Last evening a meeting was held at the Wesleyan Chapel, Macquarie Street, at which Alderman Allen presided, for the purpose of raising funds for the completion of the Wesleyan Centenary Chapel, York Street. Previously to the public meeting, a number of the friends amounting to about 200 assembled, and took tea in the school room adjoining the chapel.

The Rev. John McKenny gave a history of the origin and progress of the Chapel. As its name imports, it originated in the Centenary of Wesleyan Methodism. In the month of August, 1839, a meeting was held at the Macquarie Street Chapel, collections were made, and promises and subscriptions given to the amount of £1,300, for the purposes of furthering the progress of Methodism. It was then thought that the money collected could not be laid out to greater advantage than by erecting a large and commodious chapel in Sydney. Of the sum promised one subscription of £250 was reserved for building a chapel on the Surry Hills. This latter building had since been completed at an outlay of upwards of £300, and had been made over by Mr. Iredale (the contributor of the sum above-mentioned) to the trustees according to the usage of the Society.

Of the remaining promised subscriptions all were paid with the exception of two, and the two parties who had failed in the fulfilment of their promise were not Wesleyans. Three plans were then drawn up by Mr. Atwool and submitted to the Committee formed to superintend the necessary arrangements. Of the three plans, the best and most expensive was chosen, but owing to the depressed state of the times, the original plan was departed from, and bricks substituted for stone.

The foundation stone was laid on the 24th of February, 1840, and was rapidly approaching completion. Since the commencement of the building, £1,245 17s. 5d. had been received by private subscription, £1,000 from the Government Treasury, £341 from the sale of ground adjoining the chapel, and £120 as a deposit on the sale of the school room. The sum already paid is £3,183 3s. 7d., leaving a balance in the hands of the trustees of £23 13s. The trustees were, however, under immediate engagement for £1,008 15s. 5d., besides the amount necessary to complete the chapel.

The reverend speaker then stated that the architect (Mr. Joseph Atwool) had expressed his willingness to relinquish the 2½ per cent., which was to have been allowed him for his services in preparing the plan, and superintending the erection of the chapel, and that Alderman Allen had promised to give an additional subscription of £50.

He then read the resolution, which was as follows: - "That this meeting has heard with great satisfaction of the advanced state of the Centenary Chapel, and that the intention of the trustees to have that place of Divine worship ready for occupation in January, meets with their highest approbation." Mr. Bowden seconded the motion.

The Rev. Mr. Sweetman moved the second resolution: - "That this meeting approves of, and engages to support, the following means of raising funds towards the completion of that place of worship: First, a weekly subscription to any amount to be carefully got up by voluntary collectors, to be supplied with books. Second, a quarterly tea meeting, the provisions to be supplied by the friends free of charge; the whole amount received for tickets to be given to the funds of the chapel." The Rev. Mr. Draper, in seconding the resolution, impressed upon the audience the necessity of a united and energetic effort to obtain the necessary funds, and pointed out the advantages likely to be derived from the opening of the new chapel, in consequence of its more central situation, and the greater probability of inducing those who neglected the ordinances of religion to attend a place of worship.

The Rev. B. Hurst thought if such a chapel had been before erected, the Society would have been in a more flourishing condition in the colony, and moved the third resolution: - "That as the aid of the ladies has always been found most beneficial to the promotion of benevolent and pious institutions, they are hereby most respectfully invited to assist this good cause by providing for holding a bazaar for the benefit of the Chapel, on such day as shall be hereafter determined upon." Mr. Macarthur seconded the motion, and adverted to the beneficial influence which the erection of places of worship was calculated to produce upon the minds of the people, and directed the attention of the audience to the example set by the members of the Roman Catholic body, and the perseverance which they displayed in carrying out the purposes of their church.

The Rev. L. E. Threlkeld moved the fourth resolution: - "That as it is necessary to commence immediately to raise funds for the completion of the chapel, all present are earnestly requested to come forward with donations and subscriptions, to be entered on the list prepared for that purpose." The resolution having been seconded, the collection was made, and pledges and subscriptions were received amounting to £230. The thanks of the meeting were then presented to the Chairman, and the meeting separated.

The Interior of the above place of worship being now sufficiently completed, it will be set apart for Divine Service on Wednesday next, the 14th instant, when two sermons will be preached by Rev. WALTER LAWRY, General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Missions in New Zealand. Divine Service to commence in the Morning at eleven, and in the Evening at seven o'clock.

On SUNDAY, the 18th instant, the opening service will be continued, and the Rev. JOHN McKENNY, Chairman of the New South Wales District, will preach in the Morning at eleven, and the Rev. E. SWEETMAN, of Parramatta, in the Evening at half-past six.

Collections in aid of the building fund will be made after each of the above-mentioned services.

On MONDAY, the 19th instant, at six P.M., a public Tea Meeting will be held in the spacious School Rooms under the Chapel, after which some addresses will be delivered, and the opening services concluded. Tickets may be procured from the Wesleyan Ministers and Leaders, and the whole proceeds will be devoted to the building fund.

"Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed, and in truth." - 1 John 3, 18.