The anniversary of the opening of the Wesleyan Chapel in this place was commemorated during the past week. Two sermons were preached on Sabbath the 28th November 1847, by the Rev. Edward Sweetman.

A public meeting was held on the Tuesday following. The meeting having been commenced by singing and prayer, Dr. Alexander Thomson was called to the chair. The chairman said:

"On receiving an invitation to attend this meeting, I was led to think of that great revival of religion which took place in the last century, commenced by Messrs. Wesley and Whitfield, a revival which brought again into action what may be termed the aggressive system of christianity. When those devoted men were hindered from preaching the gospel in the established Church of England, of which they were clergymen, they went out into the highways and hedges to compel sinners to come in, that God's house might be filled. By the blessing of God they not only succeeded in forming christian communities, but also in raising up to carry on their noble work, a band of preachers, who are as truly in the Apostolic succession as any Christian minister since the commencement of the christian era. Successors to the Apostles' doctrine, to the Apostles' spirit, to the Apostles' labor and the Apostles' success."

"You, my friends, are the fruits of their exertions. It will be gratifying to you to learn that one of your Missionaries, the Rev. Joseph Rennard Orton, preached the first sermon in this colony; this was about twelve years ago, in Melbourne; I assisted in the erection of the tent in which the first congregation assembled, for you were then a people dwelling in tents. I have watched the progress of your society in this place with interest. You first held your meetings in a store, then in the dwelling-house known as the old chapel, now you have this exceedingly neat and substantial building. The object of this meeting is to save funds to finish the interior, and I have no doubt that you will contribute with your usual liberality to the accomplishment of so desirable an object.

The Rev. Edward Sweetman, in proposing the following resolution:

"That this meeting acknowledges with deep gratitude to Almighty God, its sense of the benefits conferred upon the land, so recently trodden only by savages, in the erection of so many Christian temples, where all may worship God in accordance with the dictates of his holy word,"

said,

"There is something in this resolution of which I highly approve. We are met tonight to commemorate the opening of a Wesleyan Chapel, but other Christian temples are not forgotten. While we thank God for Wesleyan Chapels, we are truly grateful that so many houses of prayer are erected in this province, where spiritual worshippers may worship the Father in the spirit and in truth. The opening of places of worship will ever be a cause of grateful feeling in the mind of the true christian, as from thence is disseminated the light and truth of christianity; truths are here taught which are not only calculated to render those who embrace them happy, but likewise to exercise a salutary influence on society in general. England did not obtain possession of this land by chance, it was so ordained by Providence, for the best and wisest purposes, that the nation which possessed Christianity in all its purity, should become the possessors of this extensive and fertile territory, that here a community might be collected, which should be as a centre from which the light of the Gospel should radiate through the Isles of the Pacific, until India and China, now so dark, should be fully enlightened."

Many other subjects were adverted to by the reverend gentleman, and treated by him in his usual masterly style, but our space will not afford room for insertion.

Mr. Lowe, senior, seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.

The Rev. William Lowe, in moving the second resolution, remarked, that on his passage from Melbourne, anticipating the meeting of that evening, his mind had dwelt with much grateful feeling on what he had seen and felt while laboring in Geelong. He remembered the warm-hearted attachment of the people to the cause of God, and the many hallowed seasons they had enjoyed in that place. The liberality of the Wesleyans of Geelong was proverbial; they were at the last district meeting held in Sydney, held up as examples for the imitation of their brethren in the Middle District, and he believed that they would continue to maintain their character, and provide the funds necessary for the enlargement and completion of the building. After dwelling with much feeling on the success which attended his labors in this place, the reverend gentleman resumed his seat amidst much applause.

Mr. Sanderson seconded the adoption of the resolution.

The third resolution:

"That from the inconvenience experienced during the past year, in consequence of the unfinished state of the building, and the necessity for increased accomodation, it is highly desirable that its enlargement and completion should take place forthwith; this meeting therefore pledges itself to use the most strenuous exertion, and to contribute to the utmost of its ability in the accomplishment of objects so desirable,"

- was moved by the Rev. William Cox Curry, and seconded by Mr. George Wright, in an able speech, and carried without a dissenting voice.

The chair having been taken by Mr. Foster, a vote of thanks was presented to Dr. Thomson for his kindness in presiding, and for the manner in which he had performed the duties which had devolved upon him.

Upwards of £33 was realised at the various services connected with the Anniversary.