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diff --git a/41048-0.txt b/41048-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..33eca1c --- /dev/null +++ b/41048-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8641 @@ +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. + + +BRYCESON BROTHERS & CO., +Organ Builders, +STANHOPE STREET, EUSTON ROAD, +LONDON, N.W. + + + * * * * * + + ESTABLISHED 1796. + + * * * * * + + SCUDAMORE and MEDIÆVAL ORGANS ready for Erection + from £45 to £155. + + ALSO A LARGE STOCK OF + SECOND-HAND ORGANS ALWAYS ON HAND. + _Printed Lists forwarded_. + + * * * * * + + PRIZE MEDALS, LONDON AND PARIS. + + * * * * * + + PATENTEES OF THE ELECTRIC ORGAN. + + * * * * * + + + +THE ST. JAMES’ MAGAZINE +AND UNITED EMPIRE REVIEW. + + + * * * * * + +THE 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 ST. JAMES’ MAGAZINE AND UNITED EMPIRE REVIEW 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. + + * * * * * + + LONDON: SAMPSON LOW, MARSTON, LOW, AND SEARLE, 188, FLEET STREET. + + * * * * * + + AGENTS: +_Melbourne_ Robert Mackay. _Montreal_ Dawson + Brothers. +_Adelaide_ E. S. Wigg & _Toronto_ Copp, Clark, & + Son. Co. +_Tasmania_— _St. John’s_, J. F. Chisholm + _Newfoundland_ + _Hobart J. Walch & _Sydney_, _New C. T. Sandon. +Town_ Sons. South Wales_ + James Reading & + Co. + _Launceston_ Walch Brothers + & Birchall. + + * * * * * + + + +FINISHING ESTABLISHMENT FOR YOUNG LADIES, +BOSTON HOUSE COLLEGE, +CHISWICK, MIDDLESEX, W. + + + * * * * * + +This College is conducted by MISS CATCHPOLE, assisted by Professors and +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 ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/1/0/4/41048 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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