Widnes Examiner. — 1881-06-18 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

CHURCH WORK IN WIDNES PARISH. We extract the following twin the Liverpool Parish Messenger :---"The confirmation just over was to Widnes an important event in more respects than one, for while it privileged all to hearthe Lord Bishop of the diocese officiating in our own church for the first time, the service itself was the first confirmation held in the pariah. Hitherto the confirmees have been called upon to go to other churches, as last year, when 74 went from this place to Farnworth Parish Church. It was also, to a certain extent, unique, for all the candidates belorezed to our own parish; none were presented by the adjacent parishes. Thus it not only took place in Widnes, but proved to be for Widnes only. The number of names was about three score and ten. rAnd their modesty, reverence, devoutness, and attention, caused even many who had never before seen them, to hope for them the best gifts. May they hold fast so good a confession! They were not all just entering the !settle of life—seine had already long been engaged in the Christian conflict. Not a few are among our most valued Sunday school teachers, and, as such, set a worthy example to many who; still unconfirmed, think lightly, or affect to think lightly, of the laying on of hands. The Church Council has, during the last twelve months, consisted of the churchwardens, sidesmen, lay representatives, and honorary organist. The following names have been added to this council, for year expiring Easter, 1882. They are men who can work, and we feel sure will bring clear heads, ready hands, and loyal hearts ungrudgingly to the cause of our Church :—Messrs. F. Neil, James Williams, W. Lowe, T. Atherton, Thomas Davies, James Parr, Turton, Dwerryhouse, Whittle, and Crabtree.—Entertainmenm This series closed on May 10th for the present season. The successful carrying through of these entertainments reflects great credit upon all concerned, but particularly upon the ottniser, Mr. J. B. Imisom ; for we cannot forget that it was confidently stated, six months ago, that such entertainments could never succeed in Widnes. The gain has been threefold. First, theZproviding of good healthy amusement during the winter session. Amusement which never raises , the blush or offends the ear;' amusement which called forth abundant of merriment and laughter, pure and spirit-cheering, amusement which introduces to many among us for the first time, standard pieces of song, verse, and humour. Second gain, it has developed the capacity of our glee class, and placed a tangible value upon their voluntary efforts; 'another such season, and the Widnes Parish Church Glee Class will be a rising power in the locality. It has also revealed to us many outside friends, whose readiness to help has been equalled by their faculty to do so. Third gain, we have netted £25, the first stone in our classroom fund, and also nearly ten pounds more towards paying for the piano. But don't let ne forget that £25 might just as easily have been £5O had the congregation more generally come to our help. Some came always, many came never. ' Temperance.—The adult branch of the Church of England Temperance Society has now been fairly commenced. The Vice-Presidents are—Rev. W. H. Duggan, and Messrs. KBcross and Balmer. The committee is not vet elected; that may be done when we find the most capable men. I think we are fortunate iii securing for the secretary Mr. W. Chadwick, and for assistant secretary Mr.Farrant. The meetings are weekly, at Waterloo-road schools, at 7-45, a few minute, I after the close of the juvenile meeting, which is held in the sense place, and begins at 6-30. We went not far wrong in , feeling that a temperance society would be uphill work in Widnes—too many wrecks of precious attempts lay scattered I over the past to point even the most sanguine to any other conclusion. This meant and means caution in the framing of the barque, which shall, under God's hlesSing, never founder or strike. As yet our number is small—only 24 in the adult branch, all told. But this cannot long be the case. We must be true to ourselves; every one of us, old or young. ought to belong to one section or the ether of this society, except indeed those who profess to be unable or unwilling, to govern their appetites. When every church officer has enrolled, when each Sunday school teacher has placed his or her name on the list—when the members of our working men's Bible class, and of the young men's Bible class, have basted to common union for common effort—when our pure, noble, and tender-hearted women have stretched out a hand to their weaker sisters, to rescue and encourage—then may we be proud of our society, but hardly until then. Watch, pray, and work.  Mrs. Sarah Flowers, an old lady, 68 years of age, whose late husband was for many years chairman of the Brighton Board of Guardians. committed suicide by jumpin' from a back window of 12, New-Steine.