On Friday last, the first of January, was formally opened for Divine Worship, the Independent Chapel. The Rev. William Waterfield, the Minister of the place, preached in the morning from the 24th verse of the 20th chapter of the book of Exodus:

"An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee." (Exodus 20:24)

The Rev. James Forbes (Presbyterian Minister) preached in the afternoon from the latter part of the 6th verse in the 4th chapter of the prophecy of Zechariah:

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 4:6b)

The Rev. Joseph Orton (Wesleyan Minister) preached at night from the 5th, 6th and 7th verses of the 24th chapter of the book of Numbers:

"How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel! As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the Lord hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters. He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted." (Numbers 24:5-7)

In connexion with the sermons suitable portions of Scripture were read, and appropriate Hymns were sung. The collection during the day amounted to nearly £70.

It always gives us pleasure to witness the harmony which prevails among the various religious bodies in Australia Felix [Port Phillip District], and we from our hearts, say, "Esto perpetua." ["May It Endure Forever"]

The Independent chapel, situated upon the Eastern Hill, is a neat and chaste building. It's internal fittings do great credit to the congregation. The place will accomodate from five to six hundred persons. It is splendidly lighted up by chandeliers, the centre being as handsome a chandelier as we have seen for the size, and which we understand was a present to the minister, from Henry Hopkins, Esq., of Hobart Town.

We cannot but remark in concluding this brief sketch, that the above place of worship is the first permanent building of the kind erected in the Province of Australia Felix. We wish the Independents all deserved prosperity.