The members of the Independent Church assembled on Monday evening at the Rev. Alexander Morison's Chapel, in Collins Street, for the purpose of taking further steps in their endeavours to establish an Auxiliary Branch of the London Missionary Society.

The proceedings having been opened by prayer and praise, Mr. Morison addressed the congregation in elucidation of the objects for which they had met. The Rev. gentleman reminded his hearers that though it was not to be supposed they were indifferent to the wants of their fellow-colonists, they were nevertheless called on while attending to those immediately around them, to remember that the whole human family were a common brotherhood, and possessed an interest in their affections.

The Secretary was then called on to read the following report of the previous proceedings of the Association:-

For some years past, a desire has existed on the part of the Pastor and members of this Church, that a more lively interest should he felt in general missions; and that a fund should he raised yearly by the congregation, with a view of aiding this great work. The pressure of our immediate wants, as a church and congregation, has, however, effectually tended to repress any enlarged operations. Hence, only on two occasions, have very small sums been remitted from the church and congregation to the London Missionary Society, as our contributions to aid the great work carried on in the Heathen world under their direction. The desire lived amidst all difficulties and discouragements; and it became at last a fixed idea, that if the missionary ship the "John Williams," could be induced to visit the Port of Melbourne, an occasion would thereby be given to excite an interest in the minds of all Christians more intense than that experienced by a few. One friend, an honored member of this Church, offered one hundred pounds with a view of securing the desired visit of the missionary vessel; that we might enjoy an advantage with which the brethren in Sydney and in Hobart Town have frequently been favored. Towards the close of last year, the "John Williams" having arrived at Hobart Town, Henry Hopkins, the father of' this Church, accompanied the Rev. Aaron Buzacott and the Rev. Wyatt Gill in a visit to Victoria, when sermons were preached, and a public meeting held to form an auxiliary to the London Missionary Society for Victoria.

The Pastor of this Church was then absent in Tasmania, but had the pleasure of some days' intercourse at Launceston with Rev. A. Buzacott. He offered the one hundred pounds if the vessel would proceed to Victoria. Mr. Buzacott stated that for various reasons this was not possible at that time, but might be effected under proper arrangement at a future period.

On returning to his charge, and learning what steps had been taken towards the formation of an auxiliary society, the pastor thought; with others, that our first step should be to organise a branch association in this congregation, leaving till more matured plans were adopted, the more general auxiliary which will comprise Victoria, and with which we will be affiliated.

The subject was submitted to late church meeting, and approved; and a provisional committee, both male and female, appointed. When this committee met for the discharge of business, it was seen to be necessary that a meeting of the congregation should be held, wherein, not only should we advocate the cause of missions, but give validity to the elected officers and committee, adopt the rules on which this congregational society is based, and so to commend the objects of the Society to the sympathies of the congregation, that they may be inclined by suitable subscriptions, to help forward the cause of God in the world.

Mr. J. Nicol moved the adoption of the Report, and Mr. Browning seconded the resolution, and in so doing pointed out to the meeting that in adopting the Report they were saying before God that the Society was their Society, and they were therefore in duty bound to nourish and support it as far as was in their power. By so adopting and supporting the objects that had brought them together, it was impossible to say how much good might be done, but if the society was not supported, it would languish and die.

The resolution was then carried, after which Mr. Robert Smith moved - 'That the London Missionary Society has peculiar claims on us for support.'

The speaker alluded to the success that had attended Missionary efforts in the East and West Indies, and asserted that the London Missionary Society was purely Catholic, and no wise sectarian in its character.

Mr. John Charlton, in seconding the resolution, said that perhaps it might be asked why the London Missionary Society had claims on their support, and the answer was, that it was the parent society of missionary enterprise. The first mission of modern times, originated with only three persons, the Rev. Mr. Carey, and two other clergyman, and it was through the agency of these gentlemen that there had sprung all those missions which were now so successful, and which were making converts by thousands.

The speaker passed a high eulogium on the previous efforts of the Society, and after a few observations from Mr. Morision, the resolution was carried.

Mr. G. Thwaites moved the third resolution, viz - 'That a lively interest in the cause of missions is essential to the enlarged piety and spiritual happiness and beauty of a church.' He hoped the resolution would commend itself so strongly to them, that it would be unnecessary for him to say much on the subject.

The speaker then appealed to the meeting to aid in furthering the object they had in view by fervent prayer and liberal contributions.

Mr. Gill seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously.

Mr. Bickerton, the treasurer of the Society, moved the last resolution - 'That this meeting pledges itself to further by every means in its power the objects of this branch of the London Missionary Society, and to endeavour to collect subscriptions and donations as largely as possible among the friends of the cause of Christ.'

Mr. Hudson seconded the resolution, and observed that as by adopting it the meeting pledges itself to assist the Society, it was both a duty and a privilege to contribute in any manner to so glorious a cause.

The resolution was then carried, and a collection made in aid of the funds, and the evening's proceedings were closed by singing the Doxology.