Welsh Journals

flrwpstli Deanerp magazine. Vol. II. (New Series). FEBRUARY, 1906. No. 158. LLANIDLOES. The Monthly Service for MEN ONLY will be held on Sunday, February 4th, at 3-35, when the address will be given by the Rev. J. P. Lewis, Vicar of Conway, who will also preach in the evening. The attendance at the last Men's Service on January 7th, showed a considerable fall¬ ing off, but the weather was so atrocious that we can scarcely regard it as a sign that interest is really waning. In any case we hope for a good congregation this time, as from what we know of the Vicar of Conway such a service should he quite ' in his line.' The Missioner asks the prayers of our people before and during a mission which he is about to undertake at Cannock, commenc¬ ing on February 8th. There will he a Confirmation at Easter¬ tide, as usual, and either of* the Clergy will be glad to receive names of any desirous of being confirmed, as early as possible. It has been decided to have a ' Church Social' on Wednesday, February 7th, at the National Schools. There has been scarcely any gaiety this winter, with the exception of the ' Social Tea," promoted by the C.E.T.S., and many have been clamouring for some¬ thing. A strong committee has the matter in hand, and we believe the evening ought to be a very successful one : details remain to be settled, but there will be a variety of amusements, the admission will be only Six¬ pence to allow of all churchpeople attending, and tea and plain refreshments will be obtain¬ able at the most moderate charges. We have lest quite a number of aged church people lately: at the end of last year there passed away Mr. David Beynon and Mrs. Jane Evans, both staunch attendants and regular communicants. This month we have to record, with great regret the death of Mrs. Jane Elias and Miss Jane Howell. The death of the former came as a great shock to her many friends and relatives, as she was about on the very day of her death : she was buried on Friday, January 19th, and in spite of the excitement caused by the announcement of the result in the borough election, and the arrival in town of the successful candidate, there was a good at¬ tendance at the funeral. Miss Howeils' death was not unexpected, she had long been ailing, and had kept her bed for some time : never was there a more faithful churchwoman, a more regular communicant, or more con¬ stant attendant at both Sunday and week day services. She had outlived her contem¬ poraries here, but found a real home with Mrs. Owen, High Street, who tended her in her last illness as if she had been her own kith and kin. She was buried in the church¬ yard on Monday, January 29th, the service being taken by her nephew, Re\. A. C. Howell. Vicar of St. Matthew's Wolver¬ hampton, assisted by the Vicar. The choir- men acted as bearers, and " Lead, kindly Light " was very beautiful sung after the lesson. Lent will begin with the last day of Feb¬ ruary, and it is not too early to begin think¬ ing how we shall spend it, or to resolve on some definite plans for self denial and for advancement in the path of penitence and devotion. " Well begun " they say " is half done " and we hope to see Ash Wednesday well kept this year. We are sorry to say that the collections have been very poor this winter, while the subscriptions to the Curate's Fund show a sad falling off. In fact, the condition of the Church finances is worse than it has been for very many years. There will be an address to Communi¬ cants on Thursday, February 8th, when all who wish to join a Communicant's Guild arc asked to attend. Membership will be re¬ stricted to those who determine to try to come at least once a month, but we hope some will resolve to come weekly, and many fortnightly, or every three weeks, and each member's resolution will be inserted on his or her card. A list will betaken at the meet¬ ing on February 8th, and the cards distributed at the ensuing meeting. It would be a good thing if some determined to attend all Saints Day Celebrations.