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TENBY.

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TENBY. PRESENTATION OF THE TESTIMONIAL TO THE ARCHDEACON OF ST. DAVID'S. It being determined at the last committee meeting that the presentation should be made at Robeston Wathen. the residence of the Archdeacon, a deputation consisting of Mr Allen, Mr Sanders, Mr Tennyson, Mr N.J. Dunn, Mr White, Mr Gwynne, Mr Heitland, Mr Cousens, Mr T, Rees, Mr Walkington, and Mr R. Mathias, drove over en Wednesday, the 31st ultimo, for that purpose. Upon their arrival they were welcomed by their old friend and former rector and his family; and after many pleasant greetings, kind inquiries, and some slight re- freshment under the shade of a wide-spreading chesnut tree on the lawn, all proceeded to the drawing-room, where the silver breakfast service, books, &c., that had been selected, were tastefully arranged. Mr. Alien (who had been requested by the Committee to make the presentation) said,—Mr Archdeacon,-It has fallen to my lot-and I can assure you it is a very gratify- ing and agreeable one—to present this Testimonial to you in the name of the Committee and all the Subscribers. Having been told only a few minutes since that I was to have that pleasure, I am quite unprepared to make a lengthened speech:; but from the spontaneous way in which all the subscribers have put down their names- not one having been solicited to do so—the task becomes a very pleasant one; and I think I cannot better express their feelings than by reading an extract from the circular that was printed when the testimonial was first thought ot.-I In the resolution of thanks presented to him (Archdeacon Clark) by the Vestry on Monday, December 81st 1866, we were reminded of the many good works which have been begun, forwarded, or finished during Lie ministry among us, and which owe much to his per- sonal exertions, whether in direction or co-operation. His own affectionate words of farewell, in the last sermon which he preached as Rector of Tenby, reminded us yet more forcibly of the standard which he set before himself and before us. when he assumed the pastoral charge of this place. He told us then how anxiously he desired, tvbile speaking that which he honestly held to be the truth, to speak it in love, and to keep himself aloof from 2.11 strife and controversy, and bitterness of party spirit.. Words of flattery would be unseemly when addressed by a christian congregation to their pastor, and we know that such words are painful to every sincere minister 0: Christ. But we wish heartily and simply to acknowledge that his conduct has been thoroughly consistent with the profession which he then made, and that his life has, in its blameless purity, been for all an example of the doctrine which he preached. His kindly help, so readily extended to all who sought it, h s gentle ministrations to the sick aid the dying, will he long and gratefully remembered." Archdeacon Clark replied as follows :-Tn the few re- marks that I am about to make, I will keep in mind that I am speaking not only to my friends whom I now see before me, but to the many absent friends whom they represent, and whose feelings Mr Allen has, with so much kindness, undertaken to interpret. Through'you, Then, my good friends, it is my first duty to thank all who have contributed to this testimonial. This is only one of many acts of friendship and evidences of affection for which I am indebted to the people of Tenby. I know that I do not deserve such kindness at their hands, and that I shall never be able to prove to them how grateful I feel to them. These gifts which I now see before me will be to me, as long as I live, pleasant memorials of my twelve years'incumbency of Tenby. When I look back over that whole period, and fry to recall its Tany events, joyful and sad, a thousand recollections crowd into my mind, and make it difficult to select from the many topics which seem to call for notice those which will best befit my audience and this occasion. One thing I may truly say, that if, in the retrospect, I see behind" me times of sorrow and anxiety as well as of joy, the general im- pression left on my mind is that my life and ministry at Tenby has been a very happy one, and that I liave much, in this as in many other ways, to thank God for. It is a comfort to me to think that the twelve years of my residence at Tenby have been, in one important respect, the best years of my life. It is now just thirty-three years since I was ordained. The first twenty years of my ministry were valuable instructors to me, aud taught me many useful lessons by my errors and failures, as well as by my successes, so that I was able to bring with me to Tenby the advan- tages of a larger experience and riper judgment than to any former sphere of duty. I have thus, I hope, been enabled, by God's help, to avoid mistakes and indiscre- tions which might have marred my usefulness. There is one lesson that my former and later experience has taught me, and which I hope that my life and conduct at 'Tenby have proved that I have profited by, namely, that a wise moderation, and even what some might disapprove of as needless caution, are very useful qualities to insure success in such a parish as Tenby. You know, my friends, what has been my life in public and in my pri- vate relations, and what has been my ministry amon;: you. And you know AISO, Mr Allen has kindly referred to it, and therefore I may speak upon this subject, how entirely my wife and whole family have seconded me, and strengthend my hands, and encouraged me in my anxieties; and how it has been our