Chapter VI: Part 6

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.