+designs.  By the kindness of the Architects, the Messrs. Godwin, of
+Brompton, we are enabled to produce an excellent view of the interior of
+this fine church, and also a view of the exterior, as it will be when, as
+we hope, not long hence, the tower and the spire will be completed.
+
+THE SWEDENBORGIAN CHURCH AT KENSINGTON.—The chapel in the Mall,
+Kensington, which had been successively a sphere for the ministration of
+the Rev. Mr. Offord, and the Rev. Dr. Schwartz, but purchased by a
+gentleman in the North of England, redecorated, and endowed with an
+income of 300_l._ a year, for the use of the Swedenborgian or New
+Jerusalem Church.  The pastor is the Rev. Dr. Bayley, of Argyle Square,
+and the dedication festival took place on Thursday afternoon, the 21st of
+March, 1872.  The ceremonies consisted of a service in the church,
+conducted by the Rev. Dr. Bayley, Rev. Dr. Tafel, and Rev. W. Bruce, a
+tea-meeting, and the annual gathering of the New Church Association, when
+an excellent selection of vocal music was performed.  Large numbers were
+present on each occasion.  The chapel has been entirely refitted at
+considerable cost, and is now seated for nine hundred.  There are two
+handsome octagon pulpits, one on each side of the communion, and built of
+a mixture of very rare South American wood and Japanese elm, the panels
+being elaborately and tastefully carved.  The communion-table is of the
+same material, and also the font, which is octagon, and has a basin of
+solid silver.  The chapel has a good organ, by Wadsworth, of Manchester.
+The whole of the improvements have been most tastefully executed by the
+Messrs. Dove Brothers, of Islington.
+
+THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.—This congregation, formerly meeting in the above
+chapel, still carry on service in the Mall Hall very near to it, but the
+Presbytery are assisting it to acquire a new and commodious church, and
+delay is mainly occasioned by the great difficulty experienced in
+procuring a suitable site for the building.  It is, however, not
+improbable that a site will open in the Kensington Park Road, northward,
+than which a more important one could scarcely be selected.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+THE SURPLICE IN THE PULPIT.—A conference of clergy and laity was held on
+Wednesday, January 24, 1872, at Exeter Hall, to consider the Bishop of
+London’s recommendation in his recent charge, that clergymen should wear
+the surplice in the pulpit.  The points to be discussed had previously
+been submitted by circular to 1,250 Evangelical Churchmen.  On the motion
+of the Rev. J. C. Ryle, the following resolutions were adopted, with four
+dissentients: 1. “That the general adoption of the surplice as the pulpit
+dress, before the legality of such dress is duly established by law, is
+highly inexpedient, inasmuch as it is a departure from long established
+usage, is contrary to the recommendation of the Ritual Commissioners, and
+is not desired by the laity; and furthermore is likely to give grave
+offence to many congregations, and to disturb the peace of the church.”
+2. “That this resolution be signed by the chairman, and embodied in a
+memorial, on behalf of the conference and the bodies represented in it,
+to be forwarded to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and made
+public in any way the Council of the Church Association and the Committee
+of the Clerical and Lay Union may think best.”  In the course of the
+discussion, the Rev. Capel Molyneux, Vicar of St. Paul’s, Onslow-square,
+South Kensington, said that he would never consent to be inveigled by the
+bishops into giving up first one thing and then another merely to please
+the Ritualistic Romanisers in the Church.  The surplice was the badge of
+priestcraft, and he thanked God he was not a priest.  (A Voice: What are
+you, then?)  He had always preached in his gown, and he would continue to
+do so until the end.  He would urge all Evangelicals never to preach in a
+surplice, but to let the black gown be a badge of those who faithfully
+preach Christ.  The Rev. J. C. Ryle, the Rev. Mr. Money, &c., spoke in a
+similar strain, and expressed determination to resist the suggested
+change of vestment to the end.
+
+
+
+
+ESSAYS.
+
+
+A COMPARATIVE DENOMINATIONAL VIEW.
+
+
+OF ESTABLISHED CHURCHES there are 25 in Kensington, giving 30,020 seats,
+or an average of 1250 each; and of this number, 10,883, or rather more
+than one-third, are free.
+
+Of NONCONFORMING CHAPELS and other places, such as rooms or halls, 25,
+furnishing accommodation for 15,550, of which 5370 are free seats.
+
+The ROMAN CATHOLICS have four churches, which are the foremost of that
+persuasion in London.  The Pro-Cathedral provides 1100 seats, inclusive
+of 150 free; the Oratory 1200, 200 being free; the Church of the
+Carmelite Friars 800, none free; and that of St. Francis 500, none free.
+
+There is one NON-SECTARIAN CHURCH, the Talbot Tabernacle, with 800
+sittings, 200 of them free; and two Non-Sectarian Halls, with space
+together for 400.
+
+The FOLLOWERS OF SWEDENBORG have one Chapel, with accommodation for 1000,
+no seats being definitely free.
+
+Thus it will be seen that all the denominations together supply 49,070
+seats, more than three-fifths of which are found by the Church of
+England; 15,550 by Protestant Nonconformists; and the remainder 3500 by
+Roman Catholics.
+
+The numbers allotted to English Nonconformity stand as
+follows:—_Baptists_, 7450; _Congregational_, 2600; _Wesleyan Methodists_,
+2250; _Primitive Methodists_, 300; _Scotch Presbyterian_, 600; _Plymouth
+Brethren_, 150; _Non-Sectarian_, 1200; _Swedenborgians_, 1000, =15,550.
+
+The Established Church is, therefore, relatively strong in Kensington;
+and when we consider that the whole of this Church accommodation, with a
+single exception or two, has been provided by voluntary effort, and
+without the slightest pecuniary aid or benefit from the State, it must be
+accepted as a striking evidence of the popularity of that Church.
+
+The principal parish Church, now just completed and about to be opened at
+a cost of but little under £40,000, is built entirely upon the voluntary
+principle.  We have only heard of one instance in all this mass of
+property in which a helping hand has been extended, even by the Bishop of
+London’s Fund, and then only to the extent of about £2000.  West London
+Churchmen have been deemed capable of doing their own work, and have been
+left to do it, and certainly they have done and are doing it.
+
+It is also to be observed that the different ecclesiastical schools in
+the Church, by mere dint of rivalry, have done comparatively little in
+this great work.  There are three or four decidedly Ritualistic Churches;
+two or three High Church; two Broad Church, which affects doctrine
+chiefly; and all the others are really and truly Evangelical Churches,
+and varying but very slightly, if any thing, in form and ceremony.
+Church extension may, therefore, be regarded as a genuine and earnest
+out-come of English protestant Churchmanship, prompted by higher motives
+than those connected with Ecclesiastical disputes.
+
+Among the nonconforming bodies, the BAPTISTS are by far the most numerous
+here.  It is, however, very observable that they do not appear to base
+the strength of their cause upon their denominational views as to Baptism
+by Immersion; but in every case except one, and that a very small Church,
+have what is called “open communion,” and admit to fellowship Christian
+believers of good repute generally, even though they disagree on that
+denominational point.  They are, therefore, to be distinguished from the
+_Ana-Baptists_, who insist upon re-baptism before communion; whilst they
+are equally far removed from the _Particular Baptists_, who preach
+particular Redemption.  The peculiarities of Calvinism are rarely, if
+ever, heard from their pulpits.  The body, then, that have obtained in
+Kensington, it may be of some importance to remember, are the _General
+Baptists_, who are characterized by liberality of sentiment, both as it
+regards Church conditions and doctrinal teaching.  The largest of these
+Churches is that of Westbourne Grove, under the pastorate of the Rev. W.
+G. Lewis.
+
+CONGREGATIONALISM is not largely represented in Kensington, and mainly
+centres in one or two Churches, viz. that presided over by the Rev. Dr.
+Stoughton, in Allen-street, formerly of Hornton-street, and that at
+Horbury Chapel, under the Rev. W. Roberts,—the former being the older and
+larger Church.  This is highly vigorous and prosperous, and has been
+progressively so under the now lengthened ministration of Dr. Stoughton.
+Aided by the well-known Catholic sentiments of this minister,
+Independency, in the parish of Kensington, has received a breadth of
+sympathy with Christian people of other denominations which enables it to
+maintain the most friendly relations with all.
+
+WESLEYANISM has not hitherto displayed the popular adaptation here by
+which it is characterized in many parts of the country, not excepting the
+chief centres of population.  Its efforts, however, in this direction,
+are yet young, and cannot be expected to have gathered the strength and
+influence of age.  It finds, moreover, at least in this part of the
+metropolis, abler, keener, and more active rivals than in rural parts, or
+in most provincial towns.  The Wesleyans, from their _connexional_
+principle, have an immense advantage over other bodies, as it regards the
+mere building of places of worship, for which, if they chose, they need
+not be in the least dependent upon mere _local_ effort.  If recommended
+by Conference, a general subscription for a first-class chapel in
+Kensington would be opened in the connexional organs, and closed in a few
+weeks, with surplus funds at the bankers, over the amount actually
+required for the purpose.  This is a wonderful material facility for any
+Church to possess, and if the raising of material fabrics were
+necessarily signs of real success, then it is quite certain that no
+nonconforming body in the land could compete with the Wesleyans.  But in
+the present condition of society, and distribution of the Churches and
+Church influences, if there is not sufficient interest in any given
+locality to build a Chapel wholly or mainly at its own cost, there is but
+little probability of creating a sufficient interest for the future by
+simply making it a present from a distance.  It might or it might not
+succeed; but the probability is that it will not.  One body of Christians
+cannot be every where, and there must be some points at which it will be
+weak.
+
+SCOTCH PRESBYTERIANISM is also without vigorous expression in Kensington.
+Always and every where an exotic Southward, it does not seem greatly to
+flourish.  It is a mission, established mainly for the benefit of Scotch
+residents or travellers, and was never intended to interfere with our
+native religious and Ecclesiastical growths.  Yet we are glad to see it
+among us.  It is a great way of showing how _united_ the _United_ Kingdom
+is, and our Scotch brethren, with their northern crispness and rigidity,
+ought to be perfectly at home with us.
+
+In touching on ROMANISM, we have it in this large suburb in all the
+strength and fascination with which it has hitherto been imported into
+the metropolis.  Here the wealth of its richest English adherents and
+foreign residents combine with the talent of its foremost men to give it
+popular effect.  This has been accomplished to a limited extent only; for
+the result at present is by no means commensurate with the efforts put
+forth.  Yet Protestants may not slumber upon this fact.  Romanism here is
+making a distinct and anxious bid for popular sympathy and local
+influence, and presents a calmly active energy and fertility of resource
+which might awaken vigilance if it need not create alarm.  Its preachers
+are eloquent and earnest, its Churches and ritual are gorgeous and
+costly, its music is enchanting, its monastic orders, its conventual
+settlements, and all their attached agencies are quietly and ceaselessly
+at work, and their schools, are diligently plied.  Just as we go to
+press, the foundation stone of a new “Home” is laid at Kensal New Town,
+and with it, ground taken up for a large Church.  This is hard by the new
+Protestant Church of “St. Andrew’s and St. Philip’s” on the one hand, and
+the Baptist Chapel on the other.  No stone is being left unturned; and
+should Ultramontane projects fail in this part of the suburbs, it will be
+a grievous discouragement to it all over London.  It was the promised
+land marked out for Romanism by Cardinal Wiseman, and Archbishop Manning
+is striving to lead the people up to possess it.  Should he ever succeed
+in a conspicuous degree, it will be owing as much to Protestant
+shortcomings as to his own efforts no doubt; but at present there is, on
+this head, but little reason to complain as far as building of Churches
+and Chapels is concerned.
+
+
+
+CHURCH BUILDING.
+
+
+THAT we live in a Church-building age is made manifest in the foregoing
+pages.  Of the fifty-three Churches and Chapels in Kensington, fifteen
+have been erected and opened within the last five years; sixteen others
+within ten years; and in all within the past twenty years there have been
+no less than forty-three erections.  Five Churches and Chapels are over
+twenty years of age, three over thirty, and two have stood for a
+century,—and still remain.  The old St. Mary Abbotts has succumbed to the
+weight of years, and a new and splendid fabric has just taken its place.
+A half a million of money is represented in these structures, by far the
+larger half of which has been raised and expected within the last decade.
+Whatever the verdict of posterity may be upon these buildings from an
+artistic point of view, it will not hesitate to accord the high merit of
+distinguished energy and liberality.  As to Architecture, some few of
+these erections embody and will hand down to future times examples of the
+improved taste of our day; but for the most part they have been erected
+under pressure of urgent necessity, arising from the rapid and
+overwhelming outflow of population towards the western suburbs.  The
+question has been all along how places could be erected with sufficient
+speed to save new communities from habitual forgetfulness of the Sabbath
+and public worship for the mere want of places in which to assemble.
+Never has been in the past, never probably will be in time to come, an
+extensive suburban area like this so rapidly covered with habitations of
+men and all the concomitants of our social life.  So recently as 1845,
+when the Church of St. John was erected on the crest of Notting-hill, the
+eye ranged from that eminence north and west only over open fields, and
+it was thought at the time that the Church had been placed too far in the
+country.  Yet St. John’s now stands in the centre as it were of a vast
+city, the unbroken lines of which stretch around and away for miles.  St.
+John’s would never now be thought or spoken of as “in the fields” any
+more than St. Paul’s, Knightsbridge, or St. Mary’s, Paddington.  The same
+is true of many other Churches first erected on the border-land; and it
+is not until we realize the extraordinary rapidity with which this mighty
+change has been wrought, that we can understand the comparative hurry in
+which some of the Churches have been built; but in most cases they are
+substantial buildings, and offer scope for further decoration and filling
+up of the Architect’s original designs as opportunity offers.
+
+The province and purpose of the Temporary Iron Church has been most
+marked in Kensington.  There are but few exceptions to the rule that, as
+to the later erections Iron has been the pioneer of stone or brick.  It
+is utilized for the first formation of districts and sub-parishes, and
+for the collection of congregations.  The young clergyman settles himself
+down to a new locality, puts up the Temporary Church at a small cost,—in
+the midst of bricks and lime, heaps, and scaffolding all around; the
+houses, however, are soon completed and occupied, and in two or three
+years he feels himself strong enough to turn his attention seriously to a
+permanent erection, and in many cases in an incredibly short time the
+work is accomplished, and the useful Iron friend is sold or hired out to
+some brother minister who wishes to imitate the process in another place.
+Of course the Iron Church comes in for its share of contempt from the
+fastidious.  It is “dingy-looking,” unattractive in every architectural
+respect, and denounced with its so-called “_tin-kettle_” bell as a
+disfigurement to the neighbourhood, and offensive to the ear.  But it
+does a good work notwithstanding, and ought to be highly prized and
+respected for its work’s sake.  There are, moreover, instances in which
+some of the objectionable features can be got over, and, at least, the
+interior of the Iron Church be made elegant and inviting.  The nicest
+individual ought to feel pleased with an interior like that of St. John
+the Baptist’s Church in Holland-road; where Mr. Edmeston, the Architect,
+has displayed a taste and contrivance which almost impose on one the idea
+that he is in a well-built permanent Church instead of a temporary one.
+He had previously exhibited great taste in his treatment of the interior
+of St. Peter’s Notting-hill, which is considered one of the most
+beautiful in London; and with a far inferior subject at St. John the
+Baptist’s has not been wanting to himself.  Indeed, we could scarcely
+have believed that so good general effect could have been wrought out
+between iron walls.  The people at that Church can well be content with
+their lot for some little time to come, should it not yet be convenient
+to build in a more costly and enduring style.
+
+We are glad to be able to supply in these pages views of a number of the
+principal Churches and Chapels, which will give the reader a better idea
+of the state of Church Architecture among us than any pen and ink
+description without their aid.  To begin with the new parish Church; both
+the exterior and interior are seen as reduced for this work from larger
+drawings, by permission of the Architect, Mr. G. G. Scott, by Mr. Avery,
+the photographer, of the Ladbroke-road.  They make beautiful pictures,
+and show an edifice which, when all complete, will be in every way worthy
+of the Court Suburb.  We have also a capital drawing of the old
+Church—_In Memoriam_—taken expressly for the “Index,” that it might not
+be quite lost sight of amidst the superior splendour of the modern
+temple.  And to complete the series, Messrs. Hill and Son, of the
+Euston-road, have enabled us to introduce a woodcut of the magnificent
+new organ they are building for the Church, and whose tones will be heard
+at the opening in a few weeks’ time.  These illustrations of themselves
+would have been sufficient to give unusual interest to the work; but we
+are favoured with many more.  Kensington Churches, as a whole, are so
+fairly and fully illustrated, that nearly every style of building is seen
+that has hitherto obtained among us.  St. Peter’s, Onslow-gardens,
+through the esteemed favour of the founder and patron, C. J. Freake,
+Esq., shows a fine interior as well as neat exterior; and St. Jude’s,
+South Kensington, the same—only in the latter case the spire represented
+is not yet built.  St. Paul’s, Onslow-square, is a specimen of plain
+unambitious gothic, in great measure purposely so, as according with the
+order of things instituted there; but partly, also, from the necessity
+existing at the time for making haste with the work.  St. Mark’s,
+Notting-hill, is an example of another kind, and by the kindness of the
+Rev. E. K. Kendall, the Vicar, we are enabled to introduce an excellent
+engraving.  Mr. Keeling has here displayed professional skill and
+freedom,—as also in St. George’s, Campden-hill.  The picturesque effect
+both in outline and detail is boldly sought, and successfully obtained;
+and we have a good view of the exterior.  Mr. Varley’s Tabernacle, as
+will be seen, is putting on a very improved countenance, under the hands
+of Messrs. Habershon and Pite, and from being utterly devoid of
+attraction, will be henceforth recognized as an ornament to the
+neighbourhood.  The beautiful Church of St. Barnabas, one of the very
+best specimens of Ecclesiastical Architecture in the parish, together
+with its useful appendage the “Church House,” are seen by favour of the
+Rev. Dr. Hessey, who has kindly supplied the blocks for the purpose.  The
+“Church House” is capable of being converted at any convenient time into
+a building of greater parochial importance; and, in fact, considering the
+popularity of the Church in that immediate neighbourhood under the good
+influence of Dr. Hessey, the time may not be far distant.
+
+Through the good offices of Mr. Bridgnell, of Warwick-gardens, we have an
+engraving Wesleyan Chapel there.  It is the nearest neighbour of Dr.
+Hessey’s Church, and one of the best productions of Mr. W. Pocock, who is
+a popular Architect in Wesleyan circles.  He has here produced a Chapel,
+or rather a Church, which, for architectural expression and cheapness
+combined, may compare with any thing we have seen.  Nothing has struck us
+more in this review of our Churches than the unaccountable difference in
+the _mere cost_ of production.  In Kensington we can point to Chapels and
+Churches that have cost the promoters nearly as much again as the
+Warwick-gardens Wesleyan Chapel cost, and are barely half so large,
+commodious, or beautiful.  In this matter there surely must be an open
+path to improvement.  It is painful even to think that £8000 and £10,000
+are expended upon places inferior in every respect to others that cost
+about half the sum.  It is good for people who are thinking of building
+to take this fact into consideration.  If they desire to have superb
+structures, and are prepared to pay for them, let them take care they
+have full value for their money; if otherwise, and they have only
+moderate means, still let them get as much as their funds can procure.
+
+
+
+CHURCH MUSIC.
+
+
+THE great variety in Church Music which we have noticed during our tour
+of the churches naturally leads us to some remarks upon this subject.  We
+cannot doubt that great exertions have been, and are still being made, to
+secure what is considered by the promoters a becoming performance of this
+part of public worship.  We have not entered a church or chapel where
+singing the praises of God has not formed a prominent feature of the
+service, for it so happens that we have not been able to find a Quakers’
+Meeting in all the parish of Kensington.  In some cases the “service of
+song” is redundant and all-pervading in the worship, which may be said to
+consist almost entirely of singing in one form or another, _i.e._ by the
+minister, the choir, or the congregation, either in their different parts
+or together.  In Roman Catholic places one is prepared to expect a
+super-abundance of music of a certain kind; but we have found in at least
+four English churches in the parish an almost equally exuberant display.
+In the majority of cases, however, a better proportion is maintained in
+this in its relation to other parts of Divine Service.  In nonconforming
+congregations there is clearly a general desire to bring up the standard
+of their musical performances to the requirements of the times, and in
+several instances this has been accomplished with great success.  We find
+included in their programme the _Te Deum Laudamus_, and sometimes an
+anthem with the words taken from Scripture, which, added to the usual
+hymns in use—sung as simple chorales in unison by the whole
+congregation—make a pleasing variety in the service, and often conduce to
+the best devotional effects.  The degree of this of course depends
+greatly upon the skill of the execution, which again depends upon the
+degree of musical knowledge and capacity possessed.  In some cases we
+observe a tendency to cultivate congregational singing in harmony, but it
+does not well succeed, for the manifest reason that all the congregation
+are not adequately trained to _part-singing_.  It thus sometimes happens
+that a number of the people persist in unisonal singing to the best of
+their ability, whilst the more educated with their music before them
+struggle on for the effect of harmony by rigidly adhering to their own
+parts.  This creates confusion, and greatly mars the effect of the
+whole,—an evil which, we can only hope to see remedied by a more general
+diffusion of the whole,—an evil which we can only hope to see remedied by
+a more general diffusion of musical knowledge.  If the time has come when
+music is to be insisted on as one part of ever child’s education, the
+period cannot be far distant when a more perfect state of things will
+obtain.  We cannot conceive a more delightful effect upon the mind than
+that producible by a whole congregation singing in perfect harmony some
+of those beautiful hymns which embody, when merely read, so much of
+elevating sentiment.  We are compelled, however, to notice that the
+majority of the hymn collections we have seen, both in churches and
+chapels, contain compositions so inferior to the ideas themselves which
+possess the mind of any intelligent worshipper, that, guided by the words
+before the eye, it is impossible to rise to the highest sense of
+devotion.  The conclusion is, therefore, forced upon us, that any
+considerable advance in musical education must be supplemented by a
+thorough revision of these collections, or by putting them aside
+altogether in favour of others that shall comprise all their beauties,
+and rigidly exclude their deformities—the feebleness of sentiment and
+expression, the doggerel and frequent lack of good sense.  The age is in
+want of a master-mind in the important department of hymn composition and
+collation for the service of the sanctuary.  If any able writer and
+compiler should be so inspired, he might now labour with the greatest
+advantage to Christian worship, if he can combine the religious fervour
+and enlightenment of some earlier hymnists with the science of the
+present times.
+
+It should be laid down as an unalterable rule that the object of all
+sacred music intended for the use of the sanctuary is to enable as many
+of the congregation as have voice and inclination to join in the service
+of holy song.  Tested by this principle the congregational adaptation of
+music would seem to be the most, if not the only, suitable method.  We
+would not say that other forms might not occasionally be employed with
+advantage to musical expression, and, perhaps, to the exciting of
+religious feeling in the hearer; but _choral-singing_ and _anthems_ ought
+not to be adopted as constant and principal parts of public worship, as
+is now the case in many churches.  The reasons against this are obvious:
+it excludes the people from participating in the devotions, and is apt to
+turn them into mere admirers of human art and skill, whilst it tends to
+the introduction of a florid style, bordering too closely on secular
+music, and not consistent with the solemn grandeur, the mingling
+joyousness, and plaintive emotion which ought ever to attend Christian
+worship.  Some years ago it was felt, and justly so, that the musical
+part of public worship had been too much neglected, and had fallen into
+disrepute.  A revival to a proper standard of efficiency was necessary,
+and in seeking to promote this some have fallen into the other extreme.
+In a number of parish and district churches the choral, that is,
+cathedral service, is adopted, without any regard to the fact that this
+form of song was never designed for such use, and intended only for
+cathedral and college foundations, where the entire body performing it
+were understood and expected to have a competent knowledge of the musical
+art.  Its general application was never contemplated, and, as far as our
+observation goes, it cannot be done without prejudice to other and still
+more important branches of public worship.  It will be seen that in some
+churches nearly the whole of the service is now song, and to such an
+excess is this carried, that there is scarcely any time left for the
+sermon.  And this is intentionally so; for some clergymen do not hesitate
+to say that the sermon is of little consequence, and that they make no
+account of it as compared with the other parts of their service.  The
+minister chants his portions of the Liturgy from beginning to end in a
+monotone.  The choir with the people alternately chant the versicles and
+responses; the Psalms for the day are chanted.  Then there is the service
+of the hymns, alternate chanting of the Litany, intoning and responding
+to the commandments in song, singing of the Nicene Creed, the Sanctus,
+and Gloria in Excelsis, and other parts permitted to be sung by the
+rubrics, and, added to all, the anthem by the choir, which is often of
+considerable length.  In this kind of service there is scarcely any thing
+left soberly to be _said_ which the common people can readily appreciate
+and heartily join in.  If they are not up to the music they cannot
+follow, and if they cannot imbibe the words they have no profit.  The
+music, too, is often of that kind which bars their uniting in it
+intelligently.  It would seem proper that the Psalms should be chanted.
+Their very name seems to point out that there can be no objection to
+this; but the objection lies against the music to which they are
+generally set.  The _Gregorian_ and other cognate chants are adopted
+because of their ease and simplicity, being within the compass and
+ability of every one’s voice; but the sense of the words, upon the
+meaning of which the very essence of devotion depends, is almost totally
+sacrificed to the music.  The words are slurred over, and often whole
+sections of verses are necessarily dropped, so that if what is really
+sung were put down on paper no sense whatever could be made of it.
+Unless music can be rendered more conservative of the words and sense of
+these inspired compositions, it would be better far to read them
+alternately, as is done with good and lively effect in many churches.  On
+what ground the Nicene Creed is chanted instead of being said, and why
+the minister monotones the commandments as well as the people sing the
+responses to them, is not easy to comprehend.  Notwithstanding the
+superstitious belief of the Jewish people, we dare believe that the Ten
+Commandments were never given by Moses from Mount Sinai in a recitative.
+
+It is therefore evident to us that, whilst in some of the churches the
+musical standard is slightly too low, both in quality and decree, and a
+certain languor results therefrom to the service, on the other hand true
+spiritual vigour in the worship is still more endangered by the opposite
+extreme to which we have referred.  In a just medium lies all the virtue
+and good effect of Church Music.  It should neither be so much as to
+obscure or invade unduly other parts of public worship and service, nor
+be so little as not to assist them.  It should neither be so florid as to
+dissipate devotional feeling, nor so dull as to prejudice its
+cheerfulness.
+
+
+
+THE CHURCH AND POPULATION.
+
+
+THE population of Kensington at the recent census was ascertained to be
+121,100, and we have seen that the total of accommodation made by all
+denominations for public worship is for 49,070 souls, or, in round
+numbers, allowing for possible crowding, 50,000.  The proportion is,
+therefore, above the average in most parishes; and although at no given
+time will the full amount of accommodation be taken up, yet the average
+attendance on the Lord’s Day at the principal services is good.  Out of
+the 50,000 that might attend, from 35,000 to 40,000 will be found at the
+morning service, and from 30,000 to 35,000 at the evening.  If we allow
+one-half the number in the evening to be of those who attended in the
+morning—and experience shows them to be in larger proportion—we have
+still the suggestive fact forced upon us for reflection, that a very
+great number never attend at all.
+
+The following table, showing in detail the population of the several
+Ecclesiastical divisions of the parish, has been prepared by order of the
+Vestry of Kensington, and obligingly sent us by Mr. G. C. Harding, the
+Clerk.  It will be very useful to refer to in connexion with the
+foregoing accounts of the Churches and Chapels situated in the several
+wards, parishes, and districts mentioned.
+
+      _Summary of the Population of the Parish of St. Mary Abbotts_,
+                              _Kensington_.
+
+                 THE ECCLESIASTICAL DIVISIONS AND WARDS.
+
+ _Ecclesiastical    Separate       Inhabited      Empty.       Building.      Males.       Females.       TOTAL.
+    Division_.      Families       Houses.
+                                     _The Ward of_ ST. MARY ABBOTTS, KENSINGTON.
+St. Mary Abbotts            3,067          2,088           93             24        6,319         10,377        16,696
+St. Barnabas                  968            808           59             28        1,666          3,498         5,164
+St. Philip                  2,226          1,141           62             77        3,855          5,168         9,023
+St. Stephen                   337            298           77             81          815          1,548         2,353
+Part of St.                   753            435           38             47        1,382          1,823         3,205
+George
+                            7,351          4,770          329            257       14,037         22,414        36,451
+                                        _The Ward of_ HOLY TRINITY, BROMPTON.
+Holy Trinity                2,537          1,594          126             ..        4,428          6,838        11,266
+St. Peter                      99             86            8             ..          140            251           391
+St. Paul                      328            237           18             51          578          1,194         1,772
+St. Augustine                 288            180           22             27          451            749         1,200
+St. Mary                    1,627          1,121          200             73        2,896          4,601         7,497
+                            4,829          3,218          374            151        8,493         13,633        22,126
+                             _The Ward of_ ST. JOHN, NOTTING HILL, and ST. JAMES NORLAND.
+St. John                    1,179            918           49              7        2,205          4,281         6,486
+St. James                   1,546            853           68             ..        2,910          3,753         6,663
+Part of St.                 1,227            538            4             17        2,284          2,714         4,998
+George
+St. Peter                   1,293          1,051           49             17        2,576          4,292         6,868
+All Saints                  4,580          2,361          328            125        9,117         11,630        20,747
+St. Mark                    1,313            800           99             15        2,447          3,380         5,827
+St. Clement                 2,648          1,203          126              8        5,310          5,624        10,934
+                           13,786          7,724          723            189       26,849         35,674        62,523
+                    _Grand Total of the Parish of_ ST. MARY ABBOTTS, KENSINGTON, _April_ 2, 1871.
+                            4,829          3,218          374            151        8,493         13,633        22,126
+                            7,351          4,770          329            257       14,037         22,414        36,451
+                           13,786          7,724          723            189       26,849         35,674        62,523
+                           25,966         15,712        1,426            597       49,379         71,721       121,100
+
+ST. MARY ABBOTTS’ CHURCH.
+
+
+THE new Parish Church has progressed slowly towards completion; and it is
+hoped by its promoters that it may be opened by the first week in May.
+The builders, however, have a slight misgiving on this point, and suspect
+that Whitsuntide will be here before it is ready to receive a
+congregation.  On either supposition the time is near; and it is
+remarkable that our own “opening,” or publication of the “Church Index”
+in the parish, is exceedingly opportune, as it regards the consecration
+of the new edifice.  Our readers will be able now to consult our pictures
+and letterpress of the Church, at the same time that they see the
+original.  We must, however, remind them that the pictorial illustration
+is more complete than the building will be for some time to come.  The
+beautiful tower and spire which give such effect to the exterior in the
+picture, will not attract the admiring gaze of the beholder for a year or
+two.  We hope, however, it may be sooner than some imagine; for we
+confess it is painful to us to see a fine edifice like this waiting a
+long time for its headpiece and chief ornament.  The project for
+obtaining stained windows has not hitherto fully succeeded so far as the
+public are concerned; but one window in the north aisle has, we are
+informed, been arranged for privately, by a lady as a family memorial, at
+a cost of not less than 300_l._ or 400_l._  It is considered by some that
+the Church is already sufficiently Mediæval and ornamental, and that
+without any addition, it will offer as it now stands too strong a
+temptation to the Ritualists to covet the prize for themselves.  But
+during the present Vicar’s life, it may be deemed safe from the effects
+of any conceivable machinations of this kind; and it must be hoped that
+after that the strength of Evangelical sentiment will be such in the
+town, as to prevent its perversion from its original type of ceremony and
+doctrine.  For our own part, we hope, at least, yet to see the east
+window filled with stained glass of good Ecclesiastical design; nor need
+this detract one _iota_ from the strength of that true Evangelical spirit
+which we trust, from the day of the opening, will be for ever enshrined
+in this _temple_.  We opine, however, that the extra cost is the main
+cause of hesitation on this head.  And at this we are not surprised; for
+the outlay on the Church as a whole has been large, and any considerable
+extra expenditure would have to be provided for chiefly by those who have
+already done so nobly.  It is well not to strain matters too far; and if
+the building of the tower and the stained windows were both left to the
+rising generation to accomplish hereafter, that which has already
+attained maturity in Kensington need not be ashamed of its own work. {81}
+
+
+
+THE PAROCHIAL SYSTEM.
+
+
+THE following most seasonable remarks occur in the Annual Pastoral Letter
+recently issued by the Rev. Dr. Hessey to his parishioners of St.
+Barnabas, Kensington:—
+
+    “Since I last addressed you in this form our Bishop has delivered his
+    primary charge, the very watchword of which is the PAROCHIAL SYSTEM.
+    Convinced as I am of the value of that system to our country, I
+    rejoice in having my own views on the subject confirmed by so high an
+    authority.  It is in virtue of that system, still by law established
+    among us, that I have written to you, from year to year, not merely
+    as the minister of a particular place of worship to which a certain
+    number of Christians habitually resort, but as one to whom the care
+    of a certain number of souls spread over a certain area is actually
+    committed; as one who is expected to care for rich and poor alike,
+    and to form as it were a link between them; as one who is responsible
+    ecclesiastically to the Bishop of the Diocese, but in a far higher
+    sense to the Divine Head and Pastor of the Church.
+
+    “Some distinguished men have thought that the parochial system has
+    had its day, and ought now to be forgotten.  Every day’s experience,
+    however, tends to prove that such is not the case; for never has that
+    system shown more vitality and efficiency than during the last thirty
+    years.  To take a single instance which is familiar to us all: I know
+    not how, without the parochial system, provision could have been made
+    for the pastoral care of what is technically called the suburban
+    village of Kensington.  It now contains upwards of 121,000 souls; and
+    yet rapidly as its population has been increased, fresh churches have
+    been built for the use of that population, to which parochial rights
+    and duties have been successively attached; and each new parish has
+    again been subdivided, as soon as the necessity has occurred.  Such
+    repeated subdivision is still going forward; and, as you are aware, a
+    Temporary Church, within the Parish of S. Barnabas, has already a
+    conventional district attached to it, and waits only to be replaced
+    by a permanent building in order to have its district legally
+    assigned.  When Mr. Booker commenced the temporary building, the site
+    selected was part of an open field.  It now is surrounded by houses,
+    which appear to find tenants as fast as they are built.
+
+    “But for the facilities of Subdivision furnished by the Parochial
+    System which still exists among us, I should find myself at this day
+    perhaps weighed down with the care of a population of more than
+    14,000 souls.  Whereas now our population is such that every
+    inhabitant may know his Pastor if he will, and the Pastor may know at
+    least each family, if not each member of his flock.”
+
+THE NEW LECTIONARY.—In treating of this the Doctor says,—
+
+    “We have thankfully availed ourselves of the New Table of Lessons,
+    which now forms part of our Church’s Prayer Book, having been issued
+    on the same authority as the Prayer Book itself.  We have never been
+    among those who wish to see the Prayer Book itself revised, and we
+    rejoice to find that in such divided and controversial times as
+    these, that work is not likely to be taken in hand.  But in regard to
+    the reading of the Scriptures in Church, the case is wholly
+    different.  At the time of the Reformation, the Bible had been so
+    long kept back from the people, that it was most desirable that the
+    whole of it should be brought within their reach.  And in an age when
+    but few persons could read and still fewer possessed copies of the
+    Scriptures, there was no better way of making God’s Word known, than
+    the frequent and public reading of the whole of it in the Church.
+    This was accordingly done, and hence the Table of Lessons contained
+    nearly the whole Bible, with the exception of certain portions of
+    unfulfilled Prophecy, which in the excited state of the public mind
+    were liable to be misunderstood.  The case, however, is different
+    now.  Those who worship in the Church are, for the most part, able
+    and willing to read the Bible also at home, and are not likely to be
+    misled by the visions either of Ezekiel or St. John.  These Books are
+    therefore read among the rest, and the Lessons in general are so
+    selected as to be more appropriate in subject to the days on which
+    they are read; and from their brevity more likely to be retained in
+    memory.  The Old Table of Lessons provided Lessons only for Morning
+    and Evening Prayer, but it is now found that not a few persons attend
+    both an Afternoon and an Evening Service; it has therefore been
+    arranged that there should be two sets of Evening Lessons for every
+    Sunday, one of which may be used in the afternoon, and the other in
+    the evening.  There are also many persons, especially among the poor,
+    who are able to attend but one Service on Sunday, and that an Evening
+    Service.  Formerly they could hear no second Lesson except those from
+    the Epistles; but now they hear the Gospels alternately with the
+    Epistles; for in the former half of the year the Gospels are read in
+    the morning, the Epistles in the evening; while in the latter half
+    this arrangement is reversed.  Much has been said about the
+    difficulty of finding the proper Lessons, and the necessity of
+    purchasing new Prayer Books.  There is, I believe, no such necessity.
+    A few days will make the new arrangement as familiar as the old, and
+    a copy of the new Calendar and Table of Lessons, to be fastened in
+    any Prayer Book or Bible, may be purchased at any shop for one
+    halfpenny, having been printed by authority at the smallest possible
+    price.  I would hope that none will omit to provide themselves with
+    such a Table of Lessons, and I think that in the use of it they will
+    find great advantage.  And let me here suggest that the advantage
+    will be far greater to those who attend the daily services than to
+    those who are able to attend on Sundays only.  Let me therefore
+    suggest to these last that if they wish to study their Bible
+    systematically, the New Table of Lessons will form an excellent guide
+    for the reading of the Holy Book at home.”
+
+
+
+
+ADVERTISEMENTS.
+
+
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+
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+
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+
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+
+
+                                * * * * *
+
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+Teachers of talent and eminence.
+
+The moral training and health of the Pupils receive the most careful
+attention.  The Gardens are spacious, and afford every facility for
+out-door exercise.
+
+                            TERMS REASONABLE.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+MISS FAULKNER’S PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR YOUNG GENTLEMEN,
+1, MARKHAM SQUARE, KING’S ROAD, CHELSEA.
+
+
+  Little Boys between the ages of Four and Eleven Years are received as
+    Boarders or Day Scholars, and are carefully instructed in The Holy
+    Scriptures; the English, French, and Latin Languages; Writing and
+  Arithmetic, Drawing, Geography, and History, on the following Terms:—
+
+For Day Pupils, 8 Guineas; for Day Boarders, 16 Guineas; for Weekly
+Boarders, 25 Guineas; for Yearly Boarders, 30 Guineas; Day Pupils under
+Six Years of Age, 4 Guineas, per annum.  MUSIC, 1 Guinea per Quarter.
+
+ The Hours of Attendance are—_Morning_, 9.30 to 12.30.  _Afternoon_, 2.15
+                                 to 4.30.
+
+The Boarders being limited to Six are offered many of the comforts of
+home with the benefit of the instruction in Classes with the Day Pupils.
+
+  _It is requested that the payment be punctually made at each Quarter_.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+NOTTING HILL AND BAYSWATER
+PROPRIETARY SCHOOL
+(LIMITED),
+NORLAND SQUARE, NOTTING HILL.
+
+
+                 Head Master—Rev. P. E. MONKHOUSE, M.A.,
+           Late Head Master of the Lower School, Rossall; late
+              Scholar of Merton College, and Exhibitioner of
+                         Lincoln College, Oxford.
+
+             A full and efficient staff of Assistant Masters.
+
+This School was established in 1866 “to provide on moderate terms, a
+sound religious, classical, and mercantile education of the highest
+order, on the principles of the Church of England; but pupils whose
+parents object to the Church Catechism shall not be required to learn
+it.”  Vide Memorandum of Association.
+
+In the CLASSICAL Department pupils are prepared for the Universities, and
+for the Oxford and Cambridge Local Examinations.
+
+In the MODERN Department for the Army, Navy, and Civil Service, and for
+Commercial and Mercantile pursuits.
+
+The School being Proprietary the masters have no mental anxiety as to
+pecuniary matters, and are thus enabled to give their undivided attention
+to the education of the pupils.  The Directors also call attention to the
+large, airy, well ventilated room, so essential to the health of the
+pupils, the School Hall being 75 feet in length by 30 wide and 41 feet in
+height.  The covered and open Play Ground is 90 feet by 60.
+
+Boarders are received by the Head Master and Resident Manager.
+
+Terms and all further information may be obtained of Dr. J. E. Carpenter,
+Secretary, 53, Norland Square, Notting Hill.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                                EDUCATION.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+Notting Hill Collegiate School,
+3, NORLAND PLACE, NOTTING HILL, W.
+
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                   Head Master—Rev. C. R. GORDON, D.D.,
+         Incumbent of St. Mary’s, Park Street, Grosvenor Square,
+           W. (late Head Master of the Notting Hill Proprietary
+                           School), assisted by
+
+               Rev. W. FULFORD, M.A.; G. W. LAWRANCE, Esq.;
+              C. SMITH, Esq.; Dr. FISCHEL; J. DENVER, Esq.;
+                    Dr. S. AUSTEN PEARCE; Mr. BARNHAM.
+
+This School comprises Three Departments: Classical, Modern, and
+Preparatory.  In the first of these, pupils are prepared for the
+Universities and Public Schools.  The Modern School will train for the
+various Examinations of the Civil Service and for Mercantile pursuits;
+and the Preparatory for the reception of little boys to qualify for
+either of the other schools.
+
+Boarders are received by nearly all the Masters, and the School Year is
+divided into three terms.
+
+The Sons of Gentlemen only are now admitted, and early application ought
+to be made, as the number is limited.
+
+All applications to be made to the Head Master, No. 3, Norland Place,
+Notting Hill, W.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                                EDUCATION.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+ST. ANN’S COLLEGE,
+ROYAL CRESCENT, NOTTING HILL, W.
+
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                 FOR PARTICULARS ADDRESS THE PRINCIPALS.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+WILLIAM SHARPE,
+STATIONER, BOOKSELLER, AND NEWSAGENT,
+98, KENSINGTON PARK ROAD, W.
+
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+   The Cheapest House in Notting Hill for all kinds of Plain and Fancy
+                               Stationery.
+
+    An excellent Cream-laid Note Paper, Five Quires for One Shilling.
+             Good Cream-laid Envelopes, Sixpence per Hundred.
+
+ All the Daily and Weekly Newspapers, and Weekly and Monthly Periodicals,
+                    regularly and punctually supplied.
+
+                          “TIMES” LENT TO READ.
+
+ _Advertisements inserted_; _and any Goods not in Stock obtained to Order
+                    on the Shortest Possible Notice_.
+
+
+
+S. M. & A. WARREN,
+Booksellers, Stationers,
+MUSICSELLERS, AND NEWSAGENTS.
+
+
+                  THE USUAL DISCOUNT ALLOWED OFF BOOKS.
+
+                        PRINTING AND BOOKBINDING.
+
+                   Heraldic Die-Sinkers and Engravers.
+
+                       THE LIBRARY AND POST-OFFICE.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+         DEPOT OF THE SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+        APPOINTED AGENTS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION TICKETS,
+                       ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY,
+                                   AND
+                         CRYSTAL PALACE COMPANY.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                   1, Edwardes Terrace, Kensington, W.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+WADE & SON,
+BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, AND NEWSAGENTS;
+
+
+                          Bookbinding, Printing;
+
+                   25 and 98, HIGH STREET, KENSINGTON.
+
+CIRCULATING LIBRARY.
+
+                                                         ESTABLISHED 1791.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+R. S. SPALDING,
+Bookseller, Printer, Binder, Stationer, and Newspaper Agent,
+NOTTING HILL, W.
+
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+               PERIODICAL PUBLICATIONS REGULARLY SUPPLIED.
+
+                 Engraving and Printing neatly executed.
+
+PLAIN AND ORNAMENTAL BINDING.
+
+                                                    A CIRCULATING LIBRARY.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+W. MEADOWS,
+Stationer, Bookseller, Bookbinder, Printer, Engraver, Die-Sinker,
+ILLUMINATOR AND EMBOSSER,
+8, FULHAM ROAD, BROMPTON.
+
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+Post Office, Money Order Office, Savings’ Bank, and Telegraphic Office.
+
+_Newspapers & Periodicals regularly supplied_.
+
+         _A large assortment of Bibles & Church Services always in Stock_.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+J. W. DODD,
+Bookseller, Printer, Bookbinder, School and General Stationer, Newspaper
+and Advertising Office.  All New Music half price.
+
+
+Bibles, Prayers, New Church Services, Hymn Books for all the Churches and
+                      Chapels in the Neighbourhood.
+
+  _Advertisements of Births_, _Marriages_, _Deaths_, _&c._, _inserted in
+                 the_ “_Times_,” _and all other Papers_.
+
+ “Times” and all other London Papers to be had by 7 A.M.; a large supply
+             kept on sale.  Special “Standard” every evening.
+     Discount allowed off Books _for Cash_.  Pianofortes Tuned by an
+                            Experienced Tuner.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+     270, FULHAM ROAD, SOUTH KENSINGTON (Two doors South of Redcliffe
+                                Gardens).
+
+
+
+BALFERN BROS. & CO.
+(LIMITED,)
+
+
+     French Dyers, Finishers, Cleaners, Bleachers, Hot-Pressers, &c.
+
+                    SPRING VALE WORKS, HAMMERSMITH, W.
+
+                [Picture: Spring Vale Works, Hammersmith]
+
+                               BRANCHES AT
+
+                  31, KING STREET WEST, HAMMERSMITH, W.;
+                    1, NEWLAND STREET, KENSINGTON, W.;
+                    112, NEWINGTON CAUSEWAY, S.E.; AND
+                    112, HIGH STREET, KINGSLAND, N.E.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+            Warehouse—28, MONKWELL STREET, FALCON SQUARE, E.C.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+GROVES’
+BALSAM OF HOREHOUND
+
+
+                     IS THE MOST EFFECTUAL REMEDY FOR
+
+Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, Asthma, &c., and in support of that assertion
+copies of Testimonials will be forwarded on application.
+
+                     THIS PREPARATION IS ONLY MADE BY
+
+                              JOSEPH MOYLE,
+                        (Late Newby and Dunsford,)
+                 Successor to E. GROVES, The Golden Key,
+
+                        27, BROADWAY, HAMMERSMITH.
+
+    N.B.—But to be obtained of all respectable Chemists throughout the
+                                 kingdom.
+
+                                   ALSO
+                                 GLYCION
+
+Is a most useful preparation for allaying irritation caused by the cold
+winds of Winter, rendering the skin in Summer white and pliable.
+
+                      1_s._ and 2_s._ 6_d._ per Pot.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+HAMMERSMITH SAUCE.
+
+
+To those suffering from Indigestion it cannot be too strongly
+recommended, and as a Relish it cannot be surpassed.  1_s._ per Bottle.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+HAMMERSMITH BOUQUET
+
+
+As a Perfume cannot be excelled in fragrance or durability.  In Bottles
+from 1_s._ upwards.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+TAYLOR’S
+FAMILY APERIENT PILLS,
+FOR BOTH SEXES.
+
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+THESE Pills are composed of the choicest Vegetable Aperients, combined in
+such proportions with Pure Vegetable bitter as render them both mild and
+effective.  Being thoroughly Soluble in the Stomach, their operation is
+pleasant, no undissolved particles attaching themselves to the Coats of
+the Bowels,—irritation, griping pain, and sickness, are consequently
+avoided.
+
+They will be found of essential service in every family; their timely use
+will not only afford relief in those sudden attacks of sickness arising
+from derangement of Stomach, but they will be found a valuable remedy in
+severer forms of disease indicated by _Sick Head Ache_, _Giddiness_,
+_Throbbing and Acute Pains in the different parts of the Head_, _Singing
+noise in the Ears_, _a sense of Fulness and Weight over the Eyes_,
+_accompanied with Watery Effusion and Dimness of Sight_—_Nausea of the
+Stomach_, _&c._, _&c._
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                               DIRECTIONS.
+
+The general dose for a Grown Person is One Pill; but for some
+constitutions Two Pills are required.  It is best to take them at
+bed-time, though they may be taken in the morning (or in urgent cases at
+any time of the day); and the dose should be repeated every other day,
+two or three times successively; then rest a few days, and repeat the
+dose as occasion may require.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                             PREPARED ONLY BY
+                              W. C. TAYLOR,
+                      Family and Dispensing Chemist,
+        (Associate of the Pharmaceutical Society by Examination,)
+                              MEDICAL HALL,
+                   Stretheden Terrace, Shepherd’s Bush.
+                           _ESTABLISHED_ 1856.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+T. P. AVERY
+
+
+              HAS MADE EXTENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR PRODUCING
+
+                               PHOTOGRAPHS
+
+                          OF EVERY DESCRIPTION.
+
+Carte de Visite Portraits, from     5s. per doz.
+Cabinet Portraits, from             10s. ,,
+
+Photographs of Painting, Statuary, &c., at the same price as Portraits.
+
+Prices given on application for Photographs of Buildings, Landscapes,
+Invalids in their own Drawing Rooms, &c.
+
+Enlarged Copies of Carte de Visite or other Photographs, finished in
+Oils, Crayons, or Water Colours, in every variety of size, style, and
+price.
+
+Life Size enlargements, in Crayons, from 2 Guineas.
+
+Ditto ditto in Oils or Crayons, from 5 to 10 Guineas.
+
+Coloured Carte de Visites for Lockets, &c., from 2s. 6_d._  Coloured
+Ivory Miniatures, from 1 to 5 Guineas.
+
+T. P. A. having secured the services of able Artists, he can produce
+Family Groups from various Carte de Visites, or other Portraits, and
+finish them in Oils, &c., in a most satisfactory manner.  Specimen copies
+sent on application.
+
+Photographs, Engravings, &c., Framed by workmen kept on the Premises.
+Plain and Ornamental Frames of every description made to order.  A
+Variety of Carte de Visite and other Frames of various sizes and
+qualities, always kept in stock.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                    T. P. AVERY, GENERAL PHOTOGRAPHER,
+                 3, LADBROKE GROVE ROAD, NOTTING HILL, W.
+                   NEARLY OPPOSITE THE RAILWAY STATION.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+REDCLIFFE ESTATE,
+SOUTH KENSINGTON {0}
+
+
+                      (_SEE PLAN ON OPPOSITE PAGE_).
+
+                                 MESSRS.
+                           CORBETT & McCLYMONT,
+                                BUILDERS,
+                         BEG TO CALL ATTENTION TO
+                    The Substantial Family Residences
+                                THEY HAVE
+                       ERECTED IN REDCLIFFE SQUARE,
+                                  CALLED
+                          “REDCLIFFE MANSIONS,”
+            From Drawings supplied by Messrs. G. & H. GODWIN.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+The elevation is carried out after the French style, with Mansard roofs
+and polished granite columns to the entrance-porches.
+
+The fronts of the Houses overlook the Square, which is laid out as
+pleasure-grounds for the recreation of the occupants only.
+
+St. Luke’s Church (see page 20) is being erected in the western half of
+Redcliffe Square, and Divine Service is now being conducted in the
+temporary Iron Building until St. Luke’s Church is finished.
+
+This Estate is within four miles of Charing Cross, and has a subsoil of
+gravel and sand.  It is within a few minutes’ walk of Gloucester Road,
+West Brompton, Earl’s Court, South Kensington, and Chelsea Railway
+Stations, which afford ready and rapid communication with all parts of
+the City and West End.  Omnibuses pass along the Fulham Road and Richmond
+Road very frequently.  The steamboat pier is also within 15 minutes’ walk
+of the southern end of the Estate.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                       Messrs. CORBETT & McCLYMONT
+ Have various and Convenient Houses on the Redcliffe Estate, and also at
+                            Surbiton, Surrey,
+           to Let at Rents ranging from £50 to £300 per Annum.
+
+             [Picture: Plan of Redcliffe Estate, Kensington]
+
+
+
+The West London Hospital
+
+
+         [Picture: West London Hospital, G. Saunders, Architect]
+
+                           HAMMERSMITH ROAD, W.
+   OPEN DAY AND NIGHT FOR THE RECEPTION OF ACCIDENTS AND URGENT CASES.
+
+_The Committee earnestly appeal for Funds to enable them to throw open
+the Thirty-eight Beds now unavailable for want of means_.
+
+                                                            _April_, 1872.
+                                           T. ALEXANDER, _Secy. and Supt._
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+THE FUNERAL ORATION
+OF
+LOUIS THE GREAT, KING OF FRANCE,
+BY MASILLON,
+LATE BISHOP OF CLERMONT, FRANCE.
+
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+    Dedicated (by permission) to the Most Noble the Marquis of Exeter,
+               BURGHLEY HOUSE, STAMFORD, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+             Translated from the Original French into English
+                          BY WILLIAM STRATFORD,
+         _Maître d’École et l’Auteur de l’Anglaise_, _Kettering_.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+             London: ELLIOT STOCK, 62, Paternoster Row, E.C.
+
+               Gilt Edges, 1_s._ 6_d._; Plain, 1_s._ 3_d._
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+              NEW SERIES.  Price One Shilling.  Illustrated.
+
+
+
+COLBURN’S NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE.
+
+
+    Edited by WILLIAM FRANCIS AINSWORTH, Ph.D., F.S.A., F.R.G.S., &c.
+
+                          CURRENT CONTENTS.
+I.  BOSCOBEL: a Tale of the Year    IV.  JACOB’S CURSE; or, The Mummy
+1651.  By William Harrison          of Gottingen.  By L. M‘Clintock.
+Ainsworth.  Illustrated by Wallis
+Mackay.
+II.  THE GARDEN AND SPRING;         V.  THE SQUIRE’S DAUGHTER.  By
+Translated from the “Bagh o         Nicholas Mitchell.
+Bahar,” by the Author of the “Two
+Officers.”
+III.  BARBARA’S GHOST STORY.        VI.  NOTES OF THE MONTH, &c., &c.
+
+               London: ADAMS AND FRANCIS, 59, Fleet Street.
+
+             *** And at all Bookstalls and Railway Stations.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                     JUST PUBLISHED, PRICE SIXPENCE.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+LAW OF HUSBAND AND WIFE.
+
+
+   Remarks with reference to the MARRIED WOMEN’S PROPERTY ACT of 1870.
+            ADDRESSED TO ALL HUSBANDS AND FATHERS OF FAMILIES.
+
+                            BY PHILOFAMILIAS.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                 London: HATTON & SON, 22, Chancery Lane.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                   Fcap. 8vo. cloth boards, 2_s._ 6_d._
+
+
+
+AIDS to CHRISTIAN EDUCATION.
+
+
+Being a Brief Manual of Christian Doctrine and Practice.  By the Hon. and
+Rev. W. H. LYTTELTON, M.A., Rector of Hagley.
+
+                            Now ready, Vol. I.
+                         THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT.
+
+           W. WELLS GARDNER, 2, PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS, LONDON.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+        New Edition (Fifth), fcap. 8vo, cloth boards, 3_s._ 6_d._
+
+
+
+PASTOR in PAROCHIA.
+
+
+By the Rev. W. WALSHAM HOW, M.A., Hon. Canon of St. Asaph, Rector of
+Whittington, Shropshire.
+
+           W. WELLS GARDNER, 2, PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS, London.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                               Price 6_d._
+
+
+
+THE WITNESS of the CHURCH to CHRIST.
+
+
+A Sermon preached in the Chapel of Lambeth Palace at the Consecration of
+the Bishop of Colombo.  By the Rev. W. R. CLARK, M.A., Prebendary of
+Wells and Vicar of Taunton.
+
+           W. WELLS GARDNER, 2, PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS, LONDON.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+               Illustrated, 18mo, cloth boards, 1_s._ 6_d._
+
+
+
+MY NEW SUIT, and OTHER STORIES.
+By H. A. F.
+
+
+    “This little book contains a dozen stories, which, both in the
+    naturalness of the plots and simple terseness of the narration, are
+    much above the average found in tale-books.”—_Church Bells_.
+
+    Uniform with the above,
+
+         FAIRY TALES and FABLES in SHORT WORDS for YOUNG READERS.
+                            By Miss CROMPTON.
+
+    “Excellent in conception and execution.”—_Literary Churchman_.
+
+BY THE AUTHOR OF “HARRY’S BATTLES,” “SUSIE’S FLOWERS,” &c.
+
+EDITH VERNON’S LIFE-WORK.  THIRD EDITION.  Crown 8vo, cloth boards, 3_s._
+6_d._
+
+A LOST PIECE of SILVER.  ILLUSTRATED.  Crown 8vo, cloth boards, 3_s._
+6_d._
+
+           W. WELLS GARDNER, 2, PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS, LONDON.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+H. JONES,
+ORGAN BUILDER,
+136, FULHAM ROAD,
+LONDON, S.W.
+
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+Every description of Church and Chapel Organs in Stock, or made to Order.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                            SECOND-HAND ORGANS
+   _Of various Sizes for Sale Cheap_, _having been taken in exchange_.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                SPECIMEN CHURCH ORGAN, WITH THREE MANUALS,
+                          MAY BE HEARD DAILY IN
+                         SOUTH GALLERY, ROOM 23,
+                                    OF
+                     INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, 1872.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+SOUTH-WEST LONDON PROTESTANT INSTITUTE.
+
+
+ESTABLISHED A.D. 1857 for counteracting the Proselytizing designs of the
+Brompton Oratory, and for promoting Reformational principles.
+
+            _President_, CAPTAIN THE HON. FRANCIS MAUDE, R.N.
+
+ _Vice-Presidents_, THE EARL OF BANDON, THE EARL OF DARNLEY, THE EARL OF
+                                EFFINGHAM.
+
+  _Treasurer_, J. ROBISON WRIGHT, Esq., 16, Summer Place, Onslow Square,
+                                   S.W.
+
+  _Honorary Superintendent_, Rev. G. W. WELDON, M.A., 4, Vincent Street,
+                             Ovington Square.
+
+                      _Secretary_, Mr. M. WALBROOK.
+
+                                         _Office_, 5B, SLOANE STREET, S.W.
+
+ORIGIN OF THE INSTITUTE.  Was formed in 1857 by a few friends who were
+interested in the maintenance of Evangelical principles, and who were
+anxious at the same time to combat the aggressive movements of the Romish
+Priests connected with the Brompton Oratory.
+
+OBJECT.  To maintain and defend that blessed Gospel which our Reformers
+in the 16th Century brought to light, after it had been obscured by the
+darkness of Mediæval superstition.  In a word, to warn the incautious, to
+win back the lapsed, inform the ignorant, and enlighten those whose minds
+are darkened by superstition.
+
+MEANS EMPLOYED.  The combined agency of the Press, the Platform, and the
+Pulpit, with Classes for Controversial Divinity.  A careful vigilance
+over the efforts of Romish emisssaries.  The issuing of papers bearing
+directly on the truths of the Gospel, as opposed to the innovations of
+the Church of Rome.
+
+_Subscriptions and Donations will be thankfully received at the Office_,
+5B, SLOANE STREET, S.W., _by the Treasurer_, J. ROBISON WRIGHT, Esq.; _or
+the Secretary_, Mr. M. WALBROOK.  _Money Orders to be drawn on the Post
+Office_, 179, Sloane Street.  _Bankers_, THE CONSOLIDATED BANK, Charing
+Cross, S.W.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+T. BULLOCK AND SON,
+Job and Post Masters,
+
+
+   WHEATSHEAF TAVERN, and the Yard at the Back of the QUEEN OF ENGLAND
+                 (Late in the Occupation of Mr. DONOVAN).
+
+                 BROUGHAMS, LANDAUS, AND OPEN CARRIAGES,
+
+                    BY THE HOUR, DAY, WEEK, OR MONTH.
+
+    N.B.—_Orders to or from Railways_, _Churches_, _&c._, _punctually
+                              attended to_.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+   The Cheapest, Largest, and Best Assorted Stock of China, Glass, and
+                              Earthenware is
+
+
+
+B. GOLDING’S, 44, HIGH STREET, NOTTTNG HILL,
+
+
+          NEARLY OPPOSITE THE NOTTING HILL GATE RAILWAY STATION.
+
+Dinner Services, 60 pieces, 15_s._ 6_d._, 22_s._, and upwards; Dinner
+Services, 108 pieces, £1 16_s._, £2 10_s._, and upwards; Good Cut
+Tumblers, per doz., 4_s._ 3_d._; Good Cut Wine Glasses, per doz., 3_s._
+6_d._; Cut Quart Decanters, per pair, 7_s._; Cut Pint Decanters, per
+pair, 5_s._; China Breakfast Services, 28 pieces, 10_s._ 6_d._; China Tea
+Services, 28 pieces, 7_s._; Toilet Services, 5_s._ 6_d._
+
+             A GOOD SELECTION OF BOHEMIAN VASES, LUSTRES, &c.
+   CHINA, GLASS, AND EARTHENWARE MATCHED, MADE TO PATTERN, OR REPAIRED.
+  _Goods’ Lent on Hire_, _including Rout Seals_, _Plate_, _and Cutlery_.
+                             MODERATOR LAMPS.
+
+
+
+Ecclesiastical Embroidery and Tapestry
+FOR
+CHURCH DECORATION AND VESTMENTS,
+
+
+              DESIGNED AND PREPARED FOR LADIES’ OWN WORKING,
+                                    BY
+                           Rodolphe Helbronner,
+
+                265, REGENT STREET, NEAR THE POLYTECHNIC,
+                                   AND
+                   4, PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                        GOLD AND SILVER, FABRICS,
+              VELVETS, SILKS, CLOTH, LINEN, LACES, FRINGES,
+                        AND EVERY REQUIREMENT FOR
+                            CHURCH NEEDLEWORK,
+                     CARPETS, AND TEXTILE FABRIQUES.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+THE SUBURBAN PRESS,
+AND LONDON WEST DISTRICT RECORDER.
+
+
+                        ESTABLISHED IN MAY, 1868,
+
+to supply a connective view of Local matters and doings relating to all
+the principal suburban Parishes and Districts, with intelligent and
+useful articles.  A great need existed for such an organ in consequence
+of the rapid progress of population, west, north, and south-west of the
+Metropolis.  All that is done by a Journal specially representing the
+interest of the CITY, is done by this as the press representative of the
+SUBURBS, having at the same time a city and a general connexion.  This
+Journal contains much Church matter and news.
+
+In Politics it is Conservative; in Religion it is thoroughly Protestant
+and catholic.  By its design, scope, and editorial management, it obtains
+ready acceptance with all classes.
+
+As an Advertising medium it is therefore most eligible, and the following
+scale of charges places its advantages within the reach of all:—
+
+                                                      _s._     _d._
+Situations, Apartments, Houses, Businesses Required   0        9
+or to Let, 20 words or under
+Every additional line                                 0        3
+Marriages, Births, and Deaths                         1        6
+Tradesmen’s Ordinary Announcements, per inch          1        6
+Double Column, per inch                               2        6
+Paragraphs, Company, Legal, Election, and Parochial   0        6
+Advertisements, per line
+Auctioneers’ Announcements, per line                  0        4
+
+*** SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE FOR CONTINUOUS ADVERTISEMENTS.
+
+_Printed and Published every Saturday morning at the Office_, _Shepherd’s
+           Bush_, _W._, _and to be obtained of all Newsagents_.
+
+All communications to be addressed to the Editor, 22, St. Stephen’s Road,
+                       Shepherd’s Bush, London, W.
+          Cheques and Orders made payable to WILLIAM PEPPERELL.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+JONES & WILLIS.
+
+
+  [Picture: Decorative advertisement for Jones & Willis, Birmingham and
+                    London, Ecclesiastical Furnishers]
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+PIANOFORTES.
+
+
+    Hire, Twelve Shillings per Month, or on Purchase from Two or Three
+                           Guineas per Quarter.
+
+These Instruments cannot be surpassed for Brilliancy of Tone, _Repetition
+ of Touch_, _Elegance_, and Durability.  All have Seven Octaves, Metallic
+  Plate, and Registered Keys.  Pianos Tuned, Repaired, and Lent on Hire.
+               Single Tuning 3_s._ 6_d._; Yearly, £1 1_s._
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+               THOMAS D. DURRANT, Pianoforte Manufacturer,
+        6 UPPER RAILWAY TERRACE, LADBROKE GROVE, NOTTING HILL, W.
+                      Manufactory—LINDFIELD, SUSSEX.
+                            ESTABLISHED 1840.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+
+
+ROBERT S. STACY.
+
+
+_ESTABLISHED_ 1829.—_ROBERT S. STACY_, _Wholesale_, _Retail_, _and
+Manufacturing Stationer_, General Printer, Engraver, Lithographer, and
+Bookseller, 257, Euston Road, London, N.W.
+
+Sample Packets of Writing Paper and Envelopes sent post free on receipt
+of Two Stamps.—Ledgers, Cash, Journal, Day, Order, Memorandum, and Pocket
+Books of every variety.
+
+Every description of School Stationary and Materials.—Coloured and Fancy
+Paper of every description.—Importer of Foreign Fancy Goods.—Numerical
+Printing, Perforating, and Binding for the Trade.—Catalogues on
+application post free.
+
+The Country Trade and Schools liberally treated.  Orders by post,
+accompanied by P. O. O., payable at Gower Street, above 20_s._, executed
+promptly, and carriage free to any Railway Station.  Cheques crossed
+“City Bank.”
+
+ROBERT S. STACY, Manufacturing Stationer, 257, Euston Road (between Gower
+Street Station and Tottenham Court Road.)
+
+
+
+
+FOOTNOTES.
+
+
+{0}  This advertisement and those following come at the front of the
+published book, but have been moved to the end to make the eBook more
+readable.—DP.
+
+{21}  Mr. Wesley’s Journal reveals, as follows, his presence in
+Kensington twice; but says nothing about the _preaching_, except his
+discourse to the smith and his servant.  But the fact of his being
+subsequently there and lingering in the Gardens would seem to argue that
+he went there on preaching missions:—
+
+    “Monday, August 22, 1743.—Passing through Kensington found my mare
+    had lost a shoe.  This gave me an opportunity of talking closely for
+    near half an hour both to the smith and his servant.”
+
+    “Saturday, July 6, 1754.—I spent two hours in the Gardens at
+    Kensington.  They are just fit for a king, far more grand than
+    pleasant; and yet nothing so grand as many parts of the Peak in
+    Derbyshire.”
+
+{81}  Since writing the above the new Church has been consecrated.  The
+works having been pushed forward, it was in a sufficient state of
+preparation by the 14th of May, on which day the Lord Bishop of London
+consecrated the edifice, just three years after the old Church had been
+closed.  A large and influential assembly gathered within the walls of
+the new building, comprising many people of various denominations.  To
+these the Right Rev. Prelate discoursed on Christian unity, in a truly
+Catholic spirit and manner; and after the sermon the offertory taken by
+collection from pew to pew amounted to £358 7_s._ 2_d._  Of this amount
+£196 10_s._ 4_d._ was in paper; £61 in sovereigns; £38 10_s._ in
+half-sovereigns; £62 6_s._ 3_d._ in silver, and sevenpence in copper.
+
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHURCH INDEX***
+
+
+******* This file should be named 41048-0.txt or 41048-0.zip *******
+
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Church Index, by William Pepperell
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Church Index
+       A Book of Metropolitan Churches and Church Enterprise: Part I. Kensington
+
+
+Author: William Pepperell
+
+
+
+Release Date: October 14, 2012  [eBook #41048]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHURCH INDEX***
+</pre>
+<p>Transcribed from the [1872] W. Wells Gardner edition by David
+Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org.&nbsp; Many thanks to the Royal
+Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Libraries (Local Studies
+department), for their help in making this transcription.</p>
+<h1>THE CHURCH INDEX:</h1>
+<p style="text-align: center">A BOOK<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">OF</span><br />
+Metropolitan Churches and Church Enterprise.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">BY
+THE</span><br />
+REV. WILLIAM PEPPERELL.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">PART I.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">CONTAINING
+COMPLETE, ORIGINAL, AND IMPARTIAL INFORMATION,</span><br />
+<span class="GutSmall">ECCLESIASTICAL, HISTORICAL, ARCHITECTURAL,
+CLERICAL, RELIGIOUS, AND SOCIAL,</span></p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">OF
+THE</span></p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><i>FIFTY CHURCHES&mdash;ESTABLISHED
+AND NONCONFORMING</i>,</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">IN THE
+POPULOUS PARISH OF KENSINGTON:</span></p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span
+class="GutSmall">WITH</span></p>
+<p style="text-align: center">NOTES AND COMMENTS ON CHURCH
+QUESTIONS, AND TYPICAL ILLUSTRATIONS<br />
+OF CHURCH AND CHAPEL BUILDING;</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">CONSTITUTING A BOOK OF PERMANENT
+REFERENCE,<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">OR</span><br />
+CONTEMPORARY CHURCH HISTORY.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">All rights reserved.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span
+class="GutSmall">LONDON:</span></p>
+<p style="text-align: center">W. WELLS GARDNER,</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">2,
+PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS.</span><br />
+S. M. &amp; A. <span class="smcap">Warren</span>, 1, <span
+class="smcap">Edwardes Terrace</span>; <span class="smcap">Wade
+and Son</span>, 25 &amp; 98, <span class="smcap">High</span><br
+/>
+<span class="smcap">Street</span>, <span
+class="smcap">Kensington</span>.&nbsp; <span class="smcap">R. S.
+Spalding</span>, <span class="smcap">High Street</span>, <span
+class="smcap">Notting</span><br />
+<span class="smcap">Hill</span>; <span class="smcap">W.
+Meadows</span>, 8, <span class="smcap">Fulham Road</span>, <span
+class="smcap">Brompton</span>; J. W.<br />
+<span class="smcap">Dodd</span>, 270, <span class="smcap">Fulham
+Road</span>, <span class="smcap">West Brompton</span>.</p>
+<h2><a name="pageiii"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+iii</span>CONTENTS</h2>
+<table>
+<tr>
+<td><p>&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span
+class="GutSmall">PAGE</span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Abbotts, Church of St. Mary</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page1">1</a></span>, <span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page81">81</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Andrew, Church of St. Philip and St.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page3">3</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>All Saints, Church of, Notting Hill</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page39">39</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Assisi, Church of St. Francis of</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page52">52</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Augustine, Church of St.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page22">22</a></span>, <span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page67">67</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Baptist, Church of St. John</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page41">41</a></span>, <span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page70">70</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Baptist Chapel, Johnson Street</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page54">54</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Baptist Chapel, Silver Street</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page54">54</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Baptist Chapel, Upper Westbourne Park</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page60">60</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Baptist Chapel, South Kensington</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page60">60</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Brethren, Plymouth</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page53">53</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Barnabas, Church of St.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page31">31</a></span>, <span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page81">81</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Carmelite, Church of, Fathers</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page41">41</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Christ Church, Kensington</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page10">10</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Clement, Church of St.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page44">44</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Clarence Place Wesleyan Chapel</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page21">21</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Congregational Chapel, Kensington</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page25">25</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Cornwall Road Baptist Chapel</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page50">50</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Convents</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page62">62</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Denbigh Road Wesleyan Chapel</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page46">46</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Episcopal Chapel, Brompton</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page29">29</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>George, Church of St., Campden Hill</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page33">33</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Horbury Congregational Chapel</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page46">46</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>James, Church of St.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page36">36</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>John, Church of St.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page32">32</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Jude, Church of St.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page5">5</a></span>, <span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page70">70</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Kensington Palace Chapel</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page69">69</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Lancaster Road Chapel (Congregational)</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page57">57</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Luke, Church of St.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page20">20</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Mark, Church of St.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page38">38</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Mary, Church of St., Bolton&rsquo;s</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page11">11</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Matthias, Church of St., Earl&rsquo;s Court</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page6">6</a></span>, <span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page69">69</a></span>, <span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page70">70</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Michael, Church of All Angels and St.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page55">55</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Missions and Preaching Houses</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page61">61</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Norland Chapel</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page56">56</a></span>, <span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page71">71</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Oratory, Brompton</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page23">23</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Paul, Church of St., Onslow Square</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page17">17</a></span>,&nbsp; <span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page68">68</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Paul, Church of St., Vicarage Gardens</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page36">36</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Peter, Church of St., Onslow Gardens</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page18">18</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Peter, Church of St., Notting Hill</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page35">35</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Primitive Methodist Chapel</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page59">59</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Pro-Cathedral, Kensington</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page13">13</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Scotch Church, Kensington</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page29">29</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Sloane Place Chapel</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page55">55</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Stephen, Church of St.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page9">9</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Swedenborgian Chapel</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page44">44</a></span>, <span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page72">72</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Tabernacle, Hornton Street (Baptist)</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page42">42</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Tabernacle, Free, Notting Hill (Baptist)</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page49">49</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Talbot Tabernacle, Notting Hill (Baptist)</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page58">58</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Trinity, Church of Holy</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page15">15</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Warwick Gardens, Wesleyan Chapel</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page27">27</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Westbourne Grove Chapel (Baptist)</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page48">48</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Workhouse Chapel</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page61">61</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2"><p style="text-align: center"><span
+class="smcap">Essays</span>.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>A Comparative Denominational View</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page72">72</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Church Building</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page74">74</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Church Music</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page77">77</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Church and Population</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page79">79</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>St. Mary Abbotts Church</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page81">81</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>The Parochial System</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page82">82</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Notes</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a
+href="#page64">64</a></span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<h2>ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2>
+<p>Views of the following Churches will be found in their
+appropriate places:&mdash;St. Mary Abbotts, Kensington; New
+Church (exterior, interior, Organ); Old Church (exterior); St.
