Society. 'God save the Queen' was then sung, and so closed this most cheering and pleasant festival.

BEXHILL BRANCH.-On Tuesday, July 19th, this Branch of the G. F. S. held its annual festival. The Members and Associates, with their friends, spent a pleasant afternoon at Pevensey Castle. After scrambling amongst the ruins and joining in various games, they thoroughly appreciated an ample tea which was provided for them in the grounds. A premium was given to one of the Members for two years' service, and a bonus on savings to another; a grant of 17. to an absent sick Member was promised. A prize for the best made garment was offered to the Members, to be awarded at the next annual festival. The meeting closed with singing; and on the return of the party to Bexhill, a special service was held in the Church, and an appropriate address was given by the Rev. J. Cother. The only circumstance to be regretted was the unavoidable absence, through illness, of the Branch Secretary.

ALDERSHOT BRANCH.-On Monday, 18th July, the annual festival was held. This is the third year of assembling, and we are thankful to be able to record a growing interest in the Society, and a fair advance in numbers amidst a most fluctuating population. Seventytwo Members and four Associates met, as usual on the Vicarage lawn, at three o'clock, when they had games, swings, &c. At five o'clock, they sat down to a good substantial tea, the tables being decorated with pretty plants, diversified by dishes of tempting fruit. At 7.30, all went into church (situated across the road) to evensong, when a short and very practical address was given by the Vicar, Rev. H. J. West, upon the duties and privileges of the Society. They returned to the garden and amused themselves with games, &c., until nearly nine o'clock. Before parting, one Member received 5s. premium for two years' service, and very shortly two or three more will be eligible for premiums for one year's service.

SUDBURY (CUBLEY R. D.) BRANCH.-By the kind permission of Lord and Lady Vernon, the fourth festival in connexion with this Branch was held on Thursday, June 30th, at Sudbury. All assembled by three o'clock, when each Member belonging to the different villages had a few flowers given to her, showing by their various colours to which parish they belonged. At 3.15, a short service was held in the Parish Church, and the sermon, which was very impressive, was preached by the Rev. J. H. Killick, Vicar of Prestwold, the subject chosen being the little Syrian maid and Gehazi. After service, all repaired to the school, where a substantial tea had been provided; after tea, Lady Warren Vernon kindly distributed the premiums and bonuses which amounted to gl. 13. 6d. True friends help one another' having been sung, all left for games in front of the Hall, which were heartily entered into until seven o'clock, when the party dispersed. It had been arranged to have tea in the park, and swings had been put up, but the morning being wet, it was thought wiser to have tea indoors.

HIMLEY BRANCH.-The annual festival of this Branch was kept on June 30th. Six parishes were represented, viz., Sedgley, Kingswinford, Wordsley, Brockmoor, Himley, and Brierley Hill, the whole number present at the festival being about one hundred Members and eleven Associates. The spot chosen for the day's

excursion was the Clent Hill, Worcestershire. Some of the parishes took their parties thither in brakes, the drive to and from Clent being no small part of the day's enjoyment, as was shown by the constant and hearty singing of the girls in the brakes. The Vicar of Clent (the Rev. G. Halls) very kindly allowed any of the party who chose to avail themselves of the privilege, to go round his garden, a privilege which was thoroughly appreciated, as the garden (at all times pretty) was just at this season especially rich in roses. The village church of Clent was also duly admired. At 2.30, a tea was provided at the Fountain Inn, after which the Associates and Members walked over the hills, and through the kindness of Lord Lyttelton were admitted to Hagley Park. At five o'clock, a special service was held in Hagley Church, when the Rev. M. R. Moore addressed the girls, and at this service the singing of the two G. F. S. hymns, 'Pure in soul and body,' and 'True friends help each other,' in which so many voices were united, was exceedingly hearty and joyous. After service, the party was conducted over Lord Lyttelton's gardens and hothouses, and to the Associates was granted a further treat in being permitted to see the interior of Hagley Hall. So ended a happy day, the brakes returning from Hagley about seven p.m. The only drawback to the complete happiness of this day, was the unfortunate circumstance that the Branch Secretary (Mrs. Griffiths), owing to a severe sprain, was unable to take any part in this, the second festival of the Himley Branch of the G. F. S. We are glad to add that this Branch is very flourishing, and has added about fifty to its Members during the past year; and we feel sure that the thanks of those Members who took part in this festival are most heartily accorded to the Associates who contributed their utmost to make the day a success.

BLANDFORD and Sturminster Newton Branch. -The fourth annual festival was held at Iwerne Minster, on Wednesday, July 20th. The Members, numbering 143, walked in procession from the school to the church. The Special Service was used, prayers being read by the Rev. John Acton, Rector of the parish. The sermon was preached by the Rev. R. W. Randall, Rector of All Saints', Clifton. After the service all adjourned to the Vicarage garden, where tea was laid out under the trees. Tea being over, the Members amused themselves with games, &c., till 6.30, when all assembled on the lawn, and addresses were given by the Rev. J. Acton, Canon Lowndes, and the Rev. R. W. Randall. Seventeen Members received premiums for service, which were handed to them by the Hon. Gertrude Pitt. The weather was perfect and all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The party dispersed at 7.30. Twenty-eight Associates were present, and nine clergymen. The offertory, amounting to 4. Is., was given to the Diocesan Home of Rest Fund.