desire and aim to co- operate, in the parish, and in all our intercourse with our neighbours, so as to bo blameless in our lives, and to do good both by our example and by the regular per- formance of our duties. It would be a comfort to me if I dared hope that we have left some faint, but perma- nent, traces behind us. For myself, it has been my principle and rule of conduct, while ministering among you, to act with discretion as well as zeal, to adopt no extremes in doctrine or practice, to walk without noise or strife, and to show myself a moderate—a consistent—but tolerant Churchman. I have done this deliberately, on convictions strengthened by many years' expe- pience, never consciously yielding a principle through fear, and never, I honestly believe, influ- enced by a wish to curry favour or court popularity. It has been my growing conviction that our Church, if it is to continue to be the Church of the nation, must be rooted in the affections of the whole English people, and that it must be liberal and tolerant of differences and I think that if the Church of England is to stand firmly, (as I believe it will for many years, for as long as England retains its present proud position,) it must be not by narrowing its base, but rather by keeping its foundations in all their original breadth as they were Fettled at the Reformation. With these convictions I have acted for many years past, trying to do what in my judgment I thought right. I believe that I have taken the wise and proper course. Among the many results of the last twelve years, nothing has given me more unmixed pleasure and satisfaction than the restora- tion of Tenby's noble old Church. It has been a labour, but a labour of love, and from first to last a success. I owe much to the kindness and liberality of many friends, and I thank God that I have been permitted to assist in so good a work. When I look back and recollect its state as I saw it twelve years ago, and how it has gra- dually emerged from its then condition into its present comeliness and simple beauty, I feel cheered and am thankful. But there is one thing that I must add as a cause of great thankfulness, and that is that, during the whole work of church restoration, although so much hsd been altered, so many traces of the old building oblite- rated, so many old habits of feeling disturbed, so many old land-marks removed, both inside and outside, I am not aware that I have made a single enemy among the old inhabitants, or given the least offence. I mention this, not to take any credit for it myself, but in justice to the parishioners of Tenby. For it proves that they can more than return affection and confidence with equal good will and trust, and that they are ready (as I have always found) to second the efforts of those who will consult their reasonable wishes, and who ask their co- operation. I thank mv old friends and parishioners for the kindness and conrulcnce with which they have treated me in this matter. I look back also with plea- sure to the improved order and decency of everything in the services—the more frequent and better attended communions, and the steadily improving congregations of the church. But I have always felt, from tne earliest period of my ministry, that the most important functions, by very far, of a clergyman, are those which call for least observation, and naturally excite least atten- tion — I mean those which belong to him emphati- cally as a parochial minister. It is at the bed-side of the sick, or in the house of the mourner, that a clergyman gains access most readily to the hearts of his people, and that he finds. his best opportuni- ties of carrying home the great and eternal truths of God's Word. It is by a quiet and untiring perseverance in these duties that he becomes estab- lished in the affections of his parishioners, and does most good. It has been my comfort and happi- ness to be thus employed for many years. There are few families in Tenby where I have not had occasion to minister to one or other member in sickness, few houses which I have not entered, and where I have not been welcomed, and allowed to share in the joys or sorrows and anxieties of its inmates. And thus a tie, close and holy in its nature, has been made still holier and closer by such constant intercourse and interchange of sympathy. I can recall many such opportunities and solemn seasons, and death- bed scenes with comfort and thankfulness. Many of the bonds which unite man with man are temporary, and are often broken; these are ties which, cementing as they do heart with heart, are to last for eternity. Reverting now to the gifts which I see before me. Perhaps I may be forgiven if I allude to one circum- stance. You know, I think, that when I was first in- formed of your intention to give me some mark and memorial of your affection, I expressed a wish that it might take a form which should connect my name with a permanent and great benefit to Ten by. I begged that your liberality might form the nucleus of a fund for building new Parochial Schools May I say, without seeming ungrateful to you, that I should have valued such a testimonial much more than any personal gift that could have been chosen for me. I do not, however, complain. I know the kindness and affection that prompted you to prefer this way of testifying yonr friendly feelings, and thoroughly appreciate and thank you for your goodness. I refer to this topic now chiefly that I may assure you that, valuble as your gift is, its intrinsic value is as nothing in my sight compared with its worth to me as a token of affection and approbation from my Tenby friends. I may