+Barnabas, Kensington; St. Peter&rsquo;s, Onslow Gardens (exterior
+and interior); St. Jude&rsquo;s (exterior and interior); St.
+Paul&rsquo;s, Onslow Square; Onslow Chapel; St. Mark&rsquo;s,
+Notting Hill; St. Mary, Bolton&rsquo;s; Warwick Gardens Wesleyan
+Chapel; Tabernacle, Notting Hill; St. Luke&rsquo;s, South
+Kensington.</p>
+<h2><a name="pagev"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+v</span>PREFACE.</h2>
+<p><span class="smcap">Particular</span> church chronicles are
+scarcely found among the thousands of volumes which annually
+issue from the press, although there are no chronicles that have
+in them more of what is really of public import.&nbsp; In regard
+to Metropolitan churches, nothing of the kind we here present to
+our readers has yet been attempted.&nbsp; Detached notices of a
+church here and there will sometimes be found in our periodicals
+or newspapers; but no effort has yet been made to supply a
+collective and relative view of all particular church history and
+operations in given districts in a permanent and useful
+form.&nbsp; Yet, these churches have now become so numerous and
+influential, and are yearly increasing to such a degree,
+unparalleled in any former age, that it would seem they demand
+distinct and special recognition and record, and surely are
+worthy to be preserved in their characteristics as among the
+ingredients which must enter into the general church history of
+our times.&nbsp; It may thus happen that we are supplying a real
+desideratum in Christian literature.&nbsp; The present issue may
+either be taken as an entire work in itself, or as the first of a
+series which will appear at intervals, as often and as regularly
+as circumstances may determine.&nbsp; It contains accounts,
+longer or shorter as each case admitted, <i>historical</i>,
+<i>ecclesiastical</i>, <i>architectural</i>, <i>clerical</i>,
+religious, and social of over fifty churches&mdash;established
+and non-conforming&mdash;in the populous parish of
+Kensington.&nbsp; This parish extends from the Brompton Road, the
+Boltons and Earl&rsquo;s Court southward, where it joins the
+parishes of Chelsea and Fulham, to Upper Westbourne Park and
+Kensal, beyond Notting Hill, north, where it abuts upon
+Paddington, and from Hyde Park and Bayswater, east, to
+Shepherd&rsquo;s Bush and Hammersmith, west.&nbsp; It covers an
+area of 2200 acres, and has fifty miles of main streets or
+carriage-ways within the bounds.&nbsp; The population, according
+to the late census, is 121,100 souls.</p>
+<p>It will thus be seen that we have been treating in these pages
+the spiritual provision made for a population greater than that
+of many a large town or city in the kingdom.&nbsp; We were first
+attracted to Kensington, a former &ldquo;suburban village,&rdquo;
+not only because of its importance as a representative
+Metropolitan parish, but as forming the centre of the Western
+suburbs, and on account of the rapidity with which
+church-building has gone on there of late years.&nbsp; We now
+present the first part of our task completed, and in the
+&ldquo;Index&rdquo; with the &ldquo;Notes&rdquo; will be found
+all that it is requisite to know about these churches.&nbsp;
+There is other church matter included at the end which may add to
+the interest of the whole.&nbsp; Also, a goodly number of
+engravings and photographs of principal church buildings,
+additions which will contribute greatly to the interest and value
+of the book in the Christian household or in professional
+hands.</p>
+<p><a name="pagevi"></a><span class="pagenum">p. vi</span>The
+author&rsquo;s thanks are due, and are hereby warmly and
+respectfully presented, to those clergy and other gentlemen of
+all denominations who have freely opened to him original and
+reliable sources of information.&nbsp; He is thus enabled to
+present the work freer from all sorts of inaccuracies than would
+probably otherwise be the case.&nbsp; He has, also, gratefully to
+acknowledge valuable aid from Mr. J. P. Churcher, Architect, of
+Kensington, who has kindly given the advantage of his
+professional knowledge in regard to a considerable number of the
+churches herein described.</p>
+<p>The work is now commended to the considerate attention of the
+public; trusting that the effort may be accepted as some
+contribution in illustration of Metropolitan churches and church
+enterprise, treated upon a thoroughly Catholic basis.</p>
+<p>There are not wanting signs of a general growing interest in
+such subjects.&nbsp; Even the political discussions of the last
+few years&mdash;bearing largely upon the state of the
+Church&mdash;have had, at least, the effect of concentrating
+public attention upon its fortunes, and of awakening a large
+amount of sympathy with its varied labours.&nbsp; Let us hope
+that this will tend to the happy result of securing a permanent
+practical regard in the public mind for every thing connected
+with the progress of Christianity in our midst; and if in some
+humble degree this great object is advanced by the contents of
+the following pages it will be esteemed an abundant reward and
+cause of much thankfulness by</p>
+<p style="text-align: right">THE AUTHOR.</p>
+<p>22, <span class="smcap">St. Stephen&rsquo;s Road</span>,<br />
+
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+<span class="smcap">Shepherd&rsquo;s Bush</span>, <span
+class="smcap">W.</span></p>
+<h2><a name="pagevii"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+vii</span>DEDICATION</h2>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span
+class="GutSmall">TO</span></p>
+<p style="text-align: center">CHARLES JAMES FREAKE, <span
+class="smcap">Esq.</span></p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">OF CROMWELL
+HOUSE, SOUTH KENSINGTON,</span></p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">THIS VOLUME
+IS (BY PERMISSION)</span></p>
+<p style="text-align: center">Respectfully Dedicated,</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">IN
+RECOGNITION OF IMPORTANT AND MUNIFICENT LAY ASSISTANCE IN
+THE</span><br />
+<span class="GutSmall">WORK OF CHURCH EXTENSION IN THE
+SUBURBS,</span><br />
+<span class="GutSmall">AND OTHER NUMEROUS CHRISTIAN, CHARITABLE,
+AND CATHOLIC-SPIRITED EFFORTS</span><br />
+<span class="GutSmall">FOR THE GENERAL WELFARE OF THE
+COMMUNITY,</span><br />
+<span class="GutSmall">AND AS AN EXPRESSION OF HIGH PERSONAL
+ESTEEM BY</span></p>
+<p style="text-align: right">THE AUTHOR.</p>
+<div class="gapspace">&nbsp;</div>
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>,</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was said of one of old,
+&ldquo;He loveth our nation, and he hath built us a
+synagogue.&rdquo;&nbsp; It is no less a pleasure than a duty to
+recognize genuine patriotism; and wherever it exists in its
+highest character, it is associated with zeal for the extension
+of the Church of God commensurately with the nation it
+loves.&nbsp; Although, Sir, your habitual modesty would not allow
+you to invite the commendation, I cannot forbear according it to
+you, that by the blessing and providence of God you have realized
+the ideal.&nbsp; Having contributed largely by honourable
+enterprise to the extension of the suburbs themselves, you have
+been mindful of the spiritual interests of the population.&nbsp;
+Two handsome churches&mdash;St. Paul&rsquo;s, Onslow Square, and
+St. Peter&rsquo;s, Onslow Gardens&mdash;are due to your Christian
+thoughtfulness and generosity.&nbsp; Some men can only project
+such works, and leave others to execute and pay for them; but
+you, Sir, have been endowed with the will and the power to do all
+these yourself; and you <i>have</i> done them with that
+unaffected zeal and good will to men, which, as it commands our
+admiration, will not fail of the blessing of Heaven.&nbsp; On
+various other good works of Christian charity for the education
+and improvement of the physical condition of the poor, I need not
+now dwell.&nbsp; They are well known to your neighbours, and to
+all who daily share their benefits, and will not be forgotten in
+time to come.&nbsp; For these reasons I have deemed it
+appropriate to dedicate to you this work, in the subjects of
+which you take so deep and practical an interest.&nbsp; Praying
+that your useful life may be long preserved to us an example and
+blessing to many,</p>
+<p style="text-align: right">I am, dear Sir,<br />
+Yours sincerely,<br />
+WM. PEPPERELL.</p>
+<p>Charles J. FREAKE, Esq.</p>
+<div class="gapspace">&nbsp;</div>
+<h2><a name="page1"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 1</span>THE
+CHURCHES OF KENSINGTON:<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">INCLUDING SOUTH KENSINGTON, BROMPTON, AND
+NOTTING-HILL.</span></h2>
+<h3>KENSINGTON PARISH CHURCH</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">At</span> the moment of our writing, St.
+Mary Abbotts, Kensington, is, in a literal sense, without a
+parish church.&nbsp; The old one has passed away, and the new one
+is in course of erection.&nbsp; There is, however, <i>the</i>
+church, with its long, chequered, and interesting history and
+associations of the past, and, we trust, its equally interesting
+and still more glorious future.&nbsp; The Venerable Archdeacon
+Sinclair, the present vicar, his churchwardens and friends must
+feel themselves the subjects of peculiar and pleasurable feelings
+as being the chief actors in the great change now coming over the
+site lately occupied by the old church, and thus placing
+themselves on a line with a long and eventful history.&nbsp; We
+must go back far into the middle ages for the origin of the
+parish church of Kensington, and to the days of dark Papal rule
+in the land.&nbsp; In the time of Henry I. we read of this church
+being bequeathed, on his deathbed, by Godfrey de Vere, Lord of
+the Manor, to the Monastery of Abingdon.&nbsp; It was, however,
+shortly after claimed by and restored to the Diocese of London,
+in which it has ever since remained.&nbsp; This was in the
+thirteenth century.&nbsp; The first endowment of the Vicarage was
+in 1260, and from time to time it received consideration from
+various monarchs.&nbsp; In 1520 Queen Mary accorded to it a
+portion of the 7,000<i>l.</i> granted by Henry VIII. in
+augmentation of the living of incumbents and scholars in
+England.&nbsp; The history of the old Saxon church is bound up
+with that of the manor, which was bestowed, inclusive of the
+rectory, upon various noblemen by royal grants under several
+reigns.&nbsp; The collation of the vicarage has belonged to the
+Bishops of London, <i>pleno jure</i>, about 390 years.&nbsp;
+While the Reformation was yet struggling against Papal tyranny,
+as though we were to have a forecast of the Evangelical type and
+freedom which have marked this church in after times, it
+possessed a martyr.&nbsp; Not one, indeed, led, as far as we
+know, to the stake, but cruelly driven from his position and
+living, and possibly to temporal ruin.&nbsp; In 1527 Sebastian
+Harris, the curate, was proceeded against for having in his
+possession a translation of the New Testament and a book entitled
+<i>Unio Dissidentium</i>, containing the doctrines of
+Luther.&nbsp; He was, for this <i>criminal</i> offence, cited to
+appear before the Vicar-General in the long chapel, St.
+Paul&rsquo;s Cathedral, and required there to make oath that he
+would not retain these books in possession any longer, nor sell
+them, nor lend them, nor make any acquaintance with any person
+suspected of heresy, and finally adjudged to quit London within
+twenty-four hours, and not to come within four miles of it for
+two years!</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">
+<a href="images/p1b.jpg">
+<img alt=
+"The New Church of St. Mary Abbotts, Kensington, 1872.  The
+Venerable Archdeacon Sinclair, Vicar"
+title=
+"The New Church of St. Mary Abbotts, Kensington, 1872.  The
+Venerable Archdeacon Sinclair, Vicar"
+src="images/p1s.jpg" />
+</a></p>
+<p>The late church began to supersede the first in 1683.&nbsp;
+The population even then was said to increase, and the
+inhabitants, to provide for the increase, built a new aisle on
+the south side.&nbsp; In the beginning of 1695 the north aisle
+and chancel were supplanted by others of larger dimensions; and
+in 1696 it was resolved to take down and rebuild the whole
+church, excepting the tower at the west end.&nbsp; The cost of
+this was met by subscription.&nbsp; King William gave
+300<i>l.</i>; the Princess Anne 100<i>l.</i>; Earl Craven
+100<i>l.</i>; the Bishop of London 50<i>l.</i>; and the Earl of
+Warwick 40<i>l.</i>; the entire expense amounting to no more than
+1,800<i>l</i>.&nbsp; Bowack, who visited the church in 1705, thus
+describes the rebuilt church in his &ldquo;Antiquities of
+Middlesex&rdquo;: &ldquo;In form quadrangular, somewhat broader
+than long, 80 feet from north to south, and hardly 70 from east
+to west.&nbsp; Paved handsomely with Purbeck stone.&nbsp; The
+pewing and galleries very neat and convenient.&nbsp; The pulpit
+and chancel handsomely adorned with carving and
+painting.&rdquo;&nbsp; It might be added that the pulpit and desk
+were the gifts of King William the Third and Queen Mary, in
+addition to their contributions to the building fund.&nbsp; The
+pulpit has a crown inlaid with the initials, &ldquo;W. &amp; M.
+R.,&rdquo; and the date, &ldquo;1697.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>In 1704, the defects of the recent work evincing itself so
+clearly by the cracking of the building, it was found necessary
+to take off the old roof, pull down the north and south walls,
+and rebuild them; which was done at a further outlay of
+1,800<i>l.</i></p>
+<p>Again in 1772 the church underwent a thorough repair, and the
+old Gothic tower was taken down and the later one erected.</p>
+<p>Once more in the year 1811 the church showed signs of decay,
+and it was necessary to underpin the walls, rebuild the vaults,
+and entirely renovate and adorn the interior.&nbsp; This was done
+at an expense of 5,000<i>l.</i>, which was met by a church-rate
+of sixpence in the pound, spreading over three years.&nbsp; This
+church, now spoken of as the &ldquo;old church,&rdquo; was a
+plain brick structure, with no pretensions to architectural
+display.&nbsp; The interior was composed of nave, chancel, and
+two aisles, separated by wooden pillars supporting the
+galleries.&nbsp; It was spanned from the entablature of six
+wooden columns over the nave, and three large brass chandeliers
+wore suspended from the ceiling.&nbsp; There was the royal pew
+curtained round in ancient style, which long continued to be used
+by high personages from the Palace.&nbsp; Here the Duke and
+Duchess of <a name="page2"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+2</span>Kent and the late Duke of Cambridge worshipped; and from
+this very pew the Duchess returned thanks after the birth of our
+present gracious and beloved Queen Victoria.&nbsp; The brows of
+other distinguished persons have been seen within the old
+walls.&nbsp; Sir Isaac Newton, Addison (after his marriage with
+the Countess of Warwick, of Holland House), Lady Margaret
+Macdonald, &ldquo;Lady of the Isles,&rdquo; Wilberforce, George
+Canning, Sir David Wilkie, Lord Macaulay, Thackeray,
+&amp;c.&mdash;all of whom were residents in Kensington, were
+attendants at the parish church.&nbsp; Such were the minor
+glories of the former house.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">
+<a href="images/p2ab.jpg">
+<img alt=
+"Church of St. Mary Abbotts, Kensington, 1872.  The Venerable
+Archdeacon Sinclair, Vicar"
+title=
+"Church of St. Mary Abbotts, Kensington, 1872.  The Venerable
+Archdeacon Sinclair, Vicar"
+src="images/p2as.jpg" />
+</a></p>
+<p>In 1866 it was seen that its fate was sealed.&nbsp; Competent
+architects pronounced that it would not be safe to use it for
+public worship more than two or three years beyond.&nbsp; The
+closing services were held on Whit-Sunday, May 16, 1869, when
+sermons were preached by the Bishop of London in the morning and
+by the Vicar in the evening.&nbsp; The church was
+crowded&mdash;said, indeed, to be &ldquo;packed to the
+ceiling.&rdquo;&nbsp; Collections made on the occasion towards
+the new building fund amounted to 265<i>l.</i>&nbsp; The church
+contained no less than 114 monuments and tablets, among which one
+in white marble was most conspicuous, dated 1759, in memory of
+the Earl of Warwick, the Countess, and their daughter, Lady
+Charlotte Rich.&nbsp; The Earl is represented sitting, resting
+his arm on an urn and clothed in a Roman habit.&nbsp; All the
+monuments were carefully removed before the church was pulled
+down, and some, it is expected, will be reinstalled in the new
+edifice.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">
+<a href="images/p2bb.jpg">
+<img alt=
+"Design of Organ for new Church of St. Mary Abbotts, Kensington.
+Built by Hill &amp; Son, London"
+title=
+"Design of Organ for new Church of St. Mary Abbotts, Kensington.
+Built by Hill &amp; Son, London"
+src="images/p2bs.jpg" />
+</a></p>
+<p>At first it was thought that the entire enterprise of the new
+parish church could not be undertaken at once, for want of funds,
+and it was resolved to proceed by degrees, laying the foundation
+and building vestry and chancel, with a temporary nave.&nbsp; But
+the funds shortly realised and promised encouraged the deacon and
+churchwardens to build the whole of the fabric at once, with the
+exception of tower and spire.&nbsp; The estimated cost of the
+work when completed is 35,000<i>l.</i>, the tower and spire alone
+being estimated to cost 10,000<i>l.</i> of the amount.&nbsp; The
+fine old ring of bells&mdash;eight in number&mdash;which have
+quickened and delighted the ears of Kensingtonians for many a
+long year, will find a place in the new tower and be heard again,
+and probably their joyous music be listened to by generations to
+come.&nbsp; The spire, when completed, will be 240 feet from the
+base to the vane.&nbsp; The estimated cost of the interior
+fittings, pews, pulpit, screen, and altar is 4,460<i>l.</i>&nbsp;
+The church will be brilliantly lit with gas, and warmed with hot
+water on the most improved principle.&nbsp; The length of the
+interior is 155 feet, and its greatest breadth 100 feet, and is
+capable of accommodating 1,600 persons on one floor.&nbsp; There
+will be no galleries.&nbsp; The style of the building is Gothic,
+a specimen of the transitional period from the early English to
+the decorated, and the architect is Mr. Gilbert Scott R.A., of
+Spring-gardens; the contractors Messrs. Dove Brothers, of
+Islington; and the grotesque and other carving with which the
+church is ornamented is executed by Messrs. Farmer and
+Brindly.&nbsp; The external material of the building is Kentish
+rag, with selected Bath-stone dressings.&nbsp; From what can be
+seen of the work in progress, the ample Bath-stone turrets and
+mouldings will add much to the effect of the building.&nbsp; In
+the interior there is no plaster, but the whole of the church is
+faced with solid Bath ashlar.&nbsp; There are on plan, nave, side
+aisles, and transepts.&nbsp; The nave will be 107 ft. and the
+chancel 48 ft. long, and 27 ft. wide; the aisles are 14 ft. 6 in.
+wide.&nbsp; There are also chancel aisles, and on the north side
+of the chancel an organ chamber, and the tower&mdash;the tower
+space being occupied with a vestry, from which the clergy will
+pass to the chancel by a vestibule.&nbsp; The font is on the
+north side of the west door; it is intended to be a very handsome
+marble one, with a conical cover, the cost being
+400<i>l.</i>&nbsp; Several ladies in Kensington are exerting
+themselves to raise funds for this particular work.&nbsp; The
+principal entrance to the church is on the west side, and the
+door has a sumptuous carving in Bath stone over it.&nbsp; The
+next principal entrance will be on the south side, through a
+porch, and another on the north side.&nbsp; A scheme is projected
+by the ladies of the congregation, and a plan is now preparing by
+Messrs. Clayton and Bell, to fill the whole church with painted
+windows.&nbsp; Should this be accomplished, and the eminent firm
+mentioned be employed to carry it out, it will doubtless add
+vastly to the effect of the interior.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">
+<a href="images/p3b.jpg">
+<img alt=
+"The Old Church, High Street, Kensington.  In Memoriam
+1697&ndash;1869"
+title=
+"The Old Church, High Street, Kensington.  In Memoriam
+1697&ndash;1869"
+src="images/p3s.jpg" />
+</a></p>
+<p>It is hoped and expected by the Vicar that the church will be
+opened by Easter next (1872).&nbsp; A very fine organ is now
+being built for this handsome fabric, by Messrs. Hill and Son, of
+the Euston-road, at a cost of about 1,200<i>l.</i>, to be
+provided by a separate fund.&nbsp; This instrument has three
+manuals and a pedal organ.&nbsp; <i>Great
+Organ</i>&mdash;containing double open diapason and bourdon, 16
+feet; open diapason, 8 feet; ditto, No. 2, 8 feet; gamba, 8 feet;
+stopped diapason, 8 feet; principal, 4 feet; harmonic flute, 4
+feet; 12th, 3 feet; 15th, 2 feet; mixture, 4 ranks; Posaund, 8
+feet; clarion, 4 feet.&nbsp; <i>Choir Organ</i>&mdash;open
+diapason, 8 feet; dulciana, 8 feet; Gedact, 8 feet; Gamshorn, 4
+feet; Wald flute, 4 feet; flautina, 2 feet; clarionet, 8
+feet.&nbsp; <i>Swell Organ</i>&mdash;Bourdon, 16 feet; open
+diapason, 8 feet; salcional, 8 feet; stopped diapason, 8 feet;
+principal, 4 feet; Suabe flute, 4 feet; 12th, 3 feet: 15th, 2
+feet; mixture, 3 ranks; horn, 8 feet; oboe, 8 feet; clarion, 4
+feet.&nbsp; <i>Pedal Organ</i>&mdash;CCC to F, 30 notes;
+sub-Bourdon, 32 feet; open diapason, 16 feet; violone, 15 feet;
+Bourdon, 16 feet; principal, 8 feet; 15th, 4 ft.; trombone, 16
+ft.; 5 couplers.&nbsp; Up to the present time about
+24,000<i>l.</i> has been received and promised to the Building
+Fund, to which Her Majesty the Queen subscribes
+200<i>l.</i>&nbsp; It will be seen, therefore, that a large
+proportion of the money has yet to be raised, although no doubt
+is felt that public spirit will display itself in connection with
+this great public object, so as to relieve the promoters of all
+anxiety as to the speedy and successful termination of their
+work.&nbsp; Archdeacon Sinclair is the treasurer of the fund, and
+the Rev. W. <a name="page3"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+3</span>Wright, of 2, Bath-place, the secretary.&nbsp; The
+present churchwardens are Charles Greenway, Esq., of 3,
+Bath-place, who has filled the office for sixteen years, and
+Robert Harvey, Esq., of 92, High-street, Notting-hill, who has
+been in office for two years.&nbsp; Attached to the parish church
+there are national schools, with 200 boys and 130 girls; an
+infant school with 200; and a ragged-school in
+Jennings&rsquo;-buildings&mdash;a notoriously low part of the
+town&mdash;with 60 or 70.&nbsp; There is also an industrial
+school for young girls, where 35 or 40 are taught various useful
+domestic works.&nbsp; There are Sunday-schools answering to the
+day-schools; also a district visiting society, composed of ladies
+and clergymen who visit the poor and distribute alms; and annual
+collections are made for missionary and other religious and
+charitable purposes.</p>
+<p>The venerable Archdeacon Sinclair has been Vicar for the last
+twenty-nine years, and was appointed Archdeacon soon after his
+accession to the Vicarage.&nbsp; It is known to be a wealthy
+living, but its exact value cannot be precisely stated.&nbsp; The
+net value, however, is estimated at 912<i>l.</i> per annum.&nbsp;
+The Vicar is well known and admired both for the elevation of his
+personal character and his able and truly Evangelical
+ministry.&nbsp; He is now well stricken in years&mdash;being
+seventy-four years of age&mdash;but retains a notable degree
+vigour, and preaches regularly twice every Sunday, at present to
+the congregation of St. Paul&rsquo;s, Palace-gardens, one of the
+chapels of ease to the parish church.&nbsp; Christ Church,
+Victoria-road, is the other.&nbsp; Associated with the Vicar in
+the spiritual work of the parish are at present four curates, the
+Rev. W. Wright, M.A., the Rev. E. T. Carey, M.A., the Rev. G.
+Averill, M.A., and the Rev. J. J. T. Wilmot, M.A.</p>
+<p>The principal congregation of the old church are, during the
+re-building, worshipping in the vestry-hall adjoining.&nbsp; Here
+we had the pleasure of uniting with them on the morning of
+Sunday, Oct. 15, 1871.&nbsp; The service is a reflection of what
+it was in the old temple, and what, under the venerable vicar, it
+is intended to be in the new.&nbsp; It was plain devout Church of
+England service, earnest and as inspiring as it could be in a
+plain hall.&nbsp; The officiating clergyman was the Rev. J. J. T.
+Wilmot, M.A., who took the whole of the service and preached the
+sermon.&nbsp; The latter was a faithful exposition and
+application of 1 Tim. i. 16&mdash;&ldquo;Godliness with
+contentment is great gain.&rdquo;&nbsp; Some very pointed remarks
+on the evils of the lust of riches, and the value of the gain of
+godliness, were delivered in a clear and sonorous voice, and
+pointed with familiar illustrations.&nbsp; The impression on our
+minds was that such a method of conducting worship, and such a
+style of pulpit or platform discourse, cannot but be the means of
+doing great good.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">(<i>See Notes</i>.)</p>
+<h3>ST. ANDREW AND ST. PHILIP&rsquo;S CHURCH, GOLBORNE ROAD,
+UPPER WESTBOURNE PARK.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> church is a recent instance of
+the modern forward movement to overtake the spreading population
+of the suburbs.&nbsp; It is situated at the extreme north of the
+parish, in the midst of a vast mass of new property, which is
+very properly called <i>New-town</i>, or Kensal New-town.&nbsp;
+The parish, which was formed out of the extensive one of All
+Saints&rsquo;, Notting-hill, has a population of 9,000; and up to
+the present has been very ill-provided with means of religious
+worship.&nbsp; Indeed, it seems as if no effort can be abreast of
+the fast-growing needs of the metropolis.&nbsp; But here is, at
+least, a large and handsome church situate in a locality in which
+<i>prim&acirc; facie</i> it would appear a very
+<i>God-send</i>.&nbsp; Alighting at the Westbourne-park Station,
+and passing over the bridge, a sign-board directs the inquirer
+along the main Newtown-street, and after four or five
+minutes&rsquo; walk another board points out the site of the
+church.&nbsp; Or an equally ready way of access may now be found
+from the Notting-hill Station, by the Ladbroke and
+recently-opened Golborne-road.&nbsp; This edifice is the fruit of
+private and public zeal combined.&nbsp; A Christian lady in
+Bayswater devoted 5,000<i>l.</i> of her abundance, and the Bishop
+of London&rsquo;s Fund, together with some local donations,
+supplied the remainder of 7,000<i>l.</i>, which was the cost of
+the building.&nbsp; It is therefore unencumbered with debt, and
+has a free and open course before it for Christian
+usefulness.&nbsp; The ceremony of consecration took place on
+Saturday, the 8th of January, 1870, when our reporter in
+attendance wrote that, &ldquo;Notwithstanding the furious gale
+over the parish, upwards of 700 ladies and gentlemen were
+present.&rdquo;&nbsp; The then new Bishop of London (Dr. Jackson)
+officiated, and was assisted in the service by the Venerable
+Archdeacon Sinclair, Vicar of St. Mary Abbotts, Kensington; the
+Rev. A. G. Pemberton, of Kensal-green; the Rev. A. Campe; and the
+Rev. R. Towers, the incumbent.&nbsp; A number of other clergymen
+were also present, amongst whom were the Rev. R. W. Forest, the
+Rev. Daniel Moore, the Rev. Bryan Hodge, the Rev. W. A. Newton,
+the Rev. W. A. Bathurst, &amp;c.</p>
+<p>The building is of red brick with Bath-stone mouldings,
+covered with the best Welsh slates, and surrounded on all sides
+with a strong iron railing.&nbsp; In the exterior there is no
+other particular feature, except a prettily-shaped belfry, which
+is an ornament to the east front.&nbsp; The interior does credit
+to the architect, Mr. Keeling, of Gray&rsquo;s-inn; who,
+forbidden the versatility of device he has displayed in St.
+Mark&rsquo;s, Notting-hill, St. George&rsquo;s, Campden-hill, and
+elsewhere, has given a free adaptation of early French
+Gothic.&nbsp; There are a nave and aisles, separated on either
+side by five handsome columns of Devonshire marble, with
+carved-stone capitals, and supporting an <a
+name="page4"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 4</span>entablature of
+six arches on each side, from which a lofty groined roof spans
+the nave.&nbsp; The arches are of variegated brick, with
+Bath-stone dressings; and the higher part of the side walls in
+the same, the lower part being faced with Bath-stone
+ashlar.&nbsp; The choir and chancel are ample in dimensions, the
+former being furnished with high cathedral-backed stalls, and the
+former ornamented with neatly-illuminated texts, the Ten
+commandments, &amp;c., and over the communion-table the
+words&mdash;which it may be hoped, will be a faithful index to
+the ministry ever to be exercised in the church, &ldquo;Christ is
+the end of the law for righteousness to him that
+believeth.&rdquo;&nbsp; The organ is a borrowed instrument of
+very inferior quality, and which is shortly to be supplanted by
+one more adapted to the beautiful and spacious edifice.&nbsp;
+Towards this most desirable improvement 40<i>l.</i> only has yet
+been raised, towards 250<i>l.</i>, the estimated cost.&nbsp; As
+the congregation and immediate neighbourhood are mainly poor, it
+would be a real boon if some wealthier person or persons beyond
+the district could devise the means to present to the church a
+suitable instrument.&nbsp; The church is admirably adapted for
+the free passage both of light and sound, and the plain but
+variously-stained windows, without Scripture or canonical
+characters, add to the beautiful effect of the whole
+structure.&nbsp; There are no galleries; but the ground floor,
+well laid out with substantial open pews, supplies accommodation
+for 950, but is capable of taking 1,000 without
+overcrowding.&nbsp; We regretted to observe that the congregation
+present at the morning service were not anything like half the
+number.&nbsp; The audience in the evening, however, is said to be
+much larger, a feature very characteristic of poor localities,
+where many week-day working people are seldom prepared for church
+before evening on the Sabbath.&nbsp; The place is well warmed by
+a large stove, which sent a comforting glow of heat through the
+entire space; and is lit at night from ornamental pillars, each
+having four branches, and each branch three jets, specially
+designed by Messrs. Johnson Brothers, of High Holborn.&nbsp; The
+floors of the aisles, choir, and chancel are inlaid with
+tessellated tiles.</p>
+<p>The first builder was unable to fulfil his contract, which
+occasioned considerable delay; but ultimately it was taken in
+hand by Messrs. Scriven and White, of Camden-town, who carried
+out their engagement to perfect satisfaction.</p>
+<p>Church work, in this case, is yet in its infancy, and seems to
+ask for assistance.&nbsp; There are, however, the seeds of what,
+let us hope, may prove a future moral and spiritual
+harvest.&nbsp; The population requires to be wrought upon outside
+the walls, that they may be brought more fully to comprehend
+their privileges.&nbsp; It appears quite certain that within
+there are all the means of good to them.&nbsp; The service is
+devoutly and earnestly performed in its Evangelical
+interpretation, the prayers, psalms, and creeds being read, and
+responded to by the congregation.&nbsp; The musical part is
+Gregorian plain-song; but sufficiently varied to prevent the
+sense of severe monotony.&nbsp; The choir is at present a mixture
+of male and female voices; and there is some room for
+improvement, which will doubtless come when it is assisted by a
+better organ.&nbsp; The hymn-hook is the &ldquo;Church and Home
+Metrical Psalter and Hymnal.&rdquo;&nbsp; The Rev. Robert Towers,
+B.A., the Vicar, was without assistance in the clerical portion
+of the service.&nbsp; He reads in a distinct and feeling manner;
+and preaches extempore, purely and properly so.&nbsp; His text
+was taken from Matthew ix. 12: &ldquo;They that be whole need not
+a physician, but they that are sick,&rdquo; &amp;c.&nbsp; In this
+discourse in simple language and illustration, we verily believe
+was preached <i>the</i> truth as it is in the Gospel.&nbsp; We
+could not but wish that the place had been crowded to hear
+it.&nbsp; The disease of sin was scripturally set forth as
+<i>inherent</i> in man&rsquo;s nature, <i>hereditary</i>,
+<i>loathsome</i>, <i>contagious</i>, and by all human means
+<i>incurable</i>.&nbsp; Mr. Towers is a preacher who is not
+afraid to speak of sin in appropriate terms, telling his audience
+plainly that &ldquo;it damns the soul and fills hell&rdquo;; and
+that in the world wherever it is found, &ldquo;the blast of the
+devil passes over, and carries its accursed infection
+beyond.&rdquo;&nbsp; As to its human incurability, &ldquo;Not
+even religious ceremonies in themselves could avail.&nbsp;
+Baptism was not regeneration.&rdquo;&nbsp; Sin would still reign
+and increase &ldquo;its deadly and damnable effects in the
+soul,&rdquo; for there was &ldquo;no getting through or living it
+down.&nbsp; It was very <i>death</i> itself.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+&ldquo;But thanks be unto God that though the wages of sin be
+death, the gift of God is eternal life, through our Lord Jesus
+Christ.&rdquo;&nbsp; The character and ability of the great
+Physician, and the Divine mode of cure, through the application
+of &ldquo;the precious blood&rdquo; by &ldquo;the Holy
+Ghost&rdquo; to the repentant sinner, were impressively and
+unmistakeably set forth, together with the delightful effects in
+the experience of men.&nbsp; In short, we have never listened to
+more real Gospel within thirty minutes of time than on the
+morning of Sunday, November 12, 1871.&nbsp; We sincerely hope the
+church will soon be filled, from the chancel to the
+baptistry.&nbsp; There is a Sunday-school with about 150
+scholars, and an excellent staff of teachers.&nbsp; A Church of
+England Young Men&rsquo;s Society has been established about six
+months, and supplies a number of very competent male teachers to
+the school, which at present meets in the church in the
+afternoon.&nbsp; A near site, however, for a school is already
+purchased, and will be built upon as soon as funds are secured
+for the purpose.&nbsp; Mission-rooms attached, capable of holding
+about 100 persons, are at 15, Appleford-road, where a missionary
+is employed and holds service Sunday afternoons and Monday
+evenings; three Bible-women are also doing their useful work in
+the parish.&nbsp; There would appear, therefore, to be much of
+the machinery requisite for carrying on the work in this new
+locality; but the church is entirely dependent on voluntary
+support, and, the people being poor, that support is as yet but
+feeble.&nbsp; The weekly offertory was at first adopted; but soon
+discontinued, being considered unpopular, and boxes were placed
+at the doors.&nbsp; The financial result, however, is most
+insignificant; and it is evident that something more is
+necessary, if this fine <a name="page5"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 5</span>church and zealous few are not to be
+crippled in their energies.&nbsp; An earnest appeal is therefore
+being made by the Vicar and the Churchwardens, Mr. W. J. Murlis
+and T. Horsman, for help to meet the expenses.&nbsp; One thing
+should not be unnoticed; a provident fund is established for the
+poor, from which the sick, aged, and persons suffering from want
+of work, are aided in time of need.&nbsp; The society adds
+two-pence to every shilling deposited by the members when able,
+and already between 60<i>l.</i> and 70<i>l.</i> stands to the
+credit of the fund.</p>
+<h3>ST. JUDE&rsquo;S, SOUTH KENSINGTON.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> new Church of St. Jude&rsquo;s,
+South Kensington, is situate close to the Cromwell and
+Gloucester-roads, and stands out boldly, tree-less, and alone, a
+striking object in the surrounding plain, looming largely in the
+distance.&nbsp; Nor is it less striking on a closer view.&nbsp;
+It is in the early Gothic style, some fair detail of which it
+possesses, especially in the character of the west front, which
+is a happy composition; but its most remarkable features consist
+in the number of gables, gable-crosses, terminations, and
+chimneys, the great size of some of its windows, and a certain
+stilted appearance that the structure has, altogether a whole not
+perfectly pleasing or picturesque.&nbsp; The view from the
+north-west is perhaps the most telling in point of effect, but
+this would be greatly improved by the addition of the tower and
+spire, which we hope will soon appear, but there is a certain
+comfortable-looking bell-turret which seems to say, &ldquo;I
+answer all purposes required.&rdquo;</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">
+<a href="images/p3b.jpg">
+<img alt=
+"Interior of St. Jude&rsquo;s Church, South Kensington"
+title=
+"Interior of St. Jude&rsquo;s Church, South Kensington"
+src="images/p3s.jpg" />
+</a></p>
+<p>The church is built of Kentish rag and Bath stone dressings,
+and the roofs are covered with slate in bands of colour.&nbsp;
+The gates and approaches when finished will add greatly to the
+general appearance.</p>
+<p>If the outside is peculiar, the inside, perhaps, is more
+so.&nbsp; The building, which is slightly cruciform on plan,
+covers a large area, about 135 feet long by 87 feet wide.&nbsp;
+These dimensions are sufficient to give a great idea of space,
+and this effect is increased from the fact of the floor being
+nearly free from the usual obstructing columns; for although
+there is the general arrangement of nave and aisles, yet the
+slight iron columns, that support the arcades offer but very
+little impediment either to sight or sound.&nbsp; The acoustic
+properties are exceedingly good, and the preacher can be seen and
+heard to advantage from all points; whilst the large north and
+south windows admit such volumes of light that there is an entire
+absence of that &ldquo;dim religious light&rdquo; favoured by a
+section of the English Church.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">
+<a href="images/p4b.jpg">
+<img alt=
+"View of St. Jude&rsquo;s Church, South Kensington"
+title=
+"View of St. Jude&rsquo;s Church, South Kensington"
+src="images/p4s.jpg" />
+</a></p>
+<p>Architecturally the iron columns are suggestive of having too
+much to do&mdash;looking weak and unequal to the task of
+supporting the pretty nave roof and coloured-brick arches; this
+is especially the case with the columns at the transepts.&nbsp;
+The iron, as we have said, from its lightness, assists sight and
+sound, but then beauty is sacrificed to utility, which to some
+extent we think unfortunate; but the church has evidently been
+designed to assist the preacher&rsquo;s voice, and therefore we
+must congratulate the architect, Mr. J. H. Godwin, of Brompton,
+on his complete success.&nbsp; The prevailing buff colour of the
+bricks, being imitated in the painting of the columns, is not
+pleasing, and we think may be altered with advantage.&nbsp; The
+church will hold 1,700 persons, and the galleries add to the
+auditorium, but are no assistance to effect, and compel the use
+of a stilted and old-fashioned pulpit.</p>
+<p>The organ-chamber and a capital vestry are at the north-east
+angle of the church, and the baptistry, at the west end, is well
+arranged and contains a handsomely-designed early font.&nbsp; The
+east window is of stained glass, illustrating the life of
+Christ.&nbsp; The doors are ample and admit of good entrance and
+exit.&nbsp; The pewing is comfortable and compact.&nbsp; The
+school class rooms and offices below account for the stilted
+appearance before referred to.</p>
+<p>St. Jude&rsquo;s is one of the latest and most noticeable
+instances of aggressive effort on the part of the Established
+Church.&nbsp; It was originated by the Rev. J. A. Aston, late
+Vicar of St. Stephen&rsquo;s, Kensington, to provide for the
+spreading suburban population in that part, and has cost, as it
+now stands, 10,000<i>l.</i>, which is entirely the munificent
+gift to the district of Mr. J. D. Allcroft, of 55,
+Porchester-terrace, and Wood-street, E.C.&nbsp; When all
+complete, including the site and the vicarage shortly to be
+erected, the cost will be about 19,000<i>l.</i>, the additional
+9,000<i>l.</i> being jointly guaranteed by Mr. Allcroft, the Rev.
+J. A. Aston, and the present Vicar.&nbsp; There is a capital
+organ, ably presided at by Mr. M. Lochner, having four manuals,
+and favoured on the choir organ with that very rare stop, the
+<i>Vox Humana</i>, and capable of enlargement.&nbsp; This fine
+instrument was built by Mr. H. Wedlake, of Fitzroy-square, at a
+cost of 700<i>l.</i>, and is another of the grand offerings in
+connexion with the St. Jude enterprise&mdash;being the sole gift
+of Mrs. Walter Powell of Notting-hill.&nbsp; The largest of the
+three rooms underneath the east end of the church is forthwith to
+be fitted up.&nbsp; It is capable of holding 400 people, and to
+be used for the purpose of meetings, Sunday-schools,
+&amp;c.&nbsp; It is not intended at present to have
+day-schools.</p>
+<p>Although opened for Divine Service so recently as the 23rd of
+Dec., 1870, it has within three months collected within its walls
+one of the largest congregations to be met with around
+London.&nbsp; It is estimated to accommodate 1,700
+worshippers&mdash;and on a special occasion it might very well
+contain 2,000.&nbsp; On Sunday morning, February 26, there were
+from 1,500 to 1,600 present, and the church did not present a
+crowded appearance.&nbsp; A glance over the large assembly showed
+that it contained scarcely a sprinkling of the lower or labouring
+classes.&nbsp; It was composed almost entirely of the aristocracy
+and gentle people of the district, together with the middle and
+trading classes.&nbsp; The sittings are let <a
+name="page6"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 6</span>at 2<i>l.</i>
+2s., 35s., 30s., and 20s. per year; but as one-third of the
+entire number are to be <i>free</i>, it may be hoped that the
+&ldquo;rich and the poor&rdquo; will here also meet together
+before Him &ldquo;who is the Maker of them all.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The service is a vigorous rendering of the plain Church
+Service, cautiously guarded against Ritualistic signs.&nbsp; The
+members of the choir are not robed in white, nor have they
+anything to distinguish them but the place they occupy.&nbsp; The
+clergy wear a simple surplice at prayers, and appear in the
+pulpit in a black gown.&nbsp; The Rev. R. W. Forrest, M.A., of
+Trin. Col., Dublin, the first vicar of this new church, was
+transferred to it from the Lock Chapel, Paddington, having been
+previously incumbent of St. Andrew&rsquo;s, Liverpool.&nbsp; In
+Paddington he enjoyed a well-deserved popularity, which appears
+still to attend him in his new sphere of duty.&nbsp; In
+appearance he is about forty years of age, tall and commanding in
+presence, and possessing a strong pleasant voice, used with ease
+and heard without effort in the remotest corner of the spacious
+edifice.&nbsp; His reading of the Holy Scriptures is specially
+distinct, natural, and impressive.&nbsp; The pulpit discourse was
+founded on Heb. iv., and part of the 16th verse, &ldquo;But was
+in all points tempted, like as we are, yet without
+sin.&rdquo;&nbsp; It was a practical and touching illustration of
+our Lord&rsquo;s temptations in their bearing upon the experience
+and present comfort of his people, and, being delivered
+<i>extempore</i>, brought the preacher into direct sympathy with
+his audience.&nbsp; The Rev. F. Moran (curate) assisted in
+reading the prayers&mdash;a clergyman who also possesses a clear
+and distinct enunciation&mdash;suitable to the place and the
+congregation.&nbsp; Among Mr. Forrest&rsquo;s hearers on the
+occasion of our visit were Bishop Barker, of Sydney, Metropolitan
+of Australia, and the Dean of Ripon.</p>
+<h3>ST. MATTHIAS WARWICK ROAD, EARL&rsquo;S COURT, SOUTH
+KENSINGTON.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Church of St. Matthias,
+Warwick-road, Earl&rsquo;s-court, Kensington, is within sight of
+St. Jude&rsquo;s, and, like it, stands almost alone in the open
+fields.&nbsp; It has no boundary walls or fences, unless a
+broken-down hedge on the east side can be called a fence.&nbsp;
+Externally, as a structure, there are no very pleasing features;
+the permanent and temporary portions do not harmonise, and,
+indeed, the chancel and aisles, the only parts finished, have not
+in point of detail and design much to recommend their brick walls
+with bath stone dressings and window tracery of simple
+character.&nbsp; Of course the temporary portions as such cannot
+fairly be criticised; yet if we must have temporary churches and
+of corrugated iron, we see no reason why they should not be
+picturesque, or at any rate sightly.</p>
+<p>Internally the temporary nave has no attempt at appearance or
+effect, a remarkable fact seeing that the Anglican school
+generally pride themselves upon effects.&nbsp; A matched-boarded
+lining to walls and roof is simply varnished, the glazing of the
+windows is rendered shocking to taste by masses of blue and red
+colour, and a box pulpit is too much like a box.&nbsp; The
+excessively plain chancel, arch, and arcades, and general detail
+of the windows, have evidently been designed with a view to
+economy; and if, when the nave is built, the same quiet spirit is
+adopted, we shall be anxious to learn the cost of the structure,
+which will certainly be a minimum sum, and valuable to note in
+these church-building days.&nbsp; The style is early
+English.&nbsp; The dwarf stone parapet and ornamental iron screen
+across the chancel arch form rather a nice feature, and the
+stall-seats are of good design.</p>
+<p>The east window is partly filled with effective stained glass,
+and as the predominant colour is blue, it is vexatious that the
+side-lights, not yet completed, are screened with green
+blinds.</p>
+<p>Two figures of saints over the altar-table are not clearly
+seen&mdash;one might be St. Matthias; and the reredos might as
+well have English written on it&mdash;the unlearned could then
+understand and appreciate.</p>
+<p>St. Matthias stands in the midst of a poor district, which was
+originally cut off from St. Philip&rsquo;s, Kensington.&nbsp; A
+temporary iron church was first opened on April 17, 1869, and the
+permanent chancel was consecrated and opened on the following
+10th of July.&nbsp; Nave and chancel together accommodate from
+700 to 750 persons.&nbsp; The cost of the whole structure has
+been 4,800<i>l.</i>; and it is intended if possible to build the
+nave this year 1871, which will cost about 4,000<i>l.</i> or
+5,000<i>l.</i> more.&nbsp; The architect is Mr. J. H. Hatrevile,
+5, Southmolton-street.&nbsp; There are no appropriated sittings;
+all are free, and the church is always open for public or private
+prayer.&nbsp; It is supported by the offertory alone, which in
+1869&ndash;70 amounted to the sum of 1,100<i>l.</i>, and in
+1870&ndash;71 it will amount, we are informed, to
+1,600<i>l.</i>&nbsp; Out of this all the expenses of the church
+and the charities and the clergy are met.&nbsp; There are three
+<i>priests</i> attached&mdash;the Rev. S. C. Haines, M.A., the
+Vicar; the Revs. H. Westall, A.K.C., and S. Martin.&nbsp; There
+is a superb organ built by Jones, of the Fulham-road, with three
+manuals, forty stops, and 2,255 pipes, at a cost of
+700<i>l.</i>&nbsp; The choir is large&mdash;about fifty in
+number&mdash;under the precentorship of Mr. J. Elwin, of 21,
+Coleherne-road, Brompton, professor of musical elocution.&nbsp;
+During Lent there is daily Communion at eight <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span>, four services every day, and five on
+Friday, when there is an extra Communion at eleven <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span></p>
+<p>The service is Gregorian plain song, and on the morning of
+March 5, the second Sunday in Lent, the ceremonial is described
+as being extremely ornate and symbolical.&nbsp; Our
+representative says: The chancel is unusually deep, the space
+between the altar and the railing being apparently designed <a
+name="page7"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 7</span>with a view to
+Ritualistic development.&nbsp; In fact, it is a large stage on
+which a numerous company can play their parts.&nbsp; The
+choristers wear surplices, and the clergy, over the surplice, a
+stole, which is at the present season of the true Lenten
+violet&mdash;according to the practice of Ritualists&mdash;who
+use the symbolic colours of violet for Lent, black for Good
+Friday, red for Martyrs, yellow for Confessors, and so on.&nbsp;
+The altar-cloth and pulpit-cover, and even the offering-bags, are
+also of the same tinge, the latter being embossed with a white
+cross.&nbsp; The prayers were intoned by Mr. Westall, a young
+gentleman whose voice is in some danger of collapsing from sheer
+tension of monotone.&nbsp; The Ritualists have attained
+perfection in denying to nature its own freedom and flexibility
+of voice.&nbsp; The lessons were read by the second curate, Mr.
+Martin, who, we learn, is new to the church, and whose voice,
+trained in the true Anglican style&mdash;rises always where it
+ought to fall, and <i>vice vers&acirc;</i>.&nbsp; The bowings,
+curtseys, and genuflexions of this service are so numerous and
+complicate, we almost despair of tracing them.&nbsp; Not only in
+the Creed, but in every other part where the name of the Saviour
+occurred and on every repetition of the <i>Gloria Patri</i>,
+there was a low curtsey as long as the body could be conveniently
+bent, which had a most singular effect in the general aspect of
+the congregation.&nbsp; In the Nicene Creed, in the part
+&ldquo;Light of light&rdquo; and up to &ldquo;rose again,&rdquo;
+there was a sudden drop of voice to a mere whisper&mdash;which,
+being quite unprepared for at the moment, might startle one into
+the idea that the congregation and choir had simultaneously lost
+their vocal power.&nbsp; But all this was merely dramatic.&nbsp;
+On entering the Communion Service the <i>processional</i> hymn is
+sung, during which the clergy three abreast commence their
+pilgrimage to the altar.&nbsp; They approach it by three stages,
+pausing at every one, and on arrival bow and cross themselves,
+and then dispose themselves on the left, in line with their backs
+to the congregation&mdash;one a step above the other&mdash;the
+highest reading the Commandments, turning meanwhile to the
+people.&nbsp; They then break line again, and one reads the
+Epistle for the day; they form inline again, and the centre
+figure, the Vicar, reads the Gospel, during which the curate at
+his feet turns towards him obliquely, bending in a worshipping
+attitude.&nbsp; After the Creed&mdash;and so as to chime in with
+the close&mdash;the Vicar passes with a sharp step to the pulpit,
+which is as close to the chancel as it can be; and on entering
+it, whilst the people are still standing, crosses himself,
+fronting them, and repeats quickly, &ldquo;To God, the Father,
+Son, and Holy Ghost, Amen,&rdquo; and at once announces his
+text.&nbsp; The short prayer before sermon is dispensed
+with.&nbsp; The motion with the finger to the two shoulders and
+the forehead is the great feature at this point.</p>
+<p>The sermon was founded on 1 Cor. i. 20&mdash;&ldquo;Where is
+the wise?&nbsp; Where is the scribe?&nbsp; Where is the disputer
+of this world?&nbsp; Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this
+world?&rdquo;&nbsp; Having on the previous Sunday treated of
+bodily mortification and fasting, the preacher would now speak of
+the subjugation of human imagination, intellect and reason to the
+dominion of truth&mdash;of the folly of the &ldquo;wise,&rdquo;
+the &ldquo;scribe,&rdquo; the &ldquo;disputer of this
+world,&rdquo; in view of the &ldquo;wisdom of God.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+In what was mainly an <i>extempore</i> address, aided only by
+copious notes, and accompanied by much declamation and earnest
+action, Mr. Haines denounced the intellect and literature of the
+day as extremely sordid, timeserving, and egotistic.&nbsp; It was
+&ldquo;a day of advertisements,&rdquo; when intellect was
+&ldquo;bought and sold over the counter,&rdquo; when one might
+&ldquo;buy all the intellect of England for gold, and for so many
+guineas have so many pages;&rdquo; and if in any case pride
+prevented this degradation, literature was then &ldquo;but the
+expression of an extreme egotism.&rdquo;&nbsp; Periodicals and
+books were &ldquo;pretentious and misleading;&rdquo; the novels
+of the age embodied its &ldquo;sensualistic intellect;&rdquo; our
+art in its exhibitions handed down pictures and ideas of
+depravity.&nbsp; &ldquo;It would be well if the scientific world
+would send forth no more theories.&rdquo;&nbsp; In short the
+preacher held in the profoundest contempt all the ordinary
+exercises of the human mind and reason.&nbsp; Perverted intellect
+had produced anarchy in America, revolution and bloodshed in
+Europe; and in the history of Christianity there had been nothing
+but contention and division since the intellect of the church
+first departed from the &ldquo;holy Catholic religion,&rdquo; and
+so rendered government impossible.&nbsp; The preacher eulogised,
+indeed, intellect <i>sitting at the feet of Christ</i>; but this
+was so explained as to mean, in fact, sitting at the feet of
+&ldquo;Holy Catholic Church.&rdquo;&nbsp; This part of the sermon
+was, to our minds, a virtual denouncement of the Protestant
+Reformation.&nbsp; In speaking of the mysteries of religion
+against which the world&rsquo;s intellect revolted, the preacher
+adverted to that one, &ldquo;the sacrifice of the altar,&rdquo;
+which they were then daily celebrating.&nbsp; &ldquo;Christ was
+in Heaven, but he was also there, yea,&rdquo; glancing round to
+the spot, &ldquo;on that altar was the real body and the real
+blood of our Lord.&rdquo;&nbsp; Would they deny these mysteries
+because they could not understand them?&nbsp; Were there not
+mysteries in all nature? and did not the saint see all around him
+the great sacrifice of nature&mdash;the outward and visible sign
+of the inward, present, and omnipotent God?&nbsp; After sermon
+the preacher returns to the altar, when a fourth functionary
+appears, whom we suppose must be termed an acolyte.&nbsp; He
+carries in his hand a taper, with which he proceeds to light the
+candles in the candelabra at either end of the altar, each having
+seven lights.&nbsp; A hymn is being sung and the collection made
+at the same time, and when ended the offertory bags are borne to
+the altar, and, being solemnly placed upon it, one of the
+priests, prostrating himself before it, raises the offering high
+towards the cross, and there holds it for some moments in the act
+of consecration, after which the Benediction is pronounced.&nbsp;
+The church in the morning is filled with a congregation chiefly
+composed of the higher middle classes of the people, and in the
+evening principally of the poor of the immediate locality.</p>
+<h3><a name="page8"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 8</span>ST.
+PHILIP&rsquo;S, SOUTH KENSINGTON.</h3>
+<p>A <span class="smcap">pleasant</span> walk on a Sunday morning
+from westward, through that fashionable part of Kensington known
+as the Addison-road and Warwick-gardens, brings us to the Church
+of St. Philip, which stands at the corner where the
+Earl&rsquo;s-court and Pembroke-roads join.&nbsp; It is a brick
+structure in the perpendicular decorated style belonging to the
+fifteenth century; and as, with its modest spire, it comes into
+view, and the worshippers slowly moving up every main approach,
+in response to the &ldquo;church-going bell,&rdquo; the whole
+produces a very pleasing effect.&nbsp; As one silently views the
+interior a somewhat mystical impression imperceptibly steals upon
+him.&nbsp; The architect, Mr. Thomas Johnson, of Lichfield, would
+appear to have studied and followed out the ideal of a former
+period in the details generally.&nbsp; This is especially seen in
+the windows, the arcades, &amp;c.&nbsp; The nave has a lofty
+aspect, much more so than would be expected from the exterior
+view.</p>
+<p>This church was built in 1858, and its district taken
+principally out of St. Barnabas, with a small portion from the
+old Kensington parish.&nbsp; It originally had accommodation for
+1,000, but, in consequence of the increasing demand, it was
+enlarged in 1862 to 1,400 sittings, 500 of which are free.&nbsp;
+The cost of both the original building and the subsequent
+enlargement has been almost entirely borne by the Vicar, the Rev.
+J. Dickson Claxton, M.A., of Trinity College, Cambridge, he
+having been aided only to the amount of 1,400<i>l.</i> or
+1,500<i>l.</i> in subscriptions, which were towards the first
+erection.&nbsp; The enlargement was carried out at his own sole
+cost.&nbsp; The great need of this was manifest from the magic
+rapidity with which population increased in the neighbourhood of
+the church.&nbsp; It stood at 8,000 until recently&mdash;the
+spring of 1869&mdash;when the formation of the sub-district of
+St. Matthias reduced it to 5,000.&nbsp; But so rapid is the
+growth that it has already again risen to fully 6,000.&nbsp;
+There is at present but one curate, the Rev. J. C. Sykes, B.A.,
+of Queen&rsquo;s College, Cambridge.</p>
+<p>Three schools are in part connected with the church, being
+maintained in conjunction with St. Barnabas, and containing
+altogether upwards of 600 children.</p>
+<p>The other charities maintained alone by St. Philip&rsquo;s are
+several.&nbsp; There are &ldquo;A Provident Fund and District
+Visiting Charity,&rdquo; a &ldquo;Maternity Charity,&rdquo;
+&ldquo;Work Charity,&rdquo; &ldquo;Soup Charity,&rdquo;
+&ldquo;Blanket Charity,&rdquo; and &ldquo;Old Clothing
+Charity.&rdquo;&nbsp; Taking the year round it would seem that a
+large amount of temporal comfort most be distributed over the
+poorer parts of the district by these benevolent
+operations.&nbsp; The church itself contains several objects of
+interest worthy of note.&nbsp; There is a splendid reredos of
+Caen stone and alabaster, and a peculiarly handsome altar-rail of
+vert antique and alabaster.&nbsp; Over the altar is a beautiful
+stained window by Heaton and Butler, at the west end an immense
+and magnificent one to the memory of the late Lord Holland, also
+two other small memorial windows, all by the same firm.&nbsp; The
+organ is a superior instrument by Walker, of the Tottenham-court
+road, and cost upwards of 600<i>l.</i>&nbsp; It is played by Mrs.
+Higgins&mdash;whose husband holds the post of master over a choir
+without surplices, chiefly voluntary, aided by a few paid
+voices.&nbsp; Under the same direction there a large choral
+association connected with church.&nbsp; The services are
+principally, through not exclusively, Anglican.&nbsp; In the
+morning the responses are intoned, and at night the choral is
+adopted.&nbsp; Daily prayer at 9.30 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span> and 5 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; On Sundays there is a
+children&rsquo;s service at 9.30 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>,
+and full service at 11 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>, 3.30
+<span class="smcap">p.m.</span>, and at 7 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; The weekly offertory, and
+proceeds of the Communion Service twice a month, are solely
+relied upon for the maintenance of the charities and church
+expenses, in lieu of church rates.</p>
+<p>The vestments of the clergy are of the simplest and most
+irreproachable kind, and the performance of the service according
+to the order of the Common Prayer.&nbsp; There is certainly no
+trifling with rubrics, and no need for dexterous evasion of
+ecclesiastical injunctions.&nbsp; Yet the service we attended was
+earnest and solemn.&nbsp; The curate read audibly, and the
+preacher, who happened not to be the Vicar, was scholarly and
+Evangelical.&nbsp; But, on the whole, the service might be deemed
+a little too quiet to be a perfect model of what a service in our
+English Church should be.&nbsp; As to the general ministry under
+the Rev. J. D. Claxton, whom we had not the pleasure of hearing
+in <i>propria persona</i>, its effects must be taken as proofs of
+its acceptableness and usefulness.&nbsp; Commencing, as we
+understand, with an original congregation of ninety, he has had
+the gratification of seeing it increase to 1,400, and that, too,
+whilst so many other churches and chapels have risen all
+around.&nbsp; The congregation appeared to our eye to bear that
+settled and orderly aspect which is one of the readiest proofs of
+ministerial success and pastoral fidelity; and not the least
+pleasing feature was the large number of the poorer people who
+filled the free seats, and regarded with attention and reverence
+every part of the service.&nbsp; An official kept the door, who
+cannot be termed a verger, scarcely a beadle, but who, if he had
+no rod or robe, or staff, had a coat with bright buttons fixed
+upon a brown cloth.&nbsp; He handed the stranger over to the care
+of a matronly-looking female inside, with a white cap, who very
+courteously led the way to a seat.&nbsp; When there, the general
+effect upon us undoubtedly was that we were in a church of <i>the
+people</i>&mdash;one where <i>the people</i> were to be found
+quite at home in their worship of the Creator, and free from the
+stiffness and restraint of more tinselled and conventional
+forms.</p>
+<h3><a name="page9"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 9</span>ST.
+STEPHEN&rsquo;S, GLOUCESTER ROAD.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">St. Stephen&rsquo;s</span>, close to the
+Queen&rsquo;s-gate-gardens in the Gloucester-road, South
+Kensington, is a very handsome and well-proportioned church, and
+is a pretty object seen from the Cromwell-road.&nbsp; The
+composition of its west front is remarkably good, and indeed
+there exists an agreeable harmony in the design and in the quiet
+general tone of colour in the stone of which it is built that is
+pleasing to the eye.&nbsp; There is a refined look about the
+building, and perhaps it would not be too much to say that it
+seems accustomed to good society.&nbsp; To the architect there
+are some portions of the detail rather interesting.&nbsp; The
+cloistered doorways beneath the buttresses, the triplet and
+rose-windows of the east front, and the north porch and back
+turret are all worthy of remark.&nbsp; The interior is
+exceedingly effective and elegant.&nbsp; Again the harmony
+strikes one as perfect; there is a peaceful influence produced by
+the quiet colouring and grey columns and excellent proportions of
+the church, such as ought to belong to the house of God.&nbsp;
+There is nothing glaring, nothing particular to arrest or attract
+the eye, yet every part is worthy of inspection, and the parts
+taken together produce one of the best and most exquisitely
+charming interiors with which we are acquainted in this
+neighbourhood.&nbsp; The plan of the church may be said to be
+cruciform, and is divided into a nave and aisles, north and south
+transepts, and chancel and aisles.&nbsp; The grey columns of the
+nave support the arcades and clerestory, and the light nave roof
+springs from angel-corbelled columns.&nbsp; The chancel arch is
+well-proportioned, and the dog-tooth enrichments harmonise with
+the caps of the columns.&nbsp; The chancel is parted from the
+aisles by light screens supported by alabaster columns, and on
+the north side above the screen is the organ loft, and the south
+side is occupied by a gallery.&nbsp; The chancel itself is simply
+decorated, the Communion-table space without any colouring other
+than of the softest kind.&nbsp; Three figures of saints occupy
+the triplet&mdash;St. Stephen filling the centre, and St. John
+and St. Paul the side lights; the rose window over has the
+Saviour in His Ascension scene.&nbsp; The stone pulpit on the
+north side of the chancel arch is well designed, and its little
+alabaster and coloured marble columns relieve the still colour of
+the stone.&nbsp; The font, of similar design, occupies a slight
+recess in the baptistry, close to the north porch door.&nbsp; An
+octagonal vestry is at the south east angle of the church.&nbsp;
+A new west gallery is not exactly an improvement to the
+effect.&nbsp; The pewing and stall seats are of good
+design.&nbsp; The passages are floored with tiles of simple
+pattern.&nbsp; The architecture is early English.</p>
+<p>The one drawback to the external appearance of this church is
+its want of relative elevation.&nbsp; Its base appears to drop
+about two feet below the level of the roads and ways which form
+its approaches.&nbsp; The fault was that of the architect, who
+did not calculate on the effect of making-up roads where they had
+not previously existed.&nbsp; In 1866, when the church was built,
+that part of South Kensington was only beginning to open
+up.&nbsp; The base of the edifice should, therefore, have been
+raised.&nbsp; But instead of this the architect appears to have
+proceeded in utter disregard of the near and certain future of
+the locality.&nbsp; The result is that whereas originally steps
+upward were required to enter by the gates, it is now necessary
+to descend in reaching the interior; and a flat and depressed
+aspect is thus given to a building which would otherwise have
+been a most prominent and pleasing object in the view.&nbsp; We
+understand it is intended to add a spire to the edifice very
+shortly, and this will probably somewhat relieve to the eye the
+defect of which we have spoken.</p>
+<p>The church was built under the ministry of the Rev. J. A.
+Aston, M.A., to replace an iron church which for some time he
+occupied on the opposite side of the road.&nbsp; The same
+continued minister until the autumn of 1870, when he was
+succeeded by the present officiating minister, the Rev. J. P.
+Waldo, M.A.&nbsp; The progress made under Mr. Aston&rsquo;s
+pastorate is seen from the circumstance that it was found
+necessary in two or three years to increase the accommodation by
+the building of galleries on the west and south sides.&nbsp; This
+work was completed in March, 1870, at a cost of 600<i>l.</i>, by
+Mr. Aldin, of Queen&rsquo;s-gate-place.&nbsp; The cost of the
+whole, when completed, we are told will not be less than
+20,000<i>l.</i>, a very high figure when it is considered that
+the church has no more land than that on which it stands, and the
+narrow bare paths around it.&nbsp; There are about 1,150
+sittings, which let at an average of 2<i>l.</i> 2s. per annum
+each, leaving about 150 sittings free&mdash;1,300 in all, which
+appear to be well occupied by a congregation of a superior
+class.&nbsp; Out of the pew-rents and collections the clergy and
+the church are supported.&nbsp; There are temporary day and
+Sunday schools attached, situated in the Queen&rsquo;s-gardens,
+near the site, where from one to two hundred children are
+instructed.&nbsp; The organ is very ably played by Mr.
+Lowe.&nbsp; The choir is composed of both males in plain dress
+and females.</p>
+<p>The prayers were read and also the psalms, with the exception
+of the first, which was chanted.&nbsp; There is no variance from
+the accepted English and Evangelical mode of conducting
+worship.&nbsp; The hymn book is the &ldquo;Church and Home
+Metrical Psalter and Hymnal,&rdquo; selections from various
+authors.&nbsp; The congregation did not join with so much zest
+and animation in the service as could be desired, except in one
+hymn&mdash;&ldquo;Lord of the Worlds above,&rdquo; &amp;c., the
+peculiarly lively words and music of which appeared to evoke
+devotional feeling and dispel restraint.&nbsp; We are sorry,
+however, to see this hymn, which in its original dress, as it
+stands in another hymn-book, is one of the finest in the
+language, so sadly mutilated by the simple act of transference
+from one collection to another.&nbsp; We deplore <a
+name="page10"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 10</span>the liberty
+which editors of our numerous collections sometimes take with the
+productions of even our best hymn-writers.&nbsp; Why should this
+be so?&nbsp; We have never seen an alteration of this kind which
+has not been for the worse as it regards both thought and
+expression.&nbsp; The curate reads well and agreeably to the ear,
+in a voice more remarkable for clearness than strength.&nbsp; The
+vicar, the Rev. Mr. Waldo, is still new to the audience, having
+been at St. Stephen&rsquo;s about four months.&nbsp; His vocal
+powers and reading are good; the former have not that compass
+which enables them to meet the requirements of the large
+congregation with the greatest ease.&nbsp; The sermon, founded on
+Gen. xlv. 5, was an elegant piece of composition, not only
+<i>read</i>, but <i>delivered</i> in the reading, which is not
+always the case.&nbsp; The thoughts presented on the
+<i>general</i> and <i>special</i> providence of God, as unfolded
+in the history of Joseph, were those of a devout, thoughtful, and
+cultivated mind, and most comforting to the troubled and
+disconsolate.&nbsp; From what we saw and heard, we have much
+pleasure in recording our belief that good Christian work is
+being done at St. Stephen&rsquo;s.</p>
+<h3>CHRIST CHURCH, SOUTH KENSINGTON.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> church, which stands at the
+foot of the Victoria road, might have been much better placed, so
+as to be seen in perspective, which indeed its near appearance
+would warrant.&nbsp; Its fair and well-proportioned tower and
+spire would then have formed a striking object, and might have
+been visible even from Kensington-gardens.&nbsp; Could it be
+lifted out of the pit in which it seems to nestle at the dark end
+of a road which is no thoroughfare, and out of its unsightly
+surroundings in Cornwall-gardens, it would be an immense benefit
+to the mere appearance of the building.&nbsp; The building in
+itself is generally very simple, but not without effect.&nbsp; It
+is built of ragstone with bath-stone dressings, and covered with
+slate.&nbsp; The enclosure is nicely planted, neatly kept, and
+fenced with dwarf walls.&nbsp; Internally the church is
+unimposing.&nbsp; The nave and aisles are surmounted by a
+heavy-looking but plain roof&mdash;without clerestory
+lights.&nbsp; The tower space on the north side of the chancel,
+is occupied as an organ chamber.&nbsp; The chancel is quite plain
+and without aisles.&nbsp; In the windows, which are of good
+design and filled with glass of geometrical patterns, there is an
+absence of stained glass and decoration; which in reality the
+church requires, to relieve that tame and cold look, which some
+day might be slightly altered with advantage.&nbsp; A large
+gallery at the west end does not tend to lighten the interior
+aspect of the church; nor do the exposed heating pipes, which it
+would be better to conceal from view.&nbsp; The font, pulpit, and
+pewing are of plain design, and the passages are paved with red
+and black tiles, laid diagonally.&nbsp; Christ Church is a
+chapelry of ease to the parish church of St. Mary Abbotts,
+Kensington, or rather a trust chapel, served by the Venerable
+Archdeacon Sinclair, Vicar of Kensington.&nbsp; It was opened and
+consecrated July 23, 1851, by Bishop Blomfield.&nbsp; The present
+officiating ministers are the Rev. W. Wright, the morning and
+evening preacher, who has been curate since 1855, and is now
+termed the &ldquo;senior curate.&rdquo;&nbsp; The Rev. E. T.
+Carey is the second curate and afternoon preacher, and entered
+upon his duty in 1869.&nbsp; Both ministers are much esteemed;
+and from the impressions of our visit the estimation in which
+they are held is well founded.&nbsp; Mr. Carey read the prayers
+and lessens in good voice, and with an evident mental
+appreciation of their religious sense and application.&nbsp; Mr.
