Welsh Journals

flriupstli Deanerp magazine. Vol. III. (New Series). JANUARY, 1907. No. 169. LLANIDLOES. Church Defence & Instruction League.— The meeting announced for December 5th was largely spoiled by the atrocious weather that prevailed, but there was a good attend¬ ance, and a considerable amount of work was done, a large committee being appointed, to whom the election of treasurer and secretary was entrusted. On Dec. 19th the Vicar gave a lecture on "The Christianity of the Church," when there were not nearly as many present as might have been expected. If members are to reap any real benefit from the League it is essen¬ tial that they should try to attend all the meetings. The Next Lecture will be given on Jan. 25th. by Mr. Henry Phillips, of London, when we hope to see the Schoolroom packed with Churchpeople. The Rummage Sale took place on Dee. 17th, when there was more than the usual crush. The tea was taken by Miss Kerr, Miss Jones Close, and Miss Ada Walters, to whom, as to all other helpers too numerous for individual mention, and not least to Mr. Edward Humphreys, who kept the door, we desire to return our most grateful thanks. The sales realised £15 2s.. of which £7 lis. has been paid to the Sunday School Fund, and the other half, with the proceeds of the Soeial on Nov. 30th (£4 5s.), goes to the Churchwardens' Fund. Christmas Day passed off very enjoyably, and the attendance was good at all the ser¬ vices. The communicants numbered 159, somewhat less than last year, but better than in any preceding year, and the Choir was at its very best, the hymns being especially well sung, and the rendering of '"' O come all ye faithful " in the morning was quite a revela¬ tion. Adlam's setting of Gounod's Com¬ munion Service was taken for the first time. and the beautiful music was worthily inter¬ preted. The anthem in the evening, " Rejoice in the Lord" (Hollings). was also excellent. Great praise is due to Miss Lena Davies, not only for her playing on the Festival itself, but for her unwearied patience during the prac¬ tices. The church was decorated by the following ladies:—East End : Miss Kerr an J. Mrs. E.O.Jones. Choir Stalls: MissGrifflths. Lectern: Miss Davies, Llwyn. Pulpit: Miss Webb. South Windows : Miss Jones Close. North Windows: Mrs. Roberts, Miss Annie Davies, and Miss Phillips. Font: Mrs. Vaughan Owen. An ample supply of holly was sent from Dol-llys, Mount Severn and Summerfield. The Christmas Party was more success¬ ful than usual, over a hundred being present, and the new floor and the splendid music (Cedewain Quadrille Band) combined ren¬ dered dancing most enjoyable. Great satis¬ faction was created by the announcement that Mrs. Toole, with one or two friends, intended giving a repeat dance on January 3rd, undertaking the expense of the music and refreshments, so that the whole of the taking should go to the Bells Fund. Writing of this second dance in the small hours of the morning, weary with our exer¬ tions, we will only say that we believe all present—and there were about a hundred,— thoroughly enjoyed themselves : music, floor, and refreshments all being splendid. Our best thanks are due and are heartily offered to Mrs. Toole. The C.E.T.S. Social was no less enjoy¬ able, and was attended by about 120 people. It commenced with a musical programme, and, after a good tea had been thoroughly enjoyed, dancing was kept up with great spirit till the entrance on the scene of the New Year. The warmest thanks of all are due to the members of the committee, who worked so hard and provided so good a tea—too good to allow of any profit, even if there is no loss—and to Miss Lena Davies, who played practically throughout the dances. The Dance Practices, which took place