add that I thank you for allowing me some liberty in the selection of your gifts. I was guided in my choice by the wish to possess, not what would be simply for ornament, but what would be serviceable, and such as might belong to our daily life. The books are chiefly books of reference, which I shall be constantly handling. The silver will be in daily use. The barometer has already become a daily instructor; every morning when I adjust its index, I am reminded of my kind friends at Tenby. I have another thing to thank you for. You anticipated my own strong wish by proposing to present these gifts here to-day. It is a common and a very true saying, that the value of a gift depends a great deal on the way in which it is given. I looked forward, with some shrinking, to the prospect, of a public presentation; and I thank you very much for the delicacy with which you proposed to bring it here privately, and to make this rather a social gathering than a public meeting. I am grateful to you for this consideration, and the more so as it has given us the great pleasure of seeing so many familiar faces, and of welcoming so many kind and valued friends as our guests in our new home. I hope that I may often see you all, aud many other old friends here for I speak in all sincerity when I say that a Tenby face seems to bring sunshine with it to Robe ton. Maj God bless you all, my friends, and give you every comfort and happi- ness here-and for ever. Although the business of the day was then over, not so the enjoyment; for after strolling about the pic- turesque gardens and grounds, admiring the different distant views—particularly that of the old castle of Llaw- haden-and visiting the church (which will probably be better worth seeing at some future time), a return to the house, and to that important part of it, the dining room, was next proposed. There a handsome cold co!ia:ion met the view, the merits of which all seemed fully to enter into and enjoy, and after a cup of coffee in the drawing room, the carriages were ordered for 'home.' Thus ended a day, the reminiscences of which will always be thought of with gratification and pleasure by all who were present. LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE NEW CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL. On Tuesday, the 6th inst, the very interesting ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the now Congregational Chapel took place. It has long been felt by the members of this denomination that their chapel was not worthy the town or the cause, and while their brethren of other sects had improved and beautified their places of worship the Tabernacle was left in (shall we say) its pristine ugliness. Although naturally anxious to improve this state of things, prudential motives conspired to prevent them from engaging in any large scheme of improvement. So matters remained. At last came the hour and the man. We believe that in the year 1861 Mr Craven, of the noted firm of Craven and Ilarrup, arrived in our town, an invalid in search of health. What he sought for, by the blessing of Divine providence, he obtained. Gratitude for his restored heaith caused him to look on Tenby with peculiar interest, and naurally the state of the chapel in which he worshipped, came under his notice; he brought before the members the desirability of erecting a new chapel (with schools) of a more pre- pretensious character than the present one, in a more suitable situation, and better adapted to the present times, backing his suggestion with a promised subscrip- tion of £1,000. To continue, in short, a site was ehosen for a new chapel in the Pill Field, and of the moot central positions and best adapted for the purpose that could have been selected. Our Nonconformist brethren have meanwhile not been idle in the matter of collecting funds, and with such success that we hear the chapel, when completed, will be opened free of debt. A mo\.t desira- ble end, and one that reflects credit alike on donors and those who have solicited donations. At twelve o'clock a procession of ministers, members of the congregation, and school children, left the Taber- nacle for the Pit! Field. Raised seats surrounded the J stone, which were tilled with interested spectators. The Rev Mr Edwards, Wesleyaa minister, gave out the hymn, 'Lord of hosts to Thee we raise Here a house of prayer and praise.' which was sung by the assemblage, led by the chapel choir, to the tune 'St, Helen's.' The Rev D. Anthony then read suitable portions of The Rev D. Anthony then read suitable portions of scripture, and the Rev T. Burditt offered up prayer. The Rev LL Bevan gave out the next hymn, Jesus, where'er thy people meet, There they behold thy mercy seat.' H. J. Paull, Esq. the architect, gave a statement respecting the proposed building. A copy ot the names of the committee for building the new chapel, &c, was placed jo a glass bottle, together with a copy of the Nonconformist, English. Independent, and Tenby Observer, as well as a sliver coin oi the realm. Afterwards Mr Craven read a statement showing his connection with the town and people of Tenby." Mr Samuel Morley, of London, then laid the stone the chil- dren deposited their collections on the stone; after which Mr Morley spoke; besides the subject matter of the day he particularly dwelt on the reasons he held for his con- nection with the Nonconformists: in fact his speech may briefly be summed up as a christian apology for Noncon- formists: and. however one may have ueen'disinelincd to agree with all his conclusions, the earnest spirit which dictated the words must have been apparent to everv one -whether belonging to his own or any other corn- munion. Mr H. Willes, of Bristol, also addressed a few words, referring to the many years he had been acquainted with the town of Tenby, beautiful, as he observed, in its situation and its natural attractions, but not equally well provided with suitable places for religious instruction. He hoped the building they this day commcnced, would be productive of much good, that many christian souls would be born there, and its building".and continuance redound to the honour and glory of God. Donations were laid by the bystanders on the founda- tion stone, and this portion of the proceedings closed with prayer by the Rev Mr Sbadrack. Many then adjourned to a cold luncheon laid at the Jloyat Assembly Rooms; the tables were admirably set out, and the array of eatables of a nature to provoke the appetite of the mo-t fastidious. We only hope that the very liberal manner in which Mr Gregory catered for his guests will not occasion him any loss. Upwards oi 13D persons availed themselves of the luncheon. The Rev Mr Paull, of Romsey, co-minister, we believe with tbe celebrated Binney said grace. After the wants of the creature had bnen satisfied the chairman, J. Craven, Esq, gave Queen' followed by the National Anthem. The Rev Dr. Anthony said he wished to make an ob servation, as there was another meeting to be held at the Tabernacle, for an object in connection with their pre- sent work, and as many would wish to attend, he hooeu the speakers would bear this in mind and make their speeches as concise as possible. (Hear, hear). The Chairman then gave as a sentiment The Church -not one section only, but the Church of Christ in all the world.' The Rev Mr Powell was called on to reply, who spoke to the effect that he had great pleasure in speaking on this sentiment in preference to a toast, the welfare of the Christian Church in its intirety was ever dear to him, he rejoiced in the prosperity not of one section only but of all-the present was an occasion of rejoicing to him not only as the extension of a denomination, but of tho whole body of the Church of Christ. The Rev Mr Burditt, Baptist minister, who remarked that after dinner speaking was by no means easy and not always happy. He felt that the prosperity of one section of the Church was necessary to the well being of the whole. He thought the present depressed state of religion in Tenby was owing to the want of day schools disconnected from the National schools—that as long as the schools are under the National sjstem, children of dissenters become familiar with falsehood, they are taught many things about sponsors, &c, and become addicted to falsehood. He had seen some of this working in Haverfordwest; they complained there that the Sunday Schools and British Schools were empty. After, however, they had accepted Government aid, it worked admirablv in the school with which he was connected, there were now 400 scholars. He felt they should not succeed in Tenby till they had also established new day schools. The Rev D. Edwards, Wesleyan minister, also spoke to the sentiment on behalf of himself and the brethren of his denomination whom he represented on this occasion. The next sentiment was Freedom, Civil and Religious.' Mr Samuel Morley, who said that he was not aware that he would be called upon to speak still less upon so important a subject as that of Civil and Religious liberty, spoke to the effects that the strength of non-conformity did not consist in an antagonism to the Church, but in an adherence to the perfect law of Christ's word -not by an opposition to any particular system, but by the exhi- bition of a pure and scriptural religion. He was per- fectly convinced that at the presect time tbev held a position of great responsibility, when those alone who seek to know God's will, will have need of his direction and guidance. He believed that the teaching of the New Testament tended to civil and religious liberty when.studied by a free unbiassed mind,-tbat every one of the Evangelical Nonconformists should have a right conception of the importance of nonconformity, for want of this knowledge it often happened that people when they become a little genteel go to Church. They move out from old associations know nothing of the value of nonconformity, and so go to Church. The speaker then spoke of the price people had to pay for their non- conformity,—[but with all due deference to the sneaker we scarcely think our nonconformist brethren are called upon to endure the mild persecution or pay the price for their religious convictions hinted at by him, our own town is a case in point for many years in every case of improvement of any kind (and much has been done) in connection with the parish Church, nonconformists have been employed.]—The speaker went on to say that the religion to which he would urge their attention was that of a life not a creed, a religion to be seen in the shop ,'I and in the counting house, in the street as well as the Chapel. I stand erect, he said, in my own convictions of what is right, and listen to the teaching of those who by superior wisdom or higher intelligence than myself have a right to instruct me.' A population so instructed and so brought up, can never be imposed upon bv government or any one else. We live I am assured in perilous times; times about which I should feel most anxious, but that I know that the Lord reigneth over all his works. I have a strong impression that members of nonconformist bodies will meet with persecution-not the old system of fire and faggot, but another kind of persecution that will lessen their ranks. Thanking the