+Wright officiated in the Communion Service and preached the
+sermon.&nbsp; His voice is penetrating, if not full, and leaves
+the most dull-eared without excuse.&nbsp; His sermon was an able
+and faithful exposition of Psalms 142 and 4th
+verse&mdash;&ldquo;Refuge failed me; no man cared for my
+soul.&rdquo;&nbsp; The distinction between the circumstances of
+the Psalmist and his times and our own was finely drawn.&nbsp; In
+the former case every incident of temporal life&mdash;adverse or
+favourable&mdash;was interpreted as a certain indication of the
+Divine favour or displeasure.&nbsp; With us it was not so much
+so.&nbsp; We had in general every spiritual advantage; although
+there were yet some, as at the East-end of London, who, from the
+scarcity of religious provision, might still say, &ldquo;No man
+careth for my soul.&rdquo;&nbsp; In short we quite thought we
+were listening to a charity sermon; and after so touching an
+appeal on behalf of the spiritually destitute, prepared ourselves
+for a collection.&nbsp; Mr. Wright, however, has our best thanks
+for touching in so delicate a manner a very sensitive chord in
+our moral nature.</p>
+<p>The chapel is capable of holding 700 persons, and there are
+less than 100 free sittings; but although it was supposed to have
+not only its own, but also many of the congregation of the parish
+church&mdash;which is closed for re-erection&mdash;it was by no
+means full.&nbsp; It is hoped, when the central church is
+completed and reopened, it will have a good effect in the
+locality, and help to supply the dependent church with an
+adequate congregation.&nbsp; We have known churches and chapels
+in the worst situations, under special influence, to be filled
+with devout worshippers; but they are occasions too rare.&nbsp;
+Would that we could see them more frequently!&nbsp; One remark
+made by the preacher in speaking of the need of churches at the
+East-end was much to the point.&nbsp; It was to the effect that
+it would be useless to build churches unless there were efficient
+ministers to carry on the service and occupy the pulpit.&nbsp;
+Mr. Wright appears to have reflected long enough to learn that <a
+name="page11"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 11</span>the greatest
+problem of the day is, after all not how churches may be built,
+but rather how, when built, they may be suitably and successfully
+served.&nbsp; Here is a good organ under the care of Mr. Brain,
+of the Eldon-road, but no choir.&nbsp; It is, therefore, purely
+congregational singing assisted by the organ.</p>
+<h3>ST. MARY&rsquo;S, WEST BROMPTON.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Church of St. Mary, West
+Brompton, from its position in the centre of the Boltons, can be
+seen from many points of view to great advantage.&nbsp; It is in
+the decorated Gothic style, and is an exceedingly good specimen
+of the Revival of Gothic architecture, having been built some
+fifteen years ago.&nbsp; Built in the shape of a cross, its tower
+and spire rise at the intersection of the nave, chancel, and
+transepts, and are in excellent proportion.&nbsp; The spire is
+octagonal, and is terminated at its junction with the tower by a
+pierced parapet with angels at the angles.&nbsp; The octagonal
+portion of the tower is continued downwards below the tower
+lights, when it becomes square, with corbelled angels at the four
+corners.&nbsp; The west front is well designed, and surmounted by
+a corbelled bell turret, in which hang the only two bells the
+church possesses, though there would appear to be ample room in
+the empty tower for a chime.&nbsp; The ragstone of which the
+church is built, with Bath stone tracing and dressings, has now
+enough of age to give a softened look to the exterior generally,
+and the young spring foliage and well-kept surrounding gardens
+lend their aid to make a rather pretty picture.&nbsp; Internally
+the church is effective, especially the view from the west end;
+but the absence of the usual nave arcades and aisle give a long,
+narrow look to the church, and take from the idea of its size, as
+at this point the transepts cannot in any way be seen.&nbsp; The
+nave roof is heavy, and the apostle corbels that support it too
+large and too near the eye to be in good taste.&nbsp; The choir
+stalls have lately been extended westwards under the tower space,
+and the pulpit, of very peculiar design, being more properly a
+rostrum, though by no means unsightly, stands at the north side
+of the nave arch, and a recently-erected gallery across the north
+transept contains the organ.&nbsp; The small vestry is at the
+north-east angle of the church.&nbsp; The chancel has lately been
+redecorated and made to agree with the usual arrangements of the
+Anglican school of worship.&nbsp; The stained glass in the east
+windows is poor, representing the Ascension some geometrical
+patterns fill some of the other windows, likewise of a very poor
+character.&nbsp; The pewing is very plain, and the passages are
+paved with tiles.&nbsp; The stone font is large and very well
+executed.&nbsp; The church, as we before said, is a Revival
+church, and as such it would be unfair to criticise it too much;
+but, on the contrary, much praise is due to the architect, Mr.
+Godwin, for giving so fair a specimen of Gothic work when the art
+was at so low an ebb.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">
+<a href="images/p10ab.jpg">
+<img alt=
+"St. Mary&rsquo;s Church, The Boltons, West Brompton"
+title=
+"St. Mary&rsquo;s Church, The Boltons, West Brompton"
+src="images/p10as.jpg" />
+</a></p>
+<p>The performance of Divine worship at St. Mary&rsquo;s is
+decidedly of the High Church order, with a Ritualistic
+tendency.&nbsp; In this it differs from what it was under Mr.
+Swaile, the first minister of the church, and even under Mr.
+Pearson the second.&nbsp; The present vicar, the Rev. W. T. Du
+Boulay, M.A., has been there about two years, and during his time
+a constant Higher tendency has been observed.&nbsp; This has been
+traceable in the large increase of public services and
+Eucharistic celebrations.&nbsp; The latter takes place every
+Sunday morning at eight, and on every alternate Sunday at the
+eleven o&rsquo;clock service as well.&nbsp; After Lent we
+understand a still further increase was intended in the number of
+these in ordinary.&nbsp; During Lent and other great festivals
+there is a celebration every morning at the early service, on
+Good Friday two, and on Easter Sunday three.&nbsp; Apart from
+this, the whole aspect of things in the chancel looks towards
+Ritualism.&nbsp; Thus, for instance, the Communion-table, or what
+High Churchmen call the &ldquo;Altar&rdquo; or
+&ldquo;Altar-table,&rdquo; is surmounted by a large gilt cross,
+which from its exceeding brightness forms a most conspicuous
+figure&mdash;also two large candlesticks, and other lustrous
+objects.&nbsp; The cover is of deep violet, trimmed with white,
+and all the moveable furniture, even to the cushions of the
+chancel, desks, and pulpit, are of the same&mdash;this being the
+colour used by the High Church party during Lent.&nbsp; The
+choristers number over thirty, and are led in procession to the
+choir, the people all rising as they and the clergy enter.&nbsp;
+The vestments are a surplice with the cassock underneath, and
+visible below the knees; and in addition, the clergy themselves
+wear the usual sign of degree.&nbsp; No change of dress is made
+for the pulpit.&nbsp; The Curate&mdash;the Rev. Arthur
+Veysey&mdash;intones the prayers, in, we may say, the most
+perfect style we have yet heard out of a cathedral.&nbsp; His
+voice is sonorous, and he has cultivated the manner of intoning
+to a high degree.&nbsp; He has certain little varieties, too, of
+his own, which render such a method of performing worship as
+pleasant as it can be.&nbsp; Thus the note is altered in the
+absolution, and the voice dropped to the lowest tenor, and at the
+same time quickened; and then again at the Lord&rsquo;s Prayer a
+strong bass is put on in a low key.&nbsp; In like manner the
+Collects were sung quickly in an undertone.&nbsp; At every
+mention of the Saviour&rsquo;s name, whether in the prayers, the
+<i>Gloria Patri</i>, creeds, epistle, or gospel, the reader
+bowed.&nbsp; And as in the latter it was often named, the
+frequent bowing of the head must have been a great task; for in
+this case the Curate read the gospel as well as the epistle,
+passing in the act from one side of the chancel to the
+other.&nbsp; The Vicar read the lessons well and distinctly, and
+<a name="page12"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 12</span>preached
+the sermon.&nbsp; On entering the pulpit the customary invocation
+was not used; but, standing erect and glancing eastward, the
+preacher simply uttered the words, &ldquo;The Father, Son, and
+Holy Ghost,&rdquo; and at once proceeded.&nbsp; Too little, to
+our minds, was made of the sermon; it was a short homily in the
+midst of the service, very good in its way.&nbsp; It consisted
+largely of exhortation, found on Phil. ii. 3, in which the
+Saviour was presented as an example of passive and active
+obedience, and some very practical remarks were made.&nbsp;
+Quietly useful this style of preaching may be when based on pure
+Gospel doctrine and view; but it is one from which the old power
+and higher effect of the pulpit are absent.&nbsp; A novelty, at
+least to us, occurred in this service.&nbsp; Instead of the usual
+hymn on the minister entering within the Communion rail, another
+form is adopted, called the &ldquo;Introit,&rdquo; which is a
+selection of Scripture adapted as much as possible to the day,
+and sung as an anthem by the choir.&nbsp; To our modern ears the
+Introit is new; but it is in reality an old thing, in this and
+some other instances revived.&nbsp; In the first Prayer-book of
+Edward VI. there is a psalm, containing something proper to the
+day, printed before every collect, epistle, and gospel.&nbsp;
+This, from being sung or said whilst the minister made his
+entrance within the rails, was called <i>introitus</i> or
+<i>introit</i>.&nbsp; There is, therefore, an ancient reference
+in the adoption of this form; and by adoption of the name as well
+as the form, the Vicar of St. Mary&rsquo;s betrays a certain
+medi&aelig;val direction in church matters.&nbsp; It is, in our
+opinion, far from an improvement.&nbsp; The &ldquo;Introit&rdquo;
+is a poor substitute for the devotional hymn, in which all the
+congregation can join, and which has no particular reference to
+the minister&rsquo;s bodily movements.</p>
+<p>There are connected with this church, a National School,
+situated in the Chelsea-grove, Fulham-road, and a Sunday-school,
+containing about one hundred scholars; and it is a pleasing
+circumstance that the ordinary afternoon service on Sunday is
+given to the children, and is called the &ldquo;Children&rsquo;s
+Service,&rdquo; consisting of the Litany and catechising.&nbsp;
+There is also a lending library in the schoolroom, where books
+are given out and exchanged every Monday between twelve and one
+o&rsquo;clock, the subscription being only one penny per
+month.&nbsp; There are District Visitors, and a
+&ldquo;Mother&rsquo;s Meeting&rdquo; is held at the Vicarage on
+Mondays from 3 to 5 <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; There
+are also a Maternal Charity, Coal, Clothing, Shoe, and Blanket
+Clubs, and even a &ldquo;Guild&rdquo; or association for
+servants.&nbsp; It is clear that the Rev. Mr. Du Boulay has laid
+himself out for extensive influence and usefulness, and, there is
+no reason to doubt, in all Christian sincerity.&nbsp; But there
+are certain forms and ecclesiastical signs about his church
+arrangements which in many minds cause fear, lest his zeal should
+not in its effects prove to be of the purest Evangelical
+character.&nbsp; We regret this very much, as the impression on
+our own minds of his personal spirit was most favourable.&nbsp;
+It is of course within his power to remove anything from before
+his congregation that tends to impair his usefulness.&nbsp;
+Experience will, no doubt, suggest to him that the Ritualistic
+line, or, what is really the same, the High Church, is not that
+in which a clergyman can now be so religiously useful as we are
+convinced Mr. Du Boulay desires to be.&nbsp; He has daily matins
+at 8 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span> and evening song at 5 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>, choral celebrations at great festivals
+and on the third Sunday in every month; and the Litany on
+Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span>&nbsp; The musical arrangements for
+Easter Sunday, were very extensive and elaborate, and the music
+entirely Anglican.&nbsp; Less singing, more genuine prayer, with
+able and earnest preaching, would, as many think and feel, be a
+vast improvement in the services of this church.&nbsp; The choir
+is a partly paid one; and the organist, Mr. Buttery, of 173,
+Piccadilly, is highly esteemed both by the clergy and
+congregation, and no less so by the choir over which he
+presides.&nbsp; There are 720 sittings, 220 of which are
+free.&nbsp; There are no endowments; the church and services are
+supported by pew rents, valued at about 350<i>l.</i> per annum,
+and by the offertory, which raises about 440<i>l.</i> per
+annum.&nbsp; The numerous charities and the schools, together
+with the Water-side Mission Association, and one in aid of the
+Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, all have their
+distinct funds and resources; not at present to any large extent,
+but all capable of extension.&nbsp; There is a strong band of
+district visitors&mdash;consisting of fourteen or sixteen,
+chiefly ladies, with a few gentlemen, to whose care as many
+districts are allotted.</p>
+<p>One of the most remarkable things connected with St.
+Mary&rsquo;s is what the vicar has called the &ldquo;Guild of St.
+Michael,&rdquo; an association for female domestic servants, the
+object of which is stated to be to help and comfort &ldquo;those
+who are striving to get their own living and to do their
+duty.&rdquo;&nbsp; Among the terms of admission are: A
+year&rsquo;s good character from last employer; that they be
+monthly communicants; that they engage to add to their morning
+and evening prayers a <i>short prayer</i> which will be given on
+admission; that they regularly deposit in a savings bank; that on
+the feast of St. Michael and All Angels they send back their
+cards of admission and receive fresh ones, and promise not to
+attend fairs, races, dancing, or music-halls.&nbsp; The
+privileges held out to secure obedience to this unique code are
+that at an annual meeting &ldquo;refreshments will be
+provided,&rdquo; a monthly paper to be sent to each, the benefit
+of a registry and the society&rsquo;s recommendation for
+situations; a temporary home when out of place for a small weekly
+payment and a small added interest to their yearly savings.&nbsp;
+The intrinsic idea of all this is excellent; but why revert to
+the antiquated name of &ldquo;Guild,&rdquo; and why connect it
+with the feast of &ldquo;St. Michael?&rdquo;&nbsp; This
+veneration for saints&rsquo; days and festivals, of which the
+Vicar of St. Mary&rsquo;s appears enamoured, is a mere relic of
+Popery, nay, very much a relic of old heathenism.&nbsp; It is
+this bent towards the obsolete <a name="page13"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 13</span>and discarded, with the general
+tendency to ornament and formality in worship, that we fear will
+damage, if it does not entirely destroy the real good that might
+otherwise result from the multifarious labours undertaken by Mr.
+Du Boulay and his colleagues.&nbsp; The sooner these matters are
+looked carefully at in the light of Protestant sentiment and
+feeling, the better will it be for the church in the Boltons, and
+all the interests circling around it.</p>
+<h3>THE PRO-CATHEDRAL, KENSINGTON.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Roman Catholic Church of <i>Our
+Lady of Victories</i>, commonly called the Pro-Cathedral, situate
+in Newland-terrace, Kensington, is a very fine, yet simple
+structure in early English style of Gothic architecture; but is
+so hidden by the houses behind which it has been placed that the
+real effect of the building is lost, and one can therefore only
+make a guess at the probable general appearance.&nbsp; The
+building is sufficiently lofty, however, to be easily seen from a
+distance, and its high-pitched and crested roof, with miniature
+angled and decorated spire, breaks up the sky line somewhat
+pleasingly.&nbsp; Upon closer inspection the north front (the
+church is built N. and S.) possesses some very excellent
+detail.&nbsp; The centre doorway is double, recessed and
+handsomely treated with polished granite shafts, and the doors
+are surmounted by a seated figure of the Saviour.&nbsp; The
+buttresses with ancient pinnacles are effective, and the general
+treatment of this front, though executed in simple brick and
+stone, is very bold.&nbsp; The architecture of the interior is
+also very boldly treated, and even more than the outside is
+strikingly plain&mdash;one might say white.&nbsp; This is
+accounted for by the absence of stained glass and coloured
+decorations of any kind, a defect which we understand is now
+about to be remedied.&nbsp; There are six altars besides the high
+altar.&nbsp; Looking up the nave towards the latter, the effect
+is certainly very good, and the polished granite columns and
+carved stone caps surmounted by the lofty arcade and clerestory
+and simple roof together make up a very excellent interior.&nbsp;
+The chancel is apsidal and has a groined ceiling, and is lighted
+by a very plain window on each side of the apse.&nbsp; The aisles
+are interspersed with the altars and confessionals, and the altar
+to the Virgin has an elaborate reredos, over which are various
+figures, the centre one being, as the Roman Catholics say,
+&ldquo;Our Lady.&rdquo;&nbsp; The organ, a very fine one, is
+mounted on granite columns at the north end of the nave, and is
+approached by a rather awkward open and spiral staircase, and the
+columns are confusing, which we do not think adds to the good
+effect of the church.&nbsp; The font is very nice indeed and
+carved in relief; on the four sides are the emblems of the
+Evangelists; it has a handsome oak cover, but, like the building
+itself, is lost in a corner.&nbsp; The benches are very plain,
+and the aisles are intended to be filled with chairs.&nbsp; The
+pulpit is enormous, and we must say unsightly; and the gas
+standards, like the pulpit, strike one as being too large, and
+appear to offer great obstruction to sight and sound.</p>
+<p>The movement for a new Roman Catholic Church in Kensington
+began about six years ago, on account of the small dimensions of
+the former chapel in Upper Holland-street.&nbsp; The area of the
+latter was 71 ft. by 21 ft., that of the new church 144 ft. by 58
+ft., making a difference of 6,861 square feet area; and the
+architect, J. Goldie, Esq., has made good use of the space at his
+disposal.&nbsp; There are 820 seats, of which 180 are free.&nbsp;
+The pews in the centre have 470 seats; the sides are occupied by
+chairs, and those on the right are free.&nbsp; By an extension of
+the same system, the church can accommodate about 1,100
+persons.&nbsp; The works were commenced in 1867, and the church
+opened on July 2nd, 1869.&nbsp; The total cost, including the
+organ, is about 27,000<i>l.</i>&nbsp; Of this a considerable
+portion remains as a debt; which circumstance will prevent a most
+desirable improvement in the entry from the main road for some
+time to come.&nbsp; At the opening Dr. Manning made it his
+<i>Pro-Cathedral</i>&mdash;<i>i.e.</i>, the church which he would
+use instead of a cathedral, until his own should be
+finished.&nbsp; The enterprise has been much assisted by the Very
+Rev. Mgr. Capel, the Travelling Chaplain of the Marquis of Bute,
+and the present principal priest of the church.&nbsp; The other
+clergy attached are the Rev. R. F. Clarke and the Rev. James
+O&rsquo;Connell.</p>
+<p>Intending to visit the church on Easter Sunday morning, we
+made a preliminary visit on Saturday afternoon.&nbsp; Although
+busy preparations were going on for the great ceremonial to
+follow, it was open for worship; and during our stay, from five
+to half-past six <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>, a considerable
+number came and went for prayer and confession, sprinkling
+themselves with the <i>holy water</i> from the vases both on
+entering and retiring, and bowing the knee towards the high
+altar.&nbsp; The majority of the comers were females, many of
+them young; but not a few older women, and some both young and
+old of the other sex.&nbsp; Those who intended confession
+gathered near the &ldquo;confession boxes,&rdquo; of which there
+are two.&nbsp; The one most in request was that on the east side,
+occupied, as confessor, by the Rev. Monseigneur Capel.&nbsp; The
+other, on the north side, was held by the Rev. Mr.
+O&rsquo;Connell.&nbsp; A number of young persons on their knees
+awaited opportunity near the former and some near the
+latter.&nbsp; The box or cell known as the Confessional is a
+small wooden structure, fixed against the wall, having three
+niches concealed by curtains.&nbsp; In the centre one sits the
+confessor, his surplice being just visible where the curtains
+should join over the dwarf door; and on either side a niche <a
+name="page14"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 14</span>into which
+the penitent enters, communicated with by the priest through a
+grated aperture.&nbsp; The visitor gently taps at this, and the
+confessor listens to hear the whispered complaint, and whispers
+back his reply, his queries, his comfort or admonition.&nbsp;
+Most that entered within the curtain were young women, apparently
+of the servant class, but to this there were a few exceptions,
+and in one instance a young man entered.&nbsp; As we tarried a
+great lady came, closely followed by her footman in powdered
+wig.&nbsp; It was the Countess of &mdash;, known in West-end
+circles during the London season.&nbsp; She has a handsome
+presence, and entered the church with a cheerful, beaming
+countenance.&nbsp; Addressing an instruction to her servant, he
+went to a small side chapel near the chancel, and soon returned
+with a young dark official in a dingy cassock, who might have
+been taken for an ardent Carmelite under all the depression of
+protracted fasting and bodily neglect.&nbsp; To him the Countess
+gave a note or a card, which he deposited with Mgr. Capel at the
+Confessional.&nbsp; Shortly both priests left their boxes and
+walked up the centre aisle to the side chapel, the Countess
+following.&nbsp; In about fifteen minutes they returned, and the
+lady took her departure.&nbsp; She was much altered in
+countenance, looking sad and discomposed.</p>
+<p>On Easter Sunday&mdash;the great day of all the days in the
+year with the Catholics&mdash;at eleven <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span>, commenced the performance of High
+Mass, and Archbishop Manning, as announced, was present, and
+preached the sermon.&nbsp; The church was well attended, but not
+crowded.&nbsp; There was no rush to obtain the
+&ldquo;shilling&rdquo; or &ldquo;six-penny&rdquo; seats, and a
+large number remained unlet to the end.&nbsp; This charge for the
+seats probably kept many out; but it is understood to be a
+necessary measure, in consequence of the heavy debt on the place,
+the large current expenses of the services, and the general
+poverty of the people.&nbsp; In the congregation were several
+notabilities; and far up towards the chancel the white hair and
+expressive features of Mr. Bellew, the well-known dramatic
+reader, were visible.&nbsp; He was until recently a clergyman in
+the Church of England, and is now a layman in the Romish Church
+at this place.&nbsp; It was impossible to repress a reflection on
+the score that the public reader in the pew and the principal
+actor in the scene were both during the better half of their days
+ministers in the Protestant Establishment.&nbsp; The first view
+of the ceremony revealed a crowd of priests and mass attendants
+variously arrayed and employed.&nbsp; One faced the altar at a
+little distance, swinging a censer vessel, to the time and motion
+of the pendulum of a clock.&nbsp; During the ceremony he appeared
+several times in the same position and act.&nbsp; A number,
+grouped round the Archbishop on his throne, having a gorgeous
+canopy and draped in scarlet and amber, were very busy in
+adjusting their vestments.&nbsp; The movements, to the
+uninitiated, might seem a simple toilette operation, but were
+really part and parcel of the ceremony, every one having a
+symbolical allusion to the events of the commemoration.&nbsp;
+Even the style and colour of the dresses were charmed by occult
+references, not traceable to the outsider.&nbsp; Taking off the
+Archbishop&rsquo;s mitre and replacing the tall cloven covering
+on his head, which occurred several times, was a great formality,
+performed by a priest with the most tender and reverent care, all
+the others devoutly witnessing.&nbsp; The rising and stepping
+forth of the Archbishop, with his huge silver crook, to bow or
+prostrate himself before the <i>altar</i>, and to adore the
+<i>sacrifice</i>, were luminous points of interest, and brought
+into view a <i>tout ensemble</i> and tinsel of ornate worship
+never to be witnessed, except at High Mass in a Romish
+Church.&nbsp; To describe all the acts of this most intricate and
+complicate ceremonial would not be possible in this
+article.&nbsp; The flitting of acolytes with candles, the
+processions, the swinging of censers filled with incense, until
+the altar and chancel were enveloped in a cloud; the wafting of
+the perfume to the congregation till it reached the very limits
+of the church; kissing the altar, and all the mysterious
+movements thereat; the changes of books, the brief Latin
+recitations, the tinkling of bells, the elevation of the Host,
+all allied with perpetual animation, make up a whole which it is
+difficult, indeed, either to describe or understand.&nbsp; To
+witness it lays very large demands both upon the patience and
+gravity of ordinary mortals, and is liable to trouble even the
+conscience of a genuine Protestant.</p>
+<p>The choir accompanied the performance with the grand music of
+Mozart&rsquo;s 7th Mass, Herr Carl Stepan singing the principal
+bass with admirable effect, and the treble being well sustained
+by the boys.&nbsp; The organist is R. Sutton Swaby, Esq., of
+Gordon-cottages, Hammersmith.&nbsp; This instrument, built by
+Messrs. Bryceson Bros., is classed among the finest of the
+day.&nbsp; It has four manuals and a powerful pedal organ.&nbsp;
+In all there are fifty-four stops, and the solo stops, including
+the <i>voix celeste</i> and the <i>voix humaine</i>, are
+considered particularly fine.&nbsp; Mr. Swaby is master of a very
+superior instrument, and feels pleasure on Sunday evenings after
+service in giving the people an opportunity of hearing its
+different effects by playing a short selection of music in varied
+styles.&nbsp; On Sunday morning the offertory was accompanied
+with the <i>H&aelig;c Dies</i>, and the Hallelujah Chorus formed
+a grand voluntary at the end.&nbsp; During the execution of this
+the Archbishop, crook in hand, the priests, and altar servants
+formed and walked in procession down the centre aisle and round
+the church to the side chapel, preceded by the acolytes with
+candles.&nbsp; The prelate waved his hand as he went in token of
+blessing the people, and the chief priests bore his train.&nbsp;
+Dr. Manning appeared in the closing scene to move feebly and to
+be well-nigh exhausted.</p>
+<p>The sermon came in the midst of the service, a procession
+escorting the Archbishop to the pulpit.&nbsp; On reaching it,
+turning to the priests in the rear, he delivered to one his
+crook, and bowing his head another took off his mitre, and,
+wishing to be free from all impediments, he <a
+name="page15"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 15</span>handed to
+them the book-rest and book, and, advancing to the front
+bareheaded and without book or paper, commenced an extempore
+discourse on John xi. 25: &ldquo;I am the Resurrection and the
+Life.&rdquo;&nbsp; Although somewhat aged of late, the Doctor
+retains remarkable strength and clearness of voice.&nbsp; As to
+the doctrine of the sermon, it was in the main in unison with the
+requirements of the Christian pulpit, being a review of the
+Saviour&rsquo;s humanity in his incarnation, suffering, death,
+and resurrection.&nbsp; This latter event was most graphically
+portrayed in its various circumstances, and in the
+Christian&rsquo;s hopes and interests which centre in it, in that
+chaste and elegant language for which the Archbishop is
+noted.&nbsp; The course of remark offered an opportunity for
+putting forward some of the distinguishing dogmas of Popery, but
+the preacher did not seem to avail himself of it.&nbsp; Having,
+however, done with the text and its doctrines, he launched into
+political questions connected with the Papacy.&nbsp; An article
+had appeared on the previous day in the <i>Times</i> treating of
+their services on Good Friday; and admonishing the Catholics to
+fall in with the course of &ldquo;modern
+civilisation.&rdquo;&nbsp; This the Archbishop called a
+&ldquo;petulant, senseless, and clamorous&rdquo; article; and
+stigmatised &ldquo;modern civilisation&rdquo; as the &ldquo;world
+going its own course, without God, Christ, or
+religion.&rdquo;&nbsp; He inveighed keenly upon this point,
+referring to the present and past condition of Paris as the
+&ldquo;centre of so-called modern civilisation,&rdquo; and
+confidently predicted that the temporal power of the Pope, which
+had been so <i>wickedly</i> assailed, could never be
+shaken.&nbsp; By that he meant not the mere possession of
+&ldquo;a bit of land,&rdquo; but &ldquo;that independence of all
+earthly power and control with which the Vicar of Christ was
+invested.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The Roman Catholic population of Kensington is from 1,800 to
+2,000, a large proportion being of the poorer classes and
+principally the Irish residents.&nbsp; Three poor schools are
+supported&mdash;a boys&rsquo; school in Upper Holland-street,
+educating about 70 or 80; a girls&rsquo; and infant school in
+Earl&rsquo;s-court, educating about 50; of which more than half
+are reported to be Protestants; the third school (girls&rsquo;
+and infants&rsquo;) is by Kensington-square, with about 150
+children.&nbsp; There are no district churches attached; but the
+clergy supply the convent in Kensington-square.</p>
+<p>The congregation at the <i>Pro</i>-Cathedral is said to have
+greatly increased since the opening; and the collections now
+reach an average of 30<i>l.</i> per Sunday.</p>
+<h3>TRINITY CHURCH, BROMPTON.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">Holy Trinity</span>, <span
+class="smcap">Brompton</span>, is a church beautiful for
+situation.&nbsp; One cannot fail to be struck by the sudden
+change from town to country experienced on entering the long and
+pretty avenue by which it is approached, and in the perspective
+of which the vestry-door overgrown with ivy is seen.&nbsp; We
+know of no other church in the metropolitan suburbs thus entered,
+and which has all disturbing sights and sounds so effectually
+shut out.&nbsp; The church cannot be said to be beautiful as a
+Gothic structure, being of plain brick and stone, but in these
+days we are so spoilt that nothing seems to satisfy us; yet we
+must not forget that the church was built when Gothic
+architecture was not much studied and but little appreciated, so
+that, added to its woodland effect, it is only a wonder that it
+is Gothic at all.&nbsp; Then, too, Professor Donaldson was the
+architect, who is now almost the father of his profession, and as
+such revered and respected by all.&nbsp; The church has undergone
+very considerable alteration with regard to the interior.&nbsp;
+The old high pewing has been substituted by low oak pewing of
+good design.&nbsp; A very handsome font has been added, and three
+sides of the bowl are ornamented with well-cut diaper and the
+side towards the nave is occupied by a panel in relief,
+containing the appropriate figure of Jesus receiving little
+children.&nbsp; The stem is formed of stout shafts of polished
+marble, and the foliated caps are freely executed.&nbsp; A rose
+window in the east wall of the south gallery is a good feature
+added a few years since.&nbsp; Some of the windows have been
+filled with stained glass; the font and rose windows are from
+designs by Mr. E. C. Hakewill.&nbsp; The interior effect is very
+heavy, owing to the flatness of the nave ceiling and the
+galleries which surround three sides of the church; but much
+evidently has been done to relieve this, especially with the
+exposed timbers of the aisle roofs.&nbsp; The plan of the church
+consists of a nave and aisles and a recess for the chancel at the
+east end, with a vestry.&nbsp; The tower is at the west end, the
+space of which is occupied by the organ.</p>
+<p>Holy Trinity was consecrated on June 6, 1829, being a district
+church in that part of the old parish of Kensington known as
+Brompton.&nbsp; Since then great changes have come over the
+district of South Kensington, which includes, Brompton.&nbsp;
+Those who knew it only then would scarcely recognise it
+now.&nbsp; Wide open space has been converted into long streets
+and roads, nay, a city of palaces, under the magic touch of
+capitalists and builders like Mr. Freake and others.&nbsp; The
+former gentleman still lives, and happily continues his labours
+and enterprise in the neighbourhood; and, as though it were to
+remind us of the fact, as we approached the church on Sunday
+morning, the first thing that caught our eye was a handbill upon
+the board at the entrance convening a meeting for Thursday
+evening, to consider a generous offer of that gentleman to build
+an infant-school at his own cost on a piece of vacant ground in
+the churchyard, and present it to the district.&nbsp; The <a
+name="page16"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 16</span>consent of
+the parishioners was needed to the use of this land for such a
+purpose, and of course it was readily given.&nbsp; As we are upon
+the subject of schools, it may at once be stated that there are
+connected with the church, national schools, which were
+established in 1842 in the Brompton-road, a school library, and
+evening classes for young men.&nbsp; There are, also, infant
+schools, and a Sunday-school, held only in the afternoon from
+2.30.&nbsp; The church will accommodate about 1,500 persons, and
+from 300 to 400 sittings are free.&nbsp; In proportion as the
+external appearance of that now fashionable suburb has changed,
+the interior has been transformed.&nbsp; When the late vicar, Dr.
+Irons, was appointed to it thirty years ago he found, as above
+intimated, the old style of pew and the old style of
+everything.&nbsp; There was no organ-loft or stained window, or
+noticeable pulpit or chancel.&nbsp; But under his energetic and
+active measures&mdash;at a cost of upwards of
+3,000<i>l.</i>&mdash;the interior became entirely
+modernised.&nbsp; During the greater part of his time his
+ministry was popular, and the church filled; so that he had only
+to ask and to have.&nbsp; But there was this peculiarity about
+his character and relations with the district&mdash;he was in
+himself, by training and connexion with Oxford, essentially
+<i>High Church</i>, but experience taught him that the principal
+elements composing his congregation would not admit of the
+development of his sympathies with Ritualism.&nbsp; He was wise
+enough to regard this circumstance, and aimed at establishing a
+medium&mdash;a modified form of High Churchism&mdash;as a
+compromise between himself and the people.&nbsp; As all half-done
+things are sure to create misunderstanding and ultimately to
+alienate some of both sides, the case of Dr. Irons was no
+exception to the rule.&nbsp; Despite his great pulpit talent and
+distinguished learning, the congregations declined; and about two
+years ago he retired to a quiet country living in
+Lincolnshire.</p>
+<p>The present Vicar, the Rev. Thomas Fraser Stooks, M.A.
+(Cambridge), Prebendary of St. Paul&rsquo;s, and Chaplain to the
+Lord Bishop of London, has not, to the present time, succeeded in
+refilling the church.&nbsp; On Sunday morning last it was thinly
+attended, but we remembered it was a wet morning.&nbsp; We are,
+however, informed by a constant attendant that it was quite an
+average congregation.&nbsp; In that case the church is
+considerably behind the general run of suburban churches as to
+the numbers attending it.&nbsp; But since this statement appeared
+in the <i>Suburban Press</i> it is but right to say that the
+editor has received the following from the Rev. W Conybeare
+Bruce: &ldquo;While fully admitting that, owing to a variety of
+causes, into which it is not our place to enter here, our church
+is at present &lsquo;considerably behind the general run of
+suburban churches as to the numbers attending it,&rsquo; I must,
+with the leave of a &lsquo;Constant Attendant,&rsquo; distinctly
+state that the congregation on that particular Sunday was
+decidedly and evidently <i>below</i> the average.&nbsp; This is a
+point on which I cannot be mistaken as it is my habit to take
+special notice of the numbers of each congregation.&nbsp; You
+may, Sir, also accept it as a fact, on which I am sure you will
+congratulate us, that our congregations have increased, slowly
+but perceptibly, since the present Vicar&rsquo;s
+accession.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The Rev. Mr. Stooks has, it appears, taken his stand upon the
+question of the services.&nbsp; He will have no intoning,
+increase of singing, or excessive ritual.&nbsp; With High
+Churchism he has no compromise; and in so far is still wiser than
+his predecessor.&nbsp; The prayers are read and the responses
+said, and the only touches of formality are on entering the
+Communion, when an Introit is sung, and in the passage to the
+pulpit, which is illuminated by the following of a gold-laced
+church beadle, bearing a massive silver-mounted staff on his
+shoulder.&nbsp; The clergy, too, in addition to the surplice,
+wear rather a showy collegiate hood.&nbsp; It is in one of a
+bright violet colour, and in another a rich crimson, and in a
+third black silk trimmed with fur.&nbsp; The violet hood marks an
+Associate of King&rsquo;s College, the crimson is the Oxford M.A.
+hood, and the black silk trimmed with white fur is the Oxford
+B.A. hood.&nbsp; The organist, H. Lahee, Esq., did his work well,
+but was unassisted by anything in the shape of an effective
+choir.&nbsp; There are three curates&mdash;among whom the Vicar
+himself did not appear on the occasion of our visit (April
+16th).&nbsp; The Rev. Nathaniel Liberty read the prayers, the
+Litany, and the Epistle very devoutly, but a little more power of
+voice would have made it still more impressive.&nbsp; The Rev. W.
+Conybeare Bruce, B.A., read the first lesson, and the Rev. John
+Bliss, M.A., Senior Curate, read and preached the sermon.&nbsp;
+The text was John xx. and 20th verse: &ldquo;Then were the
+disciples glad when they saw the Lord.&rdquo;&nbsp; A beautiful
+text and seasonable, and commented upon with piety and Christian
+feeling.</p>
+<p>At this church there are three general services on Sunday, at
+11 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>, 4 and 7 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>, and Holy Communion is celebrated every
+Sunday at 8 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>, and at midday.&nbsp;
+On week-days&mdash;morning and evening prayer daily at 8 and
+5.&nbsp; Litany on Wednesdays and Fridays at 12.&nbsp; On holy
+days celebration of Holy Communion and an address, at 12.&nbsp;
+The hymn-book used is &ldquo;Hymns for Public Worship,&rdquo;
+published under the direction of a Committee of the Religious
+Tract Society.&nbsp; The church, since the abolition of
+church-rates, is supported entirely by the pew rents, offertory,
+collections, and subscriptions.&nbsp; The first source of income
+is appropriated for the clergy exclusively; one reason,
+assuredly, why the pews should be well occupied.&nbsp; The income
+from other sources is applied for the maintenance of the church,
+its services and accessories.&nbsp; Brompton is a fine field for
+Christian labour; and situated as Holy Trinity is, in the midst
+of a vast population composed of all classes, from the higher to
+the lower, and at the very next door to the Roman Catholic
+<i>Oratory</i> and the South Kensington Museum, it may&mdash;we
+hope it will&mdash;revive to an extent which will make it a
+centre of light and true religion influence to all around.</p>
+<h3><a name="page17"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 17</span>ST.
+PAUL&rsquo;S, ONSLOW SQUARE.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">St. Paul&rsquo;s</span>, Onslow-square,
+South Kensington, is a specimen of one of those churches built
+not so much for effect as for utility.&nbsp; A church was wanted
+in this locality at the time it was erected, and hence the idea
+it gives one of having been built in a hurry.&nbsp; The plan of
+the church is reversed, the Communion table being at the west
+end; but the architecture is tame and poor.&nbsp; It may be said
+to be a perpendicular Gothic,&mdash;certainly not an excellent
+example.&nbsp; The tower and spire have a stunted appearance, and
+would have looked better a few feet higher.&nbsp; The inside is
+in the fashion of a past age.&nbsp; Roofed in one space, there is
+no arcade; large galleries run round three sides of the church,
+and to enable the reader and preacher to be seen from these, a
+large and very tall pulpit and desk are used, which quite shut
+out the west, or Communion end.&nbsp; There is an entire absence
+of decoration, the church being almost Quakerlike in its
+simplicity, and, to the searcher after the picturesque, contains
+but little to interest.&nbsp; There is some coloured glass of
+geometrical patterns, but not pleasant in tone.</p>
+<p>For this church the district is largely indebted to the
+Christian liberality of Charles J. Freake, Esq., of Cromwell
+House, a near resident, and owner of large properties in the
+locality.&nbsp; The site and two-thirds of the building fund,
+which amounted to about 14,000<i>l.</i>, were entirely from this
+source.&nbsp; Mr. Freake is also the patron.</p>
+<p>On Sunday morning, the 23rd of April, some disappointment was
+felt at this church through the absence of the esteemed Vicar, on
+rather a prolonged after-Easter holiday.&nbsp; The Rev. Capel
+Molyneux&mdash;formerly of the Lock Chapel, Paddington&mdash;is
+favourably known as a very popular and attractive preacher.&nbsp;
+He is, also, distinctly Evangelical in his ministry, and
+anti-Ritualistic in all his services, which are conducted in the
+plainest style of outward devotion.&nbsp; Yet, out of one of the
+most aristocratic centres to be met with around London, he has
+succeeded in building up a very large congregation, upon whom he
+appears to have impressed that form as the very ideal of
+Christian worship.&nbsp; And we cannot refrain from saying that,
+as far as we could judge, a more lively and earnestly devout
+congregation is rarely to be met with.&nbsp; The church, which
+accommodates in all 1,600 persons&mdash;inclusive of 600 free
+sittings&mdash;was well filled, to our eye, except in the
+galleries; but we were informed the congregation was by no means
+equal to what it is when the Vicar himself is present.&nbsp; His
+place, however, was very ably and profitably supplied by the Rev.
+J. F. Sargeant, of St. Luke&rsquo;s, Marylebone, who performed
+the entire service, and discoursed extempore with much pathos and
+power on the 23rd Psalm.&nbsp; There is no intoning in the
+prayers, and no chanting or singing but in the <i>Jubilate</i>,
+the <i>Te Deum</i>, the <i>Gloria Patri</i>, and the hymns; the
+latter being Psalms and Hymns based on &ldquo;The Christian
+Psalmody&rdquo; of the late Rev. G. Bickersteth, as compiled by
+his son, and sold by Dean and Son, Ludgate-hill&mdash;one of the
+very best of all the collections extant.&nbsp; The organist, Mr.
+Carter, uses an instrument by Bishop to good effect, and is
+accompanied in the vocal parts of the music by a rather numerous
+and full-voiced choir in, of course, plain dress.&nbsp; There is
+one assistant clergyman&mdash;the Rev. T. Burrows&mdash;who was
+not present on the occasion.&nbsp; On Sundays there are three
+services&mdash;at 11 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>, 3.30, and 7
+<span class="smcap">p.m.</span>; Holy Communion on the first
+Sunday in the month after the morning, and on the third after the
+evening, service, and on the last Tuesday evening in the
+month.&nbsp; There is a usual week-day service on Thursday
+evening at seven, and on the first Monday evening in the month,
+at eight, there is a special service for working men, when all
+the seats are thrown open.&nbsp; This, we understand, is a most
+interesting and important service, and usually well attended.</p>
+<p>Although St. Paul&rsquo;s was opened by Bishop Blomfield on
+Christmas Eve, in the year of our Lord 1860, there are no day or
+Sunday-schools identified with it,&mdash;a fact in part resulting
+from the almost total absence of poor people in the
+district.&nbsp; The circumstance is remarkable; but may find some
+explanation also in the general character of Mr. Molyneux&rsquo;s
+congregation, and in the direction of its zeal and resources to
+other Christian objects.&nbsp; We do not know whether, in London
+or out, any church can be found so distinguished for Christian
+benevolence, in all its social branches, as St. Paul&rsquo;s,
+Onslow square.&nbsp; We have been familiar with many grand doings
+of Christian people, but we have not in our recollection any
+congregation which, as a whole, must feel it &ldquo;more blessed
+to give than to receive&rdquo; than this one.&nbsp; It is no
+small pleasure to us to record it as a matter of local Church
+history.&nbsp; Sometimes it has been said that Church people do
+not understand the art of giving.&nbsp; If there were any truth
+in this as a rule, we may point to St. Paul&rsquo;s as a noble
+exception.&nbsp; The clergy and the church are maintained solely
+out of the pew-rents, and the offertory taken at the doors is for
+other purposes; and the latter, commonly thought not the most
+effective mode of making collections, yields an average of nearly
+100<i>l.</i> per Sunday.&nbsp; The offertory at the Communion is
+in full proportion.&nbsp; In addition to this, the congregation
+supports a &ldquo;Church Home for Destitute Girls,&rdquo; for
+which about 500<i>l.</i> a-year is contributed at sermons
+preached by the Vicar, and in donations and subscriptions.&nbsp;
+An annual effort for the Church Missionary Society results in
+little short of 300<i>l.</i>&nbsp; The Irish Church Mission and
+Church Pastoral Aid Society are yearly united together in an
+appeal, and the response to the last was taken at the doors, in
+the morning, 53<i>l.</i> 10s. 9d.; and in the evening,
+23<i>l.</i> 4s. 10d.&nbsp; The London City Mission, we hope,
+recognizes in St. Paul&rsquo;s one of its strongest
+supports.&nbsp; The collection after sermon for this object <a
+name="page18"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 18</span>amounted on
+the last occasion to 108<i>l.</i> 18s. 4d., and the regular
+subscriptions swelled the amount to over 450<i>l.</i>&nbsp; The
+&ldquo;Jews&rsquo; Society&rdquo; has also an annual
+benefit.&nbsp; The &ldquo;Consumption Hospital,&rdquo; which is
+situated within the parish bounds, has its funds replenished
+every year to a very important and gratifying extent.&nbsp; At
+the last preaching of sermons on its behalf, there was taken at
+the doors in the morning 70<i>l.</i> 10s., and in the evening
+92<i>l.</i> 9s. 7d.&mdash;162<i>l.</i> 19s. 7d.&nbsp; All this is
+done in a general way; but there are special occasions on which
+the distinguished charity of this Church has shone forth with
+even greater lustre.&nbsp; We all remember what national sympathy
+was evoked by the Lancashire Famine in 1862.&nbsp; The Rev. Capel
+Molyneux made a collection for thirteen weeks in succession for
+this object.&nbsp; On the first day&mdash;November 9,
+1862&mdash;there was taken at the doors in the morning
+780<i>l.</i>, and in the evening 299<i>l.</i> 9s. 9d., making for
+the day 1,079<i>l.</i> 9s. 9d.&nbsp; In the twelve following
+weeks the gross amount collected in the same way was
+1,363<i>l.</i> 5s., making a grand total for that patriotic
+object of 2,442<i>l.</i> 14s. 9d., which was duly remitted to the
+Lord Mayor&rsquo;s Committee.&nbsp; So recently as the 26th of
+February last, a collection was taken up in relief of the Paris
+distress which reached the figure of 229<i>l.</i> 16s. 8d.&nbsp;
+In the midst of all this we have further to record that for the
+past five years this congregation and people have contributed
+600<i>l.</i> a-year towards poor and distressed churches in the
+east of London.&nbsp; We repeat, we do not know where, with an
+average congregation of 1,500, or where with any congregation,
+such figures as these can be paralleled.&nbsp; We confess to a
+profound admiration of such results.&nbsp; The persons who have
+contributed to them are known to Omniscience; it is not necessary
+that they should be known to the world.&nbsp; Although our
+architectural correspondent, from a professional point of view,
+does not appear to think highly of the church, as a material
+structure, it forms, to our eye, a very pleasing feature in
+Onslow-square.&nbsp; Even outwardly, it breaks up the monotony of
+palatial secular dwellings very agreeably; but religiously,
+morally, and socially, it is a bright and beautiful spot, which
+we trust will shine and flourish more and more unto the perfect
+day.</p>
+<h3>ST. PETER&rsquo;S, ONSLOW GARDENS.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Church of St. Peter, situate in
+Onslow-gardens, South Kensington, is a much more important
+church, on close examination, than a distant view leads the
+observer to believe.&nbsp; There are not many good points from
+which the church is seen, and the view from the north is cut up
+by the vicarage recently erected, which we suppose is to form
+part of a terrace, but which does not improve the general
+appearance.&nbsp; The west front, by no means a fine composition,
+possesses some good details, and the tower and spire, which form
+a portion of this elevation, do much to assist in lending a
+picturesque effect.&nbsp; The spire is of very good design, but
+the tower is too stunted, and, like St. Paul&rsquo;s, would be
+improved by an additional ten feet in height.&nbsp; The spire
+wears the appearance of having been placed on too soon.&nbsp;
+Entering the church by the west door, the perspective view is
+very effective and telling; this is mainly attributable to the
+arcades, which, though of very simple Early English character,
+are very well-proportioned; and the pointed triplet arcades at
+the transept form a pleasing variety from the usual monotony of
+ordinary church nave arrangements.&nbsp; The transverse arch at
+the transepts rather takes from the perspective, and might with
+advantage have been less depressed.&nbsp; A very peculiarly
+corbelled chancel arch&mdash;in shape like a bishop&rsquo;s
+mitre&mdash;is, we should think, unique.&nbsp; The arch, as
+originally built, was too contracted; the chancel pieces have
+been cut away, and large corbels introduced, suggesting the shape
+before referred to.&nbsp; Indeed, if it had been possible to open
+the apsidal chancel a little more, it would have been an
+improvement.&nbsp; The good general appearance of the eastern
+windows, with their excellent stained glass, by Messrs. Ward and
+Hughes, of Frith-street, Soho, is still very much obscured and
+lost.&nbsp; The nave roof is light and well-designed, but not
+quite agreeable, being somewhat too late in character.&nbsp; The
+details of the windows and clerestory are all very simply
+designed, to accord with the style of the church; the stalls,
+prayer-desk, and lectern, being somewhat in advance of the
+chancel arch, are enclosed by a dwarf-stone screen, which
+separates them from the body of the church.&nbsp; The font is
+very plain indeed&mdash;indicative of the simplicity of baptism,
+we suppose&mdash;possessing no ornamentation on the octagonal
+bowl save the monogram well cut in relief.&nbsp; But it is in
+contemplation further to embellish it.&nbsp; The stone pulpit is
+octagonal also, and has well-carved figures in relief of the four
+Evangelists.&nbsp; The floor of the church is well covered with
+some rather pretty benches, which, together with transept
+galleries, will contain a congregation of about 1,500.&nbsp; The
+vestry is on the north-east angle of the church, and the organ,
+quietly decorated, is placed in the south chancel aisle.&nbsp;
+This instrument, which is a very superior one, was built by
+Messrs. Hill and Sons, at a cost of 800<i>l.</i>&nbsp; It has
+three rows of keys and 29 stops.</p>
+<p>St. Peter&rsquo;s was consecrated on St. Peter&rsquo;s Day,
+June 29, 1867, by the Bishop of London, Dr. Tait, now Archbishop
+of Canterbury.&nbsp; It was build and presented to the district
+by Chas. J. Freake, Esq., of Cromwell House, who is its patron,
+and the pulpit was the special gift of Mrs. Freake.&nbsp; The <a
+name="page19"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 19</span>parsonage is
+also built on ground given by Mr. Freake.&nbsp; The district is
+composed of the area between the Fulham and the Brompton-roads,
+including Elm-place, and in about the centre of which the church
+stands, being at present only very sparsely populated.&nbsp; This
+church, like many others in the suburbs, was built in
+anticipation of future population, and meanwhile draws its
+congregation mainly from beyond.&nbsp; It is, however, a large
+one, there being present at the ordinary Sunday morning service
+over a thousand persons; but, almost without exception, of the
+upper class.&nbsp; Strictly speaking, there is not a poor person
+to be seen in it.&nbsp; There are few free sittings to mention;
+and such as go by that name at the remote end from the chancel
+appear ready to let as occasion may offer.&nbsp; Not that all the
+other sittings are taken; for although the body of the church
+appears tolerably full, there are not 700 sittings really
+let&mdash;scarcely one-half the number provided.&nbsp; We cannot,
+therefore, understand why the verger guards all that part of the
+church so jealously, and when a stranger asks for a seat higher
+up tells him with some peremptoriness that he cannot go.&nbsp;
+If, however, the Vicar has no poor people within his church
+walls, the Rev. Gerald Blunt, Vicar of Chelsea, has lately made
+him a present of 2,300, who border on his district, to care
+for.&nbsp; This sacred trust the rev. gentleman is setting
+himself to fulfil with zeal and diligence.</p>
+<p>We must confess to some surprise, considering the evident
+social character of the congregation, that the collections and
+offertory yield comparatively so little.&nbsp; There are boxes at
+the doors for offerings towards church expenses, and the highest
+sum received from this source in one day, in 1870, was 4<i>l.</i>
+19s. 5d., and that was on Easter-day.&nbsp; But, taking the year
+through, it does not average one pound per week.&nbsp; There is
+something in this more than ordinarily sad, for the people that
+go in and out at those doors count their income not by hundreds,
+but by thousands.&nbsp; The offertory is a more direct appeal,
+but it only yielded in the year 184<i>l.</i> 16s. 9s.&nbsp;
+Altogether, including subscriptions (less commission for
+collecting them), there was only 357<i>l.</i> 16s. 6d. raised for
+church expenses.&nbsp; For the poor of the district, by
+offertories and private donations, there was raised 144<i>l.</i>
+1s. 6d.&nbsp; This sum was disbursed in various outlays for the
+relief and comfort of the needy poor.&nbsp; But how small the
+amount compared with the ability to do!&nbsp; There is a
+day-school in Arthur street, connected with the church, for the
+support of which from all sources, private subscriptions,
+collection after sermon, &amp;c., there was raised 305<i>l.</i>
+19s. 11&frac12;d.&nbsp; Collections in church for other than
+local purposes amounted to 121<i>l.</i> 6s., including
+60<i>l.</i> 13s. for the Bishop of London&rsquo;s Fund, and for
+the Chelsea Dispensary and Victoria Hospital for sick children
+60<i>l.</i> 13s.&nbsp; The whole, therefore, of the visible
+liberality of this wealthy congregation is at present summed up
+in the figures 985<i>l.</i> 1s. 2&frac12;d. per annum.&nbsp; We
+trust that an era of larger heartedness will speedily dawn.&nbsp;
+Congregations, as well as individuals, require to learn the art
+and luxury of giving.&nbsp; It should not be passed without
+notice that Mrs. Byng, assisted by a few young ladies of the
+congregation, has established a Sunday-school and mothers&rsquo;
+meetings, which are in good working, although as yet in their
+infancy.&nbsp; There are also an evening sewing class,
+night-school and a clothing club, superintended and directed by
+Mrs. Byng.</p>
+<p>The Hon. and Rev. Francis E. C. Byng, M.A. (Oxford), was
+formerly of Twickenham, from whence he was introduced to the new
+church of St. Peter&rsquo;s by its patron, Mr. Freake.&nbsp; He
+is a minister unquestionably Evangelical in doctrine, and the
+ceremonial he has established in his church is a <i>medium</i>
+one, being at equal distance from excessive plainness on the one
+hand, and High Church Ritual on the other.&nbsp; The service is
+earnest and lively without over much singing; but what there is
+of the latter is excellently done by a choir in surplices, under
+the able direction of Mr. Arthur Sullivan, the organist; who, as
+a composer and conductor in other than church music, has just
+earned himself no small praise at the opening concert of the
+International Exhibition.&nbsp; Mr. Sullivan has conducted the
+musical part of the service from the first and it is owing to his
+zeal and talent that it has attained such efficiency.&nbsp; The
+prayers and lessons were well read in a clear voice by the Rev.
+C. Scholefield, M.A. (Cambridge), curate, the Litany being taken
+by the Vicar.&nbsp; Both as reader and preacher, the Hon. and
+Rev. Mr. Byng, gifted with a good voice and having a suitably
+animated manner, fixes and retains the attention of his
+audience.&nbsp; His sermon on April 30 was from Deut xxxiii.,
+25th verse, &ldquo;And as thy days so shall thy strength
+be.&rdquo;&nbsp; It was the effusion of a devout mind,
+intelligently comprehending the trials and experiences of our
+common life, and fully aware of the sole secret of human hope and
+consolation.&nbsp; Though read there was nothing perfunctory in
+the delivery, the preacher being sufficiently free from his
+manuscript to put himself on a line with the eye, and we cannot
+but think with the heart of all his hearers in every part of the
+church; occasionally even turning to look into the galleries and
+into the chancel, that the occupants of those parts may not think
+themselves forgotten.&nbsp; If all preachers used their MSS. in
+the manner of Mr. Byng, and always made them speak such excellent
+things, much of the current objection to their use in public
+would vanish.&nbsp; In taking leave for the present of St.
+Peter&rsquo;s, we cannot but congratulate the people there on
+their beautiful church, and the religious advantages they
+enjoy.</p>
+<h3><a name="page20"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 20</span>ST.
+LUKE&rsquo;S CHURCH, SOUTH KENSINGTON.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">As</span> another interesting example of
+how churches spring up in our midst, following or hastening
+before the population, we have now to notice another new
+enterprise in South Kensington.&nbsp; St. Luke&rsquo;s is at
+present a temporary iron church, put up to await the erection of
+a more enduring one, on what is known as the Redcliffe Estate, in
+South Kensington, now being covered with dwellings of a superior
+order, by Messrs. Corbett and M&lsquo;Clymont.&nbsp; These
+gentlemen have presented the site for the new church, which is a
+most eligible one, situate in the yet uncompleted
+Redcliffe-square.&nbsp; Plans for the new-church are in
+preparation by Messrs. G. and D. Godwin, of the Fulham-road, and
+it is intended to be built in the course of 1872.&nbsp; By the
+time it is erected, it will show itself to be in one of the
+best-selected positions to be met with around London.&nbsp; The
+structure will be in the early decorated style, and is to cost
+about 10,000<i>l.</i>, and it is a circumstance to place the
+promoters beyond the reach of much anxiety on the subject, that
+7,000<i>l.</i> of the amount is already deposited.&nbsp;
+Meanwhile the iron church on the other side of the way is doing
+good service.&nbsp; It was put up in July last, and opened on the
+23rd of that month, just six months ago, by the Rev. Wm. Fraser
+Handcock, M.A. (of Oxford) the vicar (designate), and previously
+vicar of St. Luke&rsquo;s, Cheltenham.&nbsp; To this latter
+church South Kensington has recently given a new minister, in the
+person of the Rev. J. A. Aston, late vicar of St.
+Stephen&rsquo;s, and has received in return the Rev. W. F.
+Handcock, but to open entirely new ground.&nbsp; Mr. Handcock not
+only came from Cheltenham, but he brought the material of the
+church in which he now preaches with him from thence.&nbsp; It
+was a wooden structure, and consequently before he could commence
+work in it, occasion was given for some correspondence and
+trouble with the Metropolitan Board of Works.&nbsp; He
+unwittingly incurred the Board&rsquo;s disapproval by violating
+one of its bye-laws, and they compelled him to case it in iron of
+certain dimensions before it was opened.&nbsp; This caused a
+further outlay of 400<i>l.</i>, which was a matter of some
+consequence to the rev. gentleman, as he had personally
+undertaken the whole responsibility of the temporary
+church.&nbsp; The district assigned to St. Luke&rsquo;s is taken
+out of that of St. Mary&rsquo;s in the Boltons, and includes at
+present about 3,000 population; but may have double that number
+four or five years hence.&nbsp; The present building has sittings
+for 700, and between 100 and 200 are free; the remainder let in
+the nave at 2<i>l.</i> per annum and in aisles at
+1<i>l.</i>&nbsp; Considering the time it has been opened, the
+church is very well attended.&nbsp; At the morning service we
+found about 300 present, a full choir of youths in surplices; who
+rendered the chants, psalms, and hymns in a creditable manner to
+Anglican strains.&nbsp; The organ&mdash;well played by Mr. Henry
+P. Keens&mdash;is small; but, like the church itself,
+temporary.&nbsp; The prayers were read, and the whole tone of the
+service was Evangelical.&nbsp; Hymns in use, &ldquo;Ancient and
+Modern.&rdquo;&nbsp; There is a weekly offertory for the church
+expenses, which is taken before the sermon.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">
+<a href="images/p20b.jpg">
+<img alt=
+"St. Luke&rsquo;s Church, Redcliffe Square, South Kensington"
+title=
+"St. Luke&rsquo;s Church, Redcliffe Square, South Kensington"
+src="images/p20s.jpg" />
+</a></p>
+<p>The Rev. W. Fraser Handcock is a minister apparently about
+forty years of age.&nbsp; He begins his service in rather a low
+tone of voice, but immediately rises to the compass of the
+auditorium, and thoroughly maintains it to the end.&nbsp; The
+emphasis in his reading is placed with almost faultless accuracy;
+so that the true sense is never lost to the hearer.&nbsp; The
+sermon was read, but delivered with very considerable
+effect.&nbsp; In matter it was most intelligent, instructive, and
+Evangelical.&nbsp; Discoursing from John xviii. 38: &ldquo;Pilate
+saith unto him, what is truth?&rdquo; the preacher considered
+Pilate as the representative sceptic of his age; and drew a
+striking parallel between him and modern sceptics, in their
+affected uncertainty and unbelieving inquiries, as to how the
+truth was to be determined; and, like Pilate, they found vain
+excuses for their infidelity in the divided state of
+Christendom.&nbsp; In France religion was suffering through the
+recoil from that &ldquo;sham&rdquo; of Christianity set up there
+by Popery; and in England, silently but too certainly, the evil
+leaven had been at work; in the Universities, in schools, and in
+literature.&nbsp; When a convert from Rome, as had often
+happened, first landed on our shores, it was not to be wondered
+at if, on a superficial survey of the Church as it was, he
+inquired, doubting, &ldquo;What is truth?&rdquo;&nbsp; When he
+glanced at the various tenets taught within even their own
+Church, could any other result be expected!&nbsp; We heard, for
+instance, from some that a species of magical spiritual power was
+vested in the ministers of religion, so that the sprinkling of a
+little water in baptism, or the uttering of a few words over the
+elements used in celebrating the Lord&rsquo;s Supper, produced
+necessarily divine effects&mdash;teaching against which our finer
+sense revolted.&nbsp; He went to another extreme, and found
+others objecting to everything in the world not purely spiritual;
+even to all kinds of music not sacred in its character and
+use.&nbsp; Then, perhaps, he took up a book written by some
+plausible, philosophising author, the fallacies of which he was
+not able to detect; and it was easy enough for him in all these
+phases of our intellectual and religious life to find an excuse,
+and inquire, &ldquo;What, then, is truth?&rdquo;&nbsp; But after
+all, it was out a mere excuse, a vain pretence; for there were
+the great cardinal truths of Revelation plain enough to be
+understood: about God, about eternity, the soul, and God&rsquo;s
+way of winning it.&nbsp; But men rejected or quibbled about these
+Bible truths and things raised upon them, because, in fact,
+Christianity was not merely a <i>creed</i>, but it was a
+life&mdash;a life that men must live both inwardly and
+outwardly.&nbsp; And this was the grand reason why men evaded it:
+the Master said, if any man would <i>do</i> God&rsquo;s will,
+they should know of the doctrine that it was of him.&nbsp; But it
+was because they were not inclined humbly to <i>do</i> it, that
+men remained in such ignorance and <a name="page21"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 21</span>confusion about it.&nbsp; This
+witness is faithful and true, for there can be no doubt that the
+chief difficulties in the way of the reception of the religion of
+the Bible are to be sought in the moral rather than the
+intellectual condition of men.&nbsp; This was the great point
+clearly and forcibly brought out by the preacher, and if this is
+an average sermon in purport and aim, we cannot but congratulate
+the neighbourhood on the advent of Mr. Handcock, and on the
+building of the new church.&nbsp; As yet, as a matter of course,
+the usual church adjuncts are only in contemplation.&nbsp; A
+Sunday-school, however, will be opened immediately, and before
+the permanent edifice is consecrated, all the usual parochial
+machinery will be at work.&nbsp; The assistant minister is the
+Rev. E. J. Haddock, B.A., Dublin.&nbsp; The churchwardens are
+Capt. A. Waldy, of 9, Stanhope-gardens, and Dr. Daniell, of
+Cathcart road, South Kensington.</p>
+<h3>CLARENCE-PLACE WESLEYAN CHAPEL, KENSINGTON.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">There</span> is a very old lady still
+living in Young-street, Kensington, whose recollections of early
+Methodism in that town are still with her, and who is fond of the
+opportunity of quietly recounting them.&nbsp; Among her remotest
+remembrances is a visit of Mr. Wesley, the incidents of whose
+advent were the talk of the neighbourhood when she first began to
+notice anything she heard.&nbsp; She tells how the great
+evangelist preached in a smithy, somewhere in the vicinity of the
+present Jenning&rsquo;s-buildings, &ldquo;amidst great
+opposition.&rdquo; <a name="citation21"></a><a href="#footnote21"
+class="citation">[21]</a>&nbsp; Subsequently preaching services
+were held in a house&mdash;which has long since been taken
+down&mdash;but which stood upon the site 17, Young-street.&nbsp;
+This was the property of her husband&rsquo;s father&mdash;who was
+one of the earliest Methodists in Kensington&mdash;and who
+suffered much persecution.&nbsp; It was, it appears, the object
+of his opponents to make him stop the Methodist service
+altogether; but his devotion to the cause enabled him to brave
+the taunts and injury to which he was subjected; and to afford
+larger accommodation he built up a temporary chapel in his own
+yard, which answered for the service of the Methodists many
+years.&nbsp; Methodism, however, has never flourished in the
+Court suburb to the extent to which the self-sacrifice and
+devotion of its few first members might have seemed to
+promise.&nbsp; To the first temporary building succeeded another;
+then followed the present chapel in Clarence-place in the year
+1838.&nbsp; A ninety-nine years&rsquo; lease of the land was
+obtained at a ground-rent of 10<i>l.</i> per annum in 1836, and
+the foundation-stone was laid by the late Mr. Farmer, of
+Gunnersbury House, in 1836, and in June, 1838, the Rev. Dr.
+Bunting and the Rev. Dr. Beaumont conducted the opening services,
+when the collections amounted to 42<i>l.</i> 5s. 2d., the whole
+cost being 600<i>l.</i>&nbsp; It is a very plain edifice, almost
+completely hidden from view by the surrounding dwellings, and
+having no architectural expression.&nbsp; It has no gallery, and
+will accommodate on the ground-floor 200 persons, the
+congregation as a rule reaching to about half the number.&nbsp;
+About twenty sittings only are held as free, although many more
+must generally be so used.&nbsp; There are between fifty and
+sixty Church members meeting in class.&nbsp; Prior to 1861, when
+the Bayswater Wesleyan <i>Circuit</i> was formed, this chapel was
+ministerially supplied from Hammersmith circuit, and from the
+Theological Institution, Richmond.&nbsp; But since that date the
+services have been attended by the regular ministry of the
+Bayswater station, to which the chapel was at that period
+attached.&nbsp; The form of service is that belonging to the
+Wesleyan Body, which consists of 1, a hymn; 2, a prayer; 3, a
+lesson; 4, a hymn; 5, sermon; closing with another hymn and
+benediction.&nbsp; The hymns of the Wesleys are those mainly
+used; although there are bound up with them some select
+productions from other well-known hymn-writers, the whole
+forming, without any controversy, by a long way the best
+collection of hymns that Christendom has yet produced.&nbsp; Its
+excellence is attested by the fact that into whatever church or
+chapel we enter, the collections there in use, under all sorts of
+titles and editorships, are much indebted to its pages.&nbsp; In
+the present instance the singing is aided by a harmonium, which
+might very well give place to the more suitable
+instrument&mdash;the organ.&nbsp; Behind the chapel there is a
+very capital schoolroom, where about sixty children are taught on
+the Sabbath; and adjoining this a large vestry, both built in
+1857, and forming a good reserve for meetings of all kinds
+connected with the church and congregation.&nbsp; In the Wesleyan
+circle in Kensington the following names appear to be much
+revered and honoured as having contributed at successive stages
+of the work, time, talent and money towards its building up,
+names for the most part well known in the town&mdash;Messrs.
+Rowland, Tomlinson, Maunder, Pocock, Bridgnell, Jarvis, Eyles,
+Bond, Gush, Rigg, Haine, Trownsan, Farmer, &amp;c.&nbsp; The
+building of the larger and more beautiful Wesleyan chapel in
+Warwick-gardens has, however, tended to weaken the society at
+Clarence-place, by drawing away some of its principal members and
+supporters, and a small portion of its general congregation.</p>
+<h3><a name="page22"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 22</span>THE
+CHURCH OF ST. AUGUSTINE, SOUTH KENSINGTON.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">St. Augustine&rsquo;s Church</span>, close
+to Hereford-Square, South Kensington, is a temporary iron
+erection, and, like most such buildings, possesses no
+architectural features or details worthy of notice.&nbsp; The
+Incumbent, the Rev. R. R. Chope, B.A., five or six years ago
+conceived a necessity for a church in that place, and, means
+failing him to obtain a substantial structure, or to procure a
+separate site, he made use of a corner of his own private garden,
+put up the iron building, and called it the &ldquo;Church of St.
+Augustine.&rdquo;&nbsp; It is a low, dull, dingy-looking object
+outside, and as a stranger approaches it&mdash;with its roof only
+just visible above the garden-wall, it is in danger of being
+passed without notice, except one should suppose it a rather
+large conservatory or garden shed.&nbsp; It must have required
+some courage in a minister to attempt a church for himself in
+such a position; and we are not surprised after this that Mr.
+Chope is now going on to a larger and more promising
+enterprise.&nbsp; In the Queen&rsquo;s-gate, a new and permanent
+church is rising, under the same energy which originated the
+first.</p>
+<p>The present &ldquo;St. Augustine&rsquo;s,&rdquo; in the
+interior, is a long narrow space fitted with very plain benches,
+all being free to all-comers, and capable of containing 700 or
+800 persons.&nbsp; They were well filled on Sunday morning, the
+7th of May, with a congregation remarkable for its preponderance
+in the female element.&nbsp; One whole side of the church is
+reserved entirely for females, and no intrusion of the other sex
+is allowed.&nbsp; On the other side both sexes are compelled to
+mingle, and even there two-thirds are of the feminine
+gender.&nbsp; To say that the service here is High Church is not
+saying all the truth; it is Ritualistic, and highly so, in its
+whole spirit and ceremonial.&nbsp; It is, in fact, the nearest
+approach to Romanism that we have yet witnessed in an Anglican
+Church in the course of these visitations, if indeed it be not
+very Popery itself under the thinnest guise of the Protestant
+name.&nbsp; The communion-table is called an <i>altar</i>, and
+regarded as such in fact, and decorated accordingly.&nbsp; It is
+covered with a white cloth embroidered with yellow and red
+flowers and fringe.&nbsp; It has a large gilt cross upon it, two
+huge gilt candlesticks, and several vases of flowers.&nbsp;
+Branching candelabra also on its right and left.&nbsp; The
+ministers are called <i>priests</i>, and look very priestly in
+their garments, with short surplice and long cassock, and stole
+of yellowish silk with rich embroidery and fringe.&nbsp; In the
+absence of the Incumbent, the Curate, the Rev. A. J. Foster
+officiated.</p>
+<p>Prior to the beginning of the service, an official in long
+cassock with tassels was busy in arranging the chancel furniture,
+and adjusting a silk embroidered covering upon the altar over the
+elements to be used in the celebration of the Eucharist.&nbsp;
+This work he performed with the minutest punctilio, moving
+backward and forward and on one side to see its effect, and never
+failing to bow on passing the Cross, and on leaving off moving
+backward and bowing.</p>
+<p>On entering church, the people, before taking their seats, bow
+one knee in the aisle towards the altar, and some cross
+themselves precisely in the manner of Roman Catholics.&nbsp; The
+time of service arrived, the organist takes his seat, having on a
+surplice and purple hood with white fur trimming, and, sending
+out a few solemn strains, the choir is heard in the vestry at the
+remote end of the church singing &ldquo;Amen.&rdquo;&nbsp; It
+sounds like a distant echo among the mountains.&nbsp; Immediately
+the people rise, and choristers and clergy walk in procession
+through the centre aisle to the chancel.</p>
+<p>Except the lessons, which were read in a serious and rational
+manner by a stranger, an aged clergyman, who did not seem quite
+at home in his priestly apparel, and appeared, amidst all the
+circumstances, somewhat to dislike himself, the whole service was
+intoned and sung.&nbsp; The music was Gregorian, and performed in
+its most sombre mood.&nbsp; The congregation appeared perfectly
+trained to bowings and genuflexions.&nbsp; At every mention of
+the Saviour&rsquo;s name they bent lowly, and during the whole of
+the first part of the <i>Gloria Patri</i>.&nbsp; In one of the
+hymns, the sacred name occurred in every verse, and in some
+verses almost every line, and there was a constant bending and
+rising.&nbsp; It appeared merely a mechanical process, and quite
+inconsistent with that mental gravity which is essential to true
+devotion.&nbsp; Amidst all this mechanism of outward worship, we
+regret to say there was small visible evidence of spiritual
+concern.&nbsp; It was the coldest piece of formalism it has been
+our lot to witness in an English church.</p>
+<p>In intoning the Litany, the clergyman came out of his desk,
+crossed himself, and knelt with both knees on the lowest step of
+the chancel in front of the altar, with his back to the
+people.&nbsp; This motion is quite advanced in Ritualistic
+practice; and, taken together with the peculiar strain of the
+intoner&rsquo;s voice, and its rising at the end of every verse
+of that sublime and all-comprehending prayer, gave the service
+the stamp of parody rather than of sincere and enlightened
+Christian devotion.&nbsp; We can only express ourselves in this
+form, for nothing else will indicate our real sense and
+conscience of this mode of religious service.&nbsp; The
+puerilities of Romanism Englishmen we thought had learnt to
+despise, and yet here are some untalented young gentlemen in the
+Church of England whose habits would deprave our Protestant
+religious instincts and lead the young and weaker intellects of
+our race back into the thraldom of Popish superstition.&nbsp;
+After the Litany there was a hymn, and then followed the sermon,
+differing in this respect from the usual church order, which
+places the sermon after the Creed in the Communion Service.&nbsp;
+After ascending the pulpit and crossing himself, pronouncing
+&ldquo;To God the Father, the <a name="page23"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 23</span>Son and the Holy Ghost,&rdquo; whilst
+standing erect, the text was taken from John xvi. 7,
+&ldquo;Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; it is expedient for
+you that I go away,&rdquo; &amp;c.&nbsp; As in most cases where
+excessive attention is lavished on the mere ceremonial, the
+sermon failed to fulfil the most modest ideal of pulpit
+work.&nbsp; There appeared to be no intention or effort to give
+it effect either as an exposition or application of
+Scripture.&nbsp; In this case, too, it was evident the preacher
+could not shake off the intoning habit of voice, but carried it
+in great measure with him from the desk to the pulpit.&nbsp; The
+principal point of doctrine in the sermon was on the important
+subject of God <i>dwelling</i> in believers, and was stated in
+this way: &ldquo;As St. Paul said we were the temples of God by
+the Holy Ghost dwelling in us; so God the Son dwelt in us by
+<i>means of his holy sacraments</i>&rdquo;.&nbsp;
+&ldquo;For,&rdquo; it was further explained, &ldquo;by the holy
+sacraments he gives us spiritual life; for, except we eat the
+flesh of the Son of God and drink his blood, we have no part in
+him,&rdquo;&mdash;a strange confusion of ideas between the
+outward and visible, and inward and spiritual.&nbsp; Baptismal
+regeneration, sacramental efficacy, were clearly articles in the
+preacher&rsquo;s creed.&nbsp; We always thought the teaching of
+Scripture to be that both God the Father and God the Son dwelt in
+the true believer by one and the same inhabitation of the Holy
+Ghost.&nbsp; In connection with this sublime principle of
+spiritual life, there is no place in the Bible where such words
+as &ldquo;by means of the holy sacraments&rdquo; are to be
+found.&nbsp; Feeble preaching can diffuse error if it cannot do
+justice to the truth.&nbsp; After the sermon, during the singing
+of the hymn, the offertory is taken every Sunday, by which the
+church is wholly supported, and the minister passes to the
+Communion Service.&nbsp; The collectors bow towards the altar on
+presenting the offertory bags in the chancel, or on leaving; and
+in preparing for the celebration the <i>priest</i>&mdash;with his
+back to the people&mdash;is long engaged, and on one occasion
+kneels and rises quickly twice or thrice in succession before the
+consecrated bread.&nbsp; The Rev. R. R. Chope has studied to make
+his service as ornamental, high, and formalistic as can be under
+the Anglican name.&nbsp; He says he believes that &ldquo;the
+meanness and costliness of worship reflects the spirit of the
+worshippers,&rdquo; a fundamental error if it be attempted to
+apply it as a general rule.&nbsp; We take it that there is a
+medium to be observed, and in all cases the <i>costliness</i>
+must be regulated by circumstances.</p>
+<p>Every Sunday at 8 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span> there is
+Communion, Prayer (choral), with sermon, at 11; second
+celebration at 12 30.&nbsp; Evening prayer (choral) and sermon at
+7 <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; Thursday, at 8. <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span>, Communion. 11 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span>, morning prayer.</p>
+<p>Saints&rsquo; days: Two celebrations and daily prayer, at 8
+<span class="smcap">a.m.</span> and 5 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span></p>
+<p>There are several small charities, a day-school, and
+Sunday-school, both in their infancy.</p>
+<h3>THE ROMAN CATHOLIC ORATORY, BROMPTON.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Roman Catholic Oratory stands
+within an enclosure of high brick walls and gates, above which
+its plain brick, warehouse-looking south gable is visible, and if
+it were not that the said gable is surmounted by a plain Latin
+cross, there is nothing to indicate an ecclesiastical
+structure.&nbsp; The interior (in effect reminding one of a large
+music-hall) is Italian in its style of the simplest kind, painted
+and gilded.&nbsp; The nave or body of the church is very long,
+roofed in one span, and covered with a plain panelled
+ceiling.&nbsp; The northern end is occupied by the high altar,
+richly decorated with artificial flowers and burdened with
+candles.&nbsp; The altar stands considerably elevated and
+enclosed by dwarf balustrades, and flanked by rather ornate
+benches or sedilia.&nbsp; The nave floor is entirely occupied by
+mean wooden benches, intersected by a centre and two side
+passages, the latter giving entrance and exit also to numerous
+recesses or bays, which serve as chapels, in which are erected
+altars to saints; and also to a number of confessionals, by which
+last we infer that the practice of confession is carried on to a
+great extent by Oratorians.&nbsp; As to the saints, those
+represented at the Oratory have their altars all duly supplied
+with pictures, candles, and flowers, and have their particular
+admirers and devotees.&nbsp; A large platform kind of pulpit is
+on the west side, in which the preacher is accommodated with a
+chair.&nbsp; The font is very plain, close to the main entrance
+doors in the bay called the Baptistry.</p>
+<p>The &ldquo;Oratory of St. Philip Neri,&rdquo; situate next to
+the South Kensington Museum on the one side and Holy Trinity
+Church, Brompton, on the other, was dedicated to the
+&ldquo;Immaculate Heart of Mary&rdquo; in the year 1854.&nbsp; It
+had previously been established in King William-street,
+Charing-cross, since 1849, in the building now known as the
+Charing-cross Theatre.&nbsp; But the more eligible site in
+Brompton offering, it was embraced; and this centre of Roman
+Catholic propgandism in West London was transferred from amidst
+the shops, warehouses, and <i>caf&eacute;s</i> of the Strand, to
+a scene of retirement, wealth, and fashion.&nbsp; The interior of
+this church is laid out in the most elaborate style of Roman
+Catholic art.&nbsp; On entering, the high altar in the
+distance&mdash;north&mdash;strikes the eye irresistibly.&nbsp; It
+has upon it a high cross and six tall candlesticks with candles
+lit.&nbsp; There are also other candles and suspended burning
+lamps through the entire vista.&nbsp; The &aelig;sthetic effect
+of the first glance is not soon forgotten.&nbsp; The details are
+not less effective, considered as mere imagery addressing the
+outward sense.&nbsp; Including the Baptistry, there are eight
+side chapels, or altar-recesses, four on each side, all richly
+and artistically furnished.&nbsp; On the left, <a
+name="page24"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 24</span>or what is
+termed the &ldquo;Gospel side,&rdquo; the first is the
+&ldquo;Chapel of the Sacred Heart;&rdquo; second, the Chapel of
+St. Eutropius; then that of St. Joseph, and that of St.
+Philip.&nbsp; On the right, the first recess is the Baptistry;
+second, &ldquo;Calvary Chapel,&rdquo; where there are life-size
+figures of the crucified Saviour with the malefactors, and the
+mother of Jesus and his brother sitting at the foot of the cross;
+third, the Chapel of &ldquo;Our Lady of Dolours&rdquo; (sorrows);
+and forth, the Chapel of &ldquo;Our Lady.&rdquo;&nbsp; The altar
+here, with a large image of the Virgin and her infant Son upon
+it, is now profusely decorated with flowers.&nbsp; It is the
+month of May; and the following notice is attached to the doors
+of the church: &ldquo;Offerings of flowers and candles will be
+thankfully received for the month of Mary.&rdquo;&nbsp; The
+former part of the appeal appears to have been already liberally
+responded to.&nbsp; The bouquets are piled up to the very feet of
+the image, and decorating her brow in all their radiant
+freshness.&nbsp; The whole reminds one of a certain wax-figure
+display in Baker-street: only in this instance the kneeling
+worshippers around the rails of the chancels suggest that
+something more is involved.&nbsp; We saw many of them, especially
+in front of &ldquo;<i>Our Lady&rsquo;s Altar</i>.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+But they were distributed all through in smaller numbers or in
+ones.&nbsp; The &ldquo;Calvary Chapel&rdquo; is intended as a
+most literal rendering of the crucifixion.&nbsp; It is a shocking
+scene to look upon&mdash;those carved images of bleeding and
+mangled forms.&nbsp; To any one who has really in imagination
+conceived something of what the actual crucifixion was, and dwelt
+upon its moral import, it is likely to seem an impious
+mockery.&nbsp; But some appeared to approach it with reverence;
+and a little girl, who had been kneeling by her mother&rsquo;s
+side, crossed over the rail, crept up to and kissed the wooden
+cross on which the central image hung!&nbsp; These scenes are to
+be witnessed after every public service, matins or vespers, or
+whenever the church is open, which in fact is at all times when
+people can attend either by rule or chance.</p>
+<p>The usual services at the Oratory are numerous and
+continuous.&nbsp; On Sunday there is Mass at 6.30 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span>, at 7, 8, 9, and 10; and at 11 High
+Mass and sermon; at half past 2 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; &ldquo;Exposition of the
+Sacraments,&rdquo; and &ldquo;Vespers&rdquo; at half-past 3;
+occasional courses of lectures at 4 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>, and service with sermon and the
+benediction at 7 <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; At this
+latter the meetings of the confraternities of &ldquo;The Precious
+Blood&rdquo; and of &ldquo;St. Patrick&rdquo; are held, and the
+&ldquo;Intentions of members <i>given out</i>.&rdquo;&nbsp; This
+means that each member confesses to some dominant desire or
+purpose then in his mind.&nbsp; It may be for the comfort of a
+sick friend, the repose of a dead one, the conversion of sinners
+or heretics, or any other matter that may engage his thoughts at
+the moment.&nbsp; There is also the &ldquo;Little Oratory,&rdquo;
+where there is a separate service for &ldquo;Meditation and
+Mass,&rdquo; for brothers only, at 7.30 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span> and 4.15 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; On week-days there is Mass at
+6.30, 7, 7.30, 8, 8.30, 9, 10.&nbsp; Sermon every evening at 8,
+except Saturday; and on Thursday and Saturday a benediction at
+4.30.&nbsp; On holy days, High Mass, with sermon, at 11 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span>, and vespers at 4.40 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; The work of the confessionals
+appears to be interspersed at all times between these numerous
+services.&nbsp; The wonder is how such a machinery can be kept
+always going, how it does not wear out in interest and effect
+from sheer continuity of motion.&nbsp; We must assume that it has
+its flagging moments, and sleepy rests, by which its motive
+energies are recruited, and that at certain seasons and services
+the priests have it pretty much to themselves.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">The Fathers</span>.&mdash;At the present
+time there are fourteen attached to the Oratory, the majority, we
+are informed, having been previously clergymen in the Church of
+England.&nbsp; Their names are as follows: The Very Rev. W. T.
+Gordon (superior); the Rev. John B. Dalgairns, the Rev. Richard
+M. Stanton, Thomas F. Knox, John G. Bowden, Edward G. Bagshaw,
+James B. Rowe, Felix Philpin, Edward S. Keogh, W. B. Morris,
+Chas. H. Bowden, Kenelm Digby Beste, Thomas Graves Law (nephew of
+the Earl of Ellenborough), James Arthur V. Maude, Francis A. O.
+Carroll, Henry G. S. Bowden.&nbsp; There is a large library
+belonging to the Fathers in common, which occupies an entire
+quadrangle, about one-third the length of the church itself
+westward, where the clergy spend such spare moments as they can
+snatch from their other engagements.&nbsp; Little is known of
+these gentlemen by the outside world.&nbsp; They act their parts
+from day to day within the sombre enclosure of their high brick
+walls, and continue to be content to move in their appointed
+spheres amidst the gaudy but wearisome formalism within.&nbsp; On
+Sunday morning, May 14, it was High Mass at the eleven
+o&rsquo;clock service.&nbsp; The magnificent organ, played by Mr.
+Pitts, sent forth its thrilling peals precisely at the
+moment.&nbsp; The organ itself is considered one of the very best
+in London, and cost 2,000<i>l.</i>&nbsp; Meanwhile four principal
+priests appeared at the altar, and after bowing several times
+turned to face the congregation.&nbsp; They proceed to the front
+of the chancel, the centre one waving a rod, and one on each side
+bearing his train and exhibiting the rich scarlet lining of his
+robe.&nbsp; He bows lowly, and stretches out the rod waving it
+right and left over the people, and they retire again to the
+altar.&nbsp; This action in glittering vestments, heralded and
+followed by bursting music, is in all respects like the opening
+scene of an opera, and ostensibly not a whit more solemn or
+religious.&nbsp; It is difficult to realise that you are in a
+house of prayer.&nbsp; It is useless here to give a description
+of the whole performance.&nbsp; Barring a few brief intonings of
+the priests in Latin it consisted entirely of the sundry dumb and
+complicated bodily movements peculiar to the Mass.&nbsp; If we
+were to criticise them it could only be to say, as we should say
+of any other performing company, that this performer was more
+graceful and striking in his action, et cetera, than the
+other.&nbsp; The plentiful smoke of incense and the music made up
+the rest.&nbsp; This latter accompanied the whole with the
+briefest intervals.&nbsp; <a name="page25"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 25</span>There were solos and choruses
+innumerable, and the art-pretension of the performance was its
+great feature.&nbsp; The choir is railed in effectually from the
+congregation around the organ, and consists of male singers only
+in plain dress, under the conduct of M. Wilhelm Schulthes, a
+composer of some note.&nbsp; It is but just to say that the
+singing was in itself excellent, if one could forget the main
+object for which a church is erected.&nbsp; The voices were
+unexceptionally good, and the parts brilliantly executed; but the
+whole was <i>operatic</i> in effect&mdash;too secular, and too
+much of it, to assist devotion.&nbsp; But the Mass music of the
+day is employed with a special regard to popularity; which,
+however, as a matter of fact, and as a part of religious service,
+it does not succeed in acquiring.&nbsp; There is, after all, an
+idea, however vague, in the popular mind of the moral
+&ldquo;fitness of things,&rdquo; and if people find themselves in
+a place ostensibly for Christian worship, and yet chiefly
+entertained with an artistic and elaborate display of music not
+distinctively devotional, it does not commend itself to their
+better judgment.&nbsp; The congregation at the Oratory on Sunday
+morning appears to bear out this remark.&nbsp; Had the same
+musical skill been announced for an ordinary evening concert in
+any London music-hall it would have commanded plenty of patronage
+at 5s. and 2s. 6d.; but in this case (although the charge was
+only 3d., and 1s. for the best seats) they were far from fully
+occupied.&nbsp; Undoubtedly, the most rational and appropriate
+part of the service was the sermon, which was preached
+<i>extempore</i> by Father Law, who is the morning preacher for
+the &ldquo;Month of Mary&rdquo;&mdash;a somewhat youthful-looking
+Father, but he discovers considerable maturity of mind; and
+somewhat pleasingly surprised us at the Protestant colour of some
+parts of his teaching.&nbsp; Grounding his remarks upon Luke xix.
+5: &ldquo;Zaccheus make haste and come down, for to-day I must
+abide at thy house,&rdquo; the preacher explained how it was that
+Jesus dwelt with his people.&nbsp; In passing, the preacher
+observed that Christ dwelt with us in his Church, sacraments, and
+through the &ldquo;Blessed Lady,&rdquo; who ruled over them that
+day, in allusion to the peculiar homage paid to the Virgin at
+this time.&nbsp; But this was only in passing, and as though to
+keep his Catholicism in countenance.&nbsp; He enlarged chiefly
+and with much feeling upon what was, he said, &ldquo;most
+important of all,&rdquo; &ldquo;Christ dwelling in us by the Holy
+Ghost, and so abiding with us,&rdquo; in our inner life.&nbsp;
+The Rev. Father seemed for the moment to rise above the trammels
+of peculiar Popish dogmas, and to conceive the fundamentals of
+religious life as practicable without them.&nbsp; Certainly he
+did not say as much in as many words, but if he did not intend
+it, his discourse was without meaning or aim.&nbsp; It is
+remarkable that on the previous Sunday we listened to an Anglican
+divine discoursing on the same subject, and were boldly told
+without any qualification that Christ dwelt in his people
+&ldquo;by means of the Holy Sacraments.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>There are attached to the Oratory day-schools for boys and
+girls, which are carried on in Pont-place, near to St.
+Luke&rsquo;s Church, and are rather numerously attended.&nbsp;
+There is also what is termed &ldquo;The Nursery of our Lady and
+St. Philip Creche,&rdquo; at 56, Walton-street, where infants of
+working people, from three weeks to five years old, are taken
+charge of whilst their parents are at work in the day-time.&nbsp;
+References must be given as to honesty and engagements before the
+child is admitted, and 3d. per day is charged for each
+child.&nbsp; The church itself will accommodate about 1,200
+persons.</p>
+<h3>KENSINGTON CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">Kensington Chapel</span>, on the east side
+of Allen-street, is worthy of notice.&nbsp; It is substantially
+built of stone, and commands a foremost place amongst the best
+examples of classic architecture in the neighbourhood.&nbsp; The
+portico is the most noticeable portion.&nbsp; Its Corinthian
+columns and pilasters are in good proportion and well-executed,
+and assure even the most unpractised eye of their capability to
+support the massive entablature and pediments that surmount
+them.&nbsp; The present minister, Dr. Stoughton, laid the chief
+corner-stone in June, 1864.&nbsp; The interior is well and
+handsomely treated, and is light, commodious, and adapted for
+sound.&nbsp; The large British School recently erected is
+certainly not an improvement to the architectural appearance of
+the chapel.&nbsp; There is a want of truthfulness about the
+design, which one must regret, seeing that the chapel itself is
+in such good taste.</p>
+<p>The church connected with this place traces its origin so far
+back as the year 1795, and owns a very interesting history.&nbsp;
+The first Congregational Chapel was in Hornton-street, and was
+founded in 1793; and in October, 1794, the Rev. Dr. Lake was
+chosen first pastor.&nbsp; In March of the following year he
+gathered into religious communion about forty persons, and on the
+9th of April following was solemnly ordained to the pastorate by
+Dr. Hunter, author of &ldquo;Scripture Biography,&rdquo; who was
+assisted in the service by other ministers.&nbsp; The church and
+congregation gradually increased under Dr. Lake&rsquo;s ministry,
+and also under his successors.&nbsp; These were men of no less
+eminence than the Revs. John Clayton, Dr. Liefchild, and Dr.
+Vaughan.&nbsp; For a church to have held such pastoral relations
+in unbroken succession, and for these to be followed and crowned
+by the worthy name of the present esteemed minister, Dr.
+Stoughton, is a remarkable fact, and prepares us for chronicles
+of superior influence and success.&nbsp; In this we are not
+disappointed.&nbsp; In the year 1845 the jubilee of the church
+was celebrated.&nbsp; Dr. Stoughton had commenced his <a
+name="page26"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 26</span>ministry in
+1843, and on the 50th anniversary preached a commemorative
+sermon.&nbsp; From this, which is in print, it would appear that
+the first half-century witnessed a gradual but certain growth of
+Congregationalism in the town, the number of church members
+having increased from the foundation number of 40 to 251.&nbsp;
+These were the figures when Dr. Stoughton began his work.&nbsp;
+The labour of those earlier times had been well and patiently
+done, and the basis firmly laid for a larger edifice of success
+to come.&nbsp; The Rev. John Stoughton appears to have been the
+well-chosen minister for the opening era of its later
+history.&nbsp; On Monday, October 4, 1868, the church and its
+friends rejoiced together over the fruits of the pastor&rsquo;s
+labours through a quarter of a century.&nbsp; At that time, which
+may be allowed to speak for the present, 1,200 members had been
+added, and there was a fixed membership of 500, having just
+doubled itself since 1843.&nbsp; The Hornton-street Chapel had
+been enlarged in 1845 at a cost of 1,400<i>l.</i>; a branch
+chapel&mdash;now known as the Horbury Chapel,
+Notting-hill&mdash;had been built in 1849, and a church, of 40
+members and 100 seat-holders, given it from the parent
+congregation to begin with.&nbsp; This new cause was largely
+aided and supported by Mr. Stoughton and his people.&nbsp;
+Notwithstanding this separation, the places of those who had
+retired to the north of the parish were soon filled, and the
+chapel became overcrowded, so that it became a necessity to
+provide new and enlarged accommodation.&nbsp; Hence the present
+commodious chapel in Allen-street, which was opened for Divine
+worship on the 30th of May, 1855, the foundation-stone having
+been laid in June, 1854.&nbsp; The entire cost, including the
+freehold site and organ, was 8,748<i>l.</i> 9s. 6d., the whole of
+which was defrayed by the end of January, 1860; 600<i>l.</i> more
+was laid out on repairs and embellishments in 1863.&nbsp; There
+is accommodation for 1,000, including about 250 free
+sittings.&nbsp; More recently British schools have been built,
+adjoining the chapel, at an outlay of 5,000<i>l.</i>, which now
+have from 300 to 400 children in attendance.&nbsp; Here, also,
+large and important Sunday-schools are conducted, having about
+700 children under religious instruction.&nbsp; These were
+established in the year 1809.&nbsp; We understand that every
+available sitting is at present let; and the congregation
+contains several persons of literary eminence and professional
+distinction.&nbsp; It is generally of that character which a
+minister of Dr. Stoughton&rsquo;s ability may be expected to draw
+and keep around him.&nbsp; For Christian liberality it is justly
+entitled to a record; and is, undoubtedly, one of the best
+instances to be found of what can be achieved on the voluntary
+principle when intelligently and powerfully directed.&nbsp;
+During the first twenty-five years of Dr. Stoughton&rsquo;s
+ministry&mdash;independently of the amounts raised by pew rents,
+&amp;c., for support of the ministry&mdash;there was raised for
+various objects the noble sum of 32,821<i>l.</i>, being an
+average of 1,313<i>l.</i> per annum. 12,800<i>l.</i> was for
+chapel and school building purposes; 8,870<i>l.</i> for
+missionary societies at home and abroad; 5,630<i>l.</i> for
+support of educational institutions; and 5,480<i>l.</i> for
+relief of the poor and distressed, both in a general way and in
+various cases of public need.&nbsp; This scale of giving is
+maintained and even enlarged upon, the church raising
+500<i>l.</i> for the London Missionary Society last year;
+and&mdash;which may be considered an expression of genuine
+catholicity of spirit&mdash;contributing 100<i>l.</i> towards the
+building fund of the new parish church now in course of
+re-erection.&nbsp; Annual collections are made for St.
+Mary&rsquo;s Hospital, Paddington, the West London Hospital, for
+a Christmas Poor Fund, Chapel Building Society, London City
+Mission, and various other Christian objects.&nbsp; There is no
+endowment, and the ministry is entirely supported from seat
+rents.&nbsp; As a proof of the esteem in which the minister is
+held, the church voted him 400<i>l.</i> in 1868, to enable him to
+visit Palestine, which he did; and it may be added that at the
+present time a co-pastor is being arranged for to assist him in
+his labours.</p>
+<p>The Rev. Dr. Stoughton has the good fortune&mdash;attending
+but few settled pastors in the same degree&mdash;to enjoy the
+continued confidence and good opinion of his people; and through
+the effect of a prolonged ministry he has acquired an amount of
+influence over them seldom realised.&nbsp; That influence has
+been for good.&nbsp; It has lifted them out of the narrowness
+which, rightly or wrongly, is generally considered an attribute
+of close churches; it has moulded them into a catholic temper,
+and imbued them with social sympathies which render them a fact
+and a power in the town and district.&nbsp; &ldquo;Like priest,
+like people,&rdquo; is an old adage; and probably it has never
+found a better illustration than in the present instance.&nbsp;
+And where the former has strength and goodness combined, the
+likeness to himself he impresses upon his congregation over a
+long ministry, at any rate, ought to be traceable.&nbsp; Dr.
+Stoughton himself cultivates the most friendly relations with
+ministers and Christian people of all denominations.&nbsp;
+Occasionally at his house may be witnessed a little Evangelical
+Alliance, in the presence of a bishop, or a dean, or an
+archdeacon, with clergymen Episcopal, Baptist, Methodist, and
+Congregational; and the same genuine fraternal feeling he carries
+into public meetings and committees of all kinds where general
+Christian or social interests are concerned.&nbsp; On the rev.
+gentleman&rsquo;s pulpit characteristics it is scarcely necessary
+to enlarge.&nbsp; In these sketches it is our plan only to say
+enough on this point to indicate the general standard of
+preaching, talent, or aptitude, together with the doctrinal
+teaching and mode of conducting service.&nbsp; As to the latter,
+the minister appears in the pulpit in a gown; and in the singing
+part of the service the usual Congregational Hymn-book is
+supplemented by a collection of church music, consisting of
+chants, anthems, <i>Te Deum</i> and Sanctuses.&nbsp; After the
+second prayer the <i>Te Deum</i> is sung; and the music, both for
+hymns and chants, inclines pretty much to the Gregorian
+strain.&nbsp; We may describe this congregation, in <a
+name="page27"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 27</span>its general
+tone and style of worship, as occupying that part of the
+Dissenting territory which lies nearest the Church of
+England.&nbsp; In the minister&rsquo;s personal part there is a
+brief opening prayer, a lesson, a second prayer, a second lesson,
+and a third prayer; and in these several extempore petitions, in
+the present instance, were included almost every conceivable
+object of supplication hardly exceeded in variety of matter by
+the Book of Common Prayer itself.&nbsp; The discourse was founded
+on 2nd Corinthians x, 5: &ldquo;Bringing into captivity every
+thought to the obedience of Christ,&rdquo; and was delivered
+extempore, with the aid only of a manuscript skeleton.&nbsp; The
+perfect ease and quiet of the preacher is apt at first to tempt
+the stranger to think him slightly indifferent to his hearers;
+but he has only to be heard a while to convince one that the
+feature arises from complete self-control and command of his own
+thoughts; and that, so far from indifference, it arises from
+deliberate anxiety to clear himself with the intellect and
+conscience of his audience.&nbsp; It is certain that this is
+achieved with great success.&nbsp; The clearness of the
+preacher&rsquo;s thoughts, and equal clearness and felicity of
+his language, make one feel as though sitting in the calm light
+of intellect, reflected from every point of the compass.&nbsp;
+Starting with the assertion that the words of the text were
+directly &ldquo;against the grain&rdquo; of the &ldquo;most
+fashionable thinking of the day,&rdquo; which was on the side of
+what was called &ldquo;freedom of thought,&rdquo; he entered the
+lists with the free-thinkers of the period.&nbsp; Demonstrating
+with a masterly hand that the true liberty of our nature is only
+found in the captivity of thought to the obedience of Christ, he
+showed, on the other, with convincing power, that the boasted
+&ldquo;freedom&rdquo; of the day was slavery itself.&nbsp; It was
+slavishness to prejudice, to some human irresponsible authority,
+to the most &ldquo;fantastic ideas,&rdquo; without any basis in
+reason, to an idea of novelty and change, where, however, there
+was no originality; for, the preacher remarked, amidst all this,
+&ldquo;originality was a very rare thing in our
+time.&rdquo;&nbsp; The freedom contended for was one which bound
+our whole nature up in the bonds of fixed and rigid laws of
+development, which extinguished the very possibility of
+freedom.&nbsp; After so withering an exposure of the boasted free
+thought of the age, there was peculiar force and beauty in
+pressing home the great Gospel truth, &ldquo;But if the Son shall
+make you free, then are ye free indeed.&rdquo;&nbsp; Christ
+carries us away captive; but He does it as a conqueror of our
+foes, who tyrannised over us; and following in His train is our
+deliverance, our &ldquo;freedom.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>On Sunday, service is held at 11 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span> and 6.30 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>, and at 3.15 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span> a prayer-meeting in the
+Lecture-room.&nbsp; The Lord&rsquo;s Supper the first Sunday in
+the month after morning service; baptism every three months, both
+to adults and children, or more frequently if desired.&nbsp;
+Communion tickets are distributed to members in December, which
+they are expected to put into the plate after each
+celebration.&nbsp; Members are accepted after private
+conversation with the minister, and approval by the church in its
+ensuing monthly meeting.&nbsp; The time when the minister may be
+consulted on this solemn subject is from six to seven on Thursday
+evenings weekly.</p>
+<h3>THE WESLEYAN CHAPEL, WARWICK GARDENS.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The Wesleyan Chapel</span>, situate at the
+corner of Warwick-gardens, Kensington, is a specimen of one of
+those buildings by which we may say that Nonconformists have made
+a step in the right direction.&nbsp; It is architectural, and,
+though of simple character as regards material, being of brick
+and stone and covered with slate, yet the brick and stone have
+been treated very successfully in the design of the west
+front.&nbsp; It claims to be an example of Early English work,
+and, with its spire and pinnacles, forms a good feature, seen
+from the entrance of the gardens from the Kensington main
+road.&nbsp; Enclosed by iron gates and rails, and dwarf walls,
+the chapel is approached by a flight of steps and entered by a
+vestibule or lobby, which also gives access, to the right and
+left, to the gallery stairs.&nbsp; Inside, considering the large
+galleries, which at all times are an objection, the effect is
+exceedingly good.&nbsp; The light ribbed roof over the body of
+the chapel is supported by a timber arcade of very good design,
+and if, instead of iron, the columns that receive the arcade had
+been of wood, we should, in spite of the galleries, have been
+able to report some very successfully effective work.&nbsp; The
+organ is recessed, and appears just above a somewhat tall and
+bulky pulpit.&nbsp; Beyond this there is very little to remark
+save the quiet neatness that prevails generally.&nbsp; The
+basement is occupied by school and class rooms and offices, with
+separate entrances and approaches.&nbsp; The chapel is from the
+designs of Messrs. Lockwood and Mawson, of London and Bradford;
+and the building contract carried out by Mr. Nevill Simonds, of
+London.&nbsp; The warming was executed by Messrs. Stuart and
+Smith, of Sheffield; and the standard gas-lights by Messrs.
+Thomasson and Co., of Birmingham.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">
+<a href="images/p10bb.jpg">
+<img alt=
+"Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Warwick Gardens"
+title=
+"Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Warwick Gardens"
+src="images/p10bs.jpg" />
+</a></p>
+<p>This chapel was opened for worship on Thursday, the 10th
+December, 1863, and is partly the fruit of a general effort among
+the Wesleyan Methodists for chapel extension in London and its
+suburbs.&nbsp; The first metropolitan chapel building fund was
+started in 1861, and zealously promoted by the Rev. W. Arthur,
+M.A., and the late Rev. John Scott, in connexion with several of
+the wealthier laymen.&nbsp; The <a name="page28"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 28</span>spirit of church and chapel erection
+which has recently taken hold of other leading religious bodies,
+and notably of the Establishment, has been largely participated
+in by the Wesleyan body; so that the chapel business which
+centres in a Chapel Committee has become a very large and
+imposing department.&nbsp; It superintends the erection of
+chapels in every part of the Connexion, and has its rules upon
+which these works are to be carried out.&nbsp; Every chapel built
+without compliance with its regulations and primary sanction is
+jealously viewed, and reported to Conference as irregular, with
+profound &ldquo;regrets&rdquo; at the Methodistic insubordination
+implied in it.&nbsp; No matter though a chapel be made really a
+good property of and handed over, it cannot condone the offence
+against the spirit of <i>red-tapeism</i> centreing in the
+Conference Committee.&nbsp; It will only be officially recognised
+after a good scolding has been administered to the offenders for
+the pains they have taken to erect a chapel for Methodism.&nbsp;
+This is one of the points at which the Central Conference rule is
+liable to collision with local voluntary efforts, and often
+produces great irritation.&nbsp; The Committee administers the
+chapel erection fund and makes grants in aid.&nbsp; It also
+controls a large sum of money&mdash;raised some years ago to
+assist in clearing chapels from debt.&nbsp; This money is lent
+out to trustees upon application, to be returned in so many
+annual instalments, free of interest.&nbsp; Probably no fund has
+been more useful to the material interests of Methodism.&nbsp;
+Chapels formerly burdened with debt have been set free by yearly
+payments similar to what they were before paying for interest;
+and thus their resources have been left available for extension
+purposes.&nbsp; There is also a special fund for chapel building
+in Watering-places, commenced by the Rev. W. M. Punshon in 1861,
+which succeeded very well as far as it went, but did not attain
+large dimensions.&nbsp; The &ldquo;Metropolitan Chapel Building
+Fund&rdquo; is a more important and progressive affair.&nbsp; It
+started with a subscribed fund of 20,000<i>l.</i>, to be kept up
+by annual appeals; and an effort is now being made to raise a
+very much larger sum&mdash;Sir Francis Lycett having made the
+generous offer of 50,000<i>l.</i>, to be distributed in sums of
+1,000<i>l.</i> each to fifty new chapels, that shall be erected
+in the metropolis with a specified accommodation, within a given
+time.&nbsp; For this offer to be utilised to the full extent, at
+least 200,000<i>l.</i> will have to be raised.</p>
+<p>The Warwick gardens Chapel benefited from the first fund to
+the extent of 1,000<i>l.</i>, the whole estimated cost being
+4,700<i>l.</i>&nbsp; In default of a freehold, 32<i>l.</i> per
+annum is paid as ground-rent, which was to be covered by a yearly
+investment.&nbsp; 1,175<i>l.</i> was left as a temporary debt, to
+be paid off within one year.&nbsp; We believe, however, that this
+was found to be impossible, and the debt in whole or part, still
+remains.&nbsp; The estimated income from seat-rents was fixed at
+200<i>l.</i> per annum, a very small estimate indeed, had the
+project succeeded.&nbsp; But in this there has been grievous
+disappointment.&nbsp; The chapel will accommodate 1,000 persons,
+but after more than seven years it hardly commands an average
+congregation, in all, of 200, and a number of these are from a
+distance, and properly belonging to other Methodist
+congregations.&nbsp; We fear, therefore, this is a case to be
+recorded as so far a failure.</p>
+<p>A degree, perhaps, of laudable ambition has led some leading
+Methodist ministers and laymen of late years to desire to place
+chapels in neighbourhoods different from those usually
+occupied.&nbsp; In short, there has been a movement to plant
+chapels in more <i>respectable</i> localities, such as that of
+Warwick-gardens.&nbsp; But if the experiment is to be judged by
+its results in this instance, it would appear a lamentable
+mistake; and it may after all be worth considering whether John
+Wesley&rsquo;s own rule will not yet serve Methodism for all
+time&mdash;&ldquo;To preach the Gospel to the poor, and to go not
+only to those who need us, but to those who need us
+most.&rdquo;&nbsp; There are Sunday-schools, where about 100
+children of both sexes attend; and four or five small classes,
+which include all the society at present attached to the
+chapel.&nbsp; It is united in what is called the Bayswater
+Circuit, the headquarters of which are in the Denbigh-road,
+Bayswater, and which has three ministers appointed to it by the
+Conference.&nbsp; These are assisted in the occupation of the
+pulpits by ministers belonging to Connexional departments in
+London, or students from the college at Richmond.&nbsp; The
+chapel, therefore, has the best ministerial provision that the
+system of Methodism can supply, but there appears to be no public
+effect.&nbsp; On Sunday evening, 21st of May, the pulpit was
+occupied by the Rev. W. B. Boyce, one of the secretaries at the
+Mission-house in Bishopsgate-street.&nbsp; He holds a high
+position in the body, and on many accounts is deservedly
+respected.&nbsp; He has seen much service in the Mission-field;
+and to this it may be in part attributable that he retains in
+speech the broad provincialisms of his early life.&nbsp; He also
+holds fast to the old Methodist style of putting the doctrine of
+&ldquo;Conversion,&rdquo; which was the subject of his
+discourse.&nbsp; According to his teaching on this occasion, a
+man may be everything Christian to the outward eye&mdash;and even
+be a martyr for the truth&mdash;and yet be unconverted, unsaved,
+and perish eternally.&nbsp; If such a case be <i>possible</i>, we
+must remark it is so rare in experience that it may well cause a
+minister to pause before he gives it prominent and unqualified
+application in a sermon.&nbsp; There are certain to be a number
+of weak consciences and doubting minds in every congregation, who
+must be very much troubled and perplexed with such teaching,
+whereas there may not be a single individual to whom it really
+applies.&nbsp; It is a mode of preaching, in our idea, not based
+upon sufficiently large views of human experiences and
+circumstances; yet Mr. Boyce exhibits great sincerity and
+earnestness.</p>
+<h3><a name="page29"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 29</span>THE
+SCOTCH CHURCH, KENSINGTON.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Scotch Presbyterian Chapel
+stands at the corner of the Foxley-road and Allen-street, and is
+a fair specimen of geometric gothic.&nbsp; Of course it requires
+the tower to be finished to make it the good architectural object
+that it should be in the long perspective of Allen-street; yet it
+is even now fairly prominent, and is substantially built of
+Kentish rag with Bath stone dressings, and roofed with
+slate.&nbsp; The principal entrance is on the north side, over
+which is a large and rather noticeable window, and the rose
+window in the west gable, too, seems to invite the visitor to an
+inspection of the interior.&nbsp; Passing through a very plain
+corridor or vestibule, the body of the chapel is immediately
+entered to the right and left hand.&nbsp; A feeling of
+disappointment it is impossible to repress ensues.&nbsp; The
+interior in no way accords with the idea conveyed by the outside
+inspection.&nbsp; It is roofed in one span, and heavily ceiled
+and panelled, producing a sense of depression.&nbsp; The walls
+are simply bare plaster, the pulpit very large and heavy, the
+pewing poor and plain.&nbsp; A northern gallery, evidently
+intended for an organ, is organless, and not much improved by
+large curtains.&nbsp; The Presbyterian movement in Kensington
+began in 1861, under the present pastor, the Rev. Gavin Carlyle,
+in a hall in Holland-street.&nbsp; After about a year&rsquo;s
+labour in this place some forty or fifty members had collected,
+and it was then resolved to build a church.&nbsp; A site was
+first sought in Campden-hill, but was not to be found
+there.&nbsp; Ultimately the present site was scoured, the
+building commenced in July 1862, finished in May 1863, and opened
+on the 24th of that month, and the Rev. Mr. Carlyle, was formally
+ordained to the charge on June 2nd following.&nbsp; Since then
+the progress has been steady; and the membership has increased to
+between one and two hundred.&nbsp; The church is connected with
+the English Presbyterian Church, and the late Dr. Hamilton, of
+the latter, took great interest in it, and did much to originate
+it.&nbsp; It will contain 500 persons, and cost to build
+5,280<i>l.</i>; by the addition of galleries, it would be capable
+of accommodating 700 or 800.&nbsp; There is no endowment, and the
+minister is dependent upon pew-rents and voluntary
+offerings.&nbsp; A Dorcas Society is kept up by a few ladies; and
+collections are made annually for foreign missions and other
+objects.&nbsp; The Duke of Argyll is a seatholder and frequent
+communicant; and other persons of general and literary
+distinction.&nbsp; At a meeting a few weeks since, at which the
+Duke of Argyll presided, several Indian and other notabilities
+were present, including Dr. Macleod, Sir Bartle Frere, Sir Wm.
+Hill, &amp;c., who had assembled to hear a lecture on India, by
+Dr. Wilson, of Bombay.&nbsp; The Rev. Gavin Carlyle is an M.A. of
+the Edinburgh University, and studied theology in the Free Church
+College, Edinburgh, followed by a year&rsquo;s study in
+Germany.&nbsp; He is a nephew of the famous Edward Irving; and
+editor of his uncle&rsquo;s &ldquo;Collected Writings,&rdquo;
+published by Strahan and Co.&nbsp; He is also editor of the
+<i>Weekly Review</i>, the weekly organ of Presbyterianism in
+England; also of <i>Christian Work</i>, a monthly journal of
+religious and missionary intelligence.&nbsp; Mr. Carlyle&rsquo;s
+congregation is at present a small one compared with many; but on
+the occasion of our visit his sermon was certainly such as to
+justify a larger attendance.&nbsp; It was the first of a series
+of discourses on the Ten Commandments, and founded on the first
+&ldquo;I am the Lord thy God,&rdquo; &amp;c.&nbsp; The distinct
+existence and all-pervading presence and control of the Almighty
+was the subject.&nbsp; It was well and clearly treated, in a
+manner to meet the principal intellectual quibbles or
+difficulties of the times; and the preacher proved to the
+satisfaction of every thoughtful mind&mdash;to use his own
+words&mdash;that &ldquo;all reason speaks to us of God; and that
+it is nothing but unreason and mystical cloudiness that
+attributes the effects of Nature to any other cause or
+operation,&rdquo; and that science when rightly conceived is
+&ldquo;the handmaid of religion.&rdquo;</p>
+<h3>THE EPISCOPAL CHAPEL, BROMPTON.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Brompton Episcopal Chapel,
+situate close to the Brompton-road, in Montpelier-street, is a
+structure strictly Georgian in its character, Georgian indeed to
+the back-bone, if one may be allowed to use such an expression
+ecclesiastically.&nbsp; It has no beauties to make it worthy a
+visit in the search after the picturesque.&nbsp; It is simply
+ugly outside, and very little more may be said of it
+inside.&nbsp; It rather reminded us of old Kensington Church,
+without its historical interest.&nbsp; Like all buildings of the
+kind, it has its painted columns supporting a flat ceiling, and
+high-back gallery.&nbsp; It has its high pulpit and prayer-desk,
+each duly draped in hot velvet, its high-backed pews comfortably
+shut up and cushioned, in fact, everything belonging to it is
+high, only that it would be too much to call it High Church.</p>
+<p>This chapel attained its centenary in 1869, being opened on
+Easter Sunday, 1769, as a chapel of ease to the parish church of
+Kensington.&nbsp; The Rev. Richard Harrison was the first
+minister, who was a preacher of some note, and continued his
+labours to the end of life, which occurred in 1793.&nbsp; A
+tablet to his memory may now be seen on the south side of the
+Communion-table.&nbsp; Since then the course of the ministry has
+been somewhat chequered, and not always connected with the
+happiest reminiscences.&nbsp; Although so ancient a chapel, it
+appears <a name="page30"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 30</span>to
+have been generally poor, and the only relic it contains of
+bygone days is a set of old <i>pewter</i> collecting-plates,
+having the original engraving, &ldquo;The Parish of
+Kensington.&rdquo;&nbsp; The building is now seen in every
+respect as it was at the beginning.&nbsp; It has successfully
+resisted all modern innovations; no alterations of any kind have
+taken place, excepting that a coating of stucco has been bestowed
+upon the front.&nbsp; The same is true of the character of the
+public service.&nbsp; It has rigidly preserved its own unadorned
+plainness, against all the ecclesiastical refinements of later
+years.&nbsp; The clergy are ordained ministers in the Church of
+England, and licensed by the Bishop of London, and the present
+are the Rev. W. Dunford, who is also the private owner of the
+property, and the Rev. W. Crofts Bullen, assistant
+minister.&nbsp; The latter was doing duty at the time of our
+visit, with rather a thin congregation, but showed considerable
+earnestness, read distinctly and audibly, and preached in his
+black gown an extempore discourse on Rev. iv. 3.&nbsp; The
+sublime passage was expounded by references to other parts of
+Scripture, connected with some plain, out-spoken utterances
+applied to the audience in a fearless and faithful manner.&nbsp;
+Regarding the text as symbolical of the Holy Trinity&mdash;it
+being Trinity Sunday&mdash;the preacher knew nothing about
+&ldquo;the liberality of faith in the nineteenth
+century.&rdquo;&nbsp; There was &ldquo;a severe and hard line to
+be drawn between the believer and unbeliever, the saved and the
+unsaved.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The Episcopal Chapel will hold about 800 persons, and the
+congregation averages from 400 to 500.&nbsp; Having no endowment,
+the clergy rely only on seat-rents and quarterly collections for
+church expenses, which are made by passing the pewter-plates
+round to the assembly in the pews.&nbsp; There is a good
+Sunday-school carried on in the chapel, morning and afternoon,
+with about 130 scholars, a number which it is said might be
+greatly added to but that the Churchwardens will not allow more
+space.&nbsp; This unfavourable condition, however, the zealous
+superintendent, Mr. Warder and teachers, assisted by the
+children, are seeking to remedy, having opened among themselves a
+weekly subscription towards a separate and commodious
+schoolroom.&nbsp; The weekly pence already contributed amounts to
+50<i>l.</i>&nbsp; This is a most worthy example; and it may be
+hoped that some large-hearted persons outside the school, may
+some day or other feel inclined to encourage by large gifts so
+laudable an attempt at self-help.&nbsp; The school is also
+provided with a library by subscriptions of the teachers and
+churchwardens, from which books are lent free of charge.&nbsp;
+The Sunday-school is an interesting feature at this chapel, and
+is said in the neighbourhood to be highly prized by the children
+themselves, who are reported to be most regular in
+attendance.&nbsp; The services are&mdash;Sunday, morning at 11,
+evening at 6.30; Wednesday at 7 <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>;
+the Lord&rsquo;s Supper on the last Sunday in the month.&nbsp;
+The hymn-book used is a selection of psalms and hymns arranged by
+the Rev. Charles Kemble, M.A.&mdash;the 1853 edition.</p>
+<h3>ONSLOW CHAPEL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">Onslow Chapel</span>, situate in Neville
+terrace, Brompton, has many pretensions to Gothic architectural
+effect.&nbsp; It is slightly decorated in design, and somewhat
+early.&nbsp; Long before the two churches were thought of,
+between which it now stands, St. Pauls and St. Peters, its two
+little spires could be seen like landmarks in the surrounding
+plain.&nbsp; It is one of those early attempts of the
+Nonconformists to establish a better style of architecture in
+their buildings for public worship.&nbsp; The west front is,
+however, all of which it can boast, the inside being of true
+chapel type, consisting, one may almost say, of a large hall,
+ribbed and vaulted in plaster.&nbsp; The western gallery adds to
+the accommodation for sittings, and the body of the chapel is
+well filled with simple pewing.&nbsp; The pulpit is tall, and
+backed up by the organ.&nbsp; In the usual way the Vestry is at
+the east end.&nbsp; The foundation-stone was laid by that great
+and good man, the Hon. Arthur Kinnaird, in 1856.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">
+<a href="images/p30b.jpg">
+<img alt=
+"Onslow Chapel, Brompton, 1856"
+title=
+"Onslow Chapel, Brompton, 1856"
+src="images/p30s.jpg" />
+</a></p>
+<p>This chapel was built fifteen years ago, for the church then
+meeting in Alfred-place, under the pastorate of the Rev. G.
+Bigwood.&nbsp; It seats 650 persons, and cost
+6,000<i>l.</i>&nbsp; But this outlay included, besides the
+chapel-proper, convenient class-rooms, and a spacious schoolroom
+which runs back on a line with the chapel into Neville-street,
+and is now mentioned as Onslow Hall, a suitable place for
+meetings and lectures.&nbsp; The Rev. G. Bigwood&rsquo;s ministry
+lasted about eighteen years, and he was succeeded in 1870 by the
+Rev. Joseph Upton Davis, B.A., the present pastor.&nbsp; The
+minister is a Baptist, but the membership is open to Christians
+of other Evangelical communions.&nbsp; As a preacher, Mr. Davis
+has considerable gifts.&nbsp; To a pleasing manner and voice
+there is a goodly share of refinement, general evidence of
+culture, and preaching ardour, which are essential to the modern
+pulpit.&nbsp; &ldquo;He that hath an ear let him hear what the
+spirit saith unto the churches&rdquo; was solemnly enforced, and
+the dwellers in Laodicean ease&mdash;the &ldquo;neither cold nor
+hot&rdquo;&mdash;were keenly rebuked, although affectionately
+dealt with.&nbsp; The congregation was not a full one; but it was
+pleasing to note that with very few exceptions all remained to
+the Communion service, which immediately followed the first
+service.&nbsp; The hymn after the sermon was followed only by the
+benediction, briefly rendered, which, as a rule, is somewhat
+unlike Nonconforming services, in which the preacher generally
+offers a short prayer, having some reference in spirit to the
+matter of the discourse.&nbsp; A Sunday-school is <a
+name="page31"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 31</span>conducted in
+the schoolroom, where, under management, 400 scholars assemble
+morning and afternoon, superintended by Mr. Mayers.&nbsp; The
+general services are&mdash;Sunday morning at 11, evening at 6.30,
+Thursday evenings at 7, and communion the first Sunday in the
+month.</p>
+<h3>ST. BARNABAS, KENSINGTON.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Church of St. Barnabas is
+situated in the Addison-road, and can be seen with pleasing
+effect from the main road.&nbsp; In the distance the brickwork
+has a nice grey tone about it, and harmonises well with the stone
+dressings and tracery and the contrast of the mounting ivy round
+the pinnacled buttresses gives a picturesque appearance which is
+much assisted by pretty surrounding foliage.&nbsp; A nearer view,
+however, is somewhat disappointing as to architectural detail, in
+which it resembles the chapel of King&rsquo;s College, Cambridge,
+which is generally considered the best example of perpendicular
+Gothic.&nbsp; The west elevation is worthy of description.&nbsp;
+The gable and pierced parapet partially conceal a low-pitched
+roof, which is flanked by open bell turrets.&nbsp; The centre of
+the gable is occupied by a large perpendicular window above the
+western entrance to the church.&nbsp; This consists of a centre
+and two side doors opening into a corridor or vestibule, giving
+access to the body of the building and to the galleries right and
+left.&nbsp; Flights of steps lead up to the several entrances,
+which are enclosed by rather lofty railings and gates.&nbsp; The
+interior, roofed in one span with sub-arcades or columns, is
+finished with a flat ceiling, relieved and pannelled by
+horizontal bands and kerbed ribs.&nbsp; Large galleries surround
+three sides of the church, and at the west end a double
+tier.&nbsp; At first sight these galleries look almost
+unsupported, the iron columns are so slender as well-nigh to
+escape observation.&nbsp; The body or ground floor is fitted with
+simple square pewing, divided by a centre and two side
+passages.&nbsp; Close to the western doors stands a bold font, a
+fair specimen of perpendicular work.&nbsp; The pulpit is tall and
+plain.&nbsp; The prayer-desk, lower and more ornate, is placed on
+the north side of a very simple chancel arch, before which the
+very handsome bronze eagle lectern stands slightly
+elevated.&nbsp; The chancel is a simple recess, and its entrance
+is occupied by stall benches.&nbsp; The front of the altar is
+pierced with tracery, which has a good effect.&nbsp; The east
+window is filled with stained glass of Georgian school design,
+strongly reminding us of the Church of St. Dunstan, Fleet-street,
+where there is a similar window.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">
+<a href="images/p31ab.jpg">
+<img alt=
+"St. Barnabas Church, Addison Road, Kensington"
+title=
+"St. Barnabas Church, Addison Road, Kensington"
+src="images/p31as.jpg" />
+</a></p>
+<p>Three windows on the north side and four on others are also
+filled with stained and quarried glass, with designs of a better
+school.</p>
+<p>The organ, a fine instrument by Walker, is at the west end in
+the gallery, and well decorated.</p>
+<p>It is now forty-three years since this church was consecrated,
+and during the last eighteen years it has been under the same
+incumbent, who has been one of the Kensington Clergy for nearly
+thirty years.&nbsp; It occupies a large district in the west of
+Kensington, and has itself, in progress of time, become a parent
+church to several others which have risen within its
+bounds.&nbsp; St. Philip&rsquo;s and St. Matthias are districts
+formed out of it; and the more recent erection of St. John the
+Baptist&rsquo;s Church in the Holland-road marks a still further
+development.&nbsp; It has also a separate appendage to itself in
+the &ldquo;Church House&rdquo; in the Warwick-gardens, which has
+been built to accommodate the surplus of its regular
+congregation, sanctioned by the Bishop, and served by its own
+clergy.&nbsp; Here invalids who cannot conveniently attend the
+larger congregation, and such as cannot for the present obtain
+accommodation there, are invited to attend.&nbsp; In point of
+fact it is altogether a separate church served by the Vicar of
+St. Barnabas and his curates.&nbsp; As, however, it is treated
+simply as an out-building of St. Barnabas&mdash;and is used for
+the transaction of its various parochial business&mdash;we must
+consider it as included with it.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">
+<a href="images/p31bb.jpg">
+<img alt=
+"St. Barnabas Church House, Warwick Gardens, Kensington"
+title=
+"St. Barnabas Church House, Warwick Gardens, Kensington"
+src="images/p31bs.jpg" />
+</a></p>
+<p>St. Barnabas&rsquo; Church has accommodation for about 1,500,
+and its morning congregation averages from 1,200 to 1,400,
+looking well filled.&nbsp; The evening congregation, however, is
+much smaller, as a rule, as is the case with most West London
+churches.&nbsp; But we may attribute this partly to the existence
+of an afternoon service, at which there is public catechising,
+which is very fully attended.&nbsp; The church is daily open, and
+the Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday.&nbsp; There is no
+High Church costume, or parade of surpliced choristers, but there
+is a most efficient choir, who fill the space in front of the
+organ in the end gallery.&nbsp; On the occasion of our visit,
+which was St. Barnabas&rsquo; day, June 11, the church&rsquo;s
+annual Feast of Dedication, the performance consisted in a
+Gregorian and other much more pleasing chants in D and A, with
+hymns special to the occasion.&nbsp; The Gregorian strain never
+pleases; and seems to us adapted mainly to break up and destroy
+the natural form, music, and sense of the English tongue.&nbsp;
+There are three curates, who perform their subordinate parts in
+the service with great propriety and credit.&nbsp; Such only who
+could accomplish this would be at all in keeping with the
+character of the chief pastor.&nbsp; Dr. Hessey has a matured,
+well-cultured Christian mind, in addition to learning, and
+natural talent and taste for the duties of the pulpit.&nbsp;
+There is also a gravity and kindliness in his general manner and
+utterance which leaves one in no doubt as to the secret of his
+power.&nbsp; The sermon on the occasion <a
+name="page32"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 32</span>of our visit
+was an anniversary one, and as being confined to a portion of
+appropriate historical Scripture (Acts xi, 26), did not offer
+scope for the full exercise of the preacher&rsquo;s powers.&nbsp;
+Yet the evidence of their existence was there.</p>
+<p>The clergy are supported chiefly by pew-rents, and there are
+offertories and collections for various charities, missions, and
+other objects.&nbsp; For the poor, for schools, missions, choir,
+incidental church expenses, the Bishop of London&rsquo;s Fund, in
+aid of hospitals and other charities, there was raised altogether
+in 1870 704<i>l.</i> 11s. 10&frac14;d.&nbsp; Out of this it is
+found impossible to provide for the heavier church
+expenses.&nbsp; A church-rate is also levied, to which it does
+not appear what response is made.&nbsp; We have reason, however,
+to believe that no large sum is thus collected, or the
+churchwardens would have been able to spend more on the
+decoration of the church.&nbsp; There is clearly room for
+considerable improvement here, and we hope there will be no great
+difficulty in providing means to carry out the church repairs
+which are so much needed.&nbsp; The whitewasher, painter, and
+grainer might in the interior be employed with good effect.</p>
+<h3>ST. JOHN&rsquo;S CHURCH, NOTTING HILL.</h3>
+<p>A <span class="smcap">building</span> set on a hill cannot be
+hid, and it is literally true of St. John&rsquo;s Church; it is
+just on the crest, of Notting-hill, and may be seen from a great
+distance in the perspective of the long road, to the west of
+which it stands.&nbsp; Its effect is at first sight very good;
+the spire, however, rising at the intersection of the nave and
+transepts, appears too stunted, as if it had been drawn down
+several feet into the tower, a fault to be deplored in many
+instances.&nbsp; Built of stone and covered with slate, the early
+English detail, generally very good, the character of the style
+very truthfully retained, as shown by the chancel windows, the
+well-executed caps and bosses, and in the eastern triplet, make
+up a very excellent attractive whole.&nbsp; The plan of the
+church is cruciform, and is divided into a nave and aisles, north
+and south transepts, chancel and aisles, with a vestry at the
+N.E. angle.&nbsp; There are several large galleries, one at the
+west end, one in each of the transept and chancel aisles, which
+add very considerably to the accommodation for sittings.&nbsp;
+The organ is placed in the west gallery, and rather takes from a
+good perspective, as seen looking westward, the stone columns and
+plaster-moulded arcade giving a very poor effect; and the church
+generally supports some well-designed work in the clerestory,
+where oddly enough we find stone used again, though we cannot
+help feeling glad to see it, instead of the plaster work before
+referred to.&nbsp; The roof is high-pitched and open, of good
+design, but, owing to so little of the light of heaven
+illuminating the interior, we are unable to say much about
+it.&nbsp; The lancet windows are not enough to admit the cheering
+rays, and this is certainly a drawback; it gives to the church a
+gloomy appearance which it ought not really to have.&nbsp; Most
+of the windows are filled with stained glass, but of no good
+type, except the eastern subject, representing the Lord&rsquo;s
+Supper.&nbsp; The font, close to the west door, is of simple
+design, and has the emblems of the Evangelists sculptured in
+relief on the bowl.&nbsp; The pulpit, too much like a large
+wineglass, is lofty, and blocks out the view, looking east.&nbsp;
+The pewing is very mean, and on a level with the pewing of the
+passages, which is not improving.&nbsp; Some simple wooden
+screens shut out the chancel from the aisles, and the table is
+plain and railed off.&nbsp; The diaper work painted on the
+chancel wall is well done and effective.</p>
+<p>Early in 1845 the Church of St. John was consecrated for
+divine service in the northern division of Kensington.&nbsp;
+Misgivings were expressed at the time that the site, one of the
+most attractive in London, had been chosen too far out in the
+fields; but the population of the district has since risen from
+less than 3,000 to more than 60,000, and has been partitioned
+among six new parish churches, all built from voluntary
+contributions, and maintained without endowments.&nbsp; The
+church, parsonage, and schools of St. John&rsquo;s represent an
+expenditure of nearly 20,000<i>l.</i>, almost entirely raised
+within the parish; and the subscriptions and collections for 1870
+amounted to 996<i>l.</i> collected in the church, besides
+850<i>l.</i> pew-rents, and 2,390<i>l.</i> collected in other
+ways for local and missionary purposes.&nbsp; Between 500 and 600
+children are in attendance at the schools, and nearly 400 of them
+belong to the Parochial Provident Society, which consists in the
+aggregate of 731 members.&nbsp; The congregation appear much in
+need of the additional comfort and accommodation which would be
+derived from removing the organ out of the west gallery, and
+letting in the light from the handsome window behind it.&nbsp;
+The design of the architect might then be carried out, and the
+organ and pulpit be placed as originally intended, throwing back
+the fronts of the north and south transept galleries.&nbsp; This
+church has suffered a good deal at different times from
+well-meant efforts to provide additional accommodation for the
+vast population which has grown up round it; but nothing has been
+done which might not be easily set right at a small
+expenditure.&nbsp; The present incumbent has been seventeen years
+in residence, and was appointed by the late Bishop Blomfield, of
+London, the see to which the patronage belongs.&nbsp; The east
+window is an adaptation in coloured glass of the <a
+name="page33"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 33</span>&ldquo;Last
+Supper&rdquo; of Leonardo da Vinci, and was offered by the
+parishioners as a memorial of their sorrow for the early loss of
+Eleanor Isabella, only child of Sir John Franklin, and wife of
+the incumbent, who was cut off in the midst of a career of
+singular activity and Christian usefulness about ten years
+ago.&nbsp; A mural monument close by records the decease of the
+previous incumbent, the Rev. E. Denniss, who fell a victim to
+cholera in 1854.&nbsp; This likewise was placed there by the
+parishioners as a monument of their affectionate regret; and it
+is very observable that our new churches derive increased
+solemnity and repose from the gradual increase of such mementoes
+as these.</p>
+<p>Out of 1,400 sittings, this church has about 400 free; all the
+others let at rates varying from 4s. to 15s. per quarter.&nbsp;
+The congregation is composed mainly of the well-to-do people of
+that part, and the collections which are made for various objects
+through the year average from 50<i>l.</i> to 60<i>l.</i> a
+Sunday, whether it be for home or foreign objects.&nbsp; The
+organist, Mr. Cooper, is surrounded in the orchestra by a
+selection of the male Sunday scholars&mdash;who are evidently
+well-trained, and make up an effective choir&mdash;without
+surplices.&nbsp; The service is completely on the Evangelical
+model, animated and thoroughly devotional, and the congregation
+join in it earnestly.&nbsp; The prayers and lessons were well
+read by a substitute for one of the curates, who are two, the
+Rev. Messrs. Leicester and Newton.&nbsp; The sermon was preached
+by the incumbent, the Rev. J. P. Gell, from Psalm iii. 4,
+&ldquo;He hath made his wonderful works to be
+remembered.&rdquo;&nbsp; The rev. gentleman&rsquo;s preaching is
+careful, practical, and devout; and appears to come directly home
+to his hearers, over whom, through a long series of years he has
+maintained a very manifest influence for good.&nbsp; The ordinary
+services are on Sundays at 11 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>,
+and 7 <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>, and lecture on Wednesday
+evening.&nbsp; At 12.30 there is full Communion Service every
+first Sunday in the month, after the morning service; and an
+early celebration at 9 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span> on every
+third Sunday in the month.</p>
+<h3>ST. GEORGE&rsquo;S, CAMPDEN HILL, KENSINGTON.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">St. George&rsquo;s</span>, Campden-hill,
+the spire of which, in the distance, is so closely allied to the
+Kensington Water-tower and that other familiar object of West
+London distance, Tower Cressy, that we suppose there are few who
+are unacquainted with the rather odd-looking trio.&nbsp; Either
+of them taken alone would form a good distance object, but as it
+sometimes happens they all three lump together in the landscape,
+the effect is not only odd, but certainly striking, the
+water-tower always looking like the big brother of the other
+two.&nbsp; St. George&rsquo;s, however, must now be taken alone,
+and really it deserves to be especially noticed.&nbsp; The church
+stands N. and S., the south elevation being worthy of remark for
+much excellent and effective detail.&nbsp; The tower and spire,
+of fair proportion at the S.E. angle of the building, form an
+important feature of this view.&nbsp; The spire is broached and
+covered with slate in bands, and relieved with wooden spire
+lights with iron finials, giving a picturesque appearance.&nbsp;
+The tower is without buttresses, and, like all other portions of
+this south elevation, is faced with stone in random courses, with
+Bath stone quoins and dressings, and clean-cut bands of stone of
+warmer colour.&nbsp; It is lighted by deeply-recessed lancet
+windows, with columns and foliated caps, and bands on all
+sides.&nbsp; The staircase within is clearly marked by raking
+lines of windows, simple and effective.&nbsp; The centre of the
+gable of this elevation is occupied by a large and boldly-treated
+window, with geometric rose and four lancet lights, deeply
+recessed with label mould, encircling three well-carved heads in
+relief; this window is flanked by side two-light windows, partly
+concealed by the tile roof of the large cloistered porch.&nbsp;
+Being the principal entrance to the church, this roof is
+supported by dwarf and massive columns, with carved caps and
+cusped arcade.&nbsp; The whole forms a picturesque feature in
+perspective.&nbsp; The side and north elevations are very plainly
+treated in brickwork, with coloured bands or strings continued
+round the buttresses.&nbsp; The windows are executed in stone,
+plain-cut, unsplayed tracery; the reason for this change in
+design is evident&mdash;these elevations will shortly be hidden
+by the houses that are hourly springing up round the
+church.&nbsp; The usual stone finials and crosses are replaced by
+iron of like character.</p>
+<p>The plan of the church is slightly cruciform, and consists of
+a nave and aisles, east and west transept, a doubly-recessed
+apsidal chancel, and aisles.&nbsp; Large galleries run round
+nearly three sides of the body of the church, and at the south
+end there is a double tier for school-children.&nbsp; Galleries,
+as we have often observed before, do not improve the good effect
+of a building; however, these galleries have a novel treatment:
+the balcony&mdash;if such an expression may be used&mdash;is
+suggestive of a conventional ship&rsquo;s side with the ports
+complete.&nbsp; We by no means wish to convey a false impression
+by these remarks, for the lines of these galleries are very
+graceful, and yet sufficiently angular to be quite in keeping
+with the style of the church.&nbsp; The corbelled principals of
+the galleries, too, are effectively cut; they take a bearing on
+the iron columns of the arcades, from which, in every other
+respect, they run clear.&nbsp; We never remember to have seen
+iron better treated in church-arcade columns.&nbsp; The detail is
+sharp and clean, and the columns are not so slender as to appear
+unequal to their task of supporting the brick arches and
+clerestory, and the light nave and other roofs with saw-tooth cut
+and intersecting ribs.&nbsp; Generally the interior effect is
+exceeding good, especially the arcade of the east transept.&nbsp;
+There is evidence of great originality <a name="page34"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 34</span>of thought on the part of the
+architect, which we cannot fail to notice and admire, and the
+colouring is harmonious and quiet in the corbels, bands, and
+courses, which are of stone, nearly all ornamented with flowing
+Gothic scrolls, painted black and incised.&nbsp; The font is an
+excellent example of early work jewelled with coloured bosses
+round the circular bowl, with the inscription &ldquo;One Lord,
+one Faith, one Baptism.&rdquo;&nbsp; It stands near to the
+southern doors.&nbsp; The oak pulpit is elevated to suit the
+galleries, stilted on stone clustered columns, with foliated
+caps, and butts upon the chancel west pier.&nbsp; The oak-eagle
+lectern is also at the entrance of the chancel, and is very well
+executed.&nbsp; The pewing, perhaps the least attractive portion
+of the fittings, is, however, well cut, but too dark to our
+mind.&nbsp; The organ occupies the west chancel aisle, and is
+placed over the vestries and quite undecorated.&nbsp; The chancel
+windows in the apse are well filled with stained glass, by
+Messrs. Lavers and Barraud.&nbsp; In the rose is represented the
+Crucifixion; the four lancets, the Evangelists and their
+emblems.&nbsp; The passages are paved with plain tiling.&nbsp;
+Mr. Bassett Keeling, of Gray&rsquo;s-inn, was the architect, and
+we must congratulate him upon having produced an exceedingly
+beautiful and original type of church.&nbsp; The first stone was
+laid by the Ven. Archdeacon Sinclair, in Feb., 1864, and by
+Trinity Sunday in the following year the church was opened for
+Divine Service.</p>
+<p>This church is situated partly in the Ward of St. Mary Abbotts
+and partly in that of St. John&rsquo;s, Notting-hill, having in
+both departments a little over 8,000 inhabitants.&nbsp; It
+provides 1,400 sittings in all, 413 of which are free.&nbsp; But
+these in cases of emergency can be added to by about 150,
+provided by a system of <i>telescopic</i> seats, which can be
+drawn upon occasions from under the fixed pews, across the main
+aisles, filling up the entire area of the church.&nbsp; Six or
+seven years ago the site of St. George&rsquo;s was a
+cabbage-garden; but a private Christian gentleman conceived the
+happy idea of converting it to its present purpose, built this
+beautiful edifice at his own cost, and presented it to the
+district.&nbsp; The congregation has grown up almost as rapidly
+as the building itself.&nbsp; All the sittings not free are let
+at from 1<i>l.</i> 1s. to 2<i>l.</i> 2s. per annum, and the
+congregation is usually full and of a superior class at the
+morning and evening services.&nbsp; The Duke of Argyll and the
+Earl of Airlie and families hold sittings, and usually attend
+here, with other families and persons of note and character
+located in and about this aristocratic neighbourhood.&nbsp; On
+Sunday morning, the 25th of June, 1871 the church was crowded, a
+rumour having gone abroad that the Princess Louise, the
+daughter-in-law of the Duke of Argyll, was expected to be
+present.&nbsp; If this were the cause, however, there must have
+been considerable disappointment, as the Princess was certainly
+not there.&nbsp; The Vicar, the Rev. George Bennett, who is
+usually the morning preacher, preached a useful and
+discriminating sermon on John xvii. 16, pointing out in what
+sense Christ was not of the world, and in what sense his true
+people are not of the world.&nbsp; Some seasonable remarks were
+made about the temptation under which Christians now lie to
+succumb to what is called &ldquo;public opinion,&rdquo; until
+there is danger of their placing the voice of
+&ldquo;society&rdquo; above the voice of conscience and the word
+of God.&nbsp; Yet this was the only standard of right and wrong;
+whilst the standard set up by the world was an <i>unreal</i> one,
+and not sincerely believed even by those who, from the force of
+fashion, practised it.&nbsp; The prayers were read by the Rev.
+Mr. Becker, and the Litany by the Rev. Mr. Frampton, the
+Curates.&nbsp; In this instance there is also a lay reader, Mr.
+Gordon Cleather, who, in a surplice, read the lessons well and
+distinctly.&nbsp; The Rev. Dr. Davis is the evening preacher, who
+is known as a clergyman of distinguished talent.&nbsp; The church
+has no endowment, and the clergy are maintained and the expenses
+met out of the pew-rents and offertories.&nbsp; There are several
+religious and benevolent institutions, also, supported by the
+congregation or receiving aid from it.&nbsp; In St.
+George&rsquo;s Schools there are boys about 100 and girls the
+same number, with infants about 130.&nbsp; These received
+voluntary aid to the amount of 160<i>l.</i> in 1870.&nbsp; There
+is a District Visiting Society account, for which, including a
+<i>Maternity</i>, Provident, and Work Society, there was received
+from various sources and disbursed the sum of 360<i>l.</i> in the
+year.&nbsp; The offertories, apart from subscriptions&mdash;and
+from which all objects are aided in proportion&mdash;brought
+181<i>l.</i> 0s. 6d.; and there are lists of subscribers to all
+the funds&mdash;as, for instance, to the Church Service Fund, the
+offertories for which amounted only to 39<i>l.</i> 16s. 9d., but
+which was raised by two collections in the year and subscriptions
+to 108<i>l.</i> 11s. 4d.&nbsp; The worship is plain Church of
+England, barring the intoning of portions of the prayers.&nbsp;
+The choir is not surpliced, and the singing, for the most part,
+lively, accompanied by a good organ, well played by Herr Sowerby,
+Professor.&nbsp; The hymns are &ldquo;Ancient and Modern,&rdquo;
+published at the Sacred Music Warehouse, Novello and Co.,
+Dean-street.&nbsp; The order of services are&mdash;Sunday:
+morning at 11, afternoon 3.30, evening at 7; Wednesdays, Fridays,
+and holidays.&nbsp; Holy Communion on the first and third Sunday
+in the month at 9 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>, and on the
+second Sunday after the morning service.</p>
+<h3><a name="page35"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 35</span>ST.
+PETER&rsquo;S, NOTTING HILL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">St. Peter&rsquo;s</span>, Notting-hill, in
+the Kensington-park-road, is an Italian edifice, looking of some
+importance as regards its west elevation, the only portion of the
+church seen from the road.&nbsp; On close inspection it is
+disappointing to find stucco in place of stone facing the
+work.&nbsp; The elevation consists of a large enclosed portico
+with engaged columns, supporting an entablature and pediment,
+which is surmounted by a square tower with engaged columns and
+tower lights, and terminating with a sort of pepper box
+top.&nbsp; Although not so prominently or so beautifully placed
+as St. John&rsquo;s, it has a pleasing appearance from the road;
+the effect, however, is somewhat diminished by a dwarfed
+cupola.&nbsp; A more lofty, tapering campanile would have added
+much to its importance.&nbsp; The fa&ccedil;ade is not seen to
+advantage, from its close proximity to the road.&nbsp; A large
+vestibule gives access to the main body of the church and the
+gallery staircases.&nbsp; The plan of the church consists of a
+nave and aisles, a portion of the east end being railed off to
+form a chancel.&nbsp; Three large galleries partly enclose the
+church, and entirely cover the space of the aisles.&nbsp; Large
+Corinthian columns and entablature support the roof; just above
+the cornice are semicircular clerestory lights, glazed in a
+fan-like manner.&nbsp; The roof is enclosed by a flat ceiling in
+panels, ornamented with centre flowers, and the aisles are ceiled
+at a lower level below the clerestory.</p>
+<p>The church has had everything done for it that can be in the
+way of decoration, which has been very beautifully executed, and
+in perfect keeping with the style of the building.&nbsp; The
+Greek ornament and colouring are at once harmonious and
+agreeable, and should prove a good lesson to all, showing what
+may be done to beautify even a heavy building, and how very
+efficient church decorators have hitherto been in the adornment
+of our churches.&nbsp; One can only hope that some whitewash
+advocates may be induced from these remarks to visit St.