meeting for having identified his name with so great a subject as that of Civil and Religious Liberty the speaker concluded by hoping he should remain true to the last to the principles of nonconformity. The next sentiment given was Home Missions,' coup- ling with it the name of the Rev I). Mathias, of Sauriders- foot, who said he envied the congregation of Tenby their present position, but he hoped that after a time the present building would be found to be too small and be pulled down to build another and a larger one. He gave some interesting particulars respecting the consroga- some interesting particulars respecting the consroga- tionalists in the neighbourhood, and ended by expressing a hope that the cangregationalists would have in every parish a day school, Sunday school, and burial ground, so that all would be provided that could be required in life and death. The Rev W. Davies entered into a feeling description of the state of nonconformity in South Pembrokeshire, calling upon the people of Tenby to remember the regions that are beyond.' The Rev W. Thomas also spoke in favour of Home Missions. The next sentiment was 'The representations of English and Welsh Congregationalists,' coupling with it the name of the Rev Mr Trewent, who expressed his increasing love for nonconformity—hoped they would have as good a gathering at Pembroke on Friday, where a similar ceremony will take place—highly eulogized the Rev W good a gathering at Pembroke on Friday, where a simitar ceremony will take place-highly eulogized the Rev W Davies for the good work he had done in the small villages of the neighbourhood, &c. ° Mr Ezra Roberts, vice-chairman, proposed the health of Mr and Mrs Craven in deservedly flattering terms. The Chairman briefly returned thanks and then proposed the toast of the vice-chairman, his wife and family. Mr Roberts briefly returned thanks. Mr Motley proposed the health of H. Wills, Esq., of Bristol, who, in returning thanks, spoke of the Catholic spirit of Mr Morley, whenever and wherever (he said) souls are converted to God, that gladdens the heart of Samuel Morley. (Hear, hear.) He concluded by invoking the Divine protection over the building and those em- ployed in it. Mr Morley, in returning thanks for the honour of a toast, spoke of the inconvenience occasioned by the delays on the railway journey from London to Tenby, which frequently amounted to as much as au hour-and-a- half, and was a serious annoyance. Mr Roberts said, whatever the delays might be it was occasioned at the London end, and he would assure the Chairman that if he wished to leave Tenby for London, and appeared on the platform one minute after the time stated on the train bills he would find himself too late. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) The meeting then separated highly pleased with the days proceedings. We believe that upwards of X2,90 was deposited on the stone during the ceremony, a good beginning, and one calculated to make the building committee thank God and take courage. A sermon was preached in the church of St Issells on Sunday week in' aid of the funds of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in foreign parts, when the collection amounted to X3 7s 5d. CONCERT.—On Wednesday, the 7th inst., Miss Edith Wynne, Messrs Montem Stnifch, Lewis Thomas, tenor and bass, Mr John Thomas (Pencerdd Gwalia), harpist and Mrs Henry Davies, pianist, gave two concerts at the Royal Assembly Rooms—afternoon and evening The latter was well attended, and the audience were highly delighted with the musical feast set before them The greater part of the programme was encored rno»t rapturously, nnd the repeated demands made on the singers were ia every case gracefully and cheerfully complied with. We must particularly mention M'ss E Wynne's expressive singing of th0 scena from' Dl:r Freischutz,' 'Softly sighs,' of the Bells of Aherdovev Wt..ching the wheat, her brilliant and dasl,in(rf vocali- zation in Randegger's trio, «I navigantiancHhe arch and pleasing expression in Bishop's"'Maiden fair.' Mr Montem Smith made an unfortunate selection in bis two first songs, 'A holiday on the Rhine,' and 'Thejoys of home, two of Shumann's productions—roductions seemingly mnde np of a hash of some of the worst bits of Mendelssohn and Schubert. lie afterwards made as much of a (shall we call it) moral song of Never mind the rest,' as possible. On being encored he, with great judgment, substituted 'The meeting of the water* which he sang with all the charming sweetness for which as a singer he stands pre-eminent; The "OJd English maypole song' also put everyone in raptures. Mr Lev/is Thomas was of course encored in Mendelssohn's I'm a roatrier,' and Weber's song 'The mill wheel.' Mr John Thomas was warmly applauded in his harp solos, and repeSedly encored. Ilis best piece to our minds being The dance of the fairies,' by Aivars. Mrs H. Davies was much applauded for her facile execution of Weber's pianoforte solo I L'invitation pour lavalse;' there was a slight absence of expression in the introduction that a player of Mrs Davies's capabilities can at once remedy. We must not omit to suggest that the harp accompani- ment to Llwyn oun I should not be so florid, and that the singer should be allowed to give the I tempo,' and not be hurried on by the harp accompaniment; also, that the three final accompanying chords lose their intended effect by becoming offensively prominent. Mr JoM Thomas must be himself aware of it, as they have place in his admirable arrangement of Llwyn onn. Taken altogether we have rarely experienced a more thoroughly enjoyable evening.

PEMBROKE.

- NARBERTH.