+Peter&rsquo;s.&nbsp; We are quite sure they will change their
+minds&mdash;and some churchwardens may well blush for their own
+doings, and set about an improved state of things in their own
+churches.&nbsp; The east end is more ornately decorated than
+other portions; the caps and bases of the columns are guilded,
+the panels are fitted with diaper and lily ornaments.&nbsp; Some
+rather happy stained glass, illustrating incidents in the life of
+St. Peter, assists in producing an exceedingly well-conceived
+whole.&nbsp; Two of the windows are of superior workmanship, by
+Clayton and Bell, but the centre large one is slightly
+pretentions, somewhat faulty in drawing, and not equal to the
+general features of the decorations, though the appearance of the
+chancel on entering the church is singularly fine.&nbsp; The
+Gothic furniture and stalls of the chancel we dislike, being out
+of place.&nbsp; The pulpit is cleverly contrived to be as light
+and unobstructive as possible, yet necessarily high, on account
+of the galleries, and, moreover, so gossamer-like with regard to
+its enclosing railing, that any near-sighted strangers may be
+forgiven for a feeling of nervousness for the safety of the
+preacher.</p>
+<p>The vase font is near the western entrance.&nbsp; The organ is
+in the west gallery.&nbsp; Some stained glass of good design
+fills some of the aisle-windows.&nbsp; The passages are paved,
+with ornamental tiles, the pewing has been cut down, and would be
+greatly improved raised four or five inches above the level of
+the passage-paving.&nbsp; The church is thoroughly and
+expensively heated with warm air, and lighted at night by a
+sun-burner from the roof, containing 120 jets.&nbsp; Every
+attention appears to have been paid to ensure the comfort of the
+congregation.&nbsp; The most marked feature of St. Peter&rsquo;s
+Church is its interior, which, as a whole, is very
+beautiful.&nbsp; The style is worked out in Pompeian red, and,
+although florid in development, is by no means obtrusive; and
+from the general harmonies of colour and subdued blendings, it is
+thought to conduce to a feeling of devotional repose.&nbsp; The
+galleries, however, constitute a great drawback to this otherwise
+very pleasing interior.&nbsp; They are too flat in construction,
+and too ponderous for the limited space between the roof and the
+floor of the side aisles.</p>
+<p>This church is one of six now gathered round the original
+church of St. John&rsquo;s, Notting-hill, and is allocated to one
+of the six new parishes into which the old parish has been
+subdivided.&nbsp; It was built in the year 1856, with funds
+furnished partly by the incumbent and partly by donations from
+the immediate neighbourhood.&nbsp; It has sittings for 1,400
+persons, out of which 400 are free.&nbsp; There are, in connexion
+with it, large and exceedingly well appointed schools, numbering
+150 boys, 150 girls and 220 infants.&nbsp; The efficiency of
+these schools has been authoritatively commended.</p>
+<p>The present vicar, the Rev. J. Robbins, D.D., of Christ
+Church, Oxford, was appointed in the year 1862.&nbsp; We had not
+the opportunity of hearing the rev. gentleman preach, but he read
+the first lesson, and we consider him quite a model reader.&nbsp;
+From a firm, distinct, and flexible utterance, and as from a
+ready appreciation of its sense, Scripture is made to speak its
+meaning, and to convey real effect in the reading.&nbsp; The
+general order of service he has adopted is semi-choral.&nbsp; The
+prayers are monotoned, the chants and responses are
+Gregorian.&nbsp; The choir is mostly composed of boys, with
+surplices, educated in the schools attached to the church, and
+who sing the music about as well as such music can be done.&nbsp;
+The Creed is, also, in reality, sung and accompanied with the
+organ.&nbsp; We must confess to a disappointment in the effect
+produced by the organ, the tones of which did not seem to
+harmonise with the flow of voices; but we hear this is about to
+be remedied.&nbsp; To many there would doubtless seem in this
+service an excess of singing, and that, monotonous in a <a
+name="page36"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 36</span>large
+degree.&nbsp; But it is the High Church order of things; and St.
+Peter&rsquo;s is confessedly High Church.&nbsp; There are various
+societies attached for the visitation of the poor and the
+distribution of several charities.</p>
+<p>The sermon on Sunday morning, July 2, 1871, was preached by
+the Rev. C. R. Robinson, M.A., Canon of Rochester, for the
+Gravesend (or St. Andrew&rsquo;s) Waterside Mission.&nbsp;
+Notwithstanding the inclement weather, the church was fully
+attended by a congregation in the midst of which it was hard to
+discern a single poor person.&nbsp; The preacher discoursed
+pleasantly on 1 Peter v. 10, 11&mdash;&ldquo;But the God of all
+grace,&rdquo; &amp;c.&nbsp; His account of the origin of St.
+Andrew&rsquo;s Mission, of which he himself was the founder about
+ten years ago, and of his personal interviews with seamen in
+going to sea and returning, distribution of books, &amp;c.,
+riveted the attention of the audience, and appeared to excite
+intense feeling in favour of the noble objects of the
+society.&nbsp; The usual preliminary part of the Communion
+Service, including the Commandments, the Nicene Creed, Epistle
+and Gospel, was not read; but the sermon followed the Litany and
+hymn.&nbsp; The hymn-book used is &ldquo;Hymns Ancient and
+Modern&rdquo; (Novello, Ewer, and Co., Berners-street).&nbsp;
+Usual services&mdash;Sundays: 8 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>,
+Holy Communion; 11, Morning Prayer, Litany, and sermon; 12.30
+<span class="smcap">p.m.</span>, Communion (choral); 3.30 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>, Evening Prayer and catechising the
+children; 7 <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>, Evening Prayer and
+sermon.&nbsp; Week-days: 8 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>,
+morning prayer; 5.30 <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>, Evening
+Prayer (choral); Wednesday and Friday, Litany, 12.30 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>; Thursday, Communion at 7 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span>, and also on saints&rsquo; days and
+holidays.&nbsp; The church is open all day for prayer and
+meditation, and a public notice at the doors requests &ldquo;all
+persons to observe silence.&rdquo;</p>
+<h3>ST. PAUL&rsquo;S KENSINGTON.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">St. Paul&rsquo;s</span>, Campden-hill, is
+a large iron structure, standing at one corner of
+Vicarage-garden.&nbsp; As an iron building there is very little
+to say about it; it is not beautiful&mdash;iron buildings never
+are&mdash;but the situation is so very charming, that, plain as
+the features are of the church, the pleasant nook in which it is
+placed seems quite to take from its ugliness and lend some of its
+cheerful pastoral happiness to its iron tenant.&nbsp; One thing
+strikes us as worthy of notice&mdash;the very large open porch at
+the western entrance offers ample shelter and accommodation to a
+large dispersing congregation in wet weather, and it has the
+advantage of offering protection from heat as well as wet, and
+keeps the west end of the building cool; it is like an open
+vestibule or lobby.</p>
+<p>St. Paul&rsquo;s was erected as a chapel of ease to the parish
+church, St. Mary Abbots, Kensington, in the year 1854, so that it
+was one of the earliest of this temporary method of providing for
+public worship; and it may be added that, from the present firm
+and substantial appearance of the structure, it is evident this
+comparatively inexpensive way of dealing with the
+question&mdash;where larger funds are not at command&mdash;may be
+made to do good service through at least a generation.&nbsp; It
+affords accommodation for 1,200 people, and but few of the
+sittings are free, not, we believe, amounting to more than
+fifty.&nbsp; The church is served by the curates of Archdeacon
+Sinclair, Vicar of Kensington, and at present, during the
+re-erection of the new parish church, has double service
+performed in it every Sunday.&nbsp; The early service at a
+quarter to ten, and afternoon at half-past three, at which the
+Archdeacon&rsquo;s curates officiate, are for the congregation of
+the Old Church, who, <i>pro tem.</i>, are without accommodation,
+and the services at half-past eleven and seven are given to the
+congregation of St. Paul&rsquo;s, when the Archdeacon himself
+usually preaches.&nbsp; This is of a high-class character, and
+remarkable for a very large preponderance of gaily-dressed
+ladies, quite in keeping with our established ideas of a court
+suburb.&nbsp; The service is Evangelical, the clerical robes of
+the simplest character, and the chancel without conspicuous
+ornament of any kind, but that which is the greatest adorning of
+a church, a reverent and rational performance of Divine worship,
+without formalism or Ritualistic affectation of voice and
+manner.&nbsp; We were favoured to hear the venerable Bishop of
+Bangor, who delivered an impressive sermon, full of Evangelical
+sentiment, from 1st Epistle of John, c. iii., v. 2:
+&ldquo;Beloved now are we the sons of God; and it doth not yet
+appear what we shall be,&rdquo; &amp;c.&nbsp; A young
+clergyman&mdash;a stranger to the congregation&mdash;read the
+prayers, Psalms, lessons, and Litany.</p>
+<p>The congregation is of course interested in the schools and
+charities belonging to the parent church, and contribute in a
+liberal degree to their efficiency and support.&nbsp; These will
+be fully described in their proper place, when we treat of the
+beautiful new parish church now in course of erection.</p>
+<h3>ST. JAMES&rsquo;S, NOTTING HILL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">St. James&rsquo;s</span>, Notting-hill, is
+situated in the Addison-Road North, and is seen to some advantage
+at the entrance to the road.&nbsp; From its central position, its
+square tower and sharp pinnacles look grey and old, an appearance
+which the church loses upon closer inspection.&nbsp; It is built
+of grey brick, with moulded angle bricks and slight stone
+dressings, and the low-pitched <a name="page37"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 37</span>roofs are covered with slate.&nbsp;
+The plan of the church consists of a nave and aisles, with an
+apsidal chancel, the tower forming an excrescent on the south
+side, about the middle of the nave.&nbsp; This tower acts as a
+porch on the lower story, and has a ringing floor on the gallery
+level; these galleries surround the church on three sides,
+extending to the arcades.&nbsp; In style the church is a revival
+of the early English, and, like all churches of the period, is
+full of mistakes, though as a specimen of that age it is perhaps
+a very fair example.&nbsp; But the efforts of revivalists must
+not be forgotten; much of our perfection, if it can <i>yet be
+called so</i>, is due to their endeavours.&nbsp; The iron columns
+of the nave are worthy of remark, showing how very well iron
+could be treated even in those days.&nbsp; The roofs are open,
+and though rather heavy possess some fair effect.&nbsp; The
+windows are chiefly without tracery, and the stained glass is
+poor.&nbsp; The pewing is very simple; the pulpit high.&nbsp; The
+prayer-desk and oak-eagle lectern speak of a desire for better
+things.&nbsp; The font is poor and too perpendicular.&nbsp; The
+organ is in the western gallery.&nbsp; The decoration of the nave
+is not well done; it is evidently the work of an unskilful
+hand.&nbsp; There is no need for Greek ornament in a Gothic
+building; surely there is scope enough for the ornamentalist in
+Gothic work without going to the Greeks for examples.</p>
+<p>St. James&rsquo;s, Notting-hill, is one of the older modern
+suburban churches, having been built more than a quarter of a
+century ago, which is a great deal to say as compared with a
+number of the churches we are now reviewing.&nbsp; It
+accommodates 1,100 persons, and 500 of the sittings are free,
+which is in larger proportion than general.&nbsp; It has national
+schools attached to it, where 135 boys, 100 girls, and 150
+infants are instructed according to the principles of the Church
+of England.&nbsp; These schools are kept up at a cost of about
+500<i>l.</i> per annum, about 170<i>l.</i> of which is obtained
+by Government grant, about 140<i>l.</i> from the children&rsquo;s
+fees, and the remainder from subscriptions and offertories.&nbsp;
+There are Mothers&rsquo; Meetings and a District visiting
+Society, with which is connected a mission woman and a
+mission-house in Crescent-street, where extra services are
+held.&nbsp; Also a Maternity Charity, and the &ldquo;St.
+James&rsquo;s Norland and Potteries Benevolent Society,&rdquo;
+and an &ldquo;Auxiliary Church Missionary Society.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+Help is also given to the Additional Curates Society and the
+Bishop of London&rsquo;s Fund.&nbsp; All these charities and
+works were well inaugurated in the time of the former Vicar, the
+Rev. T. P. Holdich, and have been well sustained since his
+removal&mdash;three years ago&mdash;by the Rev. George T. Palmer,
+M.A., his successor, and the present Vicar.&nbsp; An important
+alteration, however, has been made in the mode of providing the
+necessary funds.&nbsp; Formerly it was done by special annual
+charity sermons; but for this method Mr. Palmer has substituted,
+we are informed with some advantage to the interests concerned, a
+weekly offertory, or collection taken at every Sunday morning
+service, which is apportioned among all the charities and calls,
+according to their relative claims.&nbsp; This covers everything,
+and beyond it there is nothing but a church-rate, voluntarily
+given, amounting to about 25<i>l.</i> per annum.&nbsp; From these
+sources and the pew-rents the clergy are maintained, the church
+expenses met, and the charities supported.&nbsp; The Curate, up
+to Michaelmas-day last, was the Rev. P. E. Monkhouse, M.A., which
+appointment he resigned on accepting the head-mastership of the
+Notting-hill Proprietary School, in order to devote the whole of
+his time to the education of the boys entrusted to his
+charge.&nbsp; Mr. Monkhouse, however, still gives his services to
+Mr. Palmer, and preaches frequently.&nbsp; His successor is the
+Rev. I. Cammack.&nbsp; On the occasion of our visit the latter
+read, or rather monotoned the prayers with a clear voice, and Mr.
+Monkhouse read the two lessons with good taste and effect.&nbsp;
+Mr. Palmer himself read in the Communion Service and preached the
+sermon.&nbsp; In giving notice of the Communion for the following
+Sunday morning, the rev. gentleman dispensed with the usual form,
+and simply made the announcement that it would take place at nine
+<span class="smcap">a.m.</span>&nbsp; The sermon was founded on 1
+Peter iii. 13: &ldquo;And who is he that will harm you if ye be
+followers of that which is good!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The sermon was extempore, expository, and instructive.&nbsp;
+What it was to follow good was well expounded; and the
+limitations with which the implied promise was to be understood
+clearly set forth.&nbsp; Although the Christian&rsquo;s lot was
+not to be represented too darkly, it was not to be supposed that
+he had no trials or suffered no evils.&nbsp; Yet, after all, many
+of his trials did not arise from his following good, but rather
+from his not doing so in some particulars in connexion with which
+his trials arose.&nbsp; Mr. Palmer has thoroughly entered into
+the labours of his predecessors.&nbsp; He has, however,
+instituted a few changes as to which some members of the
+congregation, who could bear no variation from the order of
+things under their old pastor, took offence and betook themselves
+elsewhere&mdash;not in any great numbers, but it was sufficient
+to draw from the rev. gentleman a justification in his first
+pastoral.&nbsp; Therein he shows that some of the changes,
+especially in regard to the offertory, were contemplated by Mr.
+Holdich; and as to the conduct of the service, he had done
+nothing but what was in accordance with the Rubric.&nbsp; To
+allay all suspicions of a Ritualistic tendency which had, he
+says, &ldquo;unjustly, though not unnaturally risen,&rdquo; he
+declares to his flock his belief that &ldquo;the practices
+commonly known as Ritualistic are as much opposed to the spirit
+and structure of the Prayer-book as they were for the most part
+unknown in the worship of the Church in the apostolic age, and
+that every decision in the ecclesiastical courts had made this
+conclusion more plain.&rdquo;&nbsp; There is no pretence for
+styling Mr. Palmer a Ritualist nor a High Churchman.&nbsp; His
+service occupies a position between the latter and what is known
+as extreme Low Church.&nbsp; His prayers are not intoned, but
+monotoned; his music is Anglican; his chancel is freshened up
+with modest ornament; <a name="page38"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 38</span>the choir, although not surpliced, is
+very efficient; the hymns used are &ldquo;Hymns Ancient and
+Modern.&rdquo;&nbsp; He considers that &ldquo;a dislike to
+Ritualism had in many cases produced tediously dreary services,
+and painfully indecorous conduct in church,&rdquo; and has been
+influenced by a desire to give &ldquo;heartiness&rdquo; and
+&ldquo;reverence&rdquo; to the service.&nbsp; The words are
+probably a little too strong to convey the true meaning.&nbsp;
+Tedium and indecorum are, alas, things incidental to High service
+as well as Low, and must by no means be connected essentially
+with a plain and simple performance of worship.&nbsp; Mr. Palmer
+has an interesting, well-conducted congregation of a very
+respectable class, with a fair intermixture of the humbler
+classes, especially in the evening.&nbsp; It struck us that the
+assembly was heartily devout; but was not yet thoroughly
+congregational in the singing.&nbsp; The last published pastoral
+bears evidence to the energy with which the minister follows out
+his plans for usefulness; but he has occasion still to notice a
+degree of <i>unpunctuality</i> in attendance at the service, many
+not being in their places at the reading of the general
+confession.&nbsp; It is gratifying to see a clergyman dealing
+faithfully with his people and entering into the details of their
+practice, not shrinking from pointing out their failings as
+occasion offers, but in an anxious and kindly spirit.&nbsp; For
+this Mr. Palmer is to be admired, and his people will love him
+all the more.&nbsp; Shortcomers have no objection to be
+faithfully dealt with, if done in a genial temper; and it is a
+mistake to suppose that winking at irregularities of this kind
+pleases anybody.</p>
+<p>Beyond the church and church work there are few things to be
+noticed in St. James&rsquo;s.&nbsp; We have only been able to
+ascertain one very special matter of interest, which was found in
+the book of the register of marriages.&nbsp; The marriage of a
+certain Edward Walker and Ann Whinfield Williams, which took
+place on Sept. 30, 1847, was attested by no less a personage than
+the present ex-Emperor Napoleon&mdash;then as now an exile in
+this country.&nbsp; As we read the handwriting, &ldquo;Napoleon
+Louis B.,&rdquo; followed by another, &ldquo;Count de
+Montauban,&rdquo; a crowd of reflections rushed to our minds such
+as probably our own age alone could supply.</p>
+<p>Services on Sunday are at 11 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>,
+3.30, and 7 <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; Holy Communion
+is celebrated on the first, third, and fifth Sunday in the month
+after &ldquo;Morning Prayer,&rdquo; and on other Sundays at 9
+<span class="smcap">a.m.</span></p>
+<h3>ST. MARK&rsquo;S, NOTTING-HILL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">St. Mark&rsquo;s</span>, Notting-hill,
+takes one by surprise, it being almost hidden from view until the
+visitor turns the corner of the St. Mark&rsquo;s-road.&nbsp; The
+west elevation possesses some good composition, and is boldly
+treated.&nbsp; The tower stands at the south-west angle of the
+building, and is surmounted by a broached spire, covered with
+slate in coloured bands, and terminating in a weathercock, with
+the cardinal points indicated, relieved by spire lights.&nbsp;
+The spire dies into a square brick tower, banded in colour with
+stone dressing.&nbsp; The belfry windows are deeply recessed with
+marble shafts and foliated caps, with sharp-pointed
+lancets.&nbsp; The tower also contains one of the western
+entrances to church, which forms an excellent feature.&nbsp; It
+is treated as a square-headed double door, with the tympanum
+enclosed by a large hood mould, encircling well-carved panels in
+relief, containing the emblems of the Evangelists.&nbsp; The
+principal gable contains a three-light, simply-designed west
+window, with a series of lancets, and small buttresses
+below.&nbsp; A porch also at the north-west angle, in harmony
+with the rest of the front is plainly and boldly designed, and is
+flanked by a stone pinnacle, the use of which we do not quite
+understand.&nbsp; One of the most striking portions of the
+outside, however, are a series of flying buttresses, which are,
+unfortunately, nearly hidden from view by the closely-surrounding
+houses.&nbsp; These buttresses spring from square piers, standing
+perfectly free from the church, and in perspective giving the
+effect of a north and south cloister arcade.&nbsp; The finials
+are of iron.</p>
+<p>Entering the church by either of the before-mentioned porches,
+they lead into large lobbies, containing the gallery stairs,
+separated by screen walls one from the other; in the northwest
+porch is a large and handsome stone bench, the elbows well cut,
+and each ornamented with a Maltese cross.</p>
+<p>The interior may really be said to be grand, owing very much
+to the imposing height of the nave and the fearless nature of the
+detail of roof and clerestory; the bold ribs, the bold sustaining
+caps and corbels, all with sharply-defined and clean cut foliage,
+indicating a skilled hand in design.&nbsp; We confess not to be
+very fond of many bands of brick and stone, they give to an
+interior a sliced appearance and take away from the effect of
+space; yet, notwithstanding this defect, there can be no question
+of a fine effect of heights.</p>
+<p>The detail of galleries&mdash;the arrangement of the arcade
+and iron columns, with the clustered angle columns at the
+transepts&mdash;resembles St. George&rsquo;s, Campden-hill, which
+was planned from the pattern of St. Mark&rsquo;s.&nbsp; The
+transept and chancel aisle arcade is also similarly
+treated.&nbsp; The church is cruciform in plan, with the
+galleries free of the transepts.&nbsp; The north transept
+contains the organ in a sort of high-legged loft, which rather
+looks like putting the organ out of the way.&nbsp; A fine
+chancel-arch shows nearly the whole of the apsidal <a
+name="page39"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 39</span>chancel, the
+walls of which are well-covered with a tessalace of tiles.&nbsp;
+Seven steps lead up to the Communion space, the pulpit is raised
+on four clustered shafts of red Mansfield stone, with
+richly-carved caps, and handsomely enclosed with good ironwork,
+instead of the usual stone box.&nbsp; The choir-stalls and
+prayer-desk are complete and of good design, and the brass
+lectern is well-raised.&nbsp; The pewing and bench-ends strike us
+as being too heavy.&nbsp; The font is peculiarly elegant and
+graceful, and is a good specimen of early work.&nbsp; The
+passages are all paved with tile of dark colour.&nbsp; The style
+of the church is early English ornately treated, if anything
+perhaps a little too much so, the charm and beauty of early work
+being its extreme simplicity.</p>
+<p>St. Mark&rsquo;s was consecrated on Nov. 27, 1863, by Bishop
+Tait, the foundation-stone having been laid Nov. 1 in the
+previous year.&nbsp; E. B. Keeling, Esq., was the architect, and
+Messrs. Dove, Bros., the builders, and the cost in all
+7,720<i>l.</i>&nbsp; A debt of about 1,000<i>l.</i> on the
+building account was discharged by the contributions of the
+congregation within the first three years.&nbsp; The site was
+given by Mr. Blake, a freeholder in Notting-hill, and the sum of
+5,000<i>l.</i> presented towards the building by the present
+patron&mdash;a great gift and benefit to the locality.&nbsp; The
+church is furnished with a good organ, built originally by Hunter
+and Webb at a cost of 450<i>l.</i>, but which has been
+considerably improved since by Bryceson, by the addition of
+several stops, including the <i>vox humana</i>, at the moderate
+further outlay of 65<i>l.</i>&nbsp; The instrument is skilfully
+employed in the service by Mr. Tamplin, professor of music, who
+has associated with him rather a numerous choir, which has,
+within the last twelve months only, taken to surplices.&nbsp; In
+the first instance the service at this church was Evangelically
+plain; but within the last three years, monotoning the prayers
+and chanting the psalms have been introduced, as well as a large
+increase of Eucharistic celebrations, and now more recently the
+surpliced choir.&nbsp; These changes have occurred under the same
+pastorate&mdash;that of the Rev. Edward Kaye Kendall&mdash;who
+has been Vicar of St. Mark&rsquo;s from its foundation.&nbsp; Mr.
+Kendall is an enlightened and able minister, as is evident from
+his pastoral circulars and the good reputation he has among his
+people; and we presume is fully satisfied in his own mind as to
+these changes, although some others have not approved them.&nbsp;
+His congregation is good.&nbsp; The church, including the
+accommodation of <i>telescopic</i> seats, will hold 1,500, 1,000
+of the sittings being rentable, and 500 free.&nbsp; The average
+congregation is about a thousand or over; and, together with a
+large proportion of the higher middle class, there are many
+poor.&nbsp; Earnest parochial work is being done.&nbsp; Quite
+recently capital school buildings have been erected in St.
+Mark&rsquo;s road, where there is an average attendance on
+week-days of near 400 children of both sexes, including infants,
+and on Sundays 350.&nbsp; At the first a house close to the site
+was rented and used as a school, but soon it was so crowded in
+every room, and even on the stairs, that to obtain better
+accommodation became a necessity, and it is gratifying to note
+that the liberality of Mr. Kendall&rsquo;s friends and
+congregation has enabled him to accomplish this work with so much
+expedition and success.&nbsp; A separate service is held for the
+children on Sunday mornings in the schoolrooms, conducted
+principally by lay-helpers, whose church-work the Vicar is very
+anxious to utilise.&nbsp; Once a-month the children are also
+taken to a service in the church in the afternoon.&nbsp; There is
+a &ldquo;Lay-helpers&rsquo; Association,&rdquo; the members of
+which, with the district visitors, have done much towards filling
+the church with people, and in extending parochial work in
+general.&nbsp; There is also a &ldquo;Mothers&rsquo;
+Meeting,&rdquo; a &ldquo;Clothing Repository,&rdquo; a Provident
+and a Maternity and Sick Funds, a Needlewomen&rsquo;s
+Institution, a Lending Library, and a Soup-kitchen in
+winter.&nbsp; For these various objects, as well as for several
+foreign Christian enterprises, the offertory account amounted
+last year to 663<i>l.</i> 2s. 6d.&nbsp; There is no endowment,
+and the clergy are supported and all expenditure provided for by
+the pew-rents and other voluntary means.&nbsp; The usual services
+are: Sundays, at 11, 3.30 <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>, and 7
+<span class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; Weekdays, on Wednesday,
+prayers at 11 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>, and Fridays
+prayers at 11 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>, and prayers and
+sermon at 7.30 <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; Communion
+every Sunday at 8.30 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>, and after
+morning service, and on every holy day falling on a weekday at 8
+<span class="smcap">a.m.</span></p>
+<p>We had not the opportunity of hearing the Rev. Vicar on
+Sunday, July 23, 1871, his place being supplied by the Right Rev.
+the Bishop of Honolulu (Dr. Staley).&nbsp; The prayers were
+monotoned by the Rev. F. F. Kelly, LL.M., who succeeded to the
+curacy at Christmas last, upon the removal of the Rev. A. H. Dunn
+to Acton, where we understand the latter is very usefully
+employed as a missionary in originating a new church, of which he
+is to be the future vicar.</p>
+<h3>ALL SAINTS&rsquo;, NOTTING HILL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">All Saints</span>, <span
+class="smcap">Notting-hill</span>, once looked desolate and
+forsaken.&nbsp; It was like a church in a desert, and for a long
+time remained so; but now the houses and pleasant squares have
+grown up around it, and we can say it is situated in
+Colville-gardens.&nbsp; It is early English in style, built of
+stone in regular course, and covered with slate.&nbsp; At a
+distance it is cathedral-like in miniature, and it is not too
+much to say so, for upon a closer inspection the beautiful detail
+of all its parts quite satisfies the mind of the artist, and he
+leaves it without a <a name="page40"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+40</span>feeling of disappointment.&nbsp; The roofs are peculiar
+in the rise of their ridges at the gables.&nbsp; This gives a
+somewhat broken look to them.&nbsp; The tower is very handsome,
+but unfinished.&nbsp; It requires the lantern to be completed,
+and marble shafts are required at the belfry windows.&nbsp; The
+church has three entrances&mdash;one in the tower to the west, by
+a handsome south porch, and by a north door.&nbsp; Slightly
+cruciform in plan, without nave aisles, transepts, chancel, and
+aisles, the nave arcade is peculiarly good, clustered marble
+shafts, and well-designed caps and bases, with full moulding to
+the arches.&nbsp; The clerestory is excellent in detail, and the
+ring-post and ribbed roof is a change from the usual style of
+church roof.&nbsp; The aisle corridors, too, are treated as a
+light arcade with clustered marble columns.&nbsp; The church is
+light, and the windows are filled with tinted and figured glass,
+also some good stained glass in the aisles.&nbsp; The pulpit and
+font are of alabaster; the pewing is light and of good design;
+the flooring is tiled.&nbsp; The organ in south transept is
+raised in a gallery of its own.&nbsp; The eastern wall of the
+Sacrarium is decorated with fresco, rather floridly
+painted&mdash;the angel saluting Mary and the birth of
+Christ.&nbsp; These frescoes have been universally recommended by
+art judges.</p>
+<p>All Saints was consecrated in 1851, and represented an outlay
+of 20,000<i>l.</i>&nbsp; The tower alone cost
+10,000<i>l.</i>&mdash;a very large sum, when we consider the
+incomplete character of the object on which it was spent.&nbsp;
+One chief thing about it worth notice is its bell; which tolls
+for church, and which has a deep and rich tone, reminding the
+ear, more than any other in the vicinity, of a cathedral
+&ldquo;Tom.&rdquo;&nbsp; The church is furnished with a very fine
+organ, by Messrs. Gray and Davidson, and cost
+1,500<i>l.</i>&nbsp; It has forty stops, including the <i>vox
+humana</i>, and is, at present, under the management of Mr.
+Walker, a pupil of Dr. Steggall.&nbsp; There is sitting
+accommodation for between 1,100 and 1,200, 300 sittings being
+free, and the remainder letting at from one to two guineas per
+annum.&nbsp; The congregation is of a highly respectable class,
+and apparently matured and settled.&nbsp; The clergy consisting
+of the Rev. John Light, M.A., and three curates, the Revs.
+Messrs. Bathurst Coults, and Griffiths, are supported entirely
+from pew-rents, and a weekly offertory, which produces between
+500<i>l.</i> and 600<i>l.</i> a-year, meets all other
+expenses.&nbsp; With regard to the service at All Saints it is
+moderately High Church; in every part of it there is an imitation
+of cathedral effects.&nbsp; There is a good choir, with surplices
+of course.&nbsp; Twelve of the boys have a free literary and
+musical education under one of the curates in what is termed the
+Choir School, the efficiency of the choir being thus continuously
+provided for.&nbsp; The singing is of a superior
+order&mdash;lively and spirited&mdash;and sufficiently wide of
+the Gregorian monotone.&nbsp; The <i>Te Deum</i> and <i>Jubilate
+Deo</i> are sung as anthems with good effect.&nbsp; The Prayers
+and Psalms are intoned, and the responses sung by the choir and
+congregation.&nbsp; And in excess of what is sometimes witnessed
+in High churches, the General Confession was intoned by the
+priest, and responded by the choir and people in song; and the
+Commandments were intoned by the Vicar himself.&nbsp; It may be
+observed that the assistant curate knelt with his back to the
+congregation, whilst the Vicar intoned the Commandments.&nbsp; At
+the name of Jesus in every place the minister and people
+bow.&nbsp; A more striking illustration of the inconvenience of
+this carried to excess could not be witnessed than in the singing
+of one of the hymns.&nbsp; It was Hymn 314 in the Appendix to
+&ldquo;Hymns Ancient and Modern,&rdquo; &ldquo;When morning gilds
+the sky,&rdquo; &amp;c.&nbsp; There are eight verses of six short
+lines each, and in every third line the sacred name
+occurs&mdash;that is sixteen times in the course of the
+hymn.&nbsp; And the hymn being quickly sung, the head was kept in
+almost constant motion.&nbsp; The Nicene Creed was also
+sung.&nbsp; Then followed the sermon.&nbsp; The Vicar, ascending
+the pulpit and facing the congregation, whilst yet standing,
+pronounces, &ldquo;To God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost;&rdquo;
+and at once gives out his text.&nbsp; It was a brief address of
+fifteen minutes, delivered without book or note.&nbsp; High
+Churchism pretty much sets on one side the old-established Gospel
+and Apostolic institution of &ldquo;preaching the
+Word.&rdquo;&nbsp; In the present instance, here was a minister
+of very considerable natural and acquired ability, which all who
+know him must allow places him far above mediocrity; there was a
+magnificent text of Scripture to discourse upon, &ldquo;For our
+conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the
+Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.&rdquo; (3 Phil. xx. 1.)&nbsp; It
+would have been refreshing had there been time for this Scripture
+to have received a more adequate illustration from the lips of
+Mr. Light.&nbsp; But there are two full services every day, four
+on every Sunday and on festivals.&nbsp; Two administrations of
+the Holy Communion on Song Sunday and Festival; three sermons
+every Sunday, the brevity of which is justified at All Saints
+upon the principle, &ldquo;That as God&rsquo;s house is a house
+of prayer, and not merely a house of preaching, the service
+should be put before sermons.&rdquo;&nbsp; But may not this
+notion be carried too far?&nbsp; What is the relation between
+<i>preaching the Gospel</i> and a proper devout performance of
+general Christian service, implied in true conversion and
+progress in spiritual life?&nbsp; We are not advocates for long
+sermons, but it appears to us to abbreviate them as some are
+doing is calculated to impair or defeat the higher spiritual
+objects of public worship.</p>
+<h3><a name="page41"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 41</span>THE
+CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, KENSINGTON.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Church of St. John the Baptist
+is a temporary iron structure, and, like most other buildings of
+the sort, offers no point for architectural notice.&nbsp; It is,
+however, very good of its kind, and is, externally&mdash;as seen
+in the comparatively vacant part of the new Holland-road in which
+its stands&mdash;more picturesque than some others we have had to
+review.&nbsp; But the approaches to it are at present quite
+unformed, and when autumn and winter returns&mdash;unless
+something be done&mdash;the state of the road can scarcely be
+expected to help the congregation.&nbsp; We are glad, however, to
+hear that road improvement is in immediate contemplation.&nbsp;
+The interior is fitted with plain benches, and the temporary
+chancel neatly arranged, with a slight tendency to
+ornament.&nbsp; The church was at first rented from the builder,
+but has since been purchased.&nbsp; It has sittings for about 900
+persons, of which one half from east to west are free.&nbsp; Of
+the other half a proportion only are at present let, at rentals
+varying from 1<i>l.</i> 1s. 0d. to 30s. per annum; so that a
+great majority of the congregation appear to avail themselves of
+the free seats.&nbsp; The church was opened in February, 1869,
+being planted in and intended to form a sub division in the
+ecclesiastical division of St. Barnabas, Kensington.&nbsp; The
+Rev. George Booker is incumbent and vicar designate.&nbsp; The
+rev. gentleman is at present without assistance in the services,
+except on Sunday evenings, when the Rev. Dr. Cosmo R. Gordon,
+minister of St. Mary&rsquo;s, Park-street, Grosvenor-square, and
+head-master of the Notting-hill Collegiate School, is
+lecturer.&nbsp; In consequence of this arrangement, the Sunday
+evening lectures at this church are highly appreciated, Dr.
+Gordon being a talented and an esteemed preacher.&nbsp; The Rev.
+G. Booker, we believe, has set before him in the
+services&mdash;&ldquo;To realise the spirit of the Prayer-book
+<i>as it is</i>, and not as any extreme party, High or Low, would
+wish it to be.&rdquo;&nbsp; There is, however, nothing in the
+general service but what is reconcilable with High Churchism,
+although it does not appear to be intended.&nbsp; Unisonal
+chanting has been introduced within the last few weeks, on
+account of its greater volume of sound, the acoustic qualities of
+the church being very indifferent; but partly, also, from the
+difficulty felt in this as other churches in keeping together a
+complete double choir for antiphonal singing, where the services
+of the lay-clerks are voluntary.&nbsp; There is, however, a great
+preponderance of chanting in monotone, and this, whilst the
+minister intones his parts in the service, gives to the whole the
+impress of High Church service.&nbsp; There is a four-part
+surpliced choir of considerable efficiency, and one is apt to
+think it might appear to greater advantage in another style of
+singing.&nbsp; But the Rev. Mr. Booker is personally a minister
+of an earnest, evangelical type.&nbsp; His reading of the
+Scriptures is deliberate and most appropriate in tone and manner,
+and his sermon is by no means stultified in deference to the
+other parts of the service.&nbsp; This is a great merit.&nbsp;
+The sermon we had the privilege of hearing was founded on Luke
+xvi. 9: &ldquo;And I say unto you make to yourselves friends of
+the mammon of unrighteousness; that when ye fail they may receive
+you into everlasting habitations.&rdquo;&nbsp; There was a very
+clear exposition of the parable of the unjust steward, and the
+right use as against the abuse of riches was cogently put, with a
+due amount of illustration and enforcement.&nbsp; We do not
+remember to have listened to a more instructive, practical, and
+useful treatment of this somewhat delicate subject.</p>
+<p>The maintenance of the clergy, church expenses, interest on
+purchase money, &amp;c., are objects to which the proceeds of the
+pew-rents and weekly offertory are devoted.&nbsp; The former
+source of income is at present limited and undeveloped.&nbsp; The
+offertory, up to this time, averages about 330<i>l.</i> per
+annum.</p>
+<p>There is a very excellent middle-class school in connection
+with this church, conducted by Mr. Studdy, a B.A. of the London
+University.&nbsp; In this school the boys of the choir are
+amongst the pupils and have their education free.</p>
+<h3>THE CARMELITE CHURCH, KENSINGTON.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Carmelite Church in Church
+street, Kensington, is built of plain brick and stone and covered
+with slate, and though plainly treated and of simple and almost
+severe design, is nevertheless a good specimen of modern early
+English church-building.&nbsp; The east front (the church stands
+east and west) is the principal feature externally.&nbsp; It
+contains a fine rose window and double entrance doors; those
+doors open into a lobby to the right and left.&nbsp; The inside
+is certainly very good, and reminds one a great deal of the style
+of the Pro-Cathedral, but slightly more decorated and ornate,
+though not so large.&nbsp; It has a fine effect of height, and
+the roofs are handsomely decorated&mdash;between the rafters
+having gold stars on a blue ground.&nbsp; The plan of the church
+is simple; a nave and aisles, and the west end is treated as an
+apse, in which stands the high altar, very fine and richly
+decorated, with crocheted canopy, pinnacles, and niches.&nbsp;
+The nave arcade requires to be finished, and the plaster arches
+present a very <a name="page42"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+42</span>poor effect.&nbsp; It is to be regretted that such a
+substitute has been employed.&nbsp; The church has a number of
+chapels, altars, confessional boxes, &amp;c., usually found in
+Roman Catholic churches.&nbsp; The floors of passages are paved
+with tiles, and the nave is occupied with simple pewing.&nbsp;
+The pulpit is very plain, almost ugly.&nbsp; Some good stained
+glass fills the windows of the apse and some of the aisle
+windows, but we do not admire the red glass of the
+clerestory.</p>
+<p>The Church of the Carmelite Fathers was opened six years ago,
+having been erected at a cost of 5,000<i>l.</i>, after the design
+of Mr. Pugin, architect, of Ramsgate, by Mr. Smith, builder, of
+the same town.&nbsp; The organ, which is a very splendid
+instrument, built by Cavaille and Co., of Paris, and which is
+equally remarkable for its soft and powerful tones, cost
+2,000<i>l.</i>&nbsp; The altars, furniture, confessionals,
+&amp;c., cost about 3,000<i>l.</i> more, so that there is here
+represented an outlay of at least 10,000<i>l.</i></p>
+<p>The fathers, who occupy the monastery adjoining, and serve the
+church only&mdash;having no parish work&mdash;are at present five
+in number.&nbsp; The prior is the Rev. Stanislaus Viney; and the
+second and following priests are, Signors Lignori, Eschewiria,
+Felix Rizzo, Hillarion Berger, and Edmund Sharples&mdash;four
+Italians and one Englishman.&nbsp; There are services every hour
+from seven <span class="smcap">a.m.</span> to eleven; and on
+Sundays vespers at half past three <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; Sermon and benediction, high-mass
+at eleven <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>&nbsp; There are two
+confraternities&mdash;that of St. Peter and the
+Arch-confraternity of Thanksgiving.&nbsp; In connexion with the
+first was established in 1863, at the invitation of Cardinal
+Wiseman, &ldquo;nocturnal adoration&rdquo; of the
+sacrament.&nbsp; Each active member&mdash;who can only be a male
+person&mdash;has to watch once a-month one hour at night&mdash;a
+bed being provided for him in the monastery the remainder of the
+night.&nbsp; Fourteen members of this confraternity are summoned
+for every Wednesday, and attend at ten <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>, the &ldquo;Service of
+Exposition&rdquo; and prayers, after which all but two retire to
+the dormitory.&nbsp; These two then commence the &ldquo;Adoration
+of the Sacrament.&rdquo;&nbsp; Ladies are admitted as honorary
+members only, and their privileges are to partake with the others
+of the &ldquo;merit of the adoration,&rdquo; to be allowed to
+&ldquo;forward their intentions to be prayed for,&rdquo; and to
+pay a subscription of 2s. 6d. annually.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The Arch-confraternity of Thanksgiving&rdquo; has for
+its special objects to render thanks for gifts, and above all for
+the &ldquo;gift of God&mdash;the Eucharist.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+&ldquo;To make up for the frightful ingratitude of the greater
+number of men.&rdquo;&nbsp; For all benefits, but especially for
+Jesus, &ldquo;Who is really present on our altars in the Divine
+Eucharist as pontiff and victim.&nbsp; For the Eucharist is not
+only the gift of God to men, but the sacrifice of men offered to
+God.&rdquo;&nbsp; The sole obligation of the brothers and sisters
+is to &ldquo;recite every day as a thanksgiving for all men,
+three <i>Our Fathers</i>, three <i>Hail Marys</i>, and <i>three
+Glorias</i>.&rdquo;&nbsp; The rewards promised to this
+confraternity are <i>special plenary indulgences</i>&mdash;</p>
+<p>1.&nbsp; <i>On the</i> &ldquo;<i>usual conditions</i>, <i>on
+the day aggregation</i>.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>2.&nbsp; <i>At the point of death</i>.</p>
+<p>3.&nbsp; <i>On the second Thursday of each month</i>.</p>
+<p>4.&nbsp; On the Thursday of <i>Corpus Christi</i>.</p>
+<p>5.&nbsp; On the 8th of September, the feast of the
+&ldquo;Immaculate Conception.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>6.&nbsp; One of seven years and seven quarantains; whenever an
+hour of adoration is made before the sacrament.</p>
+<p>7.&nbsp; One of 300 days attaching to the reciting of three
+&ldquo;Our Fathers,&rdquo; three &ldquo;Hail Marys,&rdquo; and
+three &ldquo;Glorias.&rdquo;&nbsp; All these indulgences are
+further declared to be &ldquo;applicable to souls in
+Purgatory,&rdquo; and subjects of them are exhorted to use prayer
+especially for this object.&nbsp; All this is enforced by the
+following reflection: &ldquo;Association tends rather to pay our
+debts to heaven than to acquire new personal gifts.&nbsp; Would
+not this end be sooner attained by placing in the merciful hands
+of the Virgin the suffrages obtained by the exercise of our
+gratitude, so that she may dispose of them as she pleases in
+favour of the poor suffering souls who are still waiting for
+their deliverance from the <i>expiatory</i> flames?&nbsp; Heaven
+would thus be opened for the souls whom Mary loves
+best.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Such is Popery, in the very heart of West London!&nbsp; The
+church is capable of holding about 800 people; but the
+congregation is usually not full.&nbsp; There is no preacher of
+any note, but the English priest, E. Sharples, is represented to
+be the best and most acceptable.&nbsp; There are three side
+altars on each side of the church, besides the High Altar, and an
+equal number of confessionals, and the church is open all the
+day.&nbsp; A quiet midweek afternoon was the occasion of our
+visit.&nbsp; It was very warm; and here, at this confessional or
+altar and the other, was a lady or a girl, bending in
+silence.</p>
+<h3>THE TABERNACLE, KENSINGTON.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">Kensington Tabernacle</span>, in
+Horton-street, close to the High-street, is a very neat-looking
+modernised building, so far at least as its west front goes; all
+has been done for it that stucco can do, and its entrance arcade
+gives to it an uncommon appearance, unlike the usual arrangements
+applied to chapels.</p>
+<p>The interior, with its large encircling gallery, good pulpit,
+harmonium, nice pewing, make up a very satisfactory whole; but
+the great charm of the interior consists in the quiet, excellent
+taste displayed in the coloured decoration and painting, very
+much to be admired, and worthy of imitation, and seeming to tell
+its own tale of <a name="page43"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+43</span>the simplicity and the faith of the congregation that
+worship there.</p>
+<p>The history of Hornton street Chapel has been various and
+chequered.&nbsp; The church connected with it has been
+successively Presbyterian, Congregational, and Baptist.&nbsp; The
+old Presbyterian cause in Kensington began to shape itself about
+the year 1790, when the few united together met in a plain
+barn-like building at a place called South-end, at the end of St.
+James&rsquo;s-street, leading out of Kensington-square.&nbsp; The
+most remarkable part of the church&rsquo;s history here was that
+it was right in the teeth of the noted local infidel of that day,
+Tom Taylor, who held near the same spot what he called his
+&ldquo;Hell-fire Club,&rdquo; in which, with his rough disciples,
+he used to meet, and rave against religion and society.&nbsp;
+From hence, we believe, the corner is vulgarly known by the awful
+nomenclature of &ldquo;Hell-fire-corner.&rdquo;&nbsp; From this
+scene the church removed to Hornton-street in 1793.&nbsp; Three
+of the members had joined their means and influence to procure
+this more eligible meeting-house.&nbsp; They were a Mr. Gray, a
+nurseryman, Mr. Broadwood, the founder of the great pianoforte
+firm, and Mr. Foreacre, the then coachman of King George
+III.&nbsp; Of these three worthies it is told that they built the
+chapel by bond-deeds, the amount of responsibility being equally
+divided among them.&nbsp; Some time after the opening there
+remained still due to each of them 600<i>l.</i>, 1,800<i>l</i>.
+in all; and at a certain meeting of the deacons, one of them took
+up the poker from the grate and, winding his bond round the end
+of it, thrust it into the fire, the other two immediately
+following his example.&nbsp; By this noble act the chapel was
+freed from debt, there remaining only a ground-rent of 8<i>l.</i>
+8s. per annum.&nbsp; It is also related that the royal coachman
+about this time dropped a handful of tracts into the coach one
+day, when about to take out his royal master, and the King, who
+it appears perused the tracts diligently, afterwards commanded
+his devout servant to get him a further supply.&nbsp; The Rev.
+Dr. Lake was the first minister, in whose time members of the
+Royal Family from Kensington Palace rented a pew in the
+chapel.&nbsp; He was succeeded in the pastorate by the Revs. John
+Clayton, Dr. Liefchild, Dr. Vaughn, and Dr. Stoughton, now of
+Allen-street Chapel, our account of which we should recommend to
+be read in connexion with this.&nbsp; In the time of the latter
+pastorate, Hornton-street Tabernacle became the parent of two
+other chapels&mdash;viz., Horbury and Allen-street, to the latter
+of which Dr. Stoughton attached himself with his church.&nbsp;
+The chapel was then closed for a considerable time, and used only
+as an appendage to Allen-street for school accommodation,
+&amp;c.&nbsp; There was, however, a division of opinion in the
+matter, a few of the old members, contending that the chapel
+should still have been used for its original purpose, and that
+there was in the town abundant room for a second cause.&nbsp; To
+this Dr. Stoughton himself was decidedly opposed, and
+consequently it remained closed until it had been purchased by
+the Metropolitan Railway Company, who, needing the schools in the
+rear for the progress of their works, were compelled to take the
+whole property.&nbsp; 4,000<i>l.</i> was thus obtained, with
+which Dr. Stoughton was enabled to build his present superior
+schools in Allen-street.&nbsp; In the meantime, Mr. Orchard and a
+few others of the Baptist persuasion, had met in an office, now
+an auction and estate agency, adjoining the old chapel, and
+engaged the Rev. R. J. Mesquitta, of Mr. Spurgeon&rsquo;s
+College, as pastor.&nbsp; That minister&rsquo;s success was so
+great that they were shortly obliged to adjourn to the Avenue
+Assembly Rooms.&nbsp; Whilst here, the railway company put the
+old chapel into the market to be let.&nbsp; The church availed
+itself of the opportunity and returned to it, undertaking it at
+an annual rental of 115<i>l.</i>&nbsp; This was about a year and
+a half ago.&nbsp; 600<i>l.</i> was required to put it in order,
+build galleries, &amp;c., which was promptly promised by members
+of the congregation.&nbsp; One would have thought that this was
+the beginning of better days; but, alas! through some evil
+fortune, it was the beginning of a new and distressing
+decline.&nbsp; In the settlement of the property now acquired in
+the chapel, the four persons who had transacted the business, it
+appears, did it all in their own names, without any legal
+reference to the church for which they were the intended
+trustees.&nbsp; This certainly was an error, from which one
+subsequently, when he discovered the effect, was honourably
+anxious to disentangle himself.&nbsp; The other three, however,
+held out against the remonstrances of the minister, Mr. Orchard,
+and others, who had made themselves responsible for the money to
+those whom they had looked upon as trustees.&nbsp; The natural
+ultimate consequence was, that the minister left in the midst of
+his usefulness, the members and congregation quitted their seats,
+and the church became again a wreck.&nbsp; To this state of
+things the present pastor, the Rev. Mr. Hawes, succeeded a short
+time since.&nbsp; He appears to be a minister of great
+earnestness of purpose.&nbsp; He is a good Evangelical preacher,
+and delivers himself mainly extempore, with considerable power
+and unction, and it can only be hoped that he will succeed in
+repairing the breaches of Zion, and building up this church
+anew.&nbsp; There are about 700 seats, 300 of which&mdash;all the
+galleries&mdash;are free.&nbsp; There is a small Sunday-school,
+having about 60 scholars of both sexes.</p>
+<h3><a name="page44"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 44</span>PALACE
+GARDEN CHAPEL, KENSINGTON.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">Close</span> to the Mall and the
+High-street, Notting-hill, is a large, gloomy-looking structure
+of the Classical School, not that it is by any means a good
+example of classical work; it is heavy and badly proportioned as
+regards its stucco-pediment cornice and columns, the latter
+engaged, and the spaces bricked in and filled with window and
+doors with stucco dressings.&nbsp; The interior we are not able
+to report upon, the chapel being without a congregation.</p>
+<p>This chapel was built nine years ago by Mr. Robert Offord, of
+Kensington, for his brother, the Rev. John Offord, then of
+Plymouth.&nbsp; It appears to have been originally designed for a
+Baptist Chapel, being provided with a baptistry; but the Rev. Mr.
+Offord from the first gathered around him Christian people of all
+denominations, and formed what may be termed an open union
+church.&nbsp; Of this he was the minister about seven years, and
+won himself high esteem with all who could appreciate Christian
+learning and excellence of character.&nbsp; He was not in the
+general sense popular as a preacher, but drew around him a goodly
+number of admiring friends, and the congregation prospered.&nbsp;
+The chapel contains accommodation for 1,000 persons, and the
+average congregation in his time was between 600 and 700.&nbsp;
+The chapel, however, was the private property of Mr. Robert
+Offord, and it had never been settled upon trust for the benefit
+of the church, but had, in fact, been hired by the congregation
+of the owner, at a rental of 200<i>l.</i> a-year.&nbsp; The
+consequence was that, when the owner died, about two years ago,
+some confusion ensued in the affairs of the church.&nbsp; The
+minister and his friends, not feeling equal to the task of
+undertaking a chapel in no degree their own, were inaugurating
+arrangements to remove to some other place, when, in the
+providence of God, the minister himself&mdash;surviving his
+brother but by a little time&mdash;was called away by
+death.&nbsp; The chapel was then put into the market for sale,
+and was bought for 5,500<i>l.</i> by the late Dr. Schwartz, of
+well-known German Jewish origin, but converted to the Protestant
+faith and ultimately a Presbyterian minister.&nbsp; As a
+condition of concluding the purchase, the property was made
+freehold, which must be a great advantage to all subsequent
+owners.&nbsp; This was all in last year, and Dr. Schwartz entered
+upon his labours, but only for a short time.&nbsp; Six months
+after his commencement, and only six weeks after his formal
+induction by the presbytery to the pastorate, he, too, was called
+to his rest.&nbsp; And now, the chapel still having remained
+private property, the prospects of the church became as clouded
+and uncertain as ever.&nbsp; It was put again into the market by
+the executors of Dr. Schwartz, in the interests of his widow and
+family, and was brought to the hammer at the Mart, in
+Tokenhouse-yard, on the 14th of June last.&nbsp; The matter had
+now been taken in hand by the presbytery on behalf of the church,
+and they instructed their solicitor, Mr. Lewis, to attend the
+auction and bid for the church to the extent of
+5,000<i>l.</i>&nbsp; He, however, found himself at the Mart, in
+presence of a powerful competitor unknown to him, but who seemed
+resolved to outbid him.&nbsp; He was induced to exceed his limit
+by 225<i>l.</i>, but, being still pressed, declined to follow on
+his own responsibility, and, accordingly, the chapel was knocked
+down to the highest bidder, who turned out to be purchasing for
+the Swedenborgians.&nbsp; Mr. Finney, a wealthy merchant of
+Manchester, had made this body a present of 10,000<i>l.</i> for
+the purpose of establishing a cause in Kensington.&nbsp; Hence
+the sharp competition into which they entered for the edifice,
+which was obtained by them for the sum of 5,000 guineas.&nbsp; It
+is intended to build an organ, and make other improvements, and
+in four or five weeks to open it as the place of assembling for
+the &ldquo;New Jerusalem Church,&rdquo; or, in other words, the
+Swedenborgians.&nbsp; None appear to regret more than the friends
+of the Presbyterian cause themselves the passing entirely away
+from them, and from the use of Orthodox Protestant Christianity,
+of this well-situated and commodious structure.&nbsp; They would
+have given, and on the next day one of them offered a very
+considerable premium to the purchasers to relinquish their
+bargain; but, although remarking that had they known it was the
+congregation of the chapel itself bidding against them they would
+not have persevered, they nevertheless held to their
+purchase.&nbsp; The Congregational Church is at present meeting
+in the Mall Hall, where they hold Divine Service every Sunday,
+and are making inquiry for an eligible site, on which, as soon as
+secured, they are prepared at once to build.</p>
+<h3>ST. CLEMENT&rsquo;S CHURCH, NOTTING HILL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">St. Clement&rsquo;s</span>, Notting-hill,
+situated close to the Lancaster-road and the Potteries, is a very
+noticeable structure&mdash;as simple, indeed, as it is possible
+to be, yet treated with much good feeling and power.&nbsp; The
+style is early English in a rather modest form, plain lancets and
+gables, without decoration or carving.&nbsp; As a faithful
+example of the style, however, it is worthy of notice; and it may
+be observed that a permanent structure, plainly and simply, and
+<a name="page45"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 45</span>therefore
+cheaply treated, is at all times preferable to temporary iron
+buildings, often unworthy to be called churches, but which far
+too often are allowed to be anything but temporary.&nbsp; The
+nave and chancel and aisles have an unbroken line of roof and
+ridge, save that at their intersection a small spire or
+bell-turret rises square on plan, and like the roof is covered
+with slate.&nbsp; The gables and facials add importance to the
+structure.</p>
+<p>The building is of yellow brick with red bands and stone
+dressings, and the construction of the roof might be noted as
+being peculiarly light and elegant in appearance.&nbsp; Mr. St.
+Aubyn was the architect, and was certainly successful in
+producing a building well adapted for hearing and seeing the
+officiating clergy.&nbsp; The ventilation is excellent.&nbsp; The
+nave and aisles are separated by wooden posts or iron columns
+supporting the roofs, taking the place of the ordinary
+arcades.&nbsp; The furniture of the church is in keeping with its
+general character, and the floors are paved with tiles.&nbsp; The
+cost of the whole was 5,500<i>l.</i>&nbsp; There is a very
+sweet-toned organ by Holdich, but we are sorry to learn it is not
+the property of the church, but hired.&nbsp; As, however, it can
+be acquired for the sum of 300<i>l.</i>, or probably something
+less, we hope it will not be long before the congregation will
+own it.&nbsp; It is ably played by Mr. F. K. Blanch, who is
+assisted in the musical parts of the service by a very efficient
+surpliced choir.&nbsp; The cast of the service generally is
+semi-Anglican; the prayers are read and nothing is <i>intoned</i>
+by the clergy; but all the responses are sung by the choir and
+the congregation.&nbsp; The worship appears carefully guarded
+against the peculiarities of High Churchism, without falling into
+the other extreme, and we must confess the performance struck us
+as being hearty and devout, as it regarded both the clergy and
+the congregation.&nbsp; The present ministers are the Rev. Arthur
+Dalgarno Robinson, M.A., of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, vicar, the
+Rev. E. J. Venning, M.A., of Worcester College, Oxford, and the
+Rev. Herbert Rowsell, M.A., of St. John&rsquo;s College,
+Cambridge, curates.&nbsp; We had the pleasure of hearing the Rev.
+Vicar himself, who, in the absence of his curates taking their
+holiday, had all the duty to himself.&nbsp; Mr. Robinson has a
+clear and pleasant voice, distinctly heard in every part of the
+church.&nbsp; He reads with remarkable propriety and effect, a
+matter of first importance in a clergyman.&nbsp; In the sermon,
+which was read, and founded on Deut. iv. 22, referring to the
+last words of the great Jewish lawgiver, and to his not being
+permitted to cross over into the land of promise, but to die in
+that land, the preacher gave evidence of careful study,
+imaginative powers, and deep feeling.&nbsp; The remarks were
+highly instructive, and specially consolatory to the Christian
+chastened in tribulation and disappointed of his earthly
+hopes.&nbsp; The Rev. A. D. Robinson has been incumbent from the
+foundation of the church, which was opened for Divine Service and
+consecrated by the Lord Archbishop of Armagh on Tuesday, the 7th
+May, 1867.&nbsp; It was erected for a district, perhaps the
+poorest in all the Western districts, and containing a population
+according to the recent census of 20,000.&nbsp; It supplies 900
+sittings, the whole of which are free, and has an average
+congregation of from 600 to 700.&nbsp; It is noteworthy that,
+though in the midst of so poor a neighbourhood as the Potteries
+and vicinity, the congregation in the morning does not by any
+means appear of the poorer order, but in the evening many of the
+poor are to be seen enjoying the services.&nbsp; The Argyle
+family, and others from the wealthier parts of the parish of
+Kensington, have taken a warm interest in the St. Clement&rsquo;s
+cause with regard to the peculiar population around.&nbsp; But
+that people have not yet shown great appreciation of these
+Christian efforts.&nbsp; Yet a good work is doing.&nbsp; There is
+the church, in which we are glad to believe the Gospel is
+preached, and into which any poor man can freely enter.&nbsp;
+There is a mission-woman working about among the poorest, both in
+body and soul; but she sadly needs a co-labourer in this useful
+department of Christian work.&nbsp; There are, too, we are
+pleased to add, very capital day and Sunday-schools, where about
+700 of the children of the poor are receiving a sound religious
+and elementary education for the modest fees of 3d. and 2d. per
+week.&nbsp; There is, therefore, the hope that St.
+Clement&rsquo;s will be, more and more, the centre of Christian
+civilisation and religious influence to that needy neighbourhood
+which it was originally intended to be.&nbsp; We heartily wish
+that the Rev. Mr. Robinson could obtain what the particular work
+in which he has embarked really deserves and demands&mdash;viz.,
+a larger amount of general recognition and support from the
+outside public.&nbsp; As the case now stands, he must often look
+around him and say, &ldquo;Truly the harvest is great, but the
+labourers are few.&rdquo;&nbsp; There is a small endowment on the
+church, to which the proceeds of a weekly offertory are
+added.&nbsp; As both sources of income, however, are at present
+small, they can barely suffice to keep up the work even to its
+present standard.&nbsp; We are assured that a little more
+material support would be highly acceptable and useful, well
+bestowed, and gratefully felt and acknowledged at St.
+Clement&rsquo;s.</p>
+<h3><a name="page46"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+46</span>HORBURY CHAPEL</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">Stands</span> at the fork of two
+roads&mdash;the Kensington-park-road and Ladbroke-road&mdash;and
+looks effective and well, which is partly owing to its open
+position, and partly to the grey and sombre appearance of the
+stone of which it is built, and rendered darker, too, by the
+effect of London atmosphere and a little age.&nbsp; The detail is
+not very good.&nbsp; The south front is the principal feature,
+composed of a high-pitched gable and two square flanking towers
+and dwarf tile spires.&nbsp; The towers are relieved with
+windows, simple arcade work, weather bands and strings, and
+oversailing and corbelled courses, and each has a gallery
+entrance.&nbsp; The gable has a terminal with a large window of
+fair design, and divided into four lights.&nbsp; The chief
+entrance to the chapel is also in this front, approached by
+steps.&nbsp; The interior is simple&mdash;roofed in one span with
+light open timbers, and ribs on stone corbels.&nbsp; Galleries on
+iron columns surround three sides of the chapel, parts of which
+in the transepts are set apart for the schools, a large pulpit
+and railed platform, with table and stalls, is at the north end,
+and the body of the chapel is filled with close pews.</p>
+<p>The Horbury Chapel and congregation date from the year 1849;
+and the 21st year of their existence was celebrated in 1870 by
+the erection of side galleries and by other improvements, at a
+cost of about 950<i>l.</i>&nbsp; Horbury Chapel enterprise was an
+off-shoot from Hornton-street Congregational Church, under the
+care of the Rev. Dr. Stoughton.&nbsp; The Rev. W. Roberts, B.A.,
+is the minister, and enjoys the reputation of an able and
+judicious pastor of his flock.&nbsp; There is accommodation for
+nearly 1,000 worshippers, and the congregation averages from 550
+to 650.&nbsp; The pew-rents yield about 500<i>l.</i> per annum,
+and the weekly offerings 120<i>l.</i>&nbsp; There are excellent
+day-schools attached, with 400 children on the books, and an
+attendance of 300; also a Sunday-school, with an attendance of
+about 200.&nbsp; There is an out-school, too, in Notting-dale,
+with 115 under instruction and a ragged-school in Ernest-street,
+which is eminently useful in collecting together a class of
+children who would not otherwise be cared for.&nbsp; 100 are in
+attendance at the infant day-school, and 50 at the night school,
+and there are 50 in a Sunday-night school.&nbsp; There is a penny
+bank established in connection with the ragged-school, and last
+year there were deposits to the amount of 278<i>l.</i> 8s.
+10d.&nbsp; At a mothers&rsquo; meeting there are usually in
+attendance thirty persons.&nbsp; Following the example of the
+parent congregational church in Hornton-street, the Horbury is
+aggressive in its labours.&nbsp; The increasing population about
+Acton has attracted its attention.&nbsp; A new chapel is built
+there, and it is hoped that a large congregation will shortly be
+gathered into it.&nbsp; There is a tract society&mdash;the useful
+labours of which deserve notice; besides which and its other home
+enterprises the Horbury congregation contributes sums of various
+amount to the London City Mission, the British Missions, the
+Foreign Sailors&rsquo; Society, the London Missionary Society,
+and the Evangelisation of the Jews Society.&nbsp; There is much
+that is gratifying about the unobtrusive Christian character and
+efforts of this church, for which every Christian mind must pray
+them &ldquo;God speed.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The services are: Lord&rsquo;s-day, 11 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span>, 3 <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>
+(Young Women&rsquo;s Bible-class), and 6.30 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; Holy Communion, first Sunday in
+the month, after the morning service, and on the third Sunday,
+after the evening service.&nbsp; Wednesday evening at 7, an
+expository lecture, followed by a Psalmody-class, to practise
+anthems and tunes.&nbsp; Prayer and church meetings at stated
+times.&nbsp; There are six deacons, Messrs. Coats, Cullingford,
+Holt, E. Nash, Starkey (Mrs. S.), and Walton.</p>
+<h3>DENBIGH ROAD WESLEYAN CHAPEL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Wesleyan Chapel situate in the
+Denbigh-road, Notting-hill, is the principal chapel of what is
+marked on the Methodist Conference plan as the <i>Bayswater
+Circuit</i>.&nbsp; It was built in the year 1858, after the
+designs of W. W. Pocock, Esq., architect, and is a fair specimen
+of the Grecian style.&nbsp; In no religious body do tastes as to
+ecclesiastical architecture vary more than among the
+Wesleyans.&nbsp; Some prefer the Gothic of the thirteenth
+century, others the decorated Gothic of the fourteenth.&nbsp;
+Some adopt the perpendicular of a still later date, whilst others
+hold to the Grecian, which was the style in which Mr. Wesley
+himself built.&nbsp; The Wesleyans of Bayswater have followed the
+original Connexional pattern, but have erected a very neat
+edifice, which would be more effective as an ornament to the
+neighbourhood but that its front falls slightly behind the line
+of houses amidst which it stands, and cannot be seen except in
+close proximity.&nbsp; The interior arrangement is noticeable for
+its combined utility and elegance.&nbsp; The seats on the
+ground-floor are arranged in the amphitheatre style, and all made
+to converge to the pulpit, so that every hearer directly faces
+the preacher, and the latter has the most perfect command of all
+his audience.&nbsp; There are galleries on three sides, and in
+the west gallery is a good organ with ornamental pipes, played by
+Mr. <a name="page47"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+47</span>Brocklehurst, and a numerous choir of young persons of
+both sexes, whose singing is lively and animating, the tunes
+being such as the congregation can join in, and which it does
+with remarkable freedom and spirit.&nbsp; The chapel has recently
+been repainted, and decorated very tastefully by Mr. Hearne of
+London, at a cost of 450<i>l.</i>&nbsp; The occasion of our
+visit, Sunday, September 10, 1871, was also the occasion of the
+re-opening after a closing of five weeks for this purpose.&nbsp;
+The work is done in white and gold, and the gilt on the columns,
+gallery fronts, and pulpit, which is a wide platform structure,
+is ample, and, together with the light blue and white and buff of
+the ceiling, contributes to make up one of the prettiest and most
+effective interiors we have yet seen.&nbsp; The original cost of
+the chapel was 4,500<i>l.</i>, and it affords accommodation for
+950 persons, 300 of the sittings being free.&nbsp; After retiring
+from their former chapel in Queen&rsquo;s-road, and securing the
+present site, the Wesleyans, resolved not to build until secure
+of funds to complete the work undertaken, first worshipped in a
+large room.&nbsp; Next, proceeding by degrees, they erected their
+walls and put the roof on, and used the body of the chapel in an
+unfinished state, and finally they built their galleries, and
+completed the furniture, both of the chapel and schoolroom; and,
+what is most gratifying to add, possessed themselves of their
+beautiful sanctuary in its completeness entirely free from
+debt.&nbsp; The Rev. W. M. Punshon, M.A., now President of the
+Canadian Conference, was the first resident minister appointed to
+take charge of this new and important enterprise.&nbsp; Under his
+popular ministry the congregation rapidly increased and reached
+its full dimensions, which it retained to the end of the three
+years itinerant term, every sitting being let and occupied, and
+the aisles also generally being crowded.&nbsp; The Revs. J.
+Rattenbury, George Maunder, J. D. Brocklehurst, who followed Mr.
+Punshon in succession, were also highly popular and useful
+ministers, so that the Denbigh-road congregation has enjoyed all
+the influence and advantage that Methodism could supply, for
+raising up and consolidating a prosperous church.</p>
+<p>The able ministry with which it has been uniformly supplied is
+well maintained in the present appointments, if we may judge from
+our own hearing.&nbsp; The Rev. T. M. Albrighton, the
+superintendent minister of the circuit, and especially attached
+by residence to that chapel, occupied the pulpit; and after an
+impressive reading of the Church prayers, as used by the
+Wesleyans at the morning service, preached an eloquent and
+powerful discourse founded on Zech. vi. 12 and 13, &ldquo;And
+speak unto him saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of Hosts saying,
+Behold the man whose name is the Branch; and he shall grow up out
+of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord; even he
+shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory
+and shall sit and rule upon his throne, and he shall be a priest
+upon his throne, and the counsel of truth shall be between them
+both.&rdquo;&nbsp; This fine text of Scripture was treated in a
+manner indicative of its importance.&nbsp; The sermon was
+delivered extempore, but well studied, and, we should say,
+previously thought out to the last sentence.&nbsp; The discourse
+was replete with theological intelligence, and threw much
+Evangelical light upon the text with which it had to do.&nbsp; It
+was delivered too, with feeling, and evident intention of doing
+good; but this paramount purpose, kept steadily in view, did not,
+as is too often the case, disturb in any degree the order,
+method, and effect of the sermon as such.&nbsp; If a sermon to be
+really good should have method, then this sermon was quite an
+example.&nbsp; There was a suitable introduction, the divisions
+naturally rose out of the words of the text, and the peroration,
+delivered with deep feeling, brought it to a close, the whole
+occupying three-quarters of an hour.&nbsp; The colleagues of Mr.
+Albrighton upon the Bayswater Circuit are the Revs. J. S. Banks
+and Nehemiah Curnock, who interchange pulpits with him and each
+other, but are more particularly attached respectively to the
+congregations worshipping in the Warwick-gardens and Bassin-park
+Chapels.</p>
+<p>There is a present membership of 430&mdash;<i>i.e.</i>,
+recognised members of the Wesleyan body, by virtue of meeting in
+class&mdash;attached to the Denbigh-road Chapel.&nbsp; Every
+department of Christian work appears to be in fair
+activity.&nbsp; There is a good Sunday-school, having 450
+children under religious instruction.&nbsp; This school has an
+important feature in a young men&rsquo;s Bible-class, numbering
+about 100, under the conductorship of Mr. Walter Heal.&nbsp; From
+this fact it is not difficult to conjecture the cause of the
+presence of so many young men in the congregation as are to be
+seen on the Sunday.&nbsp; There is also a Young Men&rsquo;s
+Mutual Improvement Society in full operation during the winter
+months.&nbsp; Associations for visiting the sick, ministering to
+the destitute, distributing tracts, &amp;c., afford occupation to
+all willing to work; and these, we are informed, are not few at
+Denbigh-road.&nbsp; The general efforts through the year in aid
+of foreign missions are supplemented by the activity of a
+&ldquo;Juvenile Missionary Association,&rdquo; who use their
+youthful influence as occasion offers to advance the great work
+of the world&rsquo;s conversion with pleasing results.</p>
+<h3><a name="page48"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 48</span>THE
+WESTBOURNE GROVE CHAPEL.</h3>
+<p>A <span class="smcap">somewhat</span> heavy-looking, but
+substantial structure in the main-thoroughfare attracts the
+attention of every passer-by at the west-end of Westbourne-grove,
+occupying also the corner of the Ledbury-road, where it
+intersects the Grove.&nbsp; It was intended to be in early
+English style, and so we presume it must be considered, although
+it does not strike one as realising the ideal in a very
+impressive degree.&nbsp; It is, however, slightly decorated, and
+has something of the details of early work.&nbsp; It is solidly
+built of Kentish rag, with Bath-stone facings, having two
+flanking towers, surmounted with stone spires.&nbsp; In addition
+to the principal entrance, over a flight of steps in the front,
+these towers afford access to the galleries, to which, also,
+there are two other approaches from without, at the north end of
+the chapel, one on each side.&nbsp; This is the largest chapel we
+have yet seen in West London; and the space within is economised
+to the utmost extent by gallery accommodation, there being double
+galleries on three sides, two having nine rows of seats.&nbsp;
+These, with the pewing completely covering the ground floor, give
+accommodation for 2,000 persons.&nbsp; The great feature of the
+interior is massiveness, which is only slightly relieved by an
+ornamental panelling on the gallery fronts, and a modern platform
+pulpit.&nbsp; When pretty well filled, as we saw it on the
+morning of Sunday, the 17th of September, 1871, the place has an
+imposing effect.&nbsp; On the north side, behind the pulpit,
+there is an apse, with an organ and a few singers, answering well
+the purpose of leading the large congregation, which joins
+heartily in the musical parts of the service.&nbsp; There are
+also behind the chapel proper, six spacious rooms for
+Bible-classes, committees, &amp;c., which is a noticeable
+feature, affording great facility to the several societies
+attached.</p>
+<p>The Baptist Church now worshipping at this chapel was
+originally formed at a small chapel or meeting-place in
+Silver-street, Kensington Gravel-pits, in the year 1823.&nbsp;
+Its first settled pastor was the Rev. W. Southwood, who laboured
+with it from 1826 to 1830.&nbsp; The Rev. John Broad succeeded in
+1831, who occupied the post for ten years; and was followed by
+the Rev. John Berg in 1841, the Rev. F. Wills in 1843, and by the
+Rev. W. G. Lewis, the present pastor, in 1847.&nbsp; Mr. Lewis
+preached his first sermon April 11 in that year, and was formally
+ordained in the following September.&nbsp; The progress made
+through these years&mdash;and especially under the latter
+pastorate&mdash;is sufficiently told by the fact that the first
+list of members appearing in the church book in 1826 included
+only seventeen names, whilst the list in December of last year
+(1870), numbered as many as 725.&nbsp; The small chapel in
+Silver-street becoming too strait for the growing
+cause&mdash;after considerable research&mdash;the prominent and
+important site of the present chapel was obtained and built upon
+in 1853, at an entire original cost of 5,500<i>l.</i>&nbsp; Since
+then galleries were added in 1859, at a cost of 579<i>l.</i>, and
+in 1866 a considerable enlargement took place, at a further grand
+outlay of 5,895<i>l.</i>, so that the chapel as it now stands
+represents an expenditure of about 12,000<i>l.</i>&nbsp; Thus,
+apparently by a course of uninterrupted progress, within the last
+quarter of a century has grown up a very large and powerful
+church, which takes rank with the first of West London churches
+for numbers, for wealth, for influence, and for its multifarious
+Christian labours.&nbsp; There are few finer instances of the
+effect of the Voluntary principle in religion to be found,
+whether we look for them in the Established Church or in
+Nonconformity.&nbsp; In the year 1870, 668<i>l.</i> 5s. 6d. was
+received for pew-rents, and the weekly offerings amounted to
+198<i>l.</i> 16s.; collections at the Lord&rsquo;s Supper,
+106<i>l.</i> 2s. 8d.&nbsp; There are large Sunday-schools, with
+632 scholars of both sexes and all ages, and a capital school
+library of 500 volumes, to which 371 of the scholars
+subscribe.&nbsp; Towards the expenses of the school the church
+contributed 32<i>l.</i> 2s. 5d., and from this and its other
+sources of income, after paying its expenses, the school
+contributed 53<i>l.</i> 6s. 7d. to the Baptist Missionary
+Society, in addition to 100 dresses which were made and sent to a
+mission station in Western Africa.&nbsp; An &ldquo;Evangelical
+Mission,&rdquo; the object being tract distribution, sick
+visitation, &amp;c., obtained from the congregation to assist its
+work 24<i>l.</i> 3s.; the London City Mission, 88<i>l.</i>;
+Baptist Missionary Society, 165<i>l.</i> 8s. 2d.; a Soup Kitchen,
+coals and bread, 23<i>l.</i> 10s.; Children&rsquo;s Friend
+Society, 10<i>l.</i> 5s. 4d.; Maternity Society, 4<i>l.</i> 1s.
+10d.; a &ldquo;Ladies&rsquo; Working Society&rdquo; produced
+27<i>l.</i> 9s. 7d.; a &ldquo;Mother&rsquo;s Meeting,&rdquo; by
+which nearly 200 poor women were assisted in providing clothes
+for themselves and families, 115<i>l.</i>; and a &ldquo;Young
+Men&rsquo;s Mutual Improvement Society&rdquo; raised 84<i>l.</i>
+2s. 7d.&nbsp; Besides all these, and independently of them, the
+congregation contributed 524<i>l.</i> 5s. 1d. towards the
+reduction of a debt still remaining upon the chapel, the whole
+representing an income and an appropriation of 2,469<i>l.</i>
+19s. 11d.&nbsp; In connexion with the Children&rsquo;s Friend
+Society there is a penny-bank, which received in the year
+224<i>l.</i> 3s. 8d. deposits.&nbsp; It must be evident to all,
+that great and sustained effort, and some self-denial in the
+moving spirits of these various operations, can alone account for
+such results.&nbsp; The Rev. W. G. Lewis might well be
+congratulated upon the health and energy he has been enabled to
+bring to bear on this work, and upon the most efficient aid he
+has found ready to his hands in the numerous and zealous church
+and congregation over which he presides.&nbsp; As to the general
+character of his pastorate and ministry, their abundant
+acceptableness and usefulness are sufficiently manifest from
+their duration, and from the present aspect of affairs at
+Westbourne-grove.&nbsp; Twenty-five years&rsquo; <a
+name="page49"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 49</span>continuous
+ministry to the same church, and things all round still healthy,
+vigorous, and flourishing, places a minister almost beyond
+criticism, if any were disposed to indulge it.&nbsp; Mr. Lewis
+appears to be an earnest and affectionate pastor, and calculated
+to govern a church without destroying it, and to its building up
+in the unity of faith and love.&nbsp; He is undoubtedly an able
+and gifted minister of the New Testament, discerning the
+spiritual requirements of his charge, and skilful in meeting them
+by bringing out of the treasury &ldquo;things new and
+old.&rdquo;&nbsp; Speaking from our own observations and
+information, the whole of his service, from beginning to end, is
+religiously profitable and instructive in a very high
+degree.&nbsp; Having a good voice, capable of elocutionary
+effect, under the control of a well-furnished mind, his sermons
+are refreshing in their originality of conception and their
+terseness, yet completeness of expression and illustration, so
+that the hearer, at the close, feels that he has neither had too
+much or too little, but has been fed with intellectual and
+spiritual food &ldquo;convenient for him.&rdquo;&nbsp; Mr. Lewis
+is well known as Editor of the <i>Baptist Magazine</i>, which has
+been for twelve years under his management.&nbsp; The subject of
+discourse was Mary of Bethany and the alabaster box of ointment
+(Matt. xxvi. 13).&nbsp; The force of the Divine love working in
+the human heart, and illustrating the effects of the
+Saviour&rsquo;s love to the world, was appropriately set
+forth.&nbsp; Its power, its freedom, its breadth, inventiveness
+and self-sacrifice in devotion and doing good, were set out in
+vivid contrast to the narrow bonds of worldly conventionality and
+of a cold-hearted time serving religious profession.&nbsp; The
+good work which Mary did against the Saviour&rsquo;s burial was
+symbolical of his own &ldquo;good work&rdquo; which he did by
+giving himself for us.&nbsp; &ldquo;Very costly, and embodying
+all that he could give.&rdquo;&nbsp; The hours and order of
+service at this chapel are: Sundays, 7 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span>, prayer-meeting; 11 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span>, public worship; afternoon: 3 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>, Bible classes; 6&frac12; <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>, public worship; 8 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>, prayer-meeting.&nbsp; Monday evening
+at 6, prayer-meeting for females only; 7, general
+prayer-meeting.&nbsp; Baptism by immersion administered as
+occasion arises.&nbsp; The Lord&rsquo;s Supper on the evening of
+the first Sabbath in each month at 8.&nbsp; Church meetings on
+the Friday before the first Sunday in the month, at 7 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span></p>
+<p>The deacons are Messrs. Fenn, W. B. Head, Rabbeth, W. Dearle,
+J. R. Philips, G. Lindup.&nbsp; The city missionary attached is
+Mr. J. Browne.</p>
+<h3>THE FREE TABERNACLE, NOTTING HILL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> name of the &ldquo;Free
+Tabernacle&rdquo; and Mr. Varley are indissolubly united in
+Notting-hill.&nbsp; The Tabernacle is a very plain brick
+structure, in Norland-square, or rather in St.
+John&rsquo;s-place, leading out of the square.&nbsp; It admits of
+no architectural description; but on entering one is impressed
+with the idea that it has been built with an object.&nbsp; It has
+the appearance of a large hall, with a platform pulpit at one
+end, and a choir gallery behind it.&nbsp; There is no other
+gallery at present; but the ground floor is thoroughly pewed, and
+the whole is capable of accommodating 1,000 persons, and, if
+necessary, 1,200 could find a place.&nbsp; The original cost of
+the building was 2,200<i>l.</i>, the responsibility of which was
+entirely borne by the present minister and his father-in-law, Mr.
+Pickworth, who undertook the work solely in the interests of the
+spiritually destitute poor of the neighbourhood.&nbsp; Mr.
+Varley, who was at the time and has ever since been engaged in
+business, first began to preach nine years ago in the Potteries,
+in the Notting-dale Schoolroom, where he speedily collected a
+congregation from the poor people of that district, so large and
+overcrowded that he was compelled to find another place.&nbsp;
+This led to the building of the Tabernacle, and to one of the
+most valuable voluntary religious efforts that we have yet had
+the pleasure of recording.&nbsp; Upon this basis, at the present
+time, an average congregation of 800 in the morning, and 1,000 in
+the evening, assemble for public worship.&nbsp; Upon special
+occasions the number is increased to 1,100 and 1,200, and it is
+interesting to note the respect and affection with which Mr.
+Varley is regarded by all this people.&nbsp; He has succeeded in
+establishing an influence undoubtedly for good over a class not
+to be founds in many of the congregations we have yet had under
+review.&nbsp; It is notorious that, as a rule, our poor do not
+attend our churches and chapels, but the &ldquo;Tabernacle&rdquo;
+supplies an exception to the rule.&nbsp; In this case the
+minister himself is an active tradesman, and appears to possess
+that kind of talent which adapts him to the mind and
+circumstances of the class to whom he ministers.&nbsp; Without
+even the shadow of lowness or vulgarity Mr. Varley has a certain
+colloquial style and manner which impart both pleasure and profit
+to his hearers, while it wins and retains their respect.&nbsp;
+His preaching is to a large extent expository, as on the morning
+of Sunday, the 23rd of September, the text (Heb. viii. 6) was
+illustrated by frequent references to other portions of
+Scripture.&nbsp; There was a peculiarity which we have not
+observed so fully carried out anywhere as here, a great
+proportion of the congregation had their Bibles in their hands,
+and regularly followed the preacher in his references with
+manifest interest, very much after the manner of a Bible-class
+following the teacher.&nbsp; They had evidently been well trained
+to this, and did it as <a name="page50"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 50</span>from established habit.&nbsp; Mr.
+Varley also expounds in the reading of the lessons, and in so
+doing on this occasion denounced all assumption of a
+<i>priesthood</i> by men, and the pretended sacrifice of the
+Mass, as a sin against God and a complete contravention of the
+Scriptures.&nbsp; The hymns used are entitled &ldquo;Hymns of
+Grace and Glory,&rdquo; arranged especially for the service of
+this congregation, and are sung to simple melodies in which all
+can join.&nbsp; The singing is universal, lively, and devotional,
+and appears to realise the great object of music in public
+worship.&nbsp; The harmonium, however, it may be observed, is a
+little too much heard.&nbsp; It is, perhaps, what some would term
+noisy, and is too apt to drown instead of assist the
+congregational voice.&nbsp; The church, which now numbers about
+550 members, is Baptist by profession, but what maybe termed an
+&ldquo;open&rdquo; Baptist Church, freely admitting Christian
+people of all denominations to its communion.&nbsp; Amongst other
+peculiarities at the Tabernacle there is a communion every Sunday
+morning after the public service, except on the first Sunday in
+the month, when it is after the evening service.&nbsp; It is the
+only case in a Nonconforming place we have yet had to notice in
+which there is a weekly celebration.&nbsp; Mr. Varley believes
+this to be the Scriptural order; and from the large number that
+tarry to that service it would appear that his people are one
+with him in this belief.&nbsp; The public services are on Sundays
+at eleven and half-past six; Monday evening prayer-meeting at
+seven, and on Wednesday evening a sermon at seven.&nbsp; There is
+a good Sunday-school attached, with about 500 children and a
+staff of 30 teachers.&nbsp; The church derives all its financial
+support from voluntary effort.&nbsp; Weekly offerings are taken
+at the doors, and all the sittings are free.&nbsp; Up to the
+present time, Mr. Varley&rsquo;s labour has been gratuitously
+bestowed.&nbsp; It is with some surprise we learn that he has
+never yet received any earthly reward or testimonial whatever for
+his valuable services.&nbsp; We do not know whether it would be
+approved by Mr. Varley himself, but we would suggest that it is
+one of the first duties of the church at the Tabernacle to set
+their minister free from the concerns of worldly business, that
+he might devote all his time to study and the discharge of his
+pastoral duties.&nbsp; Having, under God, raised the church, he
+surely is its natural and fitting pastor; and one cannot but
+think that his separation to the work would prove a blessing to
+that people.&nbsp; At present, his Sunday labour is supplemented
+by that of a missionary (Mr. Ashdown), supported by the
+congregation, who does much pastoral work through the week,
+visiting the people and striving to keep alive their interest in
+public worship.&nbsp; Although the present building is a large
+place, it is thought not to be adequate in space to the demands;
+and is, therefore, now about to be closed for some weeks, pending
+important alterations.&nbsp; After these are effected there will
+be an area of 74 ft. by 94, and galleries all around, affording
+accommodation for over 2,000 people; and in addition to this
+there will be several class-rooms, and one large room for general
+service, calculated to hold 500 persons.&nbsp; It will easily be
+conceived that in &ldquo;Mr. Varley&rsquo;s Tabernacle&rdquo; (as
+it is now commonly called) there must be a centre of powerful
+influence in dealing with a great mass of people not reached by
+other agencies, and which circumstances have caused to congregate
+around it.&nbsp; The exterior will be greatly beautified by the
+alterations&mdash;a view of which, by favour of the architects,
+Messrs. Habershon and Pite, we are enabled to produce.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">
+<a href="images/p48b.jpg">
+<img alt=
+"Mr. Varley&rsquo;s Tabernacle, St. James&rsquo; Place, Notting
+Hill, W."
+title=
+"Mr. Varley&rsquo;s Tabernacle, St. James&rsquo; Place, Notting
+Hill, W."
+src="images/p48s.jpg" />
+</a></p>
+<h3>THE CORNWALL ROAD BAPTIST CHAPEL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> is situated near the point
+where the Cornwall-road crosses the Ladbroke-grove-road, with a
+low, single-arched looking front, approached by a flight of steps
+from the footway, and inclining towards the latter road.&nbsp; It
+is a wooden structure, but protected by a coating of lath, with
+an outside covering of Portland cement; and when on the other
+side the whole building is in view, it looks a long, dark, narrow
+object, which would not be readily taken for a place of worship,
+reminding one of a huge ironclad lying at anchor in a quiet
+harbour.&nbsp; It may be explained that the shell was formerly a
+part of an <i>annexe</i> belonging to the Exhibition building of
+1862; and having been made a present, by the contractors, Messrs.
+Lucas and Co., to Sir Morton Peto, was presented by that
+gentleman for its present good purpose in the
+Cornwall-road.&nbsp; It was set up in 1863, including a large,
+commodious schoolroom, deacons&rsquo; and minister&rsquo;s
+vestries all included.&nbsp; The chapel itself is a spacious
+oblong, fitted with an organ gallery behind the pulpit, and
+another gallery of similar dimensions at the opposite end, but
+having no side galleries.&nbsp; The organ was also the gift of
+Sir M. Peto, and built by Willis, of the Albany-road,
+Regent&rsquo;s-park, at a cost of 300<i>l.</i>&nbsp; There is a
+plain pulpit, sufficiently elevated, and the floor is plainly
+pewed; but the woodwork in the roof is tastefully coloured in
+light blue and white, which gives a light and pleasing aspect to
+the interior.&nbsp; The place will accommodate about 800
+persons.</p>
+<p>The Rev. J. A. Spurgeon, brother of the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon,
+of the Metropolitan Tabernacle, was the first minister of the
+chapel.&nbsp; He laboured very successfully for four
+years&mdash;collecting an excellent congregation and a goodly
+body of church members.&nbsp; He was, however, unfortunately for
+his people, removed to <a name="page51"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 51</span>assist his brother in the duties of
+the college which he had founded in connexion with his South
+London enterprise.&nbsp; Previously to his departure, however,
+the church gave substantial proof of the esteem in which it held
+him, by presenting him with a purse containing 50<i>l.</i>, and a
+handsome gold watch and key, by Bennett, of Cheapside, which cost
+24<i>l.</i></p>
+<p>The successor was the Rev. Charles White a minister who can
+scarcely be said to have settled in the church.&nbsp; At his
+inauguration the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon preached an appropriate
+sermon, at the close of which he hoped, and in fact predicted,
+that the Rev. Mr. White would prove the &ldquo;right man&rdquo;
+for the congregation.&nbsp; It, however, almost immediately after
+transpired that a serious feeling of estrangement, and of
+something beyond, sprung up between several of the principal
+members and deacons and the new minister.&nbsp; It need not be
+surmised which side was most to blame.&nbsp; Probably it is safe
+to omit all conjectures on the subject.&nbsp; This &ldquo;letting
+out&rdquo; of the waters of strife became painful in its
+consequences.&nbsp; The church was completely rent; and in about
+nine months after his appointment Mr. White left the chapel, and
+betook himself, with a large number of the congregation, to the
+Ladbroke Hall near, where he continued to minister for another
+year.&nbsp; In the meantime the chapel was well nigh forsaken and
+the church severely tried.&nbsp; It was at this juncture that the
+present minister, the Rev. R. H. Roberts, B.A. (of London
+University), was invited, and undertook the charge.&nbsp; Under
+the difficult circumstances he appears to have acted the part of
+a wise man, resolving and avowing his resolution not in any way
+to interfere with Mr. White, or harbour any feeling of hostility
+towards him or his friends, but, on the contrary, to evince
+towards them an amicable disposition.&nbsp; There was, however,
+not long the need for this display of Christian temper in that
+direction, as very soon Mr. White removed from the
+neighbourhood.&nbsp; From that time the church has been gradually
+revived and the congregation visibly increased, many of the old
+members returning, and some new being added; and at present it
+looks as though it must shortly recover its former
+strength.&nbsp; Mr. Roberts, who has now been two years with the
+church, is an intelligent and thoughtful preacher, and from the
+discourse to which we listened, founded on the parable of the
+pounds, we should think he is aiming at inspiring his people with
+a high sense of their responsibility.&nbsp; There were some
+pointed and pregnant utterances in the sermon which are apt to
+fix themselves in the memory.&nbsp; As for instance, in regard to
+the constancy of Christian service: &ldquo;Let not this be a work
+for &lsquo;saints&rsquo; days,&rsquo; for all days are, or ought
+to be, <i>saints&rsquo; days</i> in the calendar of the kingdom
+of heaven.&rdquo;&nbsp; As to the Saviour&rsquo;s second advent:
+&ldquo;The <i>best</i> way of waiting for Christ is to continue
+<i>working</i> for him.&nbsp; With the nearness or distance of
+his coming we have nothing to do; the word says &lsquo;Occupy
+<i>till</i> I come.&rsquo;&rdquo;&nbsp; As to the proper use of
+our talents: &ldquo;Some men prosper and come into the front
+<i>by accident</i>; but the outward seeming will be
+<i>pierced</i> through in the day of account, and the very heart
+of whatever reality there is about us will be got
+at.&rdquo;&nbsp; Then, again, as to human attainments: &ldquo;All
+human attainments are only divine endowments developed and
+magnified.&rdquo;&nbsp; These and similar terse remarks, thrown
+out in passing, added effect to various parts of the subject.</p>
+<p>The service of song is well provided for here.&nbsp;
+&ldquo;Psalms and Hymns&rdquo; for use in Baptist congregations
+is the book used, in which it is satisfactory to observe the name
+of every author drawn upon appended to his composition.&nbsp; The
+Bristol Tune-book is distributed, and the name of the tune is
+given out with the hymn.&nbsp; There is also Allen&rsquo;s Book
+of Congregational Chants and Anthems; and that grand and
+universal hymn <i>Te Deum Laudamus</i> was not omitted, but was
+sung in the midst of the service with much propriety and spirit
+by the whole congregation.</p>
+<p>In the Sunday-school there are a little over 300 children on
+the books, and an average attendance of about 100 in the morning
+and 220 in the afternoon.&nbsp; There is a &ldquo;Home Missionary
+Society,&rdquo; which employs twelve tract distributors; a
+&ldquo;Maternal Society,&rdquo; a regular &ldquo;Mothers&rsquo;
+Meeting,&rdquo; and a &ldquo;Dorcas Society.&rdquo;&nbsp; In its
+late troubles, as a matter of course, the finances of the church
+became deranged and fell into arrears.&nbsp; Although surely
+improving, a rather heavy balance is still due to the
+treasurer.&nbsp; Yet, notwithstanding, we observe that the
+congregation contributed last year 43<i>l.</i> 18s. 7d. to
+foreign missions.&nbsp; The church draws its home support from
+pew-rents, which last year amounted to 185<i>l.</i> 11s., and a
+weekly offertory, a special fund, incidental sources, and
+collections, yielding in all, from July 1869 to July 1870,
+497<i>l.</i> 1s. 11d.</p>
+<p>The order of services is: Sunday&mdash;Prayer-meeting at
+10.15, public worship at 11 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span> and 7
+<span class="smcap">p.m.</span>; Monday, prayer-meeting at 7.30;
+Wednesday, &ldquo;Congregational Bible-class,&rdquo; a service
+intended for the simple exposition of any passage of Scripture
+upon which any person present might wish comment offered;
+alternating with singing classes, teachers&rsquo; meetings,
+church meetings, &amp;c.&nbsp; Inquirers&rsquo; meetings are held
+on Monday evenings by the pastor in the Vestry, from 7 to
+7.30.&nbsp; Communion on the first Sabbath in each month after
+the evening service, and on the third Sabbath after the morning
+service.</p>
+<p>The Deacons are eight in number&mdash;viz., Messrs. W. Baynes,
+W. Knight, Charles Chambers, Dr. Pennell, Dr. Manning; Messrs.
+Catchpole, Hunt, and Healy.</p>
+<h3><a name="page52"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 52</span>THE
+ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. FRANCIS D&rsquo;ASSISI, NOTTING
+HILL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> church is situated in Pottery
+lane, near the north end of Portland-road, bordering on the
+Potteries, from the poor population of which&mdash;more
+particularly the Irish portion&mdash;it draws its
+congregation.&nbsp; The building and the school attached occupy
+one side of the road, and a row of stables the other; and, as
+though not to be desecrated by looking on the latter, there is
+not a noticeable window in the road side of the church;
+consequently no architectural attraction in the exterior, which
+is about as uninviting as the site on which it stands.&nbsp; It
+is not until one has passed through a small enclosed courtyard,
+thence by an unexpected turn into a half-hidden portico, and
+again through a cloistered doorway&mdash;all impressing with a
+strong idea of seclusion&mdash;that he becomes really conscious
+of the presence of an ecclesiastical edifice.&nbsp; Everything to
+this point is plain as plainness itself&mdash;there being nothing
+to be seen but a heavy, bulky pile of common brickwork, wearing
+something of the aspect of a very poor monastic enclosure.&nbsp;
+But on reaching the interior a different impression is awakened,
+although still heaviness and gloom prevail.&nbsp; The principal
+nave is short, and that, with the side called &ldquo;Our
+Lady&rsquo;s Chapel,&rdquo; are together not capable of holding
+more than about 500 persons.&nbsp; At the same time it looks
+overcrowded with pillars, which darken and intercept an otherwise
+limited view.&nbsp; The effect of the whole is that of strength,
+but dimness and lowness.&nbsp; The architecture is of a mixed
+kind, in which the Italian is prominent, with a slight blending
+of Gothic.&nbsp; The diminished effect of space and light are,
+however, of course relieved by the illuminations and ornaments
+peculiar to a Roman Catholic church&mdash;the numerous candles,
+the images, the high altar, its bright furniture, drapery, and
+ministrant priests, standing out conspicuously, and lit by
+daylight from the chancel-windows.&nbsp; Moreover, a strip of the
+walls through the full length on both sides is ornamented with
+some effective painting on slate, representing various passages
+in our Lord&rsquo;s sufferings, by Westlake, who also executed a
+couple of frescoes at the back of the side altars, and the
+subjects of three or four stained windows.&nbsp; The decorations
+of the large side-altars to the Virgin and St. Francis are
+partially seen through the commingling columns.&nbsp; The body of
+the church is filled with plain benches and cane-bottomed chairs,
+all of which are much the worse for wear, and in their present
+state looking quite in keeping with the voluntary austerity and
+poverty of the famous mendicant friar of the thirteenth century
+from whom the church derives its name, and whom it regards as its
+patron saint, <i>St. Francis D&rsquo;Assisi</i>.&nbsp; A charge
+is made for entering the seats, and be it noted that not one was
+observed to enter without dropping his coin, larger or smaller,
+in the plate.&nbsp; The fee appears to be considered in the light
+of a <i>weekly offering</i>.&nbsp; One of the most notable
+objects in the church is the baptistry, where there is a handsome
+marble font, with a large conical lid and fixed pulley machinery
+for raising it.</p>
+<p>This church was built ten years ago, by Mr. Clutton, as a
+chapel of case to the larger Roman Catholic cause&mdash;St.
+Mary&rsquo;s, Bayswater&mdash;which establishment was the first
+outcome of the late Cardinal Wiseman&rsquo;s Ultramontane mission
+in London.&nbsp; The Rev. Father H. A. Rawse, M.A., then of the
+Oratory, Brompton, and previously an Anglican priest of Oxford,
+illustrated his zeal as a convert to Rome by the donation of
+7,000<i>l.</i> to the St. Francis enterprise, and became its
+first resident priest.&nbsp; The Rev. Father Lescher is the
+present minister, who is occasionally assisted by priests from
+the parent church at Bayswater, or from the Oratory, and had
+present, on the morning of our visit, Father Robertson, from the
+former place.&nbsp; Father Lescher himself has lately given proof
+of his zeal by the handsome gift of 500<i>l.</i> towards
+1,400<i>l.</i> for the purchase of the Silchester Hall, recently
+occupied by the Methodists, and being acquired by the Catholics
+for a school.&nbsp; Their present day-school, in Pottery-lane,
+has about 160 pupils, who pay, as a rule, a penny per week, the
+necessary balance being made up by other funds.</p>
+<p>Father Lescher was the preacher for the morning, and prefaced
+his homily by several announcements, one of which had reference
+to looking after their pauper children who were taken to the
+Kensington Workhouse.&nbsp; On any child being taken there,
+notice was to be given to the priest, who would cause inquiry to
+be made as to the spiritual oversight of such children; and the
+congregation were earnestly exhorted to attend to this, as he
+said it would &ldquo;prevent the <i>proselytism of the
+poor</i>.&rdquo;&nbsp; He congratulated them that they had
+succeeded in sending some Roman Catholics to the Board at the
+last election, and so had fared better of late.&nbsp; But he
+urged them to endeavour to return more at the next election, in
+order that their prospects in regard to the children might be
+still more improved!</p>
+<p>The rev. father took for his text Ephesians iv. 23, 24,
+&ldquo;And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put
+on the new man; which after God is created in righteousness and
+true holiness.&rdquo;&nbsp; The discourse was a simple, pointed
+extempore address on regeneration, or, as the preacher sometimes
+called it, &ldquo;conversion,&rdquo; occupying about thirty
+minutes.&nbsp; There was &ldquo;a great difference between the
+Christian and the heathen.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;We were not born
+Christians, but sinners; and sin would master us unless a change
+be wrought in us.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;Heresy always had some
+truth in it; but it was truth carried <a name="page53"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 53</span>out without being duly limited by
+other truths.&rdquo;&nbsp; Thus as to regeneration, which was
+wrought by the grace of God in the soul&mdash;no doubt that grace
+began to work in baptism.&nbsp; But a man was not regenerate or
+converted because he had been baptized, for he might be living in
+sin.&nbsp; Conversion was a thing to go on continually through a
+man&rsquo;s life.&nbsp; Europe was covered all over with a race
+of baptized, but really unregenerate men.&nbsp; Sin should be
+completely taken out of our heart.&nbsp; From beginning to end
+regeneration was God&rsquo;s work.&nbsp; He made us new
+creatures.&nbsp; Christ was a new man in this world, and was a
+pattern to which we were to be conformed; we must be like him,
+setting aside all worldly-vain, foolish, and vicious
+thoughts.&nbsp; St. Francis was an example, whose feast they had
+just celebrated, who, by the grace of God, was enabled to live a
+life of devotion and self-denial.&nbsp; &ldquo;Let them pray to
+St. Francis, that he might help them to follow in his
+steps.&rdquo;&nbsp; Apart from the exhortation to pray to St.
+Francis, many will take the essence, form, and language of this
+outline as thoroughly Evangelical.&nbsp; There appears to be a
+departure from the strict doctrine of essential sacramental
+efficacy, and a distinct insistence on the necessity of a change
+of heart and of a holy life.&nbsp; It was high mass, and one of
+Mozart&rsquo;s formed the musical part.&nbsp; The organ is a
+small one, but sweet in tone, and played by a new
+organist&mdash;a pupil from the Pro-Cathedral.&nbsp; The choir
+did not contain any distinguished voice, but the singing, though
+less florid, was more appropriate than the extreme artistic
+affectations of the Oratory and Pro Cathedral.&nbsp; On the
+previous Wednesday&mdash;which was the Roman Catholic Feast Day
+of St. Francis D&rsquo;Assisi&mdash;Archbishop Manning had
+preached in the church.</p>
+<h3>THE PLYMOUTH BRETHREN, NOTTING HILL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> meeting-place of this
+<i>peculiar</i> people is in an upper room, Clarendon-place,
+Clarendon-road, Notting-hill.&nbsp; It appears filled with 150
+persons, and as far as we could incidentally learn they have
+about eighty acknowledged brethren and sisters.&nbsp; This
+society is the result of a division in the one formerly united in
+Bayswater, and is composed of what are termed the &ldquo;Darbyite
+party&rdquo; in that schism.&nbsp; The &ldquo;Brethren&rdquo;
+have been in West London over twenty years, but this part of
+their small body has been at Clarendon-place five or six
+years.&nbsp; They form the only congregation of that persuasion
+in the parish of Kensington.&nbsp; We found them on visit to be
+an extremely close and uncommunicative people, with the single
+exception of an amiable sister, next whom we happened to sit, and
+who politely tendered more information than we could subsequently
+extract from all the brethren.&nbsp; It was the usual Sunday
+morning service of &ldquo;breaking of bread.&rdquo;&nbsp; The
+loaf, which was a plain baker&rsquo;s loaf, was in the centre of
+a table; in the coarse of the &ldquo;breaking&rdquo; the middle
+of it disappeared, and little but the shell remained.&nbsp; There
+were also two plain glasses upon the table.&nbsp; As a rule these
+services of bread-breaking are conducted in silence; but on this
+occasion some speaking was allowed, and two of the leading
+brethren in succession read and commented in a familiar way upon
+portions of Scripture.&nbsp; Some of the remarks we are obliged
+to notice were extremely simple, quite spontaneous, and were
+delivered under what the speakers appeared to think <i>spiritual
+impulses</i>.&nbsp; There was, however, nothing very instructive
+or useful in what was said.&nbsp; The speaking done, a brother
+engaged in prayer, and after another brother had read a list of
+names of persons who wished, on the next Sabbath, to break bread
+with them, one marriage of a brother and sister to take place on
+the following Saturday, and two burials for that day, the meeting
+terminated.&nbsp; In separating the amount of <i>hand-shaking</i>
+and friendly, and doubtless cordial, recognition of each other,
+was so protracted that we could not get from our <i>extra
+saint</i> seat for a considerable time.&nbsp; When at length we
+got near the table and encountered a few of the leading brethren,
+being invited thereto by our observant and kindly sister, we
+endeavoured with all humility to make acquaintance with the case
+as it stood; but, we are sorry to say, found ourselves impeded at
+every step.&nbsp; Our object was keenly and suspiciously
+canvassed.&nbsp; On being simply told that our design was in
+general to furnish through the Press a connective view of the
+Christian influences and operations at work upon this vast
+population, and by so doing to interest the public more fully on
+the subject, we were met with indescribable scorn at the mention
+of the &ldquo;Press.&rdquo;&nbsp; They would consider it &ldquo;a
+sin&rdquo; to give any information to the
+&ldquo;Press.&rdquo;&nbsp; It was the curse of the world, was the
+&ldquo;Press.&rdquo;&nbsp; On being asked if there was not a
+Christian side to the &ldquo;Press,&rdquo; they emphatically
+answered &ldquo;No.&rdquo;&nbsp; There was no such thing as a
+&ldquo;religious Press.&rdquo;&nbsp; It was &ldquo;all
+worldly&rdquo; from beginning to end.&nbsp; The magazines even of
+the religious bodies were only trying to unite religion and the
+world.&nbsp; With amusing simplicity one brother asked if by the
+&ldquo;<i>Press</i>&rdquo; we meant &ldquo;that machine by which
+tracts, &amp;c., were printed;&rdquo; and we had to explain that
+by the &ldquo;Press&rdquo; in this connection we meant &ldquo;a
+Christian literature as opposed to what was worldly, secular, or
+infidel.&rdquo;&nbsp; With one voice they exclaimed there was
+&ldquo;no such thing.&rdquo;&nbsp; We asked if they did not hope
+to make some use of Christian literature in striving to effect
+the world&rsquo;s conversion.&nbsp; The <a
+name="page54"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 54</span>reply to this
+important question given by the principal brother very gravely
+was, &ldquo;No; <i>we have nothing to do with the world</i>; our
+work is to <i>gather God&rsquo;s saints out of the
+world</i>.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;But,&rdquo; we rejoined, &ldquo;is
+not the Gospel sent to the world?&nbsp; And did not the Son of
+God come to save the world?&rdquo;&nbsp; The answer was
+unhesitatingly given by the same gentleman, &ldquo;No; it was to
+collect his saints out of the earth.&rdquo;&nbsp; After this we
+could not prolong the conversation and took our leave; but before
+we had left the landing to descend the stairs we were followed by
+a young man commissioned to ask us this question, &ldquo;Have you
+eternal life?&rdquo;&nbsp; In answer, we affirmed our belief and
+hope that we had, and asserted our experience of conversion many
+years ago.&nbsp; On this we were reminded that there &ldquo;was
+but one way.&rdquo;&nbsp; We replied that the &ldquo;one
+way&rdquo; was found in every Christian Church and in the Church
+Catholic; but, strange to say, this declaration was met with
+evident disbelief.&nbsp; &ldquo;God,&rdquo; it was said,
+&ldquo;did not make sects.&rdquo;&nbsp; We left, asking ourselves
+the question, How upon these principles could the great purpose
+of the Son of God in this world be answered?</p>
+<p>After the above appeared in the <i>Suburban Press</i> a letter
+of explanation was received by the Editor from one of the
+brethren, which will be found among the supplementary
+notes.&nbsp; The latter appears to have been written upon
+reflection, whilst the preceding conversation was doubtless
+conducted upon the feeling of the moment.&nbsp; Yet, it
+faithfully reflected the peculiarities of the members, who appear
+to have no faith in anything but what is strictly identified with
+their own belief and practice; altogether too narrow for the
+expanding evangelistic tendencies of the age.</p>
+<h3>JOHNSON-STREET BAPTIST CHAPEL, NOTTING-HILL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> is one of the plainest of
+buildings for religious purposes, low and uncommanding, and
+almost lost even among the humble dwellings amidst which it
+stands&mdash;a simple meeting-house, with a stuccoed front, but
+looking neat and clean, having been recently repaired and
+painted, and the walls newly coloured within, giving it a fresh
+and healthy look.&nbsp; The pewing is of a humble character and
+unvarnished, and the pulpit plain and high.&nbsp; There is a
+gallery in the west end, which, added to the accommodation on the
+ground-floor, gives about 250 sittings, the ordinary congregation
+being at present about 100.&nbsp; The church and people are
+Strict Baptist in persuasion.&nbsp; Upon the corner-stone we find
+the following inscription: &ldquo;This stone was laid by Messrs.
+Foreman and Wells, Oct. 13, 1851.&nbsp; The chapel is for the use
+of the <i>Particular Baptists</i>.&nbsp; P. W. Williamson,
+Pastor.&nbsp; J. Cook and T. Rowley, Deacons.&rdquo;&nbsp; The
+chapel has thus been in existence twenty years.&nbsp; The
+church&mdash;never very vigorous or flourishing&mdash;has had a
+chequered history, disputes having arisen among its members from
+time to time upon subjects relating to its internal affairs, and
+which resulted six years ago in a division, further weakening its
+situation and diminishing its few members.&nbsp; From this blow
+it appears never to have recovered, there being now no more than
+between fifty and sixty acknowledged members.&nbsp; The present
+minister is the Rev. C. W. Banks, who has been there one year,
+and the cause is supported by pew-rents and voluntary weekly
+offerings.&nbsp; A &ldquo;Free-will Offering&rdquo; box is fixed
+on the inside of each entrance to the aisles, and on every
+succeeding Sunday the amount so collected is placed in large
+figures against the side walls.&nbsp; On the occasion of our
+visit, the account for the previous Sabbath stood thus:
+&ldquo;Loose money, 3s. 8d.; in thirteen envelopes, 10s.
+3d.&rdquo;&nbsp; The preacher had a strong voice, and exerted it
+even beyond the natural requirements of his small audience; but
+at times it would be almost impossible to hear him if he did not,
+in consequence of the noisy costermongers, who shout one against
+the other in the narrow street and immediately in front of the
+chapel, without any regard to its presence or the service
+proceeding within.&nbsp; This is certainly a crying evil, and
+should attract the attention of the police.&nbsp; We had no idea
+that vegetable and other carts (hand and donkey drawn) were so
+numerous and noisy during the hours of Divine Service, as we
+witnessed them in Johnson-street, and other adjacent back streets
+and ways in the rear of High-street, Notting-hill.&nbsp; Surely
+there is yet need for a &ldquo;Suppression of Sunday Trading
+Society.&rdquo;&nbsp; There is a small Sunday-school, attended by
+a few self-denying teachers, and the public services
+are&mdash;Sunday at eleven and half-past six; prayer meeting at
+three <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; Wednesdays, preaching
+at half-past seven; and on Monday evenings, prayer-meeting; and a
+special monthly prayer-meeting every first Friday evening in the
+month.&nbsp; There is manifest care under difficulties for the
+Christian work.</p>
+<h3>SILVER-STREET BAPTIST CHAPEL, NOTTING-HILL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> place known by this name is
+situated in Kensington-place, near its junction with
+Silver-street, a poor unsightly edifice, within two or three
+minutes&rsquo; walk of the Johnson-street Chapel, and is the
+meeting-place of the separated portion of its former
+congregation.&nbsp; The building is in <a name="page55"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 55</span>a dilapidated state, the plaster
+broken away, and the woodwork the worse for lack of paint.&nbsp;
+The congregation was celebrating its sixth anniversary, and from
+all appearances there was great need of replenishing the
+exchequer.&nbsp; However, the event did not seem to have aroused
+much enthusiasm, for scattered over a rather larger area there
+was even a smaller congregation than in the former place.&nbsp;
+The chapel will apparently hold about 350, and there must have
+been less than 100 present.&nbsp; There is a gallery at one end,
+and all the other sittings are on the ground floor.&nbsp; The
+present minister is the Rev. D. Crumpton, whose voice, in its
+general tone, was indicative of discouragement, assuredly with
+every apparent reason.&nbsp; The two congregations together might
+make up an appearance in the smaller of the two chapels; but
+separately they appear weak and helpless in the extreme, a sight
+to make a good man mourn over strife and division.&nbsp; It will
+be next to a miracle if ever these churches rise to a position of
+influence and power in the neighbourhood.&nbsp; The locality is
+low and in great need of evangelistic efforts; and if anything
+could be done to bring the noisy, idle people who fill those
+narrow streets, or stand at their wretched little open
+shop-doors, waiting for stray customers, who steal out to market
+in the hours of Divine Worship, it would be a great boon.&nbsp;
+There is a Sunday-school attached to the chapel, in which some of
+the poor children around are collected together, and in this
+circumstance there may linger hope.&nbsp; The order of services
+is: Sunday, prayer-meeting at 7 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>;
+preaching at 11.0 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span> and 6.30 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>, and prayer-meeting at 3.0 <span
+class="smcap">p.m</span>.&nbsp; The school is held at 9.30 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span> and 3.0 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; On week-days there is
+prayer-meeting on Monday evening at 7.30, and preaching on
+Thursday evening.&nbsp; The prayer-meeting at 7.0 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span> on Sunday morning may be noted as a
+rarity in these days, and if tolerably well attended, shows that
+there is life, amidst all existing discouragements.</p>
+<h3>SLOANE-PLACE CHAPEL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> is the smallest place of
+worship we have yet had to notice, being apparently intended for
+the sole use of the occupants of that obscure court in
+North-street, called Sloane-place.&nbsp; North-street branches
+out of Sloane-street, and runs through a very low neighbourhood;
+and in about the lowest part of it, densely populated, is the
+court down which one passes to reach the chapel.&nbsp; It is at
+the extreme end of the parish eastward.&nbsp; The chapel has an
+aspect in every way in keeping with the humble class of tenements
+among which it stands, and of course has nothing architecturally
+to notice.&nbsp; It has a lamp over the low front door, which may
+serve in the stead of a parish lamp, to illumine the gloomy alley
+on dark evenings.&nbsp; The building has a dwarfed and dingy
+appearance; was from the first, is, and perhaps ever will be
+private property, lent for its present purpose by the
+proprietor.&nbsp; It will hold at the utmost only 100
+persons.&nbsp; There is no settled pastorate; but it is supplied
+with preaching on the Sunday evening only, under the direction of
+the Rev. Dr. Alexander, of the Belgrave-square Presbyterian
+Church.&nbsp; The preacher is usually Dr. Stewart, of
+Grosvenor-street, a medical gentleman belonging to Dr.
+Alexander&rsquo;s church.&nbsp; This Christian doctor is
+regularly at his post on Sunday evenings, except an extraordinary
+professional engagement hinder, holding forth the Word of Life to
+the few poor people who assemble beneath the humble roof.&nbsp;
+There are no regular ordinances and no other public services,
+except a prayer-meeting on Sunday morning and on Thursday
+evening.&nbsp; All the sittings are free.&nbsp; A Sunday-school
+is a notable feature.&nbsp; Sixty or seventy poor children come
+together in the chapel from 3 to 4.30 on Sunday afternoons, and
+are attended to by a few zealous teachers who enter heartily into
+this work.&nbsp; Poor and humble as the building is in itself and
+all its surroundings, it is thus undoubtedly a light shining in a
+dark place.&nbsp; The self-denial and devotion of those kind
+persons who attend to Christian work in this place is quite
+exemplary, and will certainly meet with its reward.</p>
+<h3>ST. MICHAEL&rsquo;S AND ALL ANGELS&rsquo; CHURCH,
+NOTTING-HILL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> new Church of &ldquo;St.
+Michael and All Angels&rdquo; embraces the northern part of the
+District of All Saints&rsquo;, Notting-hill, in its new extension
+towards Kensal-green, in the Ladbroke-grove-road.&nbsp; No doubt,
+just at this spot, there will, in time, be a middle-class
+population sufficient to fill the church.&nbsp; But at present
+the property is new, and, therefore, it would seem St.
+Michael&rsquo;s must for some time to come draw from a
+distance.&nbsp; The Vicar Designate, the Rev. Edward Ker Gray,
+was formerly curate to Dr. Robbins, of St. Peter&rsquo;s,
+Kensington-park, and has family connexions in the neighbourhood,
+who have largely contributed to his present enterprise; and the
+plot of land on which the edifice stands, and that on which a
+parsonage is yet to be built, are the gift of Messrs. Blake and
+Parsons, who are freeholders in that part.&nbsp; The style of
+architecture adopted differs from that of most churches, being
+what is professionally known as the &ldquo;Romanesque of the
+Rhine,&rdquo; and is executed chiefly in terra cotta and
+ornamental bricks, by Mr. Cowland, of Notting-hill, under a
+contract <a name="page56"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+56</span>(exclusive of tower and fittings) for
+4,300<i>l.</i>&nbsp; The architects are Messrs. Edmeston of
+Crown-court, Old Broad-street; and the plan consists of a nave
+ninety-nine feet long, exclusive of chancel and western apse, by
+forty-three feet wide, roofed in one span, with an eastern,
+western, and southern apse, leaving a northern apse to be added
+at some future time.&nbsp; On the north side the church is hidden
+by houses, and it is seen to best advantage at the south-west
+angle, where it will form rather a picturesque object, when the
+grouping of tower, turret, apse, and gable are added to the
+view.&nbsp; The interior is yet unfurnished, and only
+sufficiently fitted up for the performance of worship.&nbsp; The
+pulpit, desk, organ, and chancel furniture are all
+temporary.&nbsp; The contract for the decoration is given to
+Messrs. Howland and Fisher, who decorated St. Peter&rsquo;s,
+Bayswater, which is considered one of the handsomest church
+interiors in London.&nbsp; About 1,000 sittings are provided,
+applications for which are requested.&nbsp; The occasion of our
+visit was the service of consecration, in May, 1871, conducted by
+the Right Hon. and Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of London.&nbsp;
+There was a good congregation present; and immediately after the
+entrance of the Bishop, Mr. Shephard, the Registrar of his
+Lordship&rsquo;s diocese, read the petition of the Vicar,
+Churchwardens and parishioners praying for the consecration of
+the church.&nbsp; The Bishop having replied, &ldquo;I am ready to
+consecrate this church, according to the prayer of the
+petition,&rdquo; a procession was as once formed, headed by the
+parish beadles with their staves, followed by the churchwardens,
+Bishop, and clergy, who slowly walked round the church, the
+Bishop repeating the usual service.&nbsp; On returning to the
+Communion Table, the deed of conveyance was formally received and
+laid upon the table by the Bishop.&nbsp; The prayers for the
+ordinary morning service were read by the Rev. Mr. Gray, the
+Psalms, Te Deum, and hymns being chanted by a choir of good
+voices, male and female, blending well together, under the
+direction of Mr. Sydney Naylor, organist.&nbsp; On ascending the
+pulpit the Bishop took for his text, John xvii. 6, &ldquo;I have
+manifested thy name to the men which thou gavest me out of the
+world,&rdquo; &amp;c.&nbsp; The subject was divided into three
+parts: 1. What name he manifested.&nbsp; 2. How he manifested
+it.&nbsp; 3. The character of the persons to whom he manifested
+the name of his Father.&nbsp; These topics were worked out with
+great clearness of thought and felicity of utterance; the Bishop
+steering delicately through the difficult problem of Divine
+predestination and human free will, and rendering the point as
+satisfactory as it ever can become to mortal reflection.&nbsp; A
+very feeling individual application of the subject to the
+congregation concluded the discourse.&nbsp; It is about twelve
+years since we had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Jackson at a
+confirmation service in a small town in Lincolnshire, and it is
+gratifying to observe the same doctrinal safety and thorough
+practical bearing in his ministry which struck us at that
+time.&nbsp; He also bears his increased years well, displaying a
+freshness in his appearance and a vigour equal to if not superior
+to himself more than a decade since.&nbsp; A collection was made
+after sermon from pew to pew towards the organ and church
+expenses, and the remainder of the Communion Service and the
+benediction concluded the whole.&nbsp; It ought to be noticed
+that a number of the local clergy were present, and that the Rev.
+Dr. Robbins read the first lesson&mdash;the consecration of the
+Temple by Solomon&mdash;in a most impressive manner, and the Rev.
+J. S. Gell the few verses which compose the second lesson.&nbsp;
+The Bishop&rsquo;s chaplain, the Rev. Mr. Fisher, also assisted
+in the service within the chancel rail.</p>
+<p>Mr. Gray&rsquo;s ministry is reported Evangelical in its
+character, and his service lively and devotional, without
+Ritualistic features.&nbsp; The congregation gradually increases,
+and it is hoped that ere long the furnishing will be completed,
+and that the church will answer all the purposes for which it was
+built in that rising population.&nbsp; The Churchwardens are
+Captain N. W. Boyce and J. D. Cowland, Esq., and the services
+are: Sundays at 11 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span> and 3 and 7
+<span class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; Weekdays, Wednesday and
+Friday at 11 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>, the Litany, Holy
+Communion, at 9 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span> every Sunday, and
+after the 11 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span> service the last
+Sunday in every month.&nbsp; Baptisms at 2.30 first Sunday in the
+month, and at 10.30 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span> on Wednesday
+and Friday.</p>
+<h3>NORLAND CHAPEL, QUEEN&rsquo;S-ROAD, NOTTING-HILL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">Norland Chapel</span> is situate in the
+Queen&rsquo;s-road, Notting-hill, and on the extreme western
+boundary of the Parish of Kensington.&nbsp; The boundary stone of
+the parish is fixed in the wall which surrounds the chapel, and
+the iron pillar which marks the line of the Hammersmith Parish
+stands near to it about half a foot further west.&nbsp; It was
+built in the year 1859, the foundation-stone being laid in May of
+that year by the late Robert Hanbury, Esq., M.P., for
+Middlesex.&nbsp; The architect was Mr. Stent, of Warminster, and
+builders, Messrs. Hill and Robinson, of Whitechapel.&nbsp; Mr.
+Hill was the builder of the new Holborn-viaduct, and is now
+building the streets connected with the Holborn-valley
+improvement.&nbsp; In architecture it is of a very various order,
+but may be defined as &ldquo;mixed Italian.&rdquo;&nbsp; The
+front, which is towards the south, is somewhat picturesque.&nbsp;
+The porch is reached by a wide flight of steps, and is adorned
+with four neat columns of Portland stone, with carved capitals of
+Bath stone; and surmounted with a large circular window; the
+whole front having Bath-stone <a name="page57"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 57</span>dressing upon coloured brick.&nbsp;
+There are two side doors, which lead to the gallery in the south
+end.&nbsp; The building, as a whole, is of plain brick and has a
+substantial appearance.&nbsp; The west front corner was intended
+to receive a spire; which, however, has not yet been built.&nbsp;
+Its erection would certainly be a great improvement to the
+edifice.&nbsp; In the interior, the space is well
+economised.&nbsp; Beneath the floor of the chapel, there is a
+spacious school-room; which serves also as a week-night lecture,
+preaching, and anniversary tea-meeting room.&nbsp; It is well
+furnished, and has a harmonium to assist in the services held
+there.&nbsp; The space behind is laid out in class-rooms,
+minister&rsquo;s vestries, and offices.&nbsp; A more compact and
+commodious suite of rooms for the space at disposal we have
+seldom met with.&nbsp; The chapel proper provides sittings for
+650 people&mdash;500 on the ground-floor and 150 in the end
+gallery.&nbsp; The sittings are let at from 2s. 6d. to 5s. per
+quarter, and the congregation averages from 300 to 400.&nbsp; A
+modern raised platform pulpit is an ornament, flanked with two
+handsome gas pillars; and the pewing is in stained wood, and
+looks as good as new, after a dozen years&rsquo; wear.&nbsp; In
+lieu of columns to support the roof the ribs which span it rest
+on ornamental Bath-stone corbels inserted in the walls at about
+12 feet high, which are really stronger than they look, and are
+adopted to prevent the obscurity of the view, and the absorption
+of space by columns.&nbsp; The chapel is lit by gas pendants from
+the roof, and is warmed in winter by the same, being lit over
+night.&nbsp; By this means a comfortable heat is diffused through
+the building, reaching, if required, to seventy degrees.&nbsp;
+This method of warming will, of course, be greatly improved, if
+the gas companies will adopt the patent gas offered them by the
+&ldquo;Patent Gas Company,&rdquo; which professes to reduce the
+amount of sulphur in every hundred feet of gas from forty-four
+degrees to about four.&nbsp; In that case, warming by gas would
+no doubt soon supersede some other methods.&nbsp; Red baize with
+brass mouldings faces the side walls all round to a certain
+height above the pews, which gives a comfortable and cheerful
+appearance to the whole interior.&nbsp; The original cost of the
+building, including the freehold site, was 3,000<i>l.</i></p>
+<p>The church and congregation at this place are Baptist; but
+open their communion to all who &ldquo;profess and give evidence
+of the New Birth;&rdquo; and are sufficiently open occasionally
+to receive any Christian person at the Lord&rsquo;s Supper who
+may desire it, and who has previously sent a note or card to the
+vestry.&nbsp; The basis of its membership is thus expressed in
+its articles: &ldquo;We enter this fellowship as Christians, each
+one holding that the other is united to the Lord Jesus Christ by
+faith in him according to the Scriptures.&rdquo;&nbsp; Prior to
+the present chapel, the congregation met temporarily in an old
+building facing Shepherd&rsquo;s-bush-green; but removed to the
+new and more commodious edifice, with their first minister, the
+Rev. John Stent, as soon as it was ready.&nbsp; Mr. Stent
+continued the pastor until he had completed eight years.&nbsp; He
+was then succeeded by the Rev. W. H. Tredray, who after two years
+was in turn superseded by the Rev. W. P. Balfern.&nbsp; After two
+years also of ministerial labour, Mr. Balfern has just been
+compelled to retire in consequence of ill-health.&nbsp; The
+church has thus for some little time been deprived of a stated
+ministry; but we understand, that a minister is upon the point of
+being formally invited, and will, in all probability, be settled
+for a period.&nbsp; We heard a plain, earnest sermon from an
+occasional supply on the morning of our visit.&nbsp; The service
+was conducted in the way ordinary to Baptist chapels; but we were
+particularly struck with the excellence of the congregational
+singing, to which we believe the late pastor devoted much
+attention.&nbsp; The people appeared very well trained to the
+perception of harmony, and had in use the Bristol Tune-book,
+which is well known to be one of the best extant.&nbsp; They
+were, moreover, effectually sustained by the organ, which is a
+capital 250<i>l.</i> instrument, by Jones, of Brompton, and well
+played by the son of the senior deacon of the church.</p>
+<p>The support of the ministry is from pew-rents and the proceeds
+of a weekly offering.&nbsp; The other active institutions are a
+Sunday-school, with over 300 scholars; a home missionary,
+supported by the late minister, Mr. Balfern; a Dorcas meeting,
+maternal society, tract society, and a mothers&rsquo;
+meeting.&nbsp; There is in addition a penny bank, in which a
+number of poor people and children store their little
+savings.&nbsp; The order of services is&mdash;Sunday, at 11 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span> and 6.30 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>, Sunday-school in the afternoon; prayer
+and preaching on Friday evening at 7.30; a psalmody class meets
+every Thursday evening for the practice of singing.</p>
+<h3>LANCASTER-ROAD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, NOTTING-HILL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> foundation-stone of this chapel
+was laid by Samuel Morley, Esq., M.P., in July, 1865, when,
+although so recent, the whole of that part of North Kensington in
+which it is situated was open field, with here and there a
+dotting of new buildings commenced, and new streets laid
+out.&nbsp; At the present time the occupied suburbs extend quite
+a mile beyond it either North or West.&nbsp; The congregation
+worshipping here first assembled in smaller numbers in
+Westbourne-hall, where they kept together for between two and
+three years, always with a view to a separate building as
+opportunity offered.&nbsp; The present freehold site was
+ultimately obtained for 1,350<i>l.</i>, and the cost of the
+building raised upon it, including the schoolrooms, was
+3,500<i>l.</i>&nbsp; It is a substantial structure with a Gothic
+expression, although totally devoid of ornament.&nbsp; It was,
+however, originally designed, and is yet intended to have a
+spire, which certainly will <a name="page58"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 58</span>be a vast improvement to the
+exterior.&nbsp; The interior is light and pleasant, without
+galleries, with a plain pulpit and pewing, affording
+accommodation for 500 persons, 100 of the sittings being free,
+all the remainder let at prices ranging from 5s. to 1<i>l.</i>
+1s. per annum.&nbsp; The chapel was opened in January, 1866, by
+inauguratory services conducted by the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel
+and the Rev. Samuel Martin, of Westminster.&nbsp; From the first
+the stated minister has been the Rev. Jas. Stuart Russell, whose
+ministry is highly appreciated as pious, scriptural, able, and
+earnest.&nbsp; During its continuance there has been gradual
+prosperity, the church now numbering about 120 communicants, and
+the congregation reaching an average of between three and four
+hundred.&nbsp; There is a large Sunday-school, with, including
+infants, 250 scholars, attended by a goodly staff of teachers:
+morning and afternoon, under the superintendence of Mr. S.
+Hicks.&nbsp; The form of service is what is understood as
+Congregational, and the Congregational Hymn-book is used.&nbsp;
+An organ well suited to the dimensions of the building is
+efficiently employed by Mr. Charles Wetton, Jun., in aid of the
+devotional singing, which seems to lose nothing of its
+congregational life and character by the presence of the
+instrument.&nbsp; Divine Service is held on the Sabbath at 11
+<span class="smcap">a.m.</span> and 7 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>, and in the schoolroom during the week,
+on Monday and Wednesday evenings, at 7.30.&nbsp; A Communion
+service on the first Sunday in every month.&nbsp; There are at
+present four deacons, Messrs. Hicks, Ellerton, W. Knowles, and
+Wetton, Sen.&nbsp; The locality of this chapel is one which
+furnishes ample scope for Christian labour and extension on every
+side.&nbsp; The district in the heart of which it stands, that of
+All Saints&rsquo;, has a population of 20,747, according to the
+figures of the recent census, and it is the only Congregational
+place of worship within the bounds.</p>
+<h3>THE &ldquo;TALBOT TABERNACLE&rdquo; NOTTING-HILL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> is an iron church, situate in
+the Talbot-road, Notting-hill, and a few steps only from and on
+the same side of the road as &ldquo;All Saints&rsquo;&rdquo;
+Church.&nbsp; It has the same general features as all the iron
+buildings, but is larger than most of them, having an end
+gallery, and affording ample accommodation for one thousand
+persons.&nbsp; The north end or chancel is occupied with a
+platform, which serves as a pulpit, and the benches of the
+auditorium come close to it.&nbsp; It is well warmed with a
+stove, and lit with plain gas pendants; and altogether has a very
+comfortable appearance.&nbsp; The history of this building must
+be traced in connexion with the career of Mr. Gordon Forlong, a
+name now well known in and beyond the immediate scene of his
+labours.&nbsp; This gentleman is a Scotch barrister, who, a few
+years ago (in 1856), felt moved to give up the pursuit of his
+profession for the work of an evangelist.&nbsp; His endeavours to
+make known the Gospel appear to have been highly appreciated in
+his native Aberdeenshire; and were soon sought for in different
+parts of Scotland and in Edinburgh, where Mr. Forlong spent some
+time.&nbsp; After a trial, however, he found that the condition
+of an itinerant preacher, with a family, became impracticable,
+and resolved on seeking a settled charge in London.&nbsp; Here
+his first appearance was in the Victoria-hall, Archer-street, in
+October, 1867.&nbsp; The hall, which he hired on his own
+responsibility, was generally well attended at his services, and
+continued to be used by him until 1869.&nbsp; In the latter half
+of that year, the present building was secured at a cost in all
+of 2,000<i>l.</i>, to be liquidated by instalments, there being
+also a ground-rent of 96<i>l.</i> per annum.&nbsp; Apart from a
+little aid which Mr. Forlong has drawn from his friends in the
+North and elsewhere, the whole financial obligation of this
+enterprise has rested with himself and the friends who have been
+inclined to assist him on the spot.&nbsp; That it has been a
+great struggle is not surprising.&nbsp; At the end of the first
+year there was a balance on the wrong side of the sheet to the
+amount of 476<i>l.</i> 1s. 9d., which, being paid by the
+minister, left the total amount advanced by him for the church
+714<i>l.</i> 9s. 6d.&nbsp; This, it may be hoped, has been ere
+now discharged by the congregation; more especially as up to the
+present time, the minister&rsquo;s services, both at the Hall and
+in the new church, have received no remuneration.&nbsp; There are
+about 150 sittings, let at from 4s. to 30s. per seat per annum;
+and there are church-boxes for weekly offerings and various
+collections through the year.&nbsp; This together may be
+considered a sufficient financial basis to work upon, in order to
+place the concern, not long hence, in a free and prosperous
+condition.</p>
+<p>Mr. Gordon Forlong rejects the title of Reverend.&nbsp; Having
+never obtained or sought ordination in any church, he looks upon
+himself as a lay preacher of the Gospel, called and set apart by
+God only; and treats with indifference and even contemns all
+ministerial titles and peculiar functions, as looking in the
+direction of priestcraft, which he abhors.&nbsp; He has, from the
+first, taken his special mission in the neighbourhood to be to
+oppose Ritualism, which he found developing itself on his
+arrival, and to call together a people to exemplify spiritual
+religion.&nbsp; To these objects he has certainly confined
+himself with great steadiness, and not without success.&nbsp; A
+number of persons, it is said, find refuge at the
+&ldquo;Tabernacle&rdquo; who have been alienated from their
+mother Church hard by through Ritualistic practices; and the
+truth of this statement, it appears, cannot be challenged.&nbsp;
+The character of the church and congregation which Mr. Forlong
+has formed is <i>non sectarian</i>, and does not allow itself to
+be called either Baptist, Congregational, or Wesleyan, or
+anything <a name="page59"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+59</span>else but the Church of Christ; although the mode of
+conducting the service may be described as a free adaptation of
+any and all of these.&nbsp; Along with the reading of the
+Scriptures there is <i>exposition</i>.&nbsp; The hymns used are
+gathered from all the Nonconformist collections, under the title
+of &ldquo;Psalms and Hymns,&rdquo; published by Elliott, of
+Tichborne-street.&nbsp; It contains selections from the principal
+writers&mdash;Watts, Doddridge, Toplady, Wesley, &amp;c.&nbsp;
+One we heard sung was one of the finest and most impassioned of
+the latter author, commencing&mdash;</p>
+<blockquote><p>O Love Divine, how sweet thou art!<br />
+When shall I find my willing heart<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp; All taken up by thee?<br />
+I thirst, I faint, I die to prove<br />
+The greatness of redeeming love,<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp; The love of Christ to me!</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>This was sung by the congregation to a lively tune and with
+good devotional effect.&nbsp; At the close of this, the preacher
+read a number of requests for special prayer from members of the
+congregation for specific objects stated on the paper, connected
+with their personal or family experience, and some of
+thanksgiving for former prayers answered.&nbsp; This took
+considerable time, and was followed by a brief petition, giving a
+general utterance to these supplications.&nbsp; The sermon was
+extempore, and founded upon Psalm xxiii.&nbsp; Probably it should
+be termed a free address, intended to bring out, by scriptural
+illustration, the character of the Redeemer as the &ldquo;Great
+Shepherd.&rdquo;&nbsp; Mr. Forlong does not appear to believe in
+the ordinary style of sermonising, or
+&ldquo;philosophising&rdquo; on distinct portions or mottoes of
+Scripture; and has adopted the plan of turning his audience into
+a great Bible class.&nbsp; They follow him systematically through
+chapter and verse from beginning to end, and the preacher simply
+connects the sense of the passages, and pauses here and there to
+enforce a passing thought.&nbsp; The expositor, however, is
+animated (as most Scotchmen are), and familiar in his
+illustrations; and as to Scripture itself his system is highly
+instructive.&nbsp; The sermon lasts about forty minutes.&nbsp;
+There were about 400 present, on a very inclement morning.&nbsp;
+There is a Sunday-school attached, with a good voluntary staff of
+teachers, conducted morning and afternoon in the Golborne-Hall,
+having 200 children of both sexes.&nbsp; The public services are,
+Sunday morning at eleven; evening at seven; and prayer-meeting on
+Thursday evening.&nbsp; Communion service on the first Sunday in
+the month at the morning service, and the second Sunday at the
+evening service.&nbsp; This service is administered without
+written form, and by handing round the bread and wine to the
+communicants in their seats.&nbsp; All religious persons are
+admitted to it by introduction to the minister.</p>
+<h3>PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL, FOWELL-STREET, NOTTING-HILL.</h3>
+<p>A <span class="smcap">small</span> plain brick edifice, built
+in the old, familiar Grecian style, and situated in
+Fowell-street, in the Potteries, Notting-hill.&nbsp; The building
+is a square; and has in the interior on three sides a gallery,
+the other being occupied with a platform for the preacher.&nbsp;
+In all, ground floor and galleries, there is accommodation for
+about 200 people.&nbsp; On a memorial stone outside is the
+following: &ldquo;This stone was laid August 2, 1864, by J.
+Fowell, Esq., who kindly gave the land, Rev. J. Phillips,
+Superintendent Minister.&nbsp; J. Carrud, Architect and
+Builder.&rdquo;&nbsp; The chapel is connected with what is called
+the &ldquo;Second London&rdquo; Primitive Methodist Circuit, in
+which there are about a dozen different localities associated,
+and of which the Rev. Mr. Toulson is the present superintendent
+minister, having with him four colleagues.&nbsp; As one of the
+earlier branches from the old Wesleyan body&mdash;dating as far
+back as 1812&mdash;the &ldquo;Primitives,&rdquo; as their adopted
+name implies, conceive that they follow more closely in the steps
+of Mr. Wesley than the parent body.&nbsp; Nevertheless their
+doctrines and their practices are precisely the same, except in a
+few minor matters, which it would seem impossible to trace to a
+Wesley origin.&nbsp; Camp-meetings was the question upon which
+they first separated from the conference, which disallowed them;
+but this peculiarity has much declined of late years.&nbsp;
+Female preaching was another peculiarity, and at one time female
+preachers were frequently found upon their plans; but this, too,
+may be said to have well nigh passed away.&nbsp; In general
+church arrangements and working they assimilate to the old body
+in everything, except in the constitution of their Conference, in
+which there is a considerable difference.&nbsp; The Conference
+proper of Wesleyanism is composed entirely of ministers, but
+preceded by &ldquo;General Committees,&rdquo; where the laity are
+admitted.&nbsp; In the Primitive Methodist Connexion, the
+Conference itself is composed of both ministers and laymen, and
+the latter are in the proportion of two to one of the
+former.&nbsp; The two bodies, however, work side by side without
+antagonism, but it may be said also without much
+fraternising.&nbsp; The social status and monetary power of the
+two communities are widely different.&nbsp; The Primitives are
+poor, their chapels are of the least costly kind, and their
+ministers have barely a subsistence, yet are they highly
+respectable in their order, and exert themselves with vigour and
+enthusiasm in their calling.&nbsp; One of the junior ministers,
+the Rev. Mr. Knipe, was officiating in Fowell-street, and offered
+extempore prayer with an ardour, read with a homely emphasis, and
+preached with a demonstration of manner that can seldom be heard
+except in a Primitive Methodist chapel.&nbsp; His congregation
+consisted of about 70 or 80 of the adult population,
+respectable-looking poor people, by no means the lowest class to
+be found in the Potteries.&nbsp; The latter is not the class <a
+name="page60"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 60</span>that attend
+either church or chapel.&nbsp; The <i>society</i>, or the church
+proper, consists of from 50 to 70 persons, recognised as members
+of class.&nbsp; There is a Sunday-school with about 80 children,
+held in the morning and afternoon.&nbsp; The services are on
+Sunday at 11 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span> and 6.30 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>; Wednesday, 7 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>; prayer-meetings, Sunday morning at 7,
+and on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings at 7.&nbsp; The
+society, according to Methodist custom, contributes its quota
+towards the support of the ministry by the weekly pence of the
+members, quarterly contributions, and collections.</p>
+<h3>UPPER WESTBOURNE-PARK BAPTIST CHAPEL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> place of worship known by this
+name is situated in the Bosworth-road, Upper Westbourne-park, or,
+more properly, in Kensal New Town.&nbsp; It is in the midst of a
+mass of new houses, either completed or in progress.&nbsp; It was
+opened for worship in June, 1870.&nbsp; The Rev. H. W. Meadows, a
+minister from Mr. Spurgeon&rsquo;s College, first instituted
+services in a room in the neighbourhood, from which he progressed
+to the building of this chapel, at an entire cost of
+360<i>l.</i>&nbsp; The place is far larger and more commodious
+than this sum would seem to indicate; and it impresses one with
+how much can be done for 360<i>l.</i>&nbsp; Of course, the
+structure is not imposing, but of a plain and useful type, having
+more the appearance of a public hall, but the interior is solidly
+fitted with benches.&nbsp; There is a good platform pulpit, with
+a gallery behind it, flanked on one side with a minister&rsquo;s
+vestry.&nbsp; It is comfortably warmed by a stove in the centre,
+and well lit by a set of neat gas-pendants from the beams of the
+roof.&nbsp; A debt of 200<i>l.</i> remains, which it is hoped
+will shortly be liquidated.&nbsp; Accommodation is given for 400
+persons; but the attendance, when largest (in the evening), does
+not as yet generally exceed 150; and there are about thirty
+members in church fellowship.&nbsp; Mr. Meadows and his friends
+have had difficulties to contend with on the spot, as one or two
+small preaching-rooms near conducted by persons of the same
+persuasion would seem to show.&nbsp; He has evidently had uphill
+work; and it was not until the 18th of January, 1872, that a
+church was finally formed and a settlement of his pastorate
+arrived at; and on January 28 in the evening he held his first
+ordinance of baptism by immersion.&nbsp; The cause is regarded as
+a branch from Westbourne-grove Baptist Church, and as under the
+particular notice and care of the Rev. W. G. Lewis.&nbsp; The
+financial support is from pew-rents and weekly offerings, with
+occasional aid; but the minister has never yet derived the
+benefit of a salary.&nbsp; The services are, on Sundays:
+Prayer-meeting, 7.30 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>; preaching
+at 11 and at 6.30 <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; A
+Sabbath-school is held, in which there are about eighty scholars,
+at 9.30 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span> and 2.30 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; There is a service also on
+Wednesday evening at 7.30.&nbsp; The deacons are Mr. W. S. Hook
+and Mr. C. Heard.&nbsp; This is not a Strict Baptist church, but
+adopts the open communion.</p>
+<h3>THE SOUTH KENSINGTON BAPTIST CHAPEL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> memorial stone of this edifice
+was laid on June 23, 1868, by James Harvey, Esq., Treasurer of
+the London Baptist Association; when an address was delivered by
+the Rev. W. Brock, D.D., of Bloomsbury Chapel.&nbsp; A meeting
+followed in the evening, presided over by J. H. Tritton, Esq.,
+when most of the principal ministers representing Nonconformity
+in West London were present; and among them the Rev. J. A. Aston,
+M.A., the then catholic-spirited Incumbent of St. Stephen&rsquo;s
+Church, which is situated close to the chapel.&nbsp; The
+immediate site is in the Cornwall-gardens, Gloucester-road, and
+near the Gloucester-road Railway-station, one of the most
+eligible sites that could be selected, in the midst of one of the
+newest and choicest suburbs of the metropolis.&nbsp; The
+neighbourhood included between the Brompton-road and
+Queen&rsquo;s-gate in one direction, and the Cornwall and
+Fulham-roads in the other, has few rivals in or around
+London.&nbsp; It includes the vicinity of South Kensington
+Museum, Cromwell-road, Onslow-square, Onslow-gardens;
+Gloucester-road, Queen&rsquo;s-gate, Victoria-road, &amp;c.&nbsp;
+It was here that the Rev. Samuel Bird, after having laboured for
+some time at the Hornton-street Tabernacle, and subsequently at
+the Avenue-place Room, Kensington, conceived the idea of erecting
+a chapel.&nbsp; Having taken a lease of the land, with a right of
+pre-emption after a specified period, he proceeded to
+build.&nbsp; Messrs. Searle and Sons were the architects, and Mr.
+W. Higgs the builder, and in due course it was opened for Divine
+worship.&nbsp; At first it seemed as though Nonconformity in
+South Kensington was about to make an onward movement; but
+whether from any social peculiarity in the locality, or personal
+peculiarity in the minister, or from the circumstance of the
+opening and enterprising of two or three more new churches in the
+same part, we cannot pretend to say; but certain it is that the
+new Baptist church, ere yet it was scarcely formed, suddenly
+collapsed.&nbsp; After about two years&rsquo; effort, the
+minister departed and the chapel was closed.&nbsp; It has
+remained closed to the present time (Feb., 1872); and is now
+announced to be sold by auction at the City Mart, by Messrs. Fox
+and Bousfield, on the 14th inst.&nbsp; Its future history
+therefore cannot <a name="page61"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+61</span>for the moment be predicted.&nbsp; It is an affecting
+sight to see so handsome a building deserted; and on visiting it
+for the purpose of a survey, an aged person, formerly, as we
+learned from himself, a member of the congregation, and who now
+seemed not far from the better world, was pensively whiling away
+the quiet morning in the fresh air around the silent
+temple.&nbsp; He was sadly deploring the desolation and
+abandonment of his Zion; and seemed to have his own theory as to
+the cause of the failure, of which he made no secret.&nbsp; The
+building is one of the completest, most commodious and effective
+chapels to be met with around London.&nbsp; It is in brick with
+Bath-stone dressings, and designed generally in the early
+geometrical Gothic style of architecture; and has been greatly
+beautified by the mortgagee, since it was closed to the public,
+by the erection of a handsome tower and spire; and the facilities
+of the interior have been also increased by the erection of a
+gallery.&nbsp; It now affords accommodation for 1,000
+persons.&nbsp; It is substantially fitted with modern pewing and
+pulpit, and has an excellent baptistry, vestry, large schoolroom,
+and apparatus for warming and lighting.&nbsp; There are three
+front entrances with lobbies, two communicating by staircases
+with the gallery, and the centre one with the body of the
+building.&nbsp; There are also two side entrances; and three
+handsome lamp-posts adorn the frontage.&nbsp; It must have been
+heart-breaking to be the instrument of rearing such an edifice,
+and so soon to be compelled to relinquish it.&nbsp; For some time
+past the Incumbent of St. Stephen&rsquo;s has been using the
+spacious schoolroom underneath the ground-floor of the chapel for
+a day-school.</p>
+<h3>THE WORKHOUSE CHAPEL.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">Divine Service</span> is held at the
+Kensington Workhouse, for the inmates, on Sundays, at 9.30 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span> and 3 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; At present there are no other
+services; but a new code is now being introduced which will
+effect a very desirable change in this respect.&nbsp; At a recent
+meeting of the Guardians, the &ldquo;Visiting Committee&rdquo;
+made the following report and recommendation to the Board:
+&ldquo;The Visiting Committee having in consideration the
+resolutions passed by the Board on the 1st of February inst., and
+having also considered the letter from the present Chaplain of
+the 14th inst., in which he states his inability to devote a much
+larger portion of his time than he has done for the last twenty
+five years, resolve that it is desirable that the Chaplain of the
+Workhouse and Infirmary give his whole time to the spiritual care
+of the inmates in the same way as the clergyman of a parish, and
+that, considering the numbers of this house and the work to be
+done, the least salary should be 150<i>l.</i> per
+annum.&rdquo;&nbsp; This resolution is adopted by the Board, and
+will henceforth be acted upon&mdash;an urgently necessary
+improvement, although it may come to involve a further change in
+the chaplaincy.&nbsp; The Rev. Dr. Frost, formerly of the
+Kensington Grammar School, has held the appointment for a quarter
+of a century.&nbsp; When he first began he had the spiritual care
+of less than 150 inmates.&nbsp; The number gradually rose until
+two years ago they amounted to 800.&nbsp; At the present time,
+March, 1872, the house contains 760.&nbsp; It will be seen,
+therefore, that the religious requirements of this large number
+are quite beyond the provision made under the old system; and the
+Guardians have acted under a strong sense of duty in bringing
+about a thorough reformation.&nbsp; It was not until two years
+ago, when the inmates were 800, that any increase of salary was
+asked for on behalf of the Chaplain.&nbsp; Previous to that it
+stood at 50<i>l.</i> per annum; since then it has reached
+65<i>l.</i>&nbsp; Double this sum will enable a chaplain to give
+a principal part of his working time to the objects of his
+calling in the house, and to bring a more decisive moral
+influence to bear upon the inmates.&nbsp; The paucity of
+religious service in this workhouse up to this time can be looked
+upon in no other light than a calamity; and may serve in some
+measure to explain the fact that there are so many refractory and
+misbehaved paupers taken hence to the magistrate at Hammersmith
+for correction.&nbsp; We cannot but think there might have been,
+there ought to have been, at least one week-night service
+instituted long ago; and if the Guardians were not in a position
+to pay for this, among the numerous clergy in Kensington some one
+might have been found who would occasionally have taken duty
+gratuitously.&nbsp; But we fear that up to the present time it
+has occurred to few to reflect that the <i>souls</i> of inmates
+required a fair amount of attention as well as their bodies.</p>
+<h3>MISSION AND PREACHING ROOMS.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">Little Charles-street Primitive Methodist
+Rooms</span>.&mdash;Here, in a narrow street leading out of
+Kensington-square southward, is a very humble
+building&mdash;apparently a former dwelling house&mdash;converted
+into what are termed &ldquo;Little Charles-street Day and
+Sunday-schools.&rdquo;&nbsp; In the upper room the preachers of
+the Primitive Methodist Connexion hold services on
+Sundays&mdash;morning and evening&mdash;at eleven and half-past
+six.&nbsp; The congregation averages about 40, <a
+name="page62"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 62</span>and the
+Sunday-school children number about 60.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">Palace-avenue Room</span>.&mdash;This is a
+large room sometimes used for other public purposes, at the rear
+of the King&rsquo;s Arms Hotel, High-street, Kensington.&nbsp; It
+has lately been engaged on Sundays for religions worship and
+preaching, on a professedly <i>unsectarian</i> principle.&nbsp;
+Hours of service, eleven <span class="smcap">a.m.</span> and
+half-past six.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">Shaftesbury Hall</span>.&mdash;At this
+hall, situated at the end of the Portland-road, Notting-hill, a
+mission preaching service is conducted on Sunday evenings at
+seven, by Mr. William Winton, attached to the City Mission in
+that district.&nbsp; Mr. Winton is an earnest man, and addresses
+himself to the working classes of the Potteries and vicinity, and
+generally has the hall, which will hold about 100, well filled at
+his services.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">Blechynden-street
+Mission-school</span>.&mdash;Here are day and Sunday-schools for
+the poor children of the Potteries, situated in the lowest part
+of that poor district.&nbsp; It is a separate building, and
+answers well its purpose.&nbsp; On Sundays, morning and
+afternoon, there is school, with an average of 30 to 40 in
+attendance, including infants.&nbsp; In the evening, at seven,
+there is preaching by Mr. Norris, a missionary in that part, who
+gathers a congregation of from 60 to 80.&nbsp; In the day-school,
+there are about 120 scholars, boys and girls.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">Golborne Hall</span>, <span
+class="smcap">Golborne-road</span>.&mdash;This hall, situated in
+the new Golborne-road, Upper Westbourne-park, is capable of
+seating 200 people, and has been opened on Sundays for some
+twelve months past for Divine Service.&nbsp; It was first engaged
+for mission services by a clergyman of the Church of England, but
+is now held by the Rev. Mr. Davis, a Nonconforming preacher,
+formerly of the Kilburn-park Chapel.&nbsp; Here is something like
+the nucleus of a society or church, professing to be
+<i>unsectarian</i>.&nbsp; There is preaching at 11 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span> and 6.30 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span> on Sundays, and at 7 on Tuesday
+evenings, and the Sacrament is administered every first Sunday
+evening in the month.&nbsp; All the seats are free, and the cause
+is supported by voluntary weekly offerings.&nbsp; In the morning
+the congregation contains but few adults; but in the evening it
+reaches an average of 80 or 90.&nbsp; There is a Sunday-school,
+with about forty scholars of both sexes in attendance.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">Wesleyan Preaching-rooms</span>, <span
+class="smcap">Silchester road</span>.&mdash;The Wesleyans
+formerly carried on service in the Silchester-hall, which they
+hired, but about six months ago adjourned to the present rooms,
+upon the occasion of the purchase of the hall by the Roman
+Catholics.&nbsp; Thus excluded from a very commodious place, the
+present rooms, adjoining Silchester-villas, which are not
+convenient, are only held temporarily, until a chapel or a better
+place can be obtained, for funds to provide which an appeal is
+now being made.&nbsp; There is a good Sunday-school attached,
+with 300 children on the books, and an average attendance of 100
+in the morning and 200 in the afternoon.&nbsp; Between 30 and 40
+members compose the society, and the adult public services are
+attended by numbers varying from 30 to 50 in the morning, and 50
+to 80 in the evenings.&nbsp; The &ldquo;rooms&rdquo; are included
+in the Bayswater Wesleyan &ldquo;Circuit,&rdquo; and the
+preaching is arranged for on the plan of that circuit, and
+principally done by the &ldquo;local,&rdquo; with an occasional
+visit from the itinerant preachers.</p>
+<h3>CONVENTS.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The Convent of the Order of St.
+Clare</span>.&mdash;A convent of this order of nuns, sometimes
+termed <i>Clarisses</i>, but more commonly spoken of as the
+&ldquo;Poor Clares,&rdquo; is planted on a fine site, near two
+acres in extent, in Notting-hill.&nbsp; It comprises two blocks
+of buildings, one more in the interior of the grounds, and the
+other abutting upon the main, opposite to Edmund-terrace in the
+Cornwall-road.&nbsp; Excepting this part, by which communication
+with the outside world is kept up, through a low, strong,
+cloistered doorway, the whole premises are enclosed within high
+brick walls, and along the Ladbroke-grove-road the whole length,
+from its junction with Cornwall road to that of
+Blenheim-crescent.&nbsp; Entering by the low door in the
+Cornwall-road, the visitor finds himself in a shaded vestibule or
+hall, and having directly on his left the entrance of the convent
+chapel.&nbsp; This chapel occupies only a small space, being
+capable of containing, if filled, about fifty worshippers.&nbsp;
+It is profusely decorated on all sides with images of the Virgin
+and saints.&nbsp; It has a small altar, and on the right a
+darkened sacristry.&nbsp; The most noticeable thing&mdash;the
+thing mostly felt&mdash;is the profound silence reigning, which
+the hushed movement of the priest, whose white surplice was just
+visible in the gloom, only served to make more manifest.&nbsp;
+The religious offices are performed by priests from the Catholic
+Church of St. Mary&rsquo;s, Bayswater.&nbsp; This order of nuns
+was founded in 1212, by St. Clara&mdash;from whom it derives its
+name&mdash;a native of Assisi, in Italy.&nbsp; She adopted the
+rule of St. Francis in all its rigour, and her followers are
+absolutely forbidden to have any possessions.&nbsp; There are
+also other peculiarities in their rules, habit of dress,
+&amp;c.&nbsp; Those who enter by this door surrender all
+ownership of earthly treasure, and doom themselves to perpetual
+poverty; and in the end, on attaining the higher degree of
+devotion, sever themselves from all contact with and even from
+the sight of the outer world.&nbsp; In this convent at
+Notting-hill there are at present about twenty nuns, who are
+pretty equally divided into the two classes of
+&ldquo;Externals&rdquo; and &ldquo;Internals,&rdquo; or, in other
+words, into those who maintain subdued communications with beyond
+the walls, <a name="page63"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+63</span>and those who are strictly and unchangeably confined
+within.&nbsp; Very little farther is or can be known of
+them.&nbsp; The sisters work with their own hands, and, under the
+direction of the Lady Superior, do all their domestic service
+according to a prescribed order.&nbsp; Great strictness of
+discipline is understood to prevail.&nbsp; On ringing at the low
+door, which is darkened from its depth in the wall, the blind of
+a small grated window was withdrawn, and a pair of lustrous dark
+eyes peered through.&nbsp; Anon the door is softly opened; and,
+in answer to a deferential inquiry as to whether it might be
+practicable for an outsider to come and look within, the gentle
+portress&mdash;then acting as such in her turn&mdash;promptly and
+with a cheerful air gave permission to enter and see the
+chapel.&nbsp; This nun carried herself so pleasantly, and
+answered our queries so readily and agreeably, as almost to
+ignore the impression so common on these occasions, of secret
+restraint.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">The Convent of the
+Franciscans</span>.&mdash;This has been established in the
+northern part of the Portobello-road, Notting-hill, about ten
+years.&nbsp; It is a substantial brick structure, entered by
+strong conventual doors, and sufficiently enclosed from the
+profane world.&nbsp; We were politely admitted by the kind sister
+who attended as portress, to whom we made known our object.&nbsp;
+&ldquo;Are you a Catholic?&rdquo; she asked; &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo;
+was the reply.&nbsp; But the quick-witted sister at once detected
+the expression of countenance with which the answer was given,
+and said, smilingly, &ldquo;Ah, a Protestant
+Catholic.&rdquo;&nbsp; We readily accepted this position, and
+were ushered into a neat waiting-room, pending consultation by
+our guide with the &ldquo;rev. mother,&rdquo; apparently with the
+view of clearing herself from all responsibility in the
+matter.&nbsp; In about five minutes she returned with permission
+for us to see the chapel.&nbsp; This we entered by what is termed
+the door and chapel of the &ldquo;Externals.&rdquo;&nbsp; The
+compartment is divided into three parts, the outer court, a small
+chapel in itself appropriated for &ldquo;Externals,&rdquo; which
+in this case means visitors, or such as may occasionally be
+tarrying in the convent, but who are not really entered in the
+order.&nbsp; The other part, which resembles the choir in an
+ordinary church, is sacred to the sisters themselves.&nbsp; The
+chancel divides the two, which has the altar and the usual
+furniture, and in the background an effective fresco by Westlake,
+portraying the &ldquo;Annunciation&rdquo; and
+&ldquo;Coronation&rdquo; of the Virgin.&nbsp; This we were
+allowed to approach; but when we made for the &ldquo;Nuns&rsquo;
+Choir&rdquo; below, we were impulsively caught back, and told
+that none &ldquo;ever entered there&rdquo; but the
+&ldquo;sisters&rdquo; themselves.&nbsp; We apologised and
+retired.&nbsp; There are now between twenty and thirty nuns at
+this establishment, who appear to enjoy slightly more life than
+their sisters the &ldquo;Poor St. Clares.&rdquo;&nbsp; In a
+remote room a piano was being played, accompanying a clear,
+strong voice; and the corridors and apartments through the
+silence of which it rang were light and cheerful.&nbsp; The order
+established here is not the <i>strictest</i> sect of St.
+Francis.&nbsp; The &ldquo;Poor Clares&rdquo; are supposed to be
+that; but the &ldquo;Franciscans&rdquo; correspond more with the
+&ldquo;Brethren of the Community,&rdquo; who in the 14th century
+insisted on mitigating the more austere rules of the
+founder.&nbsp; Although the <i>recluse</i> life and the vow of
+poverty are upon them, in practice the severity of these rules is
+relaxed to meet, in some sort, the varying temperament of human
+nature.&nbsp; Attached to the convent, at the next door, is a
+school for poor children, called the &ldquo;Saint
+Elizabeth&rsquo;s Home.&rdquo;&nbsp; This is entirely managed by
+the sisters, and contains at present 66 girls, ranging in age
+from four to fourteen years.&nbsp; The religious ceremonies are
+here also performed by priests from St. Mary&rsquo;s,
+Bayswater.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">St. Joseph&rsquo;s Home of the Little
+Sisters</span>.&mdash;Of all the conventual establishments of the
+Roman Catholics in West London this is in some respects the most
+remarkable.&nbsp; It is situated exactly opposite the former
+building in Portobello-road, a large brick edifice, giving one
+the impression of a workhouse or hospital, and in fact not unlike
+them in its objects.&nbsp; It has been founded about four years,
+and subsists entirely upon voluntary charity.&nbsp; It is a home
+for the aged and infirm poor of both sexes, and has at the
+present time no less than 210 inmates.&nbsp; It is under the
+management of the nuns of the place, known as the &ldquo;Little
+Sisters,&rdquo; which may also be considered as a sect of the
+order of St. Francis.&nbsp; The Franciscans were first called by
+the saint <i>Fraterculi</i>, &ldquo;Little Brethren,&rdquo; in
+token of their humility.&nbsp; For a like reason the
+corresponding order of nuns take the appellation &ldquo;Little
+Sisters.&rdquo;&nbsp; At this place they are foreigners, and of a
+humble grade.&nbsp; In the former cases the sisters we saw were
+English, and refined in their deportment and speech; in the
+present they appeared of another class, but adapted to the work
+they have to do.&nbsp; The &ldquo;Rev. Mother,&rdquo; who is the
+&ldquo;matron&rdquo; of the place, came, with a meek young nun in
+attendance, to converse with us.&nbsp; She was extremely
+reticent, and inquisitive as to our motive, concerning which we
+found it difficult to satisfy her.&nbsp; She, however, readily
+conducted us through the place, the attendant nun following
+closely.&nbsp; The chapel is large for a private one, and great
+care and some expense have been bestowed upon the chancel, altar,
+and little side chapels&mdash;devoted respectively to the Virgin
+and St. Joseph.&nbsp; Several of the old people were sitting
+about, saying their <i>Ave Marias</i>, and counting their beads,
+and a young foreign priest knelt at the railings enclosing the
+main altar.&nbsp; Perceiving us about to leave without bowing to
+the altar, the &ldquo;Rev. Mother,&rdquo; who had already bowed,
+turned and bowed again several times, as though in atonement for
+our omission.&nbsp; The dormitories are large and airy, and
+closely fitted up with beds down each side, having plain
+patchwork counterpanes, made with charitable hands, all after the
+same pattern.&nbsp; In a large room below many of the old men
+were sitting about at leisure, reading books and newspapers, with
+which charity accommodates them.&nbsp; In another large <a
+name="page64"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 64</span>compartment
+the old women were at tea, served up to them in good-sized
+basins, with plain bread, and butter, if any, invisible.&nbsp;
+They seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves, and rose
+politely as we passed through.&nbsp; The wards of the infirmary
+presented the most affecting sight of all.&nbsp; The inmates here
+were not numerous, and all&mdash;with one or two
+exceptions&mdash;very old bedridden people, who appeared to be
+dying from natural exhaustion in the ordinary course, and, as
+some of them tearfully and hopefully said, in answer to our few
+words of encouragement, &ldquo;Waiting their change.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+There were more men than women; and two or three of the males
+were about in middle life.&nbsp; One of these, the Matron told
+us, had been in bed for twenty-five years.&nbsp; The
+&ldquo;Little Sisters&rdquo; provide homes for the aged poor,
+professedly &ldquo;without distinction of religion;&rdquo;
+although, of course, all the internal arrangements are Roman
+Catholic.&nbsp; They appeal for help to the public, and say they
+accept &ldquo;any contributions in money, food, clothing,
+&amp;c.&rdquo;&nbsp; They have no funds for the maintenance of
+the home but what is thus regularly supplied.</p>
+<h3>NOTES.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">St. Peter&rsquo;s</span>, <span
+class="smcap">Notting-hi ll</span>.&mdash;A second visit to this
+church enabled us to hear a sermon preached by the respected
+Vicar himself, the Rev. John Robbins, D.D.&nbsp; The text was
+taken from 2 Tim. i. 12: &lsquo;For I know whom I have
+believed.&rsquo;&nbsp; The subject of the discourse was
+<i>Faith</i>; and after a brief <i>exordium</i>, illustrating
+that faith was man&rsquo;s own act under the influence of Divine
+grace, and improved by the exercise of a man&rsquo;s own
+faculties, the preacher proceeded to show that when God commands
+us to believe, and when he is pleased to make our faith a
+condition of salvation, it would seem that faith cannot be
+&ldquo;some magical and arbitrary something which suddenly falls
+into the soul,&rdquo; but a thing which in some measure depends
+on ourselves.&nbsp; Faith, in all its stages and degrees,
+&ldquo;always&rdquo; depended on the <i>will</i>.&nbsp; The
+principle was illustrated by the experience of two persons
+starting in life, each having a certain faith in justice and
+honesty derived from early education&mdash;the one yields to the
+temptations of evil, and the other resists, the result being that
+the first loses all faith, whilst the other grows in it to
+perfection&mdash;retaining &ldquo;the moral ideal and will&rdquo;
+to a &ldquo;high and happy development.&rdquo;&nbsp; Each of
+these characters is responsible for the degree of his faith, that
+&ldquo;depending on the action of his own will.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+Faith, then, was strengthened by fidelity; and he would say to
+them, &ldquo;Live for holiness, truth, justice, the good, the
+beautiful, the true, and then they would surely believe that they
+were not mere cold abstractions of theology, but the most real of
+all things!&nbsp; Let them now go to the very core of religious
+faith.&nbsp; If the Gospel told them to believe in Jesus Christ,
+was it not that Jesus Christ is truth, was holiness, love, living
+and incarnate?&nbsp; The more they followed him the more they
+would believe in him.&nbsp; For instance, there is one who as yet
+sees in Jesus a mere man, but his doctrine attracts and seems of
+a beauty incomparable.&nbsp; He would not like to pass for a man
+without faith, yet when he analysed his faith he found that it
+reduced itself to a mere belief in Christ&rsquo;s moral
+teaching.&nbsp; That was very little, said some of them.&nbsp;
+But he was not one to despise little beginnings.&nbsp; Let him
+act up to his faith, and strive to conform his own life to the
+sublimity of Christ&rsquo;s morality, and keep that object
+courageously and unflinchingly in view, and he would not need to
+continue this long before he would be forced to admit that he was
+very far from his end, and that the holiness of Christ&rsquo;s
+life completely and utterly transcends the natural strength of
+mere humanity.&nbsp; It would not then require a great effort in
+him to believe that the Scripture speaks truly when it speaks of
+the fall of man and the slavery of sin.&nbsp; He would defy him
+to examine his state long before a voice from the depths of his
+own heart told him that he too needed pardon.&nbsp; Following
+this it would bring him to the foot of the cross, and then,
+casting a glance of holy self-abnegation (which was faith in her
+truest aspect), he would gratefully adore the divine wisdom which
+was able to reconcile on the cross, justice and mercy; and,
+ravished by a pardon which alone could satisfy the conscience, he
+would rise the redeemed of the Lord, and able to say with St.
+Paul, &lsquo;I know in whom I have believed.&rsquo;&rdquo;&nbsp;
+After some further discriminating views as to the possible
+variations in human experience in the attainment of saving faith,
+the preacher concluded with a pointed application of the truth to
+his hearers, the sermon lasting about forty minutes.&nbsp; As a
+preacher, Dr. Robbins is earnest and intelligent.&nbsp; He uses
+his MS., but does so freely, without apparently being trammelled
+by it.&nbsp; As we before remarked upon his excellent reading of
+the Scriptures, we can now record a similar view of his pulpit
+work.&nbsp; His manner is natural and impressive, and his style
+fresh; whilst there is evident painstaking to think out a subject
+for his audience, and to enable them to follow him along the
+course of his argument.&nbsp; His congregation is large, and, in
+appearance, of the more wealthy and educated classes; and his
+mode of teaching the experience of true faith as above was
+probably an adaptation to the mental habitude and circumstances
+of his hearers.&nbsp; We can conceive a different class of
+audience whom Dr. Robbins would soon discover to require quite
+another way of putting the process of religious experience.&nbsp;
+But it is surely a great part of the wisdom of the Christian
+teacher to find out the readiest line by which those to whom he
+is ministering can be led to Christ.&nbsp; Yet, the impression is
+probably correct that the Rev. Doctor is in theology of the
+&ldquo;Broad Church School.&rdquo;</p>
+<p><a name="page65"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 65</span><span
+class="smcap">The Pro-Cathedral</span>, <span
+class="smcap">Kensington</span>.&mdash;At the time of our former
+sketch of this place, the principal preacher did not occupy the
+pulpit, and we therefore now append a note on Monsignor Capel,
+who is unquestionably a leading attraction at the
+Pro-Cathedral.&nbsp; This rev. father appears about forty years
+of age, and may be said to be very superior in everything as a
+preacher, except that in which, after all, we must conclude it is
+of the highest moment that a preacher should attain
+perfection&mdash;viz., the Gospel.&nbsp; To say that he does not
+preach the Gospel would not be quite correct; but there is just
+so much that is not the Gospel intermingling in his discourses,
+that we much fear that in many the good wheat must be choked by
+the tares.&nbsp; As a divine, he is, of course, framed upon the
+Roman Catholic system of theology&mdash;and all that can be said
+is that his preaching does not illustrate the peculiarities of
+Popery more strongly than the fundamental truths of the Christian
+religion.&nbsp; To a cultivated theological ear the latter will
+form the staple of his discourses, and the former the colouring
+incidents.&nbsp; And they are there in sufficient degree to show
+that Monsignor Capel studiously identifies all the errors of
+Romanism with the Gospel&mdash;enough to a decided Protestant ear
+to mar the better effect of his eloquence.&nbsp; To hear him
+makes one grieve that such elocutionary powers as he manifestly
+possesses are not confined altogether to the illustration of
+those great verities of the Gospel upon which he often descants
+with feeling and power.&nbsp; But he is trammelled by Romish
+dogma and tradition.&nbsp; It is impossible to deny that
+Monsignor Capel is an orator of no mean order.&nbsp; We have
+heard greater pulpit orators certainly, but seldom one who, upon
+the whole, has been more pleasing in his own style.&nbsp; He has
+not only the natural gift of voice and manner, but he has
+culture, which together, if he were in any other than the Roman
+Catholic Church, would probably open his way to extensive
+influence.&nbsp; He is now, however, ministering to a
+congregation of four or five hundred in the morning, and six or
+seven in the evening, in great measure of a very miscellaneous
+and unsettled character.&nbsp; He preaches quite extempore; but
+such is the order maintained throughout his discourse, and such
+the flow of appropriate language, that an idea of the most
+careful preparation is conveyed to the hearer.&nbsp; We are
+creditably informed by those who know the habits of the rev.
+gentleman that he is a very hard worker; that, in fact, he works
+&ldquo;night and day&rdquo; at sermonising; hence no doubt the
+freshness and general excellence of his pulpit orations.&nbsp;
+Such harmonious arrangement of thought, with such general
+felicity of diction, continued, as a rule, for from forty-five
+minutes to an hour, can only come of mental labour in the
+study.&nbsp; The discourse we heard was from the words &ldquo;The
+Prince of Peace,&rdquo; being the morning of Christmas-eve.&nbsp;
+After an appropriate introduction, the preacher proceeded to
+enlarge on the following topics: I. Christ was the only source of
+that principle on which peace could be obtained by man.&nbsp;
+Under this head the enmity between God and man, by reason of
+original sin, and reconciliation by the atoning death of Christ
+were topics fully brought out; and an affecting appeal was made
+to the congregation on the &ldquo;vanity&rdquo; of seeking peace
+in earthly or conventional sources without coming to the
+cross.&nbsp; II. Christ was the sole undivided object of our
+affections, and as such was the centre of, the Prince of Peace to
+his people.&nbsp; Here the ways in which the Saviour seeks to win
+the affections of his people were treated&mdash;even, the
+preacher said, to the &ldquo;multiplying himself upon our
+altars.&rdquo;&nbsp; In view of such tokens of condescending
+love, the uncharitableness of Christians, and their frequent
+cynical criticisms on their fellow-Christians, &ldquo;even from
+the Pope down to the peasant,&rdquo; were sharply rebuked, and
+the habitual imitation of Christ&rsquo;s own love and tenderness
+enforced: for thus were all men to know that they were his
+disciples&mdash;that they &ldquo;loved one another.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+III. Christ was the Prince of Peace in that he prescribes the
+rule by which we are to follow peace.&nbsp; We must submit to his
+authority in this; and this authority he had placed in his
+Church.&nbsp; Many sought it outside the Church, in pursuing
+their own fancies, or the opinions of other men; but to them
+there was no peace.&nbsp; And even within the Church, although
+&ldquo;the great body of Catholics held the truth,&rdquo; yet
+there was a vast amount of perverseness with some, and a sad
+tendency to follow their private judgment, or the teaching of
+some preacher or order, rather than the directions of the
+Church.&nbsp; But the Church alone had authority to teach, and if
+we would have peace of soul we must be ruled by those fundamental
+laws of authority reposed in her.&nbsp; She taught that the royal
+road to peace was by the Cross.&nbsp; The crown of thorns must be
+upon our heads.&nbsp; &ldquo;There must be bodily mortification
+as well as interior mortification.&rdquo;&nbsp; He advised them
+to try a week of mortification&mdash;willingly to take up their
+cross&mdash;they would then see if peace would not follow.&nbsp;
+With this they were to connect prayer; <i>prayer</i>, and not
+<i>vain repetitions</i>.&nbsp; They were to struggle as earnestly
+for this divine peace as they had often done for some earthly
+object.&nbsp; These views were expanded and applied with great
+force of language and facility of illustration, together with a
+pathos in appeal which led one to lament that it had not a
+sounder basis of biblical teaching to rest upon.&nbsp; But Romish
+dogmas and discipline were often put in the place of the free and
+open word of God, and bodily exercise in the place of penitent
+faith unto salvation.&nbsp; Then as to all the eloquence, the
+fine, flowing sentences, the vocal modulations, we were inclined
+to ask, &ldquo;<i>Cui bono</i>?&rdquo;&nbsp; It seemed after all
+but beating the air&mdash;a strange confusion of Bible truth and
+man&rsquo;s inventions and conceits; as distinct from sound
+reason as from sound doctrine.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">St. Mark&rsquo;s</span>, <span
+class="smcap">Notting-hill</span>.&mdash;Since our first article
+on this church we have availed ourselves of a second visit.&nbsp;
+The Rev. E. K. Kendall, the vicar, of whose usual ministry we had
+heard very favourable accounts, preached the sermon.&nbsp; Being
+<a name="page66"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 66</span>the first
+Sunday after Epiphany, the rev. gentleman took his text from Luke
+ii. and 51st, &ldquo;And he went down with them and came to
+Nazareth, and was subject unto them.&rdquo;&nbsp; The preacher
+had on the previous day discoursed on the visit of the Magi to
+the infant Saviour, and remarked upon the <i>humility</i> of
+these learned men in the presence of the Babe of Bethlehem.&nbsp;
+He now passed to the still greater example of humility, presented
+in the life and conduct of the Redeemer himself, who dwelt at
+Nazareth in humble subjection to his parents, and visibly grew in
+wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.&nbsp; His
+mother, the lowliest of saints, might well think of these things,
+and wonder at the strange dealings of Providence which led her to
+exaltation by such a way of humility.&nbsp; The present season
+was full of the same teaching&mdash;viz., that &ldquo;Before
+honour is humility.&rdquo;&nbsp; There was not only the lowly
+mother called &ldquo;Blessed&rdquo; because the Most High had
+done great things for her; not only the humble wise men, laying
+aside the pride of human learning before the great mystery of
+Godliness, but there was the still more wonderful abasement of
+Him who is the Son of God, but still emptied himself of his glory
+and took on him the form of a servant, made in the likeness of
+man, and prepared for his Divine work by the life of simple
+obedience in the carpenter&rsquo;s home in despised
+Nazareth.&nbsp; Strange it may seem to us&mdash;strange in this
+nineteenth century, that humility should be thus set before us as
+pre-eminently a Christian grace, and that the title and admission
+to the blessings of the Christian covenant should be still
+declared, &ldquo;Except ye be converted and become as little
+children, ye shall in no case enter the kingdom of
+heaven.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;Be ye clothed with
+humility.&rdquo;&nbsp; The saints in all ages had learned as a
+first lesson on entering the Divine Presence, that the only
+seemly attitude of a sinner is one of self-abasement.&nbsp; He
+would not have them to think that the religion of Christ was one
+suitable only for a world in its infancy and not in its manhood,
+as some in their pride taught; and therefore he would enforce the
+absolute necessity of all being clothed in the same humble
+garment.&nbsp; The language of Scripture was undeniable in its
+inculcation of a teachable and childlike spirit.&nbsp; The Old
+Testament was as clear upon this point as the New, both alike
+insisting on the duty of obedience not only in a child, but in a
+man, and this not only to the ordinance and revelation of God,
+but even for the Lord&rsquo;s sake to the ordinance of man.&nbsp;
+Ambition as such was in every one condemned.&nbsp; It is the duty
+of man to use and not abuse the powers and gifts which come from
+God; and if he thus becomes great as the world reckons greatness,
+it is only because God has given him the power, and the
+responsibility of using that power well.&nbsp; But those who
+measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves among
+themselves were not wise.&nbsp; Christianity may be summed up in
+three words, Repentance, Faith, Obedience, and each of those
+implies that the man is humble&mdash;humble for his own faults,
+which abase him in dust and ashes; humble as to his own
+understanding, submitting to believe that which he cannot see;
+humble as to his own judgment&mdash;even in practical matters
+content to obey rather than behave as may best suit his own
+notions or convenience.&nbsp; Was it not so, that this humility
+many would consider somewhat out of date.&nbsp; True a man of
+extreme self-assertion was apt to wound the pride of his
+neighbours, and so come to be despised, especially if his
+pretence were without solid qualities to back it.&nbsp; But did
+we on the whole esteem and admire those who are humble-minded;
+were we not too apt to judge as if such a quality were a sign of
+weakness in its possessor?&nbsp; Or that, however lovely it might
+appear, it is not one of those virtues which ordinary men can
+afford to cultivate, but rather as a hothouse plant or tender
+exotic; too frail to stand the rough blasts of the world?&nbsp;
+Were there not tendencies ahead which seem to show that humility
+is thought by some a virtue which might beseem the babyhood of
+civilisation; but that it is ours to practice a mode of thinking
+and acting natural to its manhood?&nbsp; Repentance well enough
+if it only meant living by experience of the past; faith well
+enough for those devoid of critical faculties, but certainly not
+to be exacted for any dogmas or doctrines even from the
+unlearned, who should be left free to their own opinions;
+obedience well enough as a thing to be claimed so far as society
+may agree to lay down certain rules for its own protection or
+benefit, to which all citizens must submit as a matter simply of
+mutual convenience, not at all as a matter of duty.&nbsp; He (the
+preacher) did not exaggerate when he said that such were the evil
+tendencies which seemed to him to be at work among us, contrary
+alike to the principles of true religion and true wisdom,
+repeating in a form suited to our own day the first temptation of
+our first parents in Eden.&nbsp; Were they not reminded of the
+saying of Scripture&mdash;that in the last days &ldquo;perilous
+times should come; for men shall be lovers of their own selves,
+covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents,
+unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers,
+false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are
+good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than
+lovers of God, having the form of Godliness, but denying the
+power thereof.&rdquo;&nbsp; He thought the lessons of the
+Nativity and Epiphany came as a very wholesome corrective to
+these tendencies.&nbsp; The preacher went on to show that the
+causes of this want of humility were that God was forgotten, and
+self-abasing views of his holiness were, therefore, not obtained;
+and that men lost sight of the fact that this humility was a
+Divine grace, and insisted that it was not to be looked on as
+littleness, want of enterprise or subtle resource, and certainly
+not a want of power, and that the greatest of men have been most
+noted for humility.&nbsp; A very effective <a
+name="page67"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 67</span>sermon on the
+subject was brought to a close by a pointed and affectionate
+application of the truth, that this humility can alone lead us to
+true dignity and peace.&nbsp; As a preacher, Mr. Kendall
+possesses a style of simple and engaging eloquence, with a clear
+utterance, one under which it is next to impossible to be
+inattentive.&nbsp; Though advantage is taken of the M.S., the
+sermon is nevertheless <i>preached</i>, and that with
+considerable expression of manner.&nbsp; Indeed, we are glad to
+observe the old style of simply <i>reading</i> over sermons in a
+perfunctory manner passing out of sight; and Mr. Kendall is a
+good example of the happy change.&nbsp; The sermon was not too
+long or too short but struck the medium well, at the point of
+thirty-five minutes.&nbsp; We were pleased in this case with the
+fine effect of a good pulpit to preach from.&nbsp; St.
+Mark&rsquo;s is one of the best pulpits we have seen, being of
+noble proportions and commanding, and is a good setting for any
+preacher who may occupy it.&nbsp; This is no small matter in
+church architecture.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">St. Augustine&rsquo;s</span>, <span
+class="smcap">South Kensington</span>.&mdash;The church of this
+name, since our former notice, has removed from the temporary
+iron building then used, to the permanent structure in
+Queen&rsquo;s gate.&nbsp; This was opened in an incomplete
+condition in September last, the works of the exterior not being
+finished and the chancel not built.&nbsp; In consequence of these
+circumstances the Bishop of London declined to consecrate it, and
+service is carried on in the nave.&nbsp; The edifice, when all
+complete, will have cost about 18,000<i>l.</i>, more than
+one-half of which has yet to be raised.&nbsp; The building of the
+chancel is therefore delayed, upon which we understand the Vicar,
+Mr. Chope, is intending to expend a large sum.&nbsp; Meanwhile, a
+space is appropriated for a chancel and choir out of the nave,
+and under what is to be the chancel-arch.&nbsp; The architect,
+Mr. Butterfield, has produced thus far an elegant interior,
+combined with strength.&nbsp; Six beautiful columns of alternate
+blocks of Bath stone and Portland divide the nave on each side
+from the aisles, and support an equal number of imposing Gothic
+arcades in Bath-stone, and clerestory of variegated
+brickwork.&nbsp; The windows of the clerestory are numerous, and
+form the only medium of light and ventilation.&nbsp; The west
+front exterior is in the Decorated style, built of red and
+straw-coloured brick, with Bath-stone dressings.&nbsp; A
+principal feature is the <i>window tracery</i>, which is
+elaborately carried out.&nbsp; The style of the worship is
+precisely as in the former place, only we do not observe the same
+<i>punctilio</i> in separating the male and female portion of the
+audience.&nbsp; At every repeat of the <i>Gloria Patri</i>, the
+clergy and choristers turn their backs to the people; the
+intoning was done, in the purest Gregorian tone, by the Vicar
+himself, and the Litany was chanted by one of the curates,
+kneeling in front of the altar with his back to the
+congregation.&nbsp; As an instance of the effect of the
+Ritualistic style on the minds of persons brought up in the plain
+Christian worship of the Church of England, we may mention that
+at one part of the service, a gentleman, evidently a stranger
+from the country, turned and observed to us inquiringly, &ldquo;I
+suppose this <i>is</i> a Church of England Church, is it not,
+Sir?&rdquo;&nbsp; He was clearly in perplexity upon the subject,
+and after he received our answer he looked on with growing
+astonishment through the whole service.&nbsp; The sermon was
+preached by a visiting clergyman; who possessed a very good
+voice, but which, from some unfortunate peculiarity in its use,
+did not succeed in conveying to us at the other end of the church
+one single intelligible sentence.&nbsp; Apart from sundry not
+unmusical modulations&mdash;alternating with whispers&mdash;the
+whole was a blank even to our somewhat practised ear.&nbsp; The
+church has very grave acoustic defects, or the preacher equally
+grave defects in the management of his vocal organ.&nbsp;
+Accommodation is here provided for 1,000 persons.&nbsp; At the
+opening service it is recounted by persons present that the
+celebrant at the communion, at the close of the service, in
+presence of the people, drank up all the wine that remained,
+completely turning the chalice bottom upwards, and ate all the
+bread with scrupulous care.&nbsp; There is a large metal crucifix
+fixed upon a block on the altar.&nbsp; What is the real
+difference between this and its standing on the altar
+itself?&nbsp; It is in &ldquo;apparent connection with the
+altar,&rdquo; and the vicar must know that this is a
+contravention of the law.&nbsp; Two huge candle-sticks with
+candles are upon the altar, and occasionally lit at times
+&ldquo;when not wanted for the purpose of giving
+light.&rdquo;&nbsp; This also is a thing not allowed.&nbsp; Mr.
+Willis is building an organ for this church at a cost of
+1,000<i>l.</i>, towards which not 300<i>l.</i> has yet been
+promised.&nbsp; Services&mdash;Sunday, Communion at 8 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span>; matins, Litany, and sermon at 11 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span>; second celebration at 12.30 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>; evensong and sermon at 7 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; Week-day matins at 10 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span>; evensong at 3 <span
+class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; Saints&rsquo; days and Thursdays,
+at 8 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>, Holy Communion.&nbsp; Full
+choral service on Sundays and the greater holy days.&nbsp;
+Christmas-day, choral <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>, and carols
+at midnight.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">St. Matthias</span>, <span
+class="smcap">West Brompton</span>.&mdash;The nave of this church
+is now being built, apparently in the same style as that of St.
+Augustine.&nbsp; Meanwhile, the temporary structure is used
+within the outer building shell.&nbsp; Mr. Haines, since our
+former notice, has not failed to refine Romewards upon his even
+then notorious Ritualism.&nbsp; Some of his immediate neighbours,
+who occasionally attend his place, have expressed astonishment at
+his progress.&nbsp; At the celebration of the Eucharist after a
+Sunday morning service we ourselves observed that it was
+difficult in reality to distinguish it from High Mass at the
+Pro-Cathedral or the Oratory.&nbsp; There were three priests at
+the altar, with their backs to the audience, mysteriously
+manipulating the elements, crossing and recrossing each other, in
+frequent change of place, bowing each time to the centre,
+alternately kneeling and rising together, breaking the dumb
+motions with an occasional priestly murmur, given in exact
+imitation of the Low Latin monotone of a Romish priest, all
+varied now and then <a name="page68"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+68</span>with a few stains in solo or chorus from the choir,
+which was in full force, apparently emulating the Mass music of
+other places.&nbsp; All this in the dim light of a shaded
+chancel, with three sevens of candles burning on altar, flanked
+by two tall ones on the right and left&mdash;twenty-three candles
+in all&mdash;with sundry other movements of symbolical design,
+and we have the St. Matthias representation of the Mass.&nbsp;
+The congregation was a full one for a Communion Service; but in
+the main composed of young persons, many of whom appeared to be
+present from curiosity or in the capacity of catechumens.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">St. Paul&rsquo;s
+Onslow-square</span>.&mdash;On a second visit we had the
+opportunity of hearing the Rev. C. Molyneaux, vicar.&nbsp; Having
+heard of his fame as an eloquent and Evangelical minister, we
+were anxious that the &ldquo;Index&rdquo; should not go forth in
+its separate form without a note which seemed necessary to
+complete our former account.&nbsp; Our impression on hearing Mr.
+Molyneaux was that public report concerning him, had
+&ldquo;nothing exaggerated,&rdquo; nor &ldquo;set down aught in
+malice.&rdquo;&nbsp; And, indeed, it is noteworthy that the
+general impression created concerning a minister is seldom far
+from the truth as to prevailing characteristics, although it may
+often be amenable to correction on those finer points which
+require experience and trained appreciation to estimate.&nbsp;
+Mr. Molyneaux&rsquo;s voice is moderately strong only, but his
+utterance is distinct, and therefore he can be well heard in
+every part of the church.&nbsp; He preaches <i>extempore</i>; but
+has so well prepared his theme, that his thoughts and language
+flow evenly and briskly on without hindrance or incumbrance to
+the end.&nbsp; We can truly say that we have never listened to a
+minister without a MS. with more of that pleasureable sense which
+arises from the feeling that he who is addressing us is perfectly
+free from embarrassment.&nbsp; Nothing troubles a hearer more
+than to feel that the preacher has not thoroughly mastered his
+subject, and therefore is liable at every step to mental
+perturbation.&nbsp; We can safely promise any who go to worship
+at St. Paul&rsquo;s and to hear the Rev. Capel Molyneaux the most
+complete immunity from any such infliction.&nbsp; The address is
+intelligible to every one, the eloquence is of that home-speaking
+kind which is most likely to find its way to the heart, and,
+doubtless, it does reach to the hearts of many; whilst the
+teaching is in the main of that unmistakable Gospel kind which
+enlightens without mystifying.&nbsp; Mr. Molyneaux is at the
+antipodes from those &ldquo;priests&rdquo; who are oft in
+preaching up the &ldquo;Church,&rdquo; the &ldquo;Clergy,&rdquo;
+the &ldquo;Altar,&rdquo; much as though they were afraid people
+would forget their own professional importance.&nbsp; In the
+ministry at St. Paul&rsquo;s all this essential emptiness is
+scattered to the winds.&nbsp; The great themes are Christ
+himself, his redemption for man, his glory, and the future of his
+faithful people.&nbsp; On the latter subject the rev. gentleman
+discoursed on the day in question&mdash;&ldquo;And I John saw the
+holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven,
+prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.&rdquo; (Rev. xxi.
+2.)&nbsp; The preacher opened with expressions of gratitude that
+the new Lectionary had enabled them that day, for the first time
+in the history of their Church, to read under authority from the
+book of Revelation.&nbsp; It was to him (the preacher) a
+remarkable and somewhat discreditable fact that the use of a book
+of Scripture into which the Holy Spirit had introduced words of
+special blessing had been, though not intentionally, yet
+virtually ignored and proscribed in the public service of the
+Church.&nbsp; He intended to take advantage of the happy change
+now brought about to expound to the congregation the heavenly
+teaching of that important book.&nbsp; In everything that Mr.
+Molyneaux said about the general blissful prospects of the
+faithful every mind would gratefully concur; but even this
+excellent minister is not without his peculiarities.&nbsp; If men
+<i>will</i> have peculiarities of doctrinal views, we had rather
+far that they refer to the future than to the past, because here
+men can indulge their fancy with an innocence which they cannot
+when they take liberty with the accomplished and recorded facts
+of Bible history.&nbsp; Prophecy offers a wide scope for the
+imagination to play in; and Mr. Molyneaux has lively imagination,
+and gives it a bold flight in dealing with the mystical
+book.&nbsp; It was apparent enough that the preacher was a
+<i>Millennarian</i>; no doubt conscientiously so.&nbsp; First, he
+considered the City itself; secondly, its relations to this
+earth; and thirdly, the general religious purpose and utility of
+such a revelation.&nbsp; The preacher declaimed warmly against
+the &ldquo;Spiritualists,&rdquo; who explain everything in a
+spiritual sense only.&nbsp; This city was &ldquo;no
+shadow,&rdquo; &ldquo;no myth,&rdquo; but &ldquo;a real
+city,&rdquo; &ldquo;a locality,&rdquo; &ldquo;a glorious
+habitation.&rdquo;&nbsp; True there were figurative expressions
+in describing its &ldquo;foundations, walls of precious stones,
+gates,&rdquo; &amp;c., but all this must represent
+something.&nbsp; It indicated a reality, or else we were led
+astray from beginning to end.&nbsp; This was evident
+enough.&nbsp; But it was not quite so plain to our understanding
+when speaking of the relations of this city to earth, the
+preacher represented it as coming literally down to a position
+&ldquo;contiguous&rdquo; to earth, and there being situated with
+Christ the King and Ruler in it; and, by excessive glory, giving
+light to the saved nations of the earth, which (the earth) it was
+emphatically declared would &ldquo;never be destroyed,&rdquo; but
+would continue &ldquo;for ever and ever.&rdquo;&nbsp; This
+descent of the city was to be the salvation of &ldquo;the
+nations&rdquo; then living; and Israel occupying the foremost
+place.&nbsp; It was an error to suppose that the nations of the
+earth would ever be converted by the preaching of the Gospel, or
+that there would be anything different to what we witness now,
+before that great event.&nbsp; No nation ever had been, no nation
+as such ever would be, converted until then.&nbsp; The conversion
+of individuals would go on, and many now in sin may be and would
+be converted.&nbsp; But nothing beyond this.&nbsp; We confess to
+feeling a great deal of prophetic confusion under this teaching,
+because whilst the rev. gentleman was rapidly, and with some
+appearance of appositeness, quoting passages in <a
+name="page69"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 69</span>proof his
+opinions, our mind instinctively reverted to other portions of
+Scripture which he did not refer to or attempt to explain.&nbsp;
+But this, perhaps, he will do on some future occasion.&nbsp; Thus
+one could not but think of the 11th verse of the 20th chapter, on
+the subject of the earth&rsquo;s abiding&mdash;&ldquo;And I saw a
+great white Throne and Him that sat upon it: from whose face the
+earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for
+them&rdquo;&mdash;and in the very verse preceding the
+preacher&rsquo;s text&mdash;&ldquo;And I saw a new heaven and a
+new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed
+away; and there was no more sea.&rdquo;&nbsp; It seemed to us a
+very heavy draw upon the imagination to ask us to believe that
+the descent of the city was to be a literal fact, without
+believing the context entitled to a literal accomplishment.&nbsp;
+But as our object is not polemical we cannot pursue, if we
+sometimes permit ourselves to suggest controversy.&nbsp; In
+conclusion we may say, notwithstanding some divergence of view in
+minor matters, how much we esteem the Rev. C. Molyneux as an able
+and earnest minister on all essential themes of the New
+Testament, and admire him for his sharply-defined Evangelical
+type; and as to vestment, declining to change the colour of his
+pulpit garb from black to white, although advised by the
+bishops.&nbsp; If men think there is anything of principle at the
+bottom of the vestment controversy, they ought certainly to be
+decided and unflinching on the side they conscientiously
+take.&nbsp; But Mr. Molyneux as a Premillennialist is quite
+another question; and we may be excused for expressing a serious
+doubt as to the possibility of maintaining the Chiliast theories
+on Scriptural grounds.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">Kensington Palace Chapel</span>.&mdash;The
+palace is always associated with Kensington, being in the very
+heart of the parish, although strictly speaking not belonging to
+the parish.&nbsp; It is this which gives to Kensington the
+distinction of the &ldquo;Court suburbs,&rdquo; although by some
+ancient eccentricity of events it is really situated in the
+parish of St. Margaret, Westminster.&nbsp; Yet it comes properly
+within our province to notice it here, as far as the
+&ldquo;Chapel Royal&rdquo; is concerned, included in the familiar
+red brick pile spoken of as Kensington Palace.&nbsp; It will
+probably be known to most readers that William III. was the first
+Royal proprietor and resident of the palace.&nbsp; In the various
+alterations that monarch effected, he took care to impress upon
+the building the plain Dutch style; so that if we may attribute
+to him the existing chapel before it was used as such first in
+1834, there is no ground for surprise at its extremely primitive
+and unpretending character.&nbsp; It was the character of the man
+who breathed his last within those walls.&nbsp; William was not
+one with a passion for magnificent palaces; but was as happy and
+content as his nature would allow in this place in society with
+his beloved Mary, whose death he lamented with the modest remark,
+&ldquo;<i>I cannot but grieve</i>, <i>since I have lost a wife
+who</i>, <i>during my marriage</i>, <i>has never been guilty of a
+single indiscretion</i>.&rdquo;&nbsp; Queen Anne, both beloved
+and adored by her subjects, Prince George of Denmark, were much
+at this palace; also the two first Georges and Queen Caroline,
+who herself effected most of the improvements in the Royal
+residence.&nbsp; It is impossible that we should forget to note
+in our day, that here her present Majesty passed her early days,
+and here too she held her first council on acceding to the
+throne.&nbsp; In taking a seat in this little chapel, it is
+difficult to repress, even for higher considerations, a multitude
+of thoughts which gather around our modern English history.&nbsp;
+It has nothing of architectural beauty to boast of, being nothing
+more nor less than a loft apartment in the palace set apart for
+Divine service.&nbsp; The ceiling is heavily ribbed and panelled,
+the walls simply distempered, and the three arched openings to
+the west answer, without the slightest ornament, the sole useful
+purpose of admitting the light.&nbsp; A dado all round forms a
+back to the high square pewing, and the communion table, which is
+fixed, without any ecclesiastical reference, at the south
+end.&nbsp; There is a simple prayer-desk on the east, and a high
+pulpit on the west side, in which, in consequence of
+disproportion to the entire space, the preacher is well nigh lost
+to view.&nbsp; The north end is occupied by the Royal pew,
+elevated considerably above the rest, and screened by crimson
+curtains.&nbsp; The body of the chapel is filled with about forty
+chairs.&nbsp; Any strangers, or people from without, are here
+accommodated, whilst the servants and other members of the
+household occupy the tall pews which run parallel with the
+walls&mdash;there being in all 71 seats.&nbsp; The singing is
+assisted by a harmonium, the young lady performer on which is not
+cheered with much vocal companionship.&nbsp; The instrument was
+presented by Queen Victoria.&nbsp; The communion plate is marked
+with the initials and arms of William III., Queen Anne, and
+George II.&nbsp; Worship is here conducted in a simple, homely
+manner; and the Rev. W. T. Bullock, the Chaplain, is a minister
+that has to content himself with that, and appears to have no
+disposition to go beyond.&nbsp; His sermon, however, struck us as
+being more elaborate than necessary to the audience then present;
+but it must be remembered that he often has to address royal
+personages from that high pulpit.&nbsp; The Princess Mary
+Adelaide of Teck, her circle and royal visitors, sometimes step
+into the high pew, and the minister is put upon his best efforts,
+and to be always ready is to be on the safe side.&nbsp; On Sunday
+there is a short household service at 8.30 <span
+class="smcap">a.m.</span>; full service, with sermon, at 11.15;
+evening prayer, without sermon, at 3.30; singing practice at 4
+<span class="smcap">p.m.</span>&nbsp; Family prayer every morning
+at 8.30.&nbsp; Holy communion first Sunday in the month.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">St. Matthias, Warwick Road</span>, <span
+class="smcap">West Brompton</span>.&mdash;This church is now near
+completion.&nbsp; The nave and aisles are built, and the flooring
+laid down.&nbsp; It is Early English in style, the arcades and
+columns and lofty roof, with the distant stained window of the
+chancel, producing a pleasing, though quiet, effect.&nbsp; The
+interior is everything here, the exterior is very plain, the
+lancet windows alone defining the structure.&nbsp; There is no
+entrance from the west and principal front, and the public
+approach to the church is only by two doors&mdash;one on the
+north, and the other on the south side; an arrangement approved
+of by the Incumbent as one <a name="page70"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 70</span>to prevent the gathering of idle
+persons around the entrance from the main road, and so securing
+greater quiet in the services.&nbsp; The building is calculated
+to accommodate, on one floor, 1000 persons, and upon special
+occasions 1200 might find place in it.&nbsp; It is built after
+the designs of Mr. J. H. Hakewill, of South Molton Street, by
+Messrs. R. Avis and Co., of Baltic Wharf, Putney.&nbsp; In our
+former account we referred to the very superior organ with which
+this church is furnished, built by Mr. Henry Jones, of the Fulham
+Road.&nbsp; We are pleased now to be able to give a complete
+description of this fine instrument.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">Description of the Organ in St.
+Matthias&rsquo; Church</span>, <span class="smcap">Warwick
+Road</span>, <span class="smcap">Kensington</span>.&mdash;This
+Organ has 3 Manuals, compass of each CC to C, 61 notes, and an
+independent Pedal Organ, compass CCC to F, 30 notes.&nbsp; The
+Stops are arranged as under:&mdash;</p>
+<table>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="5"><p style="text-align: center"><span
+class="smcap">Great Organ</span>, CC to C, 61 notes.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Compass.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">Pitch.<br />
+(Feet)</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">Pipes.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>1.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Bourdon</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">16</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">wood 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>2.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Open Diapason</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">metal 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>3.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Rohe Fl&ouml;te</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">wood 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>4.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Gamba</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">C</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">metal 49</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>5.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Flute Harmonique</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">,, 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>6.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Octave</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">&bdquo; 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>7.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Flute Harmonique</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">,, 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>8.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Octave Quint</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">2&#8532;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">&bdquo; 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>9.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Super octave</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">2</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">&bdquo; 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>10.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Great Mixture (4 ranks)</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">various</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">&bdquo; 214</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>11.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Trumpet</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">&bdquo; 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>12.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Clarion</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">&bdquo; 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="3"><p>&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">Total</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">903</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="5"><p style="text-align: center"><span
+class="smcap">Swell Organ</span>, CC to C, 61 notes.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>13.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Bourdon</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">16</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">wood 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>14.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Open Diapason</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">metal 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>15.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Salicional</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">C</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">,, 49</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>16.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Lieblich Gedact</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">wood 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>17.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Octave</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">metal 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>18.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Flute Harmonique</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">&bdquo; 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>19.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Super octave</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">2</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">,, 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>20.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Mixture (3 ranks)</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">various</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">,, 183</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>21.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Horn</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">&bdquo; 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>22.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Oboe</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">C</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">,, 49</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>23.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Clarion</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">,, 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="3"><p>&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">Total</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">769</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="5"><p style="text-align: center"><span
+class="smcap">Choir Organ</span>, CC to C, 61 notes.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>24.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Geigen Principal</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">metal 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>25.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Dulciana</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">,, 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>26.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Lieblich Gedact</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">,, 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>27.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Flauto Traverso</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">wood 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>28.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Flautina</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">2</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">,, 61</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>29.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Keranlophon</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">C</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">metal 49</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>30.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Clarionet</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">C</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">,, 49</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="3"><p style="text-align: right">&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">Total</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">403</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="5"><p style="text-align: center"><span
+class="smcap">Pedal Organ</span>, CCC to F, 30 notes.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>31.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Great Bass</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CCC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">16</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">wood 30</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>32.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Sub-Bass</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CCC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">16</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">wood 30</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>33.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Violoncello</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CCC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">,, 30</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>34.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Trombone</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">CCC</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">16</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">[wood and metal] 30</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="3"><p style="text-align: right">&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">Total</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">120</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="5"><p style="text-align: center"><span
+class="smcap">Accessories</span>.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>35.</p>
+</td>
+<td colspan="4"><p>Coupler.&mdash;Swell to Great Organ.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>36.</p>
+</td>
+<td colspan="4"><p>,, Swell to Choir Organ.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>37.</p>
+</td>
+<td colspan="4"><p>,, Swell to Pedals.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>38.</p>
+</td>
+<td colspan="4"><p>,, Great Organ to Pedals.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>39.</p>
+</td>
+<td colspan="4"><p>,, Choir to Pedals</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>40.</p>
+</td>
+<td colspan="4"><p>,, Choir to Great Organ.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span
+class="smcap">Summary</span>.</p>
+<table>
+<tr>
+<td><p>&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">Stops.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: center">Pipes.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Great Organ</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">12</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">903</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Swell ,,</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">11</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">769</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Choir ,,</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">7</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">403</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Pedal ,,</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">120</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Couplers</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">6</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">Total</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">40</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">2195</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="smcap">Composition
+Pedals</span>, <span class="smcap">&amp;c. &amp;c.</span></p>
+<table>
+<tr>
+<td><p>1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Act upon the Great Organ.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>5th, 6th, and 7th</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Act upon the Swell Organ.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>8th</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Ventil to Great Organ.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>9th</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Tremulant to Swell.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>10th</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Swell Pedal.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>11th</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Great Organ to Pedals.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<p><span class="smcap">St. Jude&rsquo;s</span>, <span
+class="smcap">South Kensington</span>.&mdash;Since our earlier
+article on this church was printed, some slight changes have
+taken place in the service,&mdash;the most conspicuous of which
+is the adoption by the Vicar in deference to the view taken of
+the question by the Bishops, of the surplice in the pulpit.&nbsp;
+The Rev. R. W. Forrest, however, has not changed the tone of his
+preaching, if he has seen fit to change in the matter of
+vestment.&nbsp; He is still evangelically effective, and does not
+appear to have diminished the number of his friends by the
+incident.&nbsp; Not, however, that it has passed without remark;
+but no one suspects Mr. Forrest of general Ritualistic
+designs.&nbsp; By the kindness of the Architects, the Messrs.
+Godwin, of Brompton, we are enabled to produce an excellent view
+of the interior of this fine church, and also a view of the
+exterior, as it will be when, as we hope, not long hence, the
+tower and the spire will be completed.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">The Swedenborgian Church at
+Kensington</span>.&mdash;The chapel in the Mall, Kensington,
+which had been successively a sphere for the ministration of the
+Rev. Mr. Offord, and the Rev. Dr. Schwartz, but purchased by a
+gentleman in the North of England, redecorated, and endowed with
+an income of 300<i>l.</i> a year, for the use of the
+Swedenborgian or New Jerusalem Church.&nbsp; The pastor is the
+Rev. Dr. Bayley, of Argyle Square, and the dedication festival
+took place on Thursday afternoon, the 21st of March, 1872.&nbsp;
+The ceremonies consisted of a service in the church, conducted by
+the Rev. Dr. Bayley, Rev. Dr. Tafel, and Rev. W. Bruce, a
+tea-meeting, and the annual gathering of the New Church
+Association, when an excellent selection of vocal music was
+performed.&nbsp; Large numbers were present on each
+occasion.&nbsp; The chapel has been entirely refitted at
+considerable cost, and is now seated for nine hundred.&nbsp;
+There are two handsome octagon pulpits, one on each side of the
+communion, and built of a mixture of very rare South American
+wood and Japanese elm, the panels being elaborately and
+tastefully carved.&nbsp; The communion-table is of the same
+material, and also the font, which is octagon, and has a basin of
+solid silver.&nbsp; The chapel has a good organ, by Wadsworth, of
+Manchester.&nbsp; The whole of the improvements have been most
+tastefully executed by the Messrs. Dove Brothers, of
+Islington.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">The Presbyterian Church</span>.&mdash;This
+congregation, formerly meeting in the above chapel, still carry
+on service in the Mall Hall very near to it, but the Presbytery
+are assisting it to acquire a new <a name="page71"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 71</span>and commodious church, and delay is
+mainly occasioned by the great difficulty experienced in
+procuring a suitable site for the building.&nbsp; It is, however,
+not improbable that a site will open in the Kensington Park Road,
+northward, than which a more important one could scarcely be
+selected.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p><span class="smcap">The Surplice in the Pulpit</span>.&mdash;A
+conference of clergy and laity was held on Wednesday, January 24,
+1872, at Exeter Hall, to consider the Bishop of London&rsquo;s
+recommendation in his recent charge, that clergymen should wear
+the surplice in the pulpit.&nbsp; The points to be discussed had
+previously been submitted by circular to 1,250 Evangelical
+Churchmen.&nbsp; On the motion of the Rev. J. C. Ryle, the
+following resolutions were adopted, with four dissentients: 1.
+&ldquo;That the general adoption of the surplice as the pulpit
+dress, before the legality of such dress is duly established by
+law, is highly inexpedient, inasmuch as it is a departure from
+long established usage, is contrary to the recommendation of the
+Ritual Commissioners, and is not desired by the laity; and
+furthermore is likely to give grave offence to many
+congregations, and to disturb the peace of the
+church.&rdquo;&nbsp; 2. &ldquo;That this resolution be signed by
+the chairman, and embodied in a memorial, on behalf of the
+conference and the bodies represented in it, to be forwarded to
+the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and made public in any
+way the Council of the Church Association and the Committee of
+the Clerical and Lay Union may think best.&rdquo;&nbsp; In the
+course of the discussion, the Rev. Capel Molyneux, Vicar of St.
+Paul&rsquo;s, Onslow-square, South Kensington, said that he would
+never consent to be inveigled by the bishops into giving up first
+one thing and then another merely to please the Ritualistic
+Romanisers in the Church.&nbsp; The surplice was the badge of
+priestcraft, and he thanked God he was not a priest.&nbsp; (A
+Voice: What are you, then?)&nbsp; He had always preached in his
+gown, and he would continue to do so until the end.&nbsp; He
+would urge all Evangelicals never to preach in a surplice, but to
+let the black gown be a badge of those who faithfully preach
+Christ.&nbsp; The Rev. J. C. Ryle, the Rev. Mr. Money, &amp;c.,
+spoke in a similar strain, and expressed determination to resist
+the suggested change of vestment to the end.</p>
+<h2><a name="page72"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+72</span>ESSAYS.</h2>
+<h3>A COMPARATIVE DENOMINATIONAL VIEW.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">Of Established Churches</span> there are
+25 in Kensington, giving 30,020 seats, or an average of 1250
+each; and of this number, 10,883, or rather more than one-third,
+are free.</p>
+<p>Of <span class="smcap">Nonconforming Chapels</span> and other
+places, such as rooms or halls, 25, furnishing accommodation for
+15,550, of which 5370 are free seats.</p>
+<p>The <span class="smcap">Roman Catholics</span> have four
+churches, which are the foremost of that persuasion in
+London.&nbsp; The Pro-Cathedral provides 1100 seats, inclusive of
+150 free; the Oratory 1200, 200 being free; the Church of the
+Carmelite Friars 800, none free; and that of St. Francis 500,
+none free.</p>
+<p>There is one <span class="smcap">Non-Sectarian Church</span>,
+the Talbot Tabernacle, with 800 sittings, 200 of them free; and
+two Non-Sectarian Halls, with space together for 400.</p>
+<p>The <span class="smcap">Followers of Swedenborg</span> have
+one Chapel, with accommodation for 1000, no seats being
+definitely free.</p>
+<p>Thus it will be seen that all the denominations together
+supply 49,070 seats, more than three-fifths of which are found by
+the Church of England; 15,550 by Protestant Nonconformists; and
+the remainder 3500 by Roman Catholics.</p>
+<p>The numbers allotted to English Nonconformity stand as
+follows:&mdash;<i>Baptists</i>, 7450; <i>Congregational</i>,
+2600; <i>Wesleyan Methodists</i>, 2250; <i>Primitive
+Methodists</i>, 300; <i>Scotch Presbyterian</i>, 600; <i>Plymouth
+Brethren</i>, 150; <i>Non-Sectarian</i>, 1200;
+<i>Swedenborgians</i>, 1000, =15,550.</p>
+<p>The Established Church is, therefore, relatively strong in
+Kensington; and when we consider that the whole of this Church
+accommodation, with a single exception or two, has been provided
+by voluntary effort, and without the slightest pecuniary aid or
+benefit from the State, it must be accepted as a striking
+evidence of the popularity of that Church.</p>
+<p>The principal parish Church, now just completed and about to
+be opened at a cost of but little under &pound;40,000, is built
+entirely upon the voluntary principle.&nbsp; We have only heard
+of one instance in all this mass of property in which a helping
+hand has been extended, even by the Bishop of London&rsquo;s
+Fund, and then only to the extent of about &pound;2000.&nbsp;
+West London Churchmen have been deemed capable of doing their own
+work, and have been left to do it, and certainly they have done
+and are doing it.</p>
+<p><a name="page73"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 73</span>It is
+also to be observed that the different ecclesiastical schools in
+the Church, by mere dint of rivalry, have done comparatively
+little in this great work.&nbsp; There are three or four
+decidedly Ritualistic Churches; two or three High Church; two
+Broad Church, which affects doctrine chiefly; and all the others
+are really and truly Evangelical Churches, and varying but very
+slightly, if any thing, in form and ceremony.&nbsp; Church
+extension may, therefore, be regarded as a genuine and earnest
+out-come of English protestant Churchmanship, prompted by higher
+motives than those connected with Ecclesiastical disputes.</p>
+<p>Among the nonconforming bodies, the <span
+class="smcap">Baptists</span> are by far the most numerous
+here.&nbsp; It is, however, very observable that they do not
+appear to base the strength of their cause upon their
+denominational views as to Baptism by Immersion; but in every
+case except one, and that a very small Church, have what is
+called &ldquo;open communion,&rdquo; and admit to fellowship
+Christian believers of good repute generally, even though they
+disagree on that denominational point.&nbsp; They are, therefore,
+to be distinguished from the <i>Ana-Baptists</i>, who insist upon
+re-baptism before communion; whilst they are equally far removed
+from the <i>Particular Baptists</i>, who preach particular
+Redemption.&nbsp; The peculiarities of Calvinism are rarely, if
+ever, heard from their pulpits.&nbsp; The body, then, that have
+obtained in Kensington, it may be of some importance to remember,
+are the <i>General Baptists</i>, who are characterized by
+liberality of sentiment, both as it regards Church conditions and
+doctrinal teaching.&nbsp; The largest of these Churches is that
+of Westbourne Grove, under the pastorate of the Rev. W. G.
+Lewis.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">Congregationalism</span> is not largely
+represented in Kensington, and mainly centres in one or two
+Churches, viz. that presided over by the Rev. Dr. Stoughton, in
+Allen-street, formerly of Hornton-street, and that at Horbury
+Chapel, under the Rev. W. Roberts,&mdash;the former being the
+older and larger Church.&nbsp; This is highly vigorous and
+prosperous, and has been progressively so under the now
+lengthened ministration of Dr. Stoughton.&nbsp; Aided by the
+well-known Catholic sentiments of this minister, Independency, in
+the parish of Kensington, has received a breadth of sympathy with
+Christian people of other denominations which enables it to
+maintain the most friendly relations with all.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">Wesleyanism</span> has not hitherto
+displayed the popular adaptation here by which it is
+characterized in many parts of the country, not excepting the
+chief centres of population.&nbsp; Its efforts, however, in this
+direction, are yet young, and cannot be expected to have gathered
+the strength and influence of age.&nbsp; It finds, moreover, at
+least in this part of the metropolis, abler, keener, and more
+active rivals than in rural parts, or in most provincial
+towns.&nbsp; The Wesleyans, from their <i>connexional</i>
+principle, have an immense advantage over other bodies, as it
+regards the mere building of places of worship, for which, if
+they chose, they need not be in the least dependent upon mere
+<i>local</i> effort.&nbsp; If recommended by Conference, a
+general subscription for a first-class chapel in Kensington would
+be opened in the connexional organs, and closed in a few weeks,
+with surplus funds at the bankers, over the amount actually
+required for the purpose.&nbsp; This is a wonderful material
+facility for any Church to possess, and if the raising of
+material fabrics were necessarily signs of real success, then it
+is quite certain that no nonconforming body in the land could
+compete with the Wesleyans.&nbsp; But in the present condition of
+society, and distribution of the Churches and Church influences,
+if there is not sufficient <a name="page74"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 74</span>interest in any given locality to
+build a Chapel wholly or mainly at its own cost, there is but
+little probability of creating a sufficient interest for the
+future by simply making it a present from a distance.&nbsp; It
+might or it might not succeed; but the probability is that it
+will not.&nbsp; One body of Christians cannot be every where, and
+there must be some points at which it will be weak.</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">Scotch Presbyterianism</span> is also
+without vigorous expression in Kensington.&nbsp; Always and every
+where an exotic Southward, it does not seem greatly to
+flourish.&nbsp; It is a mission, established mainly for the
+benefit of Scotch residents or travellers, and was never intended
+to interfere with our native religious and Ecclesiastical
+growths.&nbsp; Yet we are glad to see it among us.&nbsp; It is a
+great way of showing how <i>united</i> the <i>United</i> Kingdom
+is, and our Scotch brethren, with their northern crispness and
+rigidity, ought to be perfectly at home with us.</p>
+<p>In touching on <span class="smcap">Romanism</span>, we have it
+in this large suburb in all the strength and fascination with
+which it has hitherto been imported into the metropolis.&nbsp;
+Here the wealth of its richest English adherents and foreign
+residents combine with the talent of its foremost men to give it
+popular effect.&nbsp; This has been accomplished to a limited
+extent only; for the result at present is by no means
+commensurate with the efforts put forth.&nbsp; Yet Protestants
+may not slumber upon this fact.&nbsp; Romanism here is making a
+distinct and anxious bid for popular sympathy and local
+influence, and presents a calmly active energy and fertility of
+resource which might awaken vigilance if it need not create
+alarm.&nbsp; Its preachers are eloquent and earnest, its Churches
+and ritual are gorgeous and costly, its music is enchanting, its
+monastic orders, its conventual settlements, and all their
+attached agencies are quietly and ceaselessly at work, and their
+schools, are diligently plied.&nbsp; Just as we go to press, the
+foundation stone of a new &ldquo;Home&rdquo; is laid at Kensal
+New Town, and with it, ground taken up for a large Church.&nbsp;
+This is hard by the new Protestant Church of &ldquo;St.
+Andrew&rsquo;s and St. Philip&rsquo;s&rdquo; on the one hand, and
+the Baptist Chapel on the other.&nbsp; No stone is being left
+unturned; and should Ultramontane projects fail in this part of
+the suburbs, it will be a grievous discouragement to it all over
+London.&nbsp; It was the promised land marked out for Romanism by
+Cardinal Wiseman, and Archbishop Manning is striving to lead the
+people up to possess it.&nbsp; Should he ever succeed in a
+conspicuous degree, it will be owing as much to Protestant
+shortcomings as to his own efforts no doubt; but at present there
+is, on this head, but little reason to complain as far as
+building of Churches and Chapels is concerned.</p>
+<h3>CHURCH BUILDING.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">That</span> we live in a Church-building
+age is made manifest in the foregoing pages.&nbsp; Of the
+fifty-three Churches and Chapels in Kensington, fifteen have been
+erected and opened within the last five years; sixteen others
+within ten years; and in all within the past twenty years there
+have been no less than forty-three erections.&nbsp; Five Churches
+and Chapels are over twenty years of age, three over thirty, and
+two have stood for a century,&mdash;<a name="page75"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 75</span>and still remain.&nbsp; The old St.
+Mary Abbotts has succumbed to the weight of years, and a new and
+splendid fabric has just taken its place.&nbsp; A half a million
+of money is represented in these structures, by far the larger
+half of which has been raised and expected within the last
+decade.&nbsp; Whatever the verdict of posterity may be upon these
+buildings from an artistic point of view, it will not hesitate to
+accord the high merit of distinguished energy and
+liberality.&nbsp; As to Architecture, some few of these erections
+embody and will hand down to future times examples of the
+improved taste of our day; but for the most part they have been
+erected under pressure of urgent necessity, arising from the
+rapid and overwhelming outflow of population towards the western
+suburbs.&nbsp; The question has been all along how places could
+be erected with sufficient speed to save new communities from
+habitual forgetfulness of the Sabbath and public worship for the
+mere want of places in which to assemble.&nbsp; Never has been in
+the past, never probably will be in time to come, an extensive
+suburban area like this so rapidly covered with habitations of
+men and all the concomitants of our social life.&nbsp; So
+recently as 1845, when the Church of St. John was erected on the
+crest of Notting-hill, the eye ranged from that eminence north
+and west only over open fields, and it was thought at the time
+that the Church had been placed too far in the country.&nbsp; Yet
+St. John&rsquo;s now stands in the centre as it were of a vast
+city, the unbroken lines of which stretch around and away for
+miles.&nbsp; St. John&rsquo;s would never now be thought or
+spoken of as &ldquo;in the fields&rdquo; any more than St.
+Paul&rsquo;s, Knightsbridge, or St. Mary&rsquo;s,
+Paddington.&nbsp; The same is true of many other Churches first
+erected on the border-land; and it is not until we realize the
+extraordinary rapidity with which this mighty change has been
+wrought, that we can understand the comparative hurry in which
+some of the Churches have been built; but in most cases they are
+substantial buildings, and offer scope for further decoration and
+filling up of the Architect&rsquo;s original designs as
+opportunity offers.</p>
+<p>The province and purpose of the Temporary Iron Church has been
+most marked in Kensington.&nbsp; There are but few exceptions to
+the rule that, as to the later erections Iron has been the
+pioneer of stone or brick.&nbsp; It is utilized for the first
+formation of districts and sub-parishes, and for the collection
+of congregations.&nbsp; The young clergyman settles himself down
+to a new locality, puts up the Temporary Church at a small
+cost,&mdash;in the midst of bricks and lime, heaps, and
+scaffolding all around; the houses, however, are soon completed
+and occupied, and in two or three years he feels himself strong
+enough to turn his attention seriously to a permanent erection,
+and in many cases in an incredibly short time the work is
+accomplished, and the useful Iron friend is sold or hired out to
+some brother minister who wishes to imitate the process in
+another place.&nbsp; Of course the Iron Church comes in for its
+share of contempt from the fastidious.&nbsp; It is
+&ldquo;dingy-looking,&rdquo; unattractive in every architectural
+respect, and denounced with its so-called
+&ldquo;<i>tin-kettle</i>&rdquo; bell as a disfigurement to the
+neighbourhood, and offensive to the ear.&nbsp; But it does a good
+work notwithstanding, and ought to be highly prized and respected
+for its work&rsquo;s sake.&nbsp; There are, moreover, instances
+in which some of the objectionable features can be got over, and,
+at least, the interior of the Iron Church be made elegant and
+inviting.&nbsp; The nicest individual ought to feel pleased with
+an interior like that of St. John the Baptist&rsquo;s Church in
+Holland-road; where Mr. Edmeston, the Architect, has displayed a
+taste and contrivance which almost impose on one the idea that he
+is in a well-built permanent Church <a name="page76"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 76</span>instead of a temporary one.&nbsp; He
+had previously exhibited great taste in his treatment of the
+interior of St. Peter&rsquo;s Notting-hill, which is considered
+one of the most beautiful in London; and with a far inferior
+subject at St. John the Baptist&rsquo;s has not been wanting to
+himself.&nbsp; Indeed, we could scarcely have believed that so
+good general effect could have been wrought out between iron
+walls.&nbsp; The people at that Church can well be content with
+their lot for some little time to come, should it not yet be
+convenient to build in a more costly and enduring style.</p>
+<p>We are glad to be able to supply in these pages views of a
+number of the principal Churches and Chapels, which will give the
+reader a better idea of the state of Church Architecture among us
+than any pen and ink description without their aid.&nbsp; To
+begin with the new parish Church; both the exterior and interior
+are seen as reduced for this work from larger drawings, by
+permission of the Architect, Mr. G. G. Scott, by Mr. Avery, the
+photographer, of the Ladbroke-road.&nbsp; They make beautiful
+pictures, and show an edifice which, when all complete, will be
+in every way worthy of the Court Suburb.&nbsp; We have also a
+capital drawing of the old Church&mdash;<i>In
+Memoriam</i>&mdash;taken expressly for the &ldquo;Index,&rdquo;
+that it might not be quite lost sight of amidst the superior
+splendour of the modern temple.&nbsp; And to complete the series,
+Messrs. Hill and Son, of the Euston-road, have enabled us to
+introduce a woodcut of the magnificent new organ they are
+building for the Church, and whose tones will be heard at the
+opening in a few weeks&rsquo; time.&nbsp; These illustrations of
+themselves would have been sufficient to give unusual interest to
+the work; but we are favoured with many more.&nbsp; Kensington
+Churches, as a whole, are so fairly and fully illustrated, that
+nearly every style of building is seen that has hitherto obtained
+among us.&nbsp; St. Peter&rsquo;s, Onslow-gardens, through the
+esteemed favour of the founder and patron, C. J. Freake, Esq.,
+shows a fine interior as well as neat exterior; and St.
+Jude&rsquo;s, South Kensington, the same&mdash;only in the latter
+case the spire represented is not yet built.&nbsp; St.
+Paul&rsquo;s, Onslow-square, is a specimen of plain unambitious
+gothic, in great measure purposely so, as according with the
+order of things instituted there; but partly, also, from the
+necessity existing at the time for making haste with the
+work.&nbsp; St. Mark&rsquo;s, Notting-hill, is an example of
+another kind, and by the kindness of the Rev. E. K. Kendall, the
+Vicar, we are enabled to introduce an excellent engraving.&nbsp;
+Mr. Keeling has here displayed professional skill and
+freedom,&mdash;as also in St. George&rsquo;s, Campden-hill.&nbsp;
+The picturesque effect both in outline and detail is boldly
+sought, and successfully obtained; and we have a good view of the
+exterior.&nbsp; Mr. Varley&rsquo;s Tabernacle, as will be seen,
+is putting on a very improved countenance, under the hands of
+Messrs. Habershon and Pite, and from being utterly devoid of
+attraction, will be henceforth recognized as an ornament to the
+neighbourhood.&nbsp; The beautiful Church of St. Barnabas, one of
+the very best specimens of Ecclesiastical Architecture in the
+parish, together with its useful appendage the &ldquo;Church
+House,&rdquo; are seen by favour of the Rev. Dr. Hessey, who has
+kindly supplied the blocks for the purpose.&nbsp; The
+&ldquo;Church House&rdquo; is capable of being converted at any
+convenient time into a building of greater parochial importance;
+and, in fact, considering the popularity of the Church in that
+immediate neighbourhood under the good influence of Dr. Hessey,
+the time may not be far distant.</p>
+<p>Through the good offices of Mr. Bridgnell, of Warwick-gardens,
+we have an engraving Wesleyan Chapel there.&nbsp; It is the
+nearest neighbour of Dr. Hessey&rsquo;s Church, and <a
+name="page77"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 77</span>one of the
+best productions of Mr. W. Pocock, who is a popular Architect in
+Wesleyan circles.&nbsp; He has here produced a Chapel, or rather
+a Church, which, for architectural expression and cheapness
+combined, may compare with any thing we have seen.&nbsp; Nothing
+has struck us more in this review of our Churches than the
+unaccountable difference in the <i>mere cost</i> of
+production.&nbsp; In Kensington we can point to Chapels and
+Churches that have cost the promoters nearly as much again as the
+Warwick-gardens Wesleyan Chapel cost, and are barely half so
+large, commodious, or beautiful.&nbsp; In this matter there
+surely must be an open path to improvement.&nbsp; It is painful
+even to think that &pound;8000 and &pound;10,000 are expended
+upon places inferior in every respect to others that cost about
+half the sum.&nbsp; It is good for people who are thinking of
+building to take this fact into consideration.&nbsp; If they
+desire to have superb structures, and are prepared to pay for
+them, let them take care they have full value for their money; if
+otherwise, and they have only moderate means, still let them get
+as much as their funds can procure.</p>
+<h3>CHURCH MUSIC.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> great variety in Church Music
+which we have noticed during our tour of the churches naturally
+leads us to some remarks upon this subject.&nbsp; We cannot doubt
+that great exertions have been, and are still being made, to
+secure what is considered by the promoters a becoming performance
+of this part of public worship.&nbsp; We have not entered a
+church or chapel where singing the praises of God has not formed
+a prominent feature of the service, for it so happens that we
+have not been able to find a Quakers&rsquo; Meeting in all the
+parish of Kensington.&nbsp; In some cases the &ldquo;service of
+song&rdquo; is redundant and all-pervading in the worship, which
+may be said to consist almost entirely of singing in one form or
+another, <i>i.e.</i> by the minister, the choir, or the
+congregation, either in their different parts or together.&nbsp;
+In Roman Catholic places one is prepared to expect a
+super-abundance of music of a certain kind; but we have found in
+at least four English churches in the parish an almost equally
+exuberant display.&nbsp; In the majority of cases, however, a
+better proportion is maintained in this in its relation to other
+parts of Divine Service.&nbsp; In nonconforming congregations
+there is clearly a general desire to bring up the standard of
+their musical performances to the requirements of the times, and
+in several instances this has been accomplished with great
+success.&nbsp; We find included in their programme the <i>Te Deum
+Laudamus</i>, and sometimes an anthem with the words taken from
+Scripture, which, added to the usual hymns in use&mdash;sung as
+simple chorales in unison by the whole congregation&mdash;make a
+pleasing variety in the service, and often conduce to the best
+devotional effects.&nbsp; The degree of this of course depends
+greatly upon the skill of the execution, which again depends upon
+the degree of musical knowledge and capacity possessed.&nbsp; In
+some cases we observe a tendency to cultivate congregational
+singing in harmony, but it does not well succeed, for the
+manifest reason that all the congregation are not adequately
+trained to <i>part-singing</i>.&nbsp; It thus sometimes happens
+that a number of the people persist in unisonal singing to the
+best of their ability, whilst the <a name="page78"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 78</span>more educated with their music before
+them struggle on for the effect of harmony by rigidly adhering to
+their own parts.&nbsp; This creates confusion, and greatly mars
+the effect of the whole,&mdash;an evil which, we can only hope to
+see remedied by a more general diffusion of the whole,&mdash;an
+evil which we can only hope to see remedied by a more general
+diffusion of musical knowledge.&nbsp; If the time has come when
+music is to be insisted on as one part of ever child&rsquo;s
+education, the period cannot be far distant when a more perfect
+state of things will obtain.&nbsp; We cannot conceive a more
+delightful effect upon the mind than that producible by a whole
+congregation singing in perfect harmony some of those beautiful
+hymns which embody, when merely read, so much of elevating
+sentiment.&nbsp; We are compelled, however, to notice that the
+majority of the hymn collections we have seen, both in churches
+and chapels, contain compositions so inferior to the ideas
+themselves which possess the mind of any intelligent worshipper,
+that, guided by the words before the eye, it is impossible to
+rise to the highest sense of devotion.&nbsp; The conclusion is,
+therefore, forced upon us, that any considerable advance in
+musical education must be supplemented by a thorough revision of
+these collections, or by putting them aside altogether in favour
+of others that shall comprise all their beauties, and rigidly
+exclude their deformities&mdash;the feebleness of sentiment and
+expression, the doggerel and frequent lack of good sense.&nbsp;
+The age is in want of a master-mind in the important department
+of hymn composition and collation for the service of the
+sanctuary.&nbsp; If any able writer and compiler should be so
+inspired, he might now labour with the greatest advantage to
+Christian worship, if he can combine the religious fervour and
+enlightenment of some earlier hymnists with the science of the
+present times.</p>
+<p>It should be laid down as an unalterable rule that the object
+of all sacred music intended for the use of the sanctuary is to
+enable as many of the congregation as have voice and inclination
+to join in the service of holy song.&nbsp; Tested by this
+principle the congregational adaptation of music would seem to be
+the most, if not the only, suitable method.&nbsp; We would not
+say that other forms might not occasionally be employed with
+advantage to musical expression, and, perhaps, to the exciting of
+religious feeling in the hearer; but <i>choral-singing</i> and
+<i>anthems</i> ought not to be adopted as constant and principal
+parts of public worship, as is now the case in many
+churches.&nbsp; The reasons against this are obvious: it excludes
+the people from participating in the devotions, and is apt to
+turn them into mere admirers of human art and skill, whilst it
+tends to the introduction of a florid style, bordering too
+closely on secular music, and not consistent with the solemn
+grandeur, the mingling joyousness, and plaintive emotion which
+ought ever to attend Christian worship.&nbsp; Some years ago it
+was felt, and justly so, that the musical part of public worship
+had been too much neglected, and had fallen into disrepute.&nbsp;
+A revival to a proper standard of efficiency was necessary, and
+in seeking to promote this some have fallen into the other
+extreme.&nbsp; In a number of parish and district churches the
+choral, that is, cathedral service, is adopted, without any
+regard to the fact that this form of song was never designed for
+such use, and intended only for cathedral and college
+foundations, where the entire body performing it were understood
+and expected to have a competent knowledge of the musical
+art.&nbsp; Its general application was never contemplated, and,
+as far as our observation goes, it cannot be done without
+prejudice to other and still more important branches of public
+worship.&nbsp; It will be seen that in some churches nearly the
+whole of the service is now song, and to such an excess is this
+carried, that there is <a name="page79"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 79</span>scarcely any time left for the
+sermon.&nbsp; And this is intentionally so; for some clergymen do
+not hesitate to say that the sermon is of little consequence, and
+that they make no account of it as compared with the other parts
+of their service.&nbsp; The minister chants his portions of the
+Liturgy from beginning to end in a monotone.&nbsp; The choir with
+the people alternately chant the versicles and responses; the
+Psalms for the day are chanted.&nbsp; Then there is the service
+of the hymns, alternate chanting of the Litany, intoning and
+responding to the commandments in song, singing of the Nicene
+Creed, the Sanctus, and Gloria in Excelsis, and other parts
+permitted to be sung by the rubrics, and, added to all, the
+anthem by the choir, which is often of considerable length.&nbsp;
+In this kind of service there is scarcely any thing left soberly
+to be <i>said</i> which the common people can readily appreciate
+and heartily join in.&nbsp; If they are not up to the music they
+cannot follow, and if they cannot imbibe the words they have no
+profit.&nbsp; The music, too, is often of that kind which bars
+their uniting in it intelligently.&nbsp; It would seem proper
+that the Psalms should be chanted.&nbsp; Their very name seems to
+point out that there can be no objection to this; but the
+objection lies against the music to which they are generally
+set.&nbsp; The <i>Gregorian</i> and other cognate chants are
+adopted because of their ease and simplicity, being within the
+compass and ability of every one&rsquo;s voice; but the sense of
+the words, upon the meaning of which the very essence of devotion
+depends, is almost totally sacrificed to the music.&nbsp; The
+words are slurred over, and often whole sections of verses are
+necessarily dropped, so that if what is really sung were put down
+on paper no sense whatever could be made of it.&nbsp; Unless
+music can be rendered more conservative of the words and sense of
+these inspired compositions, it would be better far to read them
+alternately, as is done with good and lively effect in many
+churches.&nbsp; On what ground the Nicene Creed is chanted
+instead of being said, and why the minister monotones the
+commandments as well as the people sing the responses to them, is
+not easy to comprehend.&nbsp; Notwithstanding the superstitious
+belief of the Jewish people, we dare believe that the Ten
+Commandments were never given by Moses from Mount Sinai in a
+recitative.</p>
+<p>It is therefore evident to us that, whilst in some of the
+churches the musical standard is slightly too low, both in
+quality and decree, and a certain languor results therefrom to
+the service, on the other hand true spiritual vigour in the
+worship is still more endangered by the opposite extreme to which
+we have referred.&nbsp; In a just medium lies all the virtue and
+good effect of Church Music.&nbsp; It should neither be so much
+as to obscure or invade unduly other parts of public worship and
+service, nor be so little as not to assist them.&nbsp; It should
+neither be so florid as to dissipate devotional feeling, nor so
+dull as to prejudice its cheerfulness.</p>
+<h3>THE CHURCH AND POPULATION.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> population of Kensington at the
+recent census was ascertained to be 121,100, and we have seen
+that the total of accommodation made by all denominations for
+public worship is for 49,070 souls, or, in round numbers,
+allowing for possible crowding, 50,000.&nbsp; <a
+name="page80"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 80</span>The
+proportion is, therefore, above the average in most parishes; and
+although at no given time will the full amount of accommodation
+be taken up, yet the average attendance on the Lord&rsquo;s Day
+at the principal services is good.&nbsp; Out of the 50,000 that
+might attend, from 35,000 to 40,000 will be found at the morning
+service, and from 30,000 to 35,000 at the evening.&nbsp; If we
+allow one-half the number in the evening to be of those who
+attended in the morning&mdash;and experience shows them to be in
+larger proportion&mdash;we have still the suggestive fact forced
+upon us for reflection, that a very great number never attend at
+all.</p>
+<p>The following table, showing in detail the population of the
+several Ecclesiastical divisions of the parish, has been prepared
+by order of the Vestry of Kensington, and obligingly sent us by
+Mr. G. C. Harding, the Clerk.&nbsp; It will be very useful to
+refer to in connexion with the foregoing accounts of the Churches
+and Chapels situated in the several wards, parishes, and
+districts mentioned.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><i>Summary of the Population of the
+Parish of St. Mary Abbotts</i>, <i>Kensington</i>.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">THE ECCLESIASTICAL DIVISIONS AND
+WARDS.</p>
+<table>
+<tr>
+<td><p style="text-align: center"><i>Ecclesiastical
+Division</i>.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Separate<br />
+Families</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Inhabited<br />
+Houses.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Empty.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Building.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Males.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Females.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p><span class="smcap">Total</span>.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="8"><p style="text-align: center"><i>The Ward of</i>
+<span class="smcap">St. Mary Abbotts</span>, <span
+class="smcap">Kensington</span>.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>St. Mary Abbotts</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">3,067</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">2,088</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">93</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">24</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">6,319</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">10,377</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">16,696</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>St. Barnabas</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">968</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">808</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">59</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">28</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">1,666</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">3,498</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">5,164</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>St. Philip</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">2,226</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">1,141</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">62</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">77</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">3,855</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">5,168</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">9,023</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>St. Stephen</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">337</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">298</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">77</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">81</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">815</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">1,548</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">2,353</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Part of St. George</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">753</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">435</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">38</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">47</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">1,382</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">1,823</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">3,205</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">7,351</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4,770</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">329</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">257</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">14,037</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">22,414</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">36,451</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="8"><p style="text-align: center"><i>The Ward of</i>
+<span class="smcap">Holy Trinity</span>, <span
+class="smcap">Brompton</span>.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Holy Trinity</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">2,537</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">1,594</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">126</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">..</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4,428</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">6,838</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">11,266</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>St. Peter</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">99</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">86</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">..</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">140</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">251</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">391</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>St. Paul</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">328</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">237</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">18</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">51</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">578</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">1,194</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">1,772</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>St. Augustine</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">288</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">180</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">22</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">27</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">451</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">749</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">1,200</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>St. Mary</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">1,627</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">1,121</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">200</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">73</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">2,896</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4,601</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">7,497</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4,829</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">3,218</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">374</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">151</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">8,493</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">13,633</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">22,126</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="8"><p style="text-align: center"><i>The Ward of</i>
+<span class="smcap">St. John</span>, <span class="smcap">Notting
+Hill</span>, and <span class="smcap">St. James
+Norland</span>.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>St. John</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">1,179</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">918</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">49</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">7</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">2,205</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4,281</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">6,486</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>St. James</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">1,546</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">853</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">68</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">..</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">2,910</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">3,753</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">6,663</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Part of St. George</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">1,227</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">538</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">17</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">2,284</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">2,714</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4,998</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>St. Peter</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">1,293</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">1,051</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">49</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">17</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">2,576</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4,292</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">6,868</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>All Saints</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4,580</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">2,361</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">328</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">125</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">9,117</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">11,630</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">20,747</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>St. Mark</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">1,313</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">800</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">99</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">15</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">2,447</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">3,380</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">5,827</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>St. Clement</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">2,648</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">1,203</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">126</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">5,310</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">5,624</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">10,934</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">13,786</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">7,724</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">723</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">189</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">26,849</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">35,674</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">62,523</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="8"><p style="text-align: center"><i>Grand Total of
+the Parish of</i> <span class="smcap">St. Mary Abbotts</span>,
+<span class="smcap">Kensington</span>, <i>April</i> 2, 1871.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4,829</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">3,218</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">374</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">151</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">8,493</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">13,633</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">22,126</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">7,351</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">4,770</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">329</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">257</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">14,037</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">22,414</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">36,451</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">13,786</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">7,724</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">723</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">189</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">26,849</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">35,674</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">62,523</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">25,966</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">15,712</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">1,426</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">597</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">49,379</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">71,721</p>
+</td>
+<td><p style="text-align: right">121,100</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<h3><a name="page81"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 81</span>ST.
+MARY ABBOTTS&rsquo; CHURCH.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> new Parish Church has
+progressed slowly towards completion; and it is hoped by its
+promoters that it may be opened by the first week in May.&nbsp;
+The builders, however, have a slight misgiving on this point, and
+suspect that Whitsuntide will be here before it is ready to
+receive a congregation.&nbsp; On either supposition the time is
+near; and it is remarkable that our own &ldquo;opening,&rdquo; or
+publication of the &ldquo;Church Index&rdquo; in the parish, is
+exceedingly opportune, as it regards the consecration of the new
+edifice.&nbsp; Our readers will be able now to consult our
+pictures and letterpress of the Church, at the same time that
+they see the original.&nbsp; We must, however, remind them that
+the pictorial illustration is more complete than the building
+will be for some time to come.&nbsp; The beautiful tower and
+spire which give such effect to the exterior in the picture, will
+not attract the admiring gaze of the beholder for a year or
+two.&nbsp; We hope, however, it may be sooner than some imagine;
+for we confess it is painful to us to see a fine edifice like
+this waiting a long time for its headpiece and chief
+ornament.&nbsp; The project for obtaining stained windows has not
+hitherto fully succeeded so far as the public are concerned; but
+one window in the north aisle has, we are informed, been arranged
+for privately, by a lady as a family memorial, at a cost of not
+less than 300<i>l.</i> or 400<i>l.</i>&nbsp; It is considered by
+some that the Church is already sufficiently Medi&aelig;val and
+ornamental, and that without any addition, it will offer as it
+now stands too strong a temptation to the Ritualists to covet the
+prize for themselves.&nbsp; But during the present Vicar&rsquo;s
+life, it may be deemed safe from the effects of any conceivable
+machinations of this kind; and it must be hoped that after that
+the strength of Evangelical sentiment will be such in the town,
+as to prevent its perversion from its original type of ceremony
+and doctrine.&nbsp; For our own part, we hope, at least, yet to
+see the east window filled with stained glass of good
+Ecclesiastical design; nor need this detract one <i>iota</i> from
+the strength of that true Evangelical spirit which we trust, from
+the day of the opening, will be for ever enshrined in this
+<i>temple</i>.&nbsp; We opine, however, that the extra cost is
+the main cause of hesitation on this head.&nbsp; And at this we
+are not surprised; for the outlay on the Church as a whole has
+been large, and any considerable extra expenditure would have to
+be provided for chiefly by those who have already done so
+nobly.&nbsp; It is well not to strain matters too far; and if the
+building of the tower and the stained windows were both left to
+the rising generation to accomplish hereafter, that which has
+already attained maturity in Kensington need not be ashamed of
+its own work. <a name="citation81"></a><a href="#footnote81"
+class="citation">[81]</a></p>
+<h3><a name="page82"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 82</span>THE
+PAROCHIAL SYSTEM.</h3>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> following most seasonable
+remarks occur in the Annual Pastoral Letter recently issued by
+the Rev. Dr. Hessey to his parishioners of St. Barnabas,
+Kensington:&mdash;</p>
+<blockquote><p>&ldquo;Since I last addressed you in this form our
+Bishop has delivered his primary charge, the very watchword of
+which is the <span class="smcap">Parochial System</span>.&nbsp;
+Convinced as I am of the value of that system to our country, I
+rejoice in having my own views on the subject confirmed by so
+high an authority.&nbsp; It is in virtue of that system, still by
+law established among us, that I have written to you, from year
+to year, not merely as the minister of a particular place of
+worship to which a certain number of Christians habitually
+resort, but as one to whom the care of a certain number of souls
+spread over a certain area is actually committed; as one who is
+expected to care for rich and poor alike, and to form as it were
+a link between them; as one who is responsible ecclesiastically
+to the Bishop of the Diocese, but in a far higher sense to the
+Divine Head and Pastor of the Church.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Some distinguished men have thought that the parochial
+system has had its day, and ought now to be forgotten.&nbsp;
+Every day&rsquo;s experience, however, tends to prove that such
+is not the case; for never has that system shown more vitality
+and efficiency than during the last thirty years.&nbsp; To take a
+single instance which is familiar to us all: I know not how,
+without the parochial system, provision could have been made for
+the pastoral care of what is technically called the suburban
+village of Kensington.&nbsp; It now contains upwards of 121,000
+souls; and yet rapidly as its population has been increased,
+fresh churches have been built for the use of that population, to
+which parochial rights and duties have been successively
+attached; and each new parish has again been subdivided, as soon
+as the necessity has occurred.&nbsp; Such repeated subdivision is
+still going forward; and, as you are aware, a Temporary Church,
+within the Parish of S. Barnabas, has already a conventional
+district attached to it, and waits only to be replaced by a
+permanent building in order to have its district legally
+assigned.&nbsp; When Mr. Booker commenced the temporary building,
+the site selected was part of an open field.&nbsp; It now is
+surrounded by houses, which appear to find tenants as fast as
+they are built.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But for the facilities of Subdivision furnished by the
+Parochial System which still exists among us, I should find
+myself at this day perhaps weighed down with the care of a
+population of more than 14,000 souls.&nbsp; Whereas now our
+population is such that every inhabitant may know his Pastor if
+he will, and the Pastor may know at least each family, if not
+each member of his flock.&rdquo;</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p><span class="smcap">The New Lectionary</span>.&mdash;In
+treating of this the Doctor says,&mdash;</p>
+<blockquote><p>&ldquo;We have thankfully availed ourselves of the
+New Table of Lessons, which now forms part of our Church&rsquo;s
+Prayer Book, having been issued on the same authority as the
+Prayer Book itself.&nbsp; We have never been among those who wish
+to see the Prayer Book itself revised, and we rejoice to find
+that in such divided and controversial times as these, that work
+is not likely to be taken in hand.&nbsp; But in regard to the
+reading of the Scriptures <a name="page83"></a><span
+class="pagenum">p. 83</span>in Church, the case is wholly
+different.&nbsp; At the time of the Reformation, the Bible had
+been so long kept back from the people, that it was most
+desirable that the whole of it should be brought within their
+reach.&nbsp; And in an age when but few persons could read and
+still fewer possessed copies of the Scriptures, there was no
+better way of making God&rsquo;s Word known, than the frequent
+and public reading of the whole of it in the Church.&nbsp; This
+was accordingly done, and hence the Table of Lessons contained
+nearly the whole Bible, with the exception of certain portions of
+unfulfilled Prophecy, which in the excited state of the public
+mind were liable to be misunderstood.&nbsp; The case, however, is
+different now.&nbsp; Those who worship in the Church are, for the
+most part, able and willing to read the Bible also at home, and
+are not likely to be misled by the visions either of Ezekiel or
+St. John.&nbsp; These Books are therefore read among the rest,
+and the Lessons in general are so selected as to be more
+appropriate in subject to the days on which they are read; and
+from their brevity more likely to be retained in memory.&nbsp;
+The Old Table of Lessons provided Lessons only for Morning and
+Evening Prayer, but it is now found that not a few persons attend
+both an Afternoon and an Evening Service; it has therefore been
+arranged that there should be two sets of Evening Lessons for
+every Sunday, one of which may be used in the afternoon, and the
+other in the evening.&nbsp; There are also many persons,
+especially among the poor, who are able to attend but one Service
+on Sunday, and that an Evening Service.&nbsp; Formerly they could
+hear no second Lesson except those from the Epistles; but now
+they hear the Gospels alternately with the Epistles; for in the
+former half of the year the Gospels are read in the morning, the
+Epistles in the evening; while in the latter half this
+arrangement is reversed.&nbsp; Much has been said about the
+difficulty of finding the proper Lessons, and the necessity of
+purchasing new Prayer Books.&nbsp; There is, I believe, no such
+necessity.&nbsp; A few days will make the new arrangement as
+familiar as the old, and a copy of the new Calendar and Table of
+Lessons, to be fastened in any Prayer Book or Bible, may be
+purchased at any shop for one halfpenny, having been printed by
+authority at the smallest possible price.&nbsp; I would hope that
+none will omit to provide themselves with such a Table of
+Lessons, and I think that in the use of it they will find great
+advantage.&nbsp; And let me here suggest that the advantage will
+be far greater to those who attend the daily services than to
+those who are able to attend on Sundays only.&nbsp; Let me
+therefore suggest to these last that if they wish to study their
+Bible systematically, the New Table of Lessons will form an
+excellent guide for the reading of the Holy Book at
+home.&rdquo;</p>
+</blockquote>
+<h2><a name="page84"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+84</span>ADVERTISEMENTS.</h2>
+<h3>BRYCESON BROTHERS &amp; CO.,<br />
+Organ Builders,<br />
+STANHOPE STREET, EUSTON ROAD,<br />
+LONDON, N.W.</h3>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">ESTABLISHED 1796.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">SCUDAMORE and MEDI&AElig;VAL ORGANS
+ready for Erection<br />
+from &pound;45 to &pound;155.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">ALSO A LARGE
+STOCK OF</span><br />
+SECOND-HAND ORGANS ALWAYS ON HAND.<br />
+<i>Printed Lists forwarded</i>.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">PRIZE MEDALS, LONDON AND PARIS.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">PATENTEES OF THE ELECTRIC
+ORGAN.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3>THE ST. JAMES&rsquo; MAGAZINE<br />
+AND UNITED EMPIRE REVIEW.</h3>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> importance of preserving the
+Unity of the Empire having now become a practical issue as one of
+the questions of the day, it is proposed by the Proprietors of
+the <span class="smcap">St. James&rsquo; Magazine and United
+Empire Review</span> to devote a portion of its pages to a
+subject that is interesting alike to the Mother Country and to
+her wide-spread Colonial Empire.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="smcap">London</span>:
+<span class="smcap">Sampson Low</span>, <span
+class="smcap">Marston</span>, <span class="smcap">Low</span>,
+<span class="smcap">And Searle</span>, 188, <span
+class="smcap">Fleet Street</span>.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<table>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="4"><p style="text-align: center">AGENTS:</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p><i>Melbourne</i></p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Robert Mackay.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p><i>Montreal</i></p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Dawson Brothers.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p><i>Adelaide</i></p>
+</td>
+<td><p>E. S. Wigg &amp; Son.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p><i>Toronto</i></p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Copp, Clark, &amp; Co.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p><i>Tasmania</i>&mdash;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p><i>St. John&rsquo;s</i>, <i>Newfoundland</i></p>
+</td>
+<td><p>J. F. Chisholm</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<i>Hobart Town</i></p>
+</td>
+<td><p>J. Walch &amp; Sons.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p><i>Sydney</i>, <i>New South Wales</i></p>
+</td>
+<td><p>C. T. Sandon.</p>
+<p>James Reading &amp; Co.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<i>Launceston</i></p>
+</td>
+<td><p>Walch Brothers &amp; Birchall.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3><a name="page85"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+85</span>FINISHING ESTABLISHMENT FOR YOUNG LADIES,<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">BOSTON HOUSE COLLEGE,</span><br />
+<span class="GutSmall">CHISWICK, MIDDLESEX, W.</span></h3>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p>This College is conducted by MISS CATCHPOLE, assisted by
+Professors and Teachers of talent and eminence.</p>
+<p>The moral training and health of the Pupils receive the most
+careful attention.&nbsp; The Gardens are spacious, and afford
+every facility for out-door exercise.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">TERMS
+REASONABLE.</span></p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3>MISS FAULKNER&rsquo;S PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR YOUNG
+GENTLEMEN,<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">1, MARKHAM SQUARE, KING&rsquo;S ROAD,
+CHELSEA.</span></h3>
+<p style="text-align: center">Little Boys between the ages of
+Four and Eleven Years are received as Boarders or Day Scholars,
+and are carefully instructed in <b>The Holy Scriptures</b>; the
+<b>English</b>, <b>French</b>, and <b>Latin Languages</b>;
+<b>Writing</b> and <b>Arithmetic</b>, <b>Drawing</b>,
+<b>Geography</b>, and <b>History</b>, on the following
+Terms:&mdash;</p>
+<p>For Day Pupils, 8 Guineas; for Day Boarders, 16 Guineas; for
+Weekly Boarders, 25 Guineas; for Yearly Boarders, 30 Guineas; Day
+Pupils under Six Years of Age, 4 Guineas, per annum.&nbsp; <span
+class="smcap">Music</span>, 1 Guinea per Quarter.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">The Hours of Attendance
+are&mdash;<i>Morning</i>, 9.30 to 12.30.&nbsp; <i>Afternoon</i>,
+2.15 to 4.30.</p>
+<p>The Boarders being limited to Six are offered many of the
+comforts of home with the benefit of the instruction in Classes
+with the Day Pupils.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><i>It is requested that the payment
+be punctually made at each Quarter</i>.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3><span class="GutSmall">NOTTING HILL AND BAYSWATER</span><br
+/>
+PROPRIETARY SCHOOL<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">(LIMITED),</span><br />
+<span class="GutSmall">NORLAND SQUARE, NOTTING HILL.</span></h3>
+<p style="text-align: center">Head Master&mdash;Rev. P. E.
+MONKHOUSE, M.A.,<br />
+Late Head Master of the Lower School, Rossall; late<br />
+Scholar of Merton College, and Exhibitioner of<br />
+Lincoln College, Oxford.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">A full and efficient staff of
+Assistant Masters.</p>
+<p>This School was established in 1866 &ldquo;to provide on
+moderate terms, a sound religious, classical, and mercantile
+education of the highest order, on the principles of the Church
+of England; but pupils whose parents object to the Church
+Catechism shall not be required to learn it.&rdquo;&nbsp; Vide
+Memorandum of Association.</p>
+<p>In the CLASSICAL Department pupils are prepared for the
+Universities, and for the Oxford and Cambridge Local
+Examinations.</p>
+<p>In the MODERN Department for the Army, Navy, and Civil
+Service, and for Commercial and Mercantile pursuits.</p>
+<p>The School being Proprietary the masters have no mental
+anxiety as to pecuniary matters, and are thus enabled to give
+their undivided attention to the education of the pupils.&nbsp;
+The Directors also call attention to the large, airy, well
+ventilated room, so essential to the health of the pupils, the
+School Hall being 75 feet in length by 30 wide and 41 feet in
+height.&nbsp; The covered and open Play Ground is 90 feet by
+60.</p>
+<p>Boarders are received by the Head Master and Resident
+Manager.</p>
+<p>Terms and all further information may be obtained of Dr. J. E.
+Carpenter, Secretary, 53, Norland Square, Notting Hill.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">EDUCATION.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3>Notting Hill Collegiate School,<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">3, NORLAND PLACE, NOTTING HILL,
+W.</span></h3>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">Head Master&mdash;Rev. C. R.
+GORDON, D.D.,<br />
+Incumbent of St. Mary&rsquo;s, Park Street, Grosvenor Square,<br
+/>
+W. (late Head Master of the Notting Hill Proprietary<br />
+School), assisted by</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">Rev. W. FULFORD, M.A.; G. W.
+LAWRANCE, Esq.;<br />
+<span class="smcap">C. Smith</span>, Esq.; Dr. <span
+class="smcap">Fischel</span>; J. <span
+class="smcap">Denver</span>, Esq.;<br />
+Dr. S. <span class="smcap">Austen Pearce</span>; Mr. <span
+class="smcap">Barnham</span>.</p>
+<p>This School comprises Three Departments: Classical, Modern,
+and Preparatory.&nbsp; In the first of these, pupils are prepared
+for the Universities and Public Schools.&nbsp; The Modern School
+will train for the various Examinations of the Civil Service and
+for Mercantile pursuits; and the Preparatory for the reception of
+little boys to qualify for either of the other schools.</p>
+<p>Boarders are received by nearly all the Masters, and the
+School Year is divided into three terms.</p>
+<p>The Sons of Gentlemen only are now admitted, and early
+application ought to be made, as the number is limited.</p>
+<p>All applications to be made to the Head Master, No. 3, Norland
+Place, Notting Hill, W.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">EDUCATION.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3>ST. ANN&rsquo;S COLLEGE,<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">ROYAL CRESCENT, NOTTING HILL,
+W.</span></h3>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="smcap">For</span>
+PARTICULARS ADDRESS <span class="smcap">the</span>
+PRINCIPALS.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3>WILLIAM SHARPE,<br />
+STATIONER, BOOKSELLER, AND NEWSAGENT,<br />
+98, KENSINGTON PARK ROAD, W.</h3>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center"><b>The Cheapest House in Notting
+Hill for all kinds of Plain and Fancy Stationery</b>.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">An excellent Cream-laid Note Paper,
+Five Quires for One Shilling.<br />
+Good Cream-laid Envelopes, Sixpence per Hundred.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><b>All the Daily and Weekly
+Newspapers, and Weekly and Monthly Periodicals, regularly and
+punctually supplied</b>.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">&ldquo;TIMES&rdquo; LENT TO
+READ.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><i>Advertisements inserted</i>;
+<i>and any Goods not in Stock obtained to Order on the Shortest
+Possible Notice</i>.</p>
+<h3><a name="page86"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 86</span>S. M.
+&amp; A. WARREN,<br />
+Booksellers, Stationers,<br />
+MUSICSELLERS, AND NEWSAGENTS.</h3>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">THE USUAL
+DISCOUNT ALLOWED OFF BOOKS.</span></p>
+<p style="text-align: center">PRINTING AND BOOKBINDING.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">Heraldic Die-Sinkers and
+Engravers.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">THE LIBRARY
+AND POST-OFFICE.</span></p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">DEPOT OF THE
+SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE.</span></p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">APPOINTED AGENTS FOR THE
+INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION TICKETS,<br />
+ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY,<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">AND</span><br />
+CRYSTAL PALACE COMPANY.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center"><b>1, Edwardes Terrace, Kensington,
+W.</b></p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3>WADE &amp; SON,<br />
+BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, AND NEWSAGENTS;</h3>
+<p style="text-align: center">Bookbinding, Printing;</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><b>25 and 98, HIGH STREET,
+KENSINGTON.</b></p>
+<p><span class="GutSmall">CIRCULATING LIBRARY.</span></p>
+<p style="text-align: right"><span class="GutSmall">ESTABLISHED
+1791.</span></p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3>R. S. SPALDING,<br />
+Bookseller, Printer, Binder, Stationer, and Newspaper Agent,<br
+/>
+NOTTING HILL, W.</h3>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">PERIODICAL
+PUBLICATIONS REGULARLY SUPPLIED.</span></p>
+<p style="text-align: center">Engraving and Printing neatly
+executed.</p>
+<p><span class="GutSmall">PLAIN AND ORNAMENTAL
+BINDING.</span></p>
+<p style="text-align: right"><span class="GutSmall">A CIRCULATING
+LIBRARY.</span></p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3>W. MEADOWS,<br />
+Stationer, Bookseller, Bookbinder, Printer, Engraver,
+Die-Sinker,<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">ILLUMINATOR AND EMBOSSER,</span><br />
+8, FULHAM ROAD, BROMPTON.</h3>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p>Post Office, Money Order Office, Savings&rsquo; Bank, and
+Telegraphic Office.</p>
+<p><i>Newspapers &amp; Periodicals regularly supplied</i>.</p>
+<p style="text-align: right"><i>A large assortment of Bibles
+&amp; Church Services always in Stock</i>.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3>J. W. DODD,<br />
+Bookseller, Printer, Bookbinder, School and General Stationer,
+Newspaper and Advertising Office.&nbsp; All New Music half
+price.</h3>
+<p style="text-align: center">Bibles, Prayers, New Church
+Services, Hymn Books for all the Churches and Chapels in the
+Neighbourhood.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><i>Advertisements of Births</i>,
+<i>Marriages</i>, <i>Deaths</i>, <i>&amp;c.</i>, <i>inserted in
+the</i> &ldquo;<i>Times</i>,&rdquo; <i>and all other
+Papers</i>.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">&ldquo;Times&rdquo; and all other
+London Papers to be had by 7 <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>; a
+large supply kept on sale.&nbsp; Special &ldquo;Standard&rdquo;
+every evening.<br />
+Discount allowed off Books <i>for Cash</i>.&nbsp; Pianofortes
+Tuned by an Experienced Tuner.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">270, FULHAM ROAD, SOUTH KENSINGTON
+(Two doors South of Redcliffe Gardens).</p>
+<h3><a name="page87"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+87</span>BALFERN BROS. &amp; CO.<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">(LIMITED,)</span></h3>
+<p style="text-align: center">French Dyers, Finishers, Cleaners,
+Bleachers, Hot-Pressers, &amp;c.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><b>SPRING VALE WORKS, HAMMERSMITH,
+W.</b></p>
+<p style="text-align: center">
+<a href="images/p87b.jpg">
+<img alt=
+"Spring Vale Works, Hammersmith"
+title=
+"Spring Vale Works, Hammersmith"
+src="images/p87s.jpg" />
+</a></p>
+<p style="text-align: center">BRANCHES AT</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">31, KING STREET WEST, HAMMERSMITH,
+W.;<br />
+1, NEWLAND STREET, KENSINGTON, W.;<br />
+112, NEWINGTON CAUSEWAY, S.E.; <span class="smcap">and</span><br
+/>
+112, HIGH STREET, KINGSLAND, N.E.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center"><b>Warehouse&mdash;28, MONKWELL
+STREET, FALCON SQUARE, E.C.</b></p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3><a name="page88"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+88</span>GROVES&rsquo;<br />
+BALSAM OF HOREHOUND</h3>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">IS THE MOST
+EFFECTUAL REMEDY FOR</span></p>
+<p>Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, Asthma, &amp;c., and in support of
+that assertion copies of Testimonials will be forwarded on
+application.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">THIS
+PREPARATION IS ONLY MADE BY</span></p>
+<p style="text-align: center">JOSEPH MOYLE,<br />
+(Late Newby and Dunsford,)<br />
+Successor to E. GROVES, The Golden Key,</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><b>27, BROADWAY,
+HAMMERSMITH.</b></p>
+<p style="text-align: center">N.B.&mdash;But to be obtained of
+all respectable Chemists throughout the kingdom.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span
+class="GutSmall">ALSO</span><br />
+GLYCION</p>
+<p>Is a most useful preparation for allaying irritation caused by
+the cold winds of Winter, rendering the skin in Summer white and
+pliable.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">1<i>s.</i> and 2<i>s.</i>
+6<i>d.</i> per Pot.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3>HAMMERSMITH SAUCE.</h3>
+<p>To those suffering from Indigestion it cannot be too strongly
+recommended, and as a Relish it cannot be surpassed.&nbsp;
+1<i>s.</i> per Bottle.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3>HAMMERSMITH BOUQUET</h3>
+<p>As a Perfume cannot be excelled in fragrance or
+durability.&nbsp; In Bottles from 1<i>s.</i> upwards.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3>TAYLOR&rsquo;S<br />
+FAMILY APERIENT PILLS,<br />
+FOR BOTH SEXES.</h3>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p><span class="smcap">These</span> Pills are composed of the
+choicest Vegetable Aperients, combined in such proportions with
+Pure Vegetable bitter as render them both mild and
+effective.&nbsp; Being thoroughly Soluble in the Stomach, their
+operation is pleasant, no undissolved particles attaching
+themselves to the Coats of the Bowels,&mdash;irritation, griping
+pain, and sickness, are consequently avoided.</p>
+<p>They will be found of essential service in every family; their
+timely use will not only afford relief in those sudden attacks of
+sickness arising from derangement of Stomach, but they will be
+found a valuable remedy in severer forms of disease indicated by
+<i>Sick Head Ache</i>, <i>Giddiness</i>, <i>Throbbing and Acute
+Pains in the different parts of the Head</i>, <i>Singing noise in
+the Ears</i>, <i>a sense of Fulness and Weight over the Eyes</i>,
+<i>accompanied with Watery Effusion and Dimness of
+Sight</i>&mdash;<i>Nausea of the Stomach</i>, <i>&amp;c.</i>,
+<i>&amp;c.</i></p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">DIRECTIONS.</p>
+<p>The general dose for a Grown Person is One Pill; but for some
+constitutions Two Pills are required.&nbsp; It is best to take
+them at bed-time, though they may be taken in the morning (or in
+urgent cases at any time of the day); and the dose should be
+repeated every other day, two or three times successively; then
+rest a few days, and repeat the dose as occasion may require.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">PREPARED
+ONLY BY</span><br />
+W. C. TAYLOR,<br />
+Family and Dispensing Chemist,<br />
+(Associate of the Pharmaceutical Society by Examination,)<br />
+MEDICAL HALL,<br />
+Stretheden Terrace, Shepherd&rsquo;s Bush.<br />
+<i>ESTABLISHED</i> 1856.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3>T. P. AVERY</h3>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">HAS MADE
+EXTENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR PRODUCING</span></p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><b>PHOTOGRAPHS</b></p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">OF EVERY
+DESCRIPTION.</span></p>
+<table>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Carte de Visite Portraits, from</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>5s. per doz.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Cabinet Portraits, from</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>10s. ,,</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<p>Photographs of Painting, Statuary, &amp;c., at the same price
+as Portraits.</p>
+<p>Prices given on application for Photographs of Buildings,
+Landscapes, Invalids in their own Drawing Rooms, &amp;c.</p>
+<p>Enlarged Copies of Carte de Visite or other Photographs,
+finished in Oils, Crayons, or Water Colours, in every variety of
+size, style, and price.</p>
+<p>Life Size enlargements, in Crayons, from 2 Guineas.</p>
+<p>Ditto ditto in Oils or Crayons, from 5 to 10 Guineas.</p>
+<p>Coloured Carte de Visites for Lockets, &amp;c., from 2s.
+6<i>d.</i>&nbsp; Coloured Ivory Miniatures, from 1 to 5
+Guineas.</p>
+<p>T. P. A. having secured the services of able Artists, he can
+produce Family Groups from various Carte de Visites, or other
+Portraits, and finish them in Oils, &amp;c., in a most
+satisfactory manner.&nbsp; Specimen copies sent on
+application.</p>
+<p>Photographs, Engravings, &amp;c., Framed by workmen kept on
+the Premises.&nbsp; Plain and Ornamental Frames of every
+description made to order.&nbsp; A Variety of Carte de Visite and
+other Frames of various sizes and qualities, always kept in
+stock.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">T. P. AVERY, GENERAL
+PHOTOGRAPHER,<br />
+<span class="GutSmall"><b>3, LADBROKE GROVE ROAD, NOTTING HILL,
+W.</b></span><br />
+<span class="GutSmall">NEARLY OPPOSITE THE RAILWAY
+STATION.</span></p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3><a name="page1_i"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+i</span>REDCLIFFE ESTATE,<br />
+SOUTH KENSINGTON <a name="citation0"></a><a href="#footnote0"
+class="citation">[0]</a></h3>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span
+class="GutSmall">(</span><span class="GutSmall"><i>SEE PLAN ON
+OPPOSITE PAGE</i></span><span class="GutSmall">).</span></p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span
+class="GutSmall">MESSRS.</span><br />
+CORBETT &amp; M<sup>c</sup>CLYMONT,<br />
+BUILDERS,<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">BEG TO CALL ATTENTION TO</span><br />
+The Substantial Family Residences<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">THEY HAVE</span><br />
+ERECTED IN REDCLIFFE SQUARE,<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">CALLED</span><br />
+&ldquo;<b>REDCLIFFE MANSIONS</b>,&rdquo;<br />
+From Drawings supplied by Messrs. G. &amp; H. GODWIN.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p>The elevation is carried out after the French style, with
+Mansard roofs and polished granite columns to the
+entrance-porches.</p>
+<p>The fronts of the Houses overlook the Square, which is laid
+out as pleasure-grounds for the recreation of the occupants
+only.</p>
+<p>St. Luke&rsquo;s Church (see page 20) is being erected in the
+western half of Redcliffe Square, and Divine Service is now being
+conducted in the temporary Iron Building until St. Luke&rsquo;s
+Church is finished.</p>
+<p>This Estate is within four miles of Charing Cross, and has a
+subsoil of gravel and sand.&nbsp; It is within a few
+minutes&rsquo; walk of Gloucester Road, West Brompton,
+Earl&rsquo;s Court, South Kensington, and Chelsea Railway
+Stations, which afford ready and rapid communication with all
+parts of the City and West End.&nbsp; Omnibuses pass along the
+Fulham Road and Richmond Road very frequently.&nbsp; The
+steamboat pier is also within 15 minutes&rsquo; walk of the
+southern end of the Estate.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">Messrs. CORBETT &amp;
+M<sup>c</sup>CLYMONT<br />
+Have various and Convenient Houses on the Redcliffe Estate, and
+also at Surbiton, Surrey,<br />
+to Let at Rents ranging from &pound;50 to &pound;300 per
+Annum.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">
+<a href="images/p0ab.jpg">
+<img alt=
+"Plan of Redcliffe Estate, Kensington"
+title=
+"Plan of Redcliffe Estate, Kensington"
+src="images/p0as.jpg" />
+</a></p>
+<h3><a name="page1_ii"></a><span class="pagenum">p. ii</span>The
+West London Hospital</h3>
+<p style="text-align: center">
+<a href="images/p0bb.jpg">
+<img alt=
+"West London Hospital, G. Saunders, Architect"
+title=
+"West London Hospital, G. Saunders, Architect"
+src="images/p0bs.jpg" />
+</a></p>
+<p style="text-align: center">HAMMERSMITH ROAD, W.<br />
+<b>OPEN DAY AND NIGHT FOR THE RECEPTION OF ACCIDENTS AND URGENT
+CASES</b>.</p>
+<p><i>The Committee earnestly appeal for Funds to enable them to
+throw open the Thirty-eight Beds now unavailable for want of
+means</i>.</p>
+<p style="text-align: right"><i>April</i>, 1872.<br />
+T. ALEXANDER, <i>Sec</i><sup><i>y</i></sup><i>. and
+Sup</i><sup><i>t</i></sup><i>.</i></p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3><a name="page1_iii"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+iii</span>THE FUNERAL ORATION<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">OF</span><br />
+LOUIS THE GREAT, KING OF FRANCE,<br />
+<span class="smcap">By</span> MASILLON,<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">LATE BISHOP OF CLERMONT,
+FRANCE.</span></h3>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">Dedicated (by permission) to the
+Most Noble the Marquis of Exeter,<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">BURGHLEY HOUSE, STAMFORD,
+NORTHAMPTONSHIRE.</span></p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center"><b>Translated from the Original
+French into English</b><br />
+<span class="smcap">By</span> WILLIAM STRATFORD,<br />
+<i>Ma&icirc;tre d&rsquo;&Eacute;cole et l&rsquo;Auteur de
+l&rsquo;Anglaise</i>, <i>Kettering</i>.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center"><b>London: ELLIOT STOCK, 62,
+Paternoster Row, E.C.</b></p>
+<p style="text-align: center">Gilt Edges, 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i>;
+Plain, 1<i>s.</i> 3<i>d.</i></p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">NEW SERIES.&nbsp; Price One
+Shilling.&nbsp; Illustrated.</p>
+<h3>COLBURN&rsquo;S NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE.</h3>
+<p style="text-align: center">Edited by WILLIAM FRANCIS
+AINSWORTH, Ph.D., F.S.A., F.R.G.S., &amp;c.</p>
+<table>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2"><p style="text-align: center"><span
+class="GutSmall">CURRENT CONTENTS.</span></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>I.&nbsp; BOSCOBEL: a Tale of the Year 1651.&nbsp; By
+William Harrison Ainsworth.&nbsp; Illustrated by Wallis
+Mackay.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>IV.&nbsp; JACOB&rsquo;S CURSE; or, The Mummy of
+Gottingen.&nbsp; By L. M&lsquo;Clintock.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>II.&nbsp; THE GARDEN AND SPRING; Translated from the
+&ldquo;Bagh o Bahar,&rdquo; by the Author of the &ldquo;Two
+Officers.&rdquo;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>V.&nbsp; THE SQUIRE&rsquo;S DAUGHTER.&nbsp; By Nicholas
+Mitchell.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>III.&nbsp; BARBARA&rsquo;S GHOST STORY.</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>VI.&nbsp; NOTES OF THE MONTH, &amp;c., &amp;c.</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<p style="text-align: center"><b>London: ADAMS AND FRANCIS, 59,
+Fleet Street</b>.</p>
+<p style="text-align:
+center"><sup>*</sup><sub>*</sub><sup>*</sup> And at all
+Bookstalls and Railway Stations.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">JUST PUBLISHED, PRICE SIXPENCE.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3>LAW OF HUSBAND AND WIFE.</h3>
+<p style="text-align: center">Remarks with reference to the
+<b>MARRIED WOMEN&rsquo;S PROPERTY ACT of 1870</b>.&nbsp;
+ADDRESSED TO ALL HUSBANDS AND FATHERS OF FAMILIES.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="smcap">By</span>
+PHILOFAMILIAS.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">London: HATTON &amp; SON, 22,
+Chancery Lane.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">Fcap. 8vo. cloth boards, 2<i>s.</i>
+6<i>d.</i></p>
+<h3>AIDS to CHRISTIAN EDUCATION.</h3>
+<p>Being a Brief Manual of Christian Doctrine and Practice.&nbsp;
+By the Hon. and Rev. W. H. <span class="smcap">Lyttelton</span>,
+M.A., Rector of Hagley.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">Now ready, Vol. I.<br />
+<b>THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT</b>.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">W. WELLS GARDNER, 2, <span
+class="smcap">Paternoster Buildings</span>, <span
+class="smcap">London</span>.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">New Edition (Fifth), fcap. 8vo,
+cloth boards, 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p>
+<h3>PASTOR in PAROCHIA.</h3>
+<p>By the Rev. W. <span class="smcap">Walsham How</span>, M.A.,
+Hon. Canon of St. Asaph, Rector of Whittington, Shropshire.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">W. WELLS GARDNER, 2, <span
+class="smcap">Paternoster Buildings</span>, London.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">Price 6<i>d.</i></p>
+<h3>THE WITNESS of the CHURCH to CHRIST.</h3>
+<p>A Sermon preached in the Chapel of Lambeth Palace at the
+Consecration of the Bishop of Colombo.&nbsp; By the Rev. W. R.
+<span class="smcap">Clark</span>, M.A., Prebendary of Wells and
+Vicar of Taunton.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">W. WELLS GARDNER, 2, <span
+class="smcap">Paternoster Buildings</span>, <span
+class="smcap">London</span>.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">Illustrated, 18mo, cloth boards,
+1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p>
+<h3>MY NEW SUIT, and OTHER STORIES.<br />
+By H. A. F.</h3>
+<blockquote><p>&ldquo;This little book contains a dozen stories,
+which, both in the naturalness of the plots and simple terseness
+of the narration, are much above the average found in
+tale-books.&rdquo;&mdash;<i>Church Bells</i>.</p>
+<p>Uniform with the above,</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p style="text-align: center"><b>FAIRY TALES and FABLES in SHORT
+WORDS for YOUNG READERS</b>.<br />
+By Miss <span class="smcap">Crompton</span>.</p>
+<blockquote><p>&ldquo;Excellent in conception and
+execution.&rdquo;&mdash;<i>Literary Churchman</i>.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p><span class="smcap">By the Author of</span>
+&ldquo;HARRY&rsquo;S BATTLES,&rdquo; &ldquo;SUSIE&rsquo;S
+FLOWERS,&rdquo; &amp;c.</p>
+<p><b>EDITH VERNON&rsquo;S LIFE-WORK</b>.&nbsp; <span
+class="smcap">Third Edition</span>.&nbsp; Crown 8vo, cloth
+boards, 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p>
+<p><b>A LOST PIECE of SILVER</b>.&nbsp; <span
+class="smcap">Illustrated</span>.&nbsp; Crown 8vo, cloth boards,
+3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p>
+<p style="text-align: center">W. WELLS GARDNER, 2, <span
+class="smcap">Paternoster Buildings</span>, <span
+class="smcap">London</span>.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3><a name="page1_iv"></a><span class="pagenum">p. iv</span>H.
+JONES,<br />
+ORGAN BUILDER,<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">136, FULHAM ROAD,</span><br />
+<span class="GutSmall">LONDON, S.W.</span></h3>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">Every description of Church and
+Chapel Organs in Stock, or made to Order.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center"><b>SECOND-HAND ORGANS</b><br />
+<i>Of various Sizes for Sale Cheap</i>, <i>having been taken in
+exchange</i>.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">SPECIMEN CHURCH ORGAN, WITH THREE
+MANUALS,<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">MAY BE HEARD DAILY IN</span><br />
+SOUTH GALLERY, ROOM 23,<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">OF</span><br />
+INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, 1872.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3>SOUTH-WEST LONDON PROTESTANT INSTITUTE.</h3>
+<p><b>ESTABLISHED A.D. 1857</b> for counteracting the
+Proselytizing designs of the Brompton Oratory, and for promoting
+Reformational principles.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><i>President</i>, CAPTAIN THE HON.
+FRANCIS MAUDE, R.N.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><i>Vice-Presidents</i>, THE EARL OF
+BANDON, THE EARL OF DARNLEY, THE EARL OF EFFINGHAM.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><i>Treasurer</i>, J. ROBISON
+WRIGHT, Esq., 16, Summer Place, Onslow Square, S.W.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><i>Honorary Superintendent</i>,
+Rev. G. W. WELDON, M.A., 4, Vincent Street, Ovington Square.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><i>Secretary</i>, Mr. M.
+WALBROOK.</p>
+<p style="text-align: right"><i>Office</i>, 5<span
+class="smcap">b</span>, SLOANE STREET, S.W.</p>
+<p>ORIGIN OF THE INSTITUTE.&nbsp; Was formed in 1857 by a few
+friends who were interested in the maintenance of Evangelical
+principles, and who were anxious at the same time to combat the
+aggressive movements of the Romish Priests connected with the
+Brompton Oratory.</p>
+<p>OBJECT.&nbsp; To maintain and defend that blessed Gospel which
+our Reformers in the 16th Century brought to light, after it had
+been obscured by the darkness of Medi&aelig;val
+superstition.&nbsp; In a word, to warn the incautious, to win
+back the lapsed, inform the ignorant, and enlighten those whose
+minds are darkened by superstition.</p>
+<p>MEANS EMPLOYED.&nbsp; The combined agency of the Press, the
+Platform, and the Pulpit, with Classes for Controversial
+Divinity.&nbsp; A careful vigilance over the efforts of Romish
+emisssaries.&nbsp; The issuing of papers bearing directly on the
+truths of the Gospel, as opposed to the innovations of the Church
+of Rome.</p>
+<p><i>Subscriptions and Donations will be thankfully received at
+the Office</i>, 5<span class="smcap">b</span>, <span
+class="smcap">Sloane Street</span>, S.W., <i>by the
+Treasurer</i>, <span class="smcap">J. Robison Wright</span>,
+Esq.; <i>or the Secretary</i>, Mr. <span class="smcap">M.
+Walbrook</span>.&nbsp; <i>Money Orders to be drawn on the Post
+Office</i>, 179, Sloane Street.&nbsp; <i>Bankers</i>, <span
+class="smcap">The Consolidated Bank</span>, Charing Cross,
+S.W.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3>T. BULLOCK AND SON,<br />
+Job and Post Masters,</h3>
+<p style="text-align: center"><b>WHEATSHEAF TAVERN</b>, and the
+Yard at the Back of the <b>QUEEN OF ENGLAND</b><br />
+(Late in the Occupation of Mr. DONOVAN).</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">BROUGHAMS, LANDAUS, AND OPEN
+CARRIAGES,</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">BY THE HOUR, DAY, WEEK, OR
+MONTH.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">N.B.&mdash;<i>Orders to or from
+Railways</i>, <i>Churches</i>, <i>&amp;c.</i>, <i>punctually
+attended to</i>.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center"><b>The Cheapest, Largest, and Best
+Assorted Stock of China, Glass, and Earthenware is</b></p>
+<h3>B. GOLDING&rsquo;S, 44, <span class="smcap">High
+Street</span>, <span class="smcap">Notttng Hill</span>,</h3>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">NEARLY
+OPPOSITE THE NOTTING HILL GATE RAILWAY STATION.</span></p>
+<p>Dinner Services, 60 pieces, 15<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i>,
+22<i>s.</i>, and upwards; Dinner Services, 108 pieces, &pound;1
+16<i>s.</i>, &pound;2 10<i>s.</i>, and upwards; Good Cut
+Tumblers, per doz., 4<i>s.</i> 3<i>d.</i>; Good Cut Wine Glasses,
+per doz., 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i>; Cut Quart Decanters, per pair,
+7<i>s.</i>; Cut Pint Decanters, per pair, 5<i>s.</i>; China
+Breakfast Services, 28 pieces, 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i>; China Tea
+Services, 28 pieces, 7<i>s.</i>; Toilet Services, 5<i>s.</i>
+6<i>d.</i></p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">A GOOD
+SELECTION OF BOHEMIAN VASES, LUSTRES, &amp;c.</span><br />
+CHINA, GLASS, AND EARTHENWARE MATCHED, MADE TO PATTERN, OR
+REPAIRED.<br />
+<i>Goods&rsquo; Lent on Hire</i>, <i>including Rout Seals</i>,
+<i>Plate</i>, <i>and Cutlery</i>.<br />
+MODERATOR LAMPS.</p>
+<h3><a name="page1_v"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+v</span>Ecclesiastical Embroidery and Tapestry<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">FOR</span><br />
+CHURCH DECORATION AND VESTMENTS,</h3>
+<p style="text-align: center">DESIGNED AND PREPARED FOR
+LADIES&rsquo; OWN WORKING,<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">BY</span><br />
+Rodolphe Helbronner,</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">265, REGENT STREET, NEAR THE
+POLYTECHNIC,<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">AND</span><br />
+4, PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE.</p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center">GOLD AND SILVER, FABRICS,<br />
+VELVETS, SILKS, CLOTH, LINEN, LACES, FRINGES,<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">AND EVERY REQUIREMENT FOR</span><br />
+CHURCH NEEDLEWORK,<br />
+<span class="GutSmall">CARPETS, AND TEXTILE FABRIQUES.</span></p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3>THE SUBURBAN PRESS,<br />
+AND LONDON WEST DISTRICT RECORDER.</h3>
+<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">ESTABLISHED
+IN MAY, 1868,</span></p>
+<p>to supply a connective view of Local matters and doings
+relating to all the principal suburban Parishes and Districts,
+with intelligent and useful articles.&nbsp; A great need existed
+for such an organ in consequence of the rapid progress of
+population, west, north, and south-west of the Metropolis.&nbsp;
+All that is done by a Journal specially representing the interest
+of the <span class="smcap">City</span>, is done by this as the
+press representative of the <span class="smcap">Suburbs</span>,
+having at the same time a city and a general connexion.&nbsp;
+This Journal contains much Church matter and news.</p>
+<p>In Politics it is Conservative; in Religion it is thoroughly
+Protestant and catholic.&nbsp; By its design, scope, and
+editorial management, it obtains ready acceptance with all
+classes.</p>
+<p>As an Advertising medium it is therefore most eligible, and
+the following scale of charges places its advantages within the
+reach of all:&mdash;</p>
+<table>
+<tr>
+<td><p>&nbsp;</p>
+</td>
+<td><p><i>s.</i></p>
+</td>
+<td><p><i>d.</i></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Situations, Apartments, Houses, Businesses Required or to
+Let, 20 words or under</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>0</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>9</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Every additional line</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>0</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>3</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Marriages, Births, and Deaths</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>1</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>6</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Tradesmen&rsquo;s Ordinary Announcements, per inch</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>1</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>6</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Double Column, per inch</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>2</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>6</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Paragraphs, Company, Legal, Election, and Parochial
+Advertisements, per line</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>0</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>6</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p>Auctioneers&rsquo; Announcements, per line</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>0</p>
+</td>
+<td><p>4</p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<p><sup>*</sup><sub>*</sub><sup>*</sup> SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS CAN
+BE MADE FOR CONTINUOUS ADVERTISEMENTS.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><i>Printed and Published every
+Saturday morning at the Office</i>, <i>Shepherd&rsquo;s Bush</i>,
+<i>W.</i>, <i>and to be obtained of all Newsagents</i>.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center"><b>All communications to be
+addressed to the Editor, 22, St. Stephen&rsquo;s Road,
+Shepherd&rsquo;s Bush, London, W.</b><br />
+<b>Cheques and Orders made payable to WILLIAM PEPPERELL.</b></p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3><a name="page1_vi"></a><span class="pagenum">p.
+vi</span>JONES &amp; WILLIS.</h3>
+<p style="text-align: center">
+<a href="images/p0cb.jpg">
+<img alt=
+"Decorative advertisement for Jones &amp; Willis, Birmingham and
+London, Ecclesiastical Furnishers"
+title=
+"Decorative advertisement for Jones &amp; Willis, Birmingham and
+London, Ecclesiastical Furnishers"
+src="images/p0cs.jpg" />
+</a></p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3>PIANOFORTES.</h3>
+<p style="text-align: center"><b>Hire</b>, <b>Twelve Shillings
+per Month</b>, <b>or on Purchase from Two or Three Guineas per
+Quarter</b>.</p>
+<p style="text-align: center">These Instruments cannot be
+surpassed for Brilliancy of Tone, <i>Repetition of Touch</i>,
+<i>Elegance</i>, and Durability.&nbsp; All have Seven Octaves,
+Metallic Plate, and Registered Keys.&nbsp; Pianos Tuned,
+Repaired, and Lent on Hire.&nbsp; Single Tuning 3<i>s.</i>
+6<i>d.</i>; Yearly, &pound;1 1<i>s.</i></p>
+<div class="gapshortline">&nbsp;</div>
+<p style="text-align: center"><b>THOMAS D. DURRANT</b>,
+<b>Pianoforte Manufacturer</b>,<br />
+6 UPPER RAILWAY TERRACE, LADBROKE GROVE, NOTTING HILL, W.<br />
+Manufactory&mdash;LINDFIELD, SUSSEX.<br />
+ESTABLISHED 1840.</p>
+<div class="gapline">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3>ROBERT S. STACY.</h3>
+<p><i>ESTABLISHED</i> 1829.&mdash;<i>ROBERT S. STACY</i>,
+<i>Wholesale</i>, <i>Retail</i>, <i>and Manufacturing
+Stationer</i>, General Printer, Engraver, Lithographer, and
+Bookseller, 257, Euston Road, London, N.W.</p>
+<p>Sample Packets of Writing Paper and Envelopes sent post free
+on receipt of Two Stamps.&mdash;Ledgers, Cash, Journal, Day,
+Order, Memorandum, and Pocket Books of every variety.</p>
+<p>Every description of School Stationary and
+Materials.&mdash;Coloured and Fancy Paper of every
+description.&mdash;Importer of Foreign Fancy
+Goods.&mdash;Numerical Printing, Perforating, and Binding for the
+Trade.&mdash;Catalogues on application post free.</p>
+<p>The Country Trade and Schools liberally treated.&nbsp; Orders
+by post, accompanied by P. O. O., payable at Gower Street, above
+20<i>s.</i>, executed promptly, and carriage free to any Railway
+Station.&nbsp; Cheques crossed &ldquo;City Bank.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>ROBERT S. STACY, Manufacturing Stationer, 257, Euston Road
+(between Gower Street Station and Tottenham Court Road.)</p>
+<h2>FOOTNOTES.</h2>
+<p><a name="footnote0"></a><a href="#citation0"
+class="footnote">[0]</a>&nbsp; This advertisement and those
+following come at the front of the published book, but have been
+moved to the end to make the eBook more readable.&mdash;DP.</p>
+<p><a name="footnote21"></a><a href="#citation21"
+class="footnote">[21]</a>&nbsp; Mr. Wesley&rsquo;s Journal
+reveals, as follows, his presence in Kensington twice; but says
+nothing about the <i>preaching</i>, except his discourse to the
+smith and his servant.&nbsp; But the fact of his being
+subsequently there and lingering in the Gardens would seem to
+argue that he went there on preaching missions:&mdash;</p>
+<blockquote><p>&ldquo;Monday, August 22, 1743.&mdash;Passing
+through Kensington found my mare had lost a shoe.&nbsp; This gave
+me an opportunity of talking closely for near half an hour both
+to the smith and his servant.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Saturday, July 6, 1754.&mdash;I spent two hours in the
+Gardens at Kensington.&nbsp; They are just fit for a king, far
+more grand than pleasant; and yet nothing so grand as many parts
+of the Peak in Derbyshire.&rdquo;</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p><a name="footnote81"></a><a href="#citation81"
+class="footnote">[81]</a>&nbsp; Since writing the above the new
+Church has been consecrated.&nbsp; The works having been pushed
+forward, it was in a sufficient state of preparation by the 14th
+of May, on which day the Lord Bishop of London consecrated the
+edifice, just three years after the old Church had been
+closed.&nbsp; A large and influential assembly gathered within
+the walls of the new building, comprising many people of various
+denominations.&nbsp; To these the Right Rev. Prelate discoursed
+on Christian unity, in a truly Catholic spirit and manner; and
+after the sermon the offertory taken by collection from pew to
+pew amounted to &pound;358 7<i>s.</i> 2<i>d.</i>&nbsp; Of this
+amount &pound;196 10<i>s.</i> 4<i>d.</i> was in paper; &pound;61
+in sovereigns; &pound;38 10<i>s.</i> in half-sovereigns;
+&pound;62 6<i>s.</i> 3<i>d.</i> in silver, and sevenpence in
+copper.</p>
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHURCH INDEX***</p>
+<pre>
+
+
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+</pre></body>
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diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
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+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #41048 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/41048)