Dean and many of the clergy of the island, sat down to a very pretty and substantial tea in a tent on the lawn. After grace had been sung, the Governor read a telegram from the Lord Bishop of Winchester, sending a greeting to the Jersey Branch of the G. F. S. from the Farnham Branch, then assembled for their fête at Farnham Castle. After tea the girls amused themselves with games on the lawn till 7.30, when they all assembled in front of the tent to listen to a short address from the Governor, containing much good advice and expressing the great interest he and Mrs. Nicholson take in the Society. The Hon. Mrs. Nicholson, President of the Jersey Branch, then gave premiums of 55. each to twenty-eight Members for one year's service in the same place with a good character, and bonuses on savings to twenty Members. After singing the Evening Hymn the band played 'God save the Queen,' and the girls dispersed to their several homes.

NORTHFIELD R. D. BRANCH. The first annual meeting of Associates and Members was held on the 26th of July, at Alvechurch Rectory, by invitation of Canon and Mrs. Eaton. A short service was held in the Parish Church with an address to the Members by Canon Eaton, after which the Members dispersed for games, &c. till tea, which took place in the school-room, and was kindly provided by Mrs. Eaton. After tea, a few words of advice were addressed to the Members by Mrs. Wilkinson, of Birmingham. Before leaving the grounds, the Associates and Members assembled in front of the Rectory and sang the hymn, 'True friends.'

WIGTON DEANERY, CUMBERLAND.-The anniversary festival of this Branch was held at Rose Castle, through the kindness of the Bishop of Carlisle, on St. Peter's Day, June 29th. Ten parishes were represented, and 234 sat down to tea on the lawn, including Associates and the clergy. The afternoon was very fine and the beautiful grounds were seen to great advantage. Service was held in the open air at three o'clock, the Rev. G. E. Hasell, Rector of Aikton, preaching from the text, 'Lovest thou me?' After an excellent tea, the girls strolled about the gardens, saw the castle, dungeon, &c., played at games, and listened to an open-air concert, the Members of several parishes having learned various glees which they sang with great spirit. A very happy day was spent, of which not the least pleasant part were the drives to and from Dalston Station (which is three miles from the Castle), and for which carriages and carts had been provided through the kindness of Mrs. Richardson and other friends. The Bishop and Mrs. Goodwin were not able to be present, but sent a kind message of welcome, which was read aloud by the Rev. J. Carter of Raughton Head.

WROCKWARDINE R. D. BRANCH. -The fourth annual festival of this Branch (held by the kind invitation of Mrs. H. France-Hayhurst, in the grounds of Wrockwardine Hall) was attended by a large number of the Members, several Associates, and others interested in the Society. A short service was held in the church at 2.30 p.m., followed by an excellent address from the Vicar, the Rev. A. P. Salusbury, which was listened to with marked attention by the girls. All then adjourned to the garden, and thirteen Members received premiums for good conduct in their several places, as testified by their respective mistresses. Two grants for sick Members

and bonuses to those who could show the amount of their savings, were also given. Music, dancing, and games were carried on with great spirit till 7 p.m., when the happy party dispersed.

BECKENHAM BRANCH.-The fourth annual festival of this Branch was held on Tuesday, July 19th, when 12 Associates, 100 Members, and several friends, including the local clergy, assembled at the Parish Church at 3 p.m. for a special service, at which twelve new Members were admitted, two of them having been candidates for six months. The Rector gave a most earnest and appropriate address on the use and value of the prayer on the Members' cards, showing that on the right use of that depended the certainty of their being worthy Members of the G. F. S. After the service, the party proceeded, by kind permission of Dr. Kirby, to Kelsey Park, where the girls strolled off in small parties or joined in games till 5.30, when all partook of an al-fresco As soon as that was over, a table was spread with the very satisfactory specimens of needlework and darning done by the Members, and with the prizes and premiums which Lady Inglis had kindly consented to give away. The Rector read out the list of prize-winners, while the Members came forward, one by one, to receive what they had so well earned. 6. 145. 6d. was given away in eighteen premiums for good service, four prizes for the best answers to 'Questions on the Bible and Prayer-book,' and four prizes for needlework and darning. Before dispersing, Mrs. Kirby kindly allowed the girls to pay a visit to her charming garden.

tea.

The

GUILDFORD R. D. BRANCH.-The second festival of this Branch, held on St. Peter's Day, was a complete success. Bramley parish was selected this year; the wife of the Vicar of Bramley is one of the most zealous Associates and friends of the Society. Members and Associates were gathered together out of every parish in the Deanery to the number, in all, of about 240. guests, on their arrival, assembled on the beautiful lawn of the Vicarage. A special train from Guildford brought the chief contingent from the town parishes in time for the three o'clock service in the pretty Parish Church, which was almost completely filled, and where all met together for the first time. The form of service used was that authorised for G. F. S. festivals. The surpliced choir of Bramley Church were in their places, -a generous assistance much appreciated, as the service was thereby made brighter and heartier. The Vicar and his Curate (Mr. Ward) said Prayers, the Lesson was read by the Rector of Asbury, and a short, admirable sermon, founded on the story of the damsel Rhoda, in the Epistle for the day, was preached by the Rev. W. T. Jones, Rector of St. Nicholas, Guildford. Tea followed in the National Schools at 4.30. The tables were not only bountifully supplied with every substantial, but beautifully adorned with flowers and fruit. After a pleasant hour's stroll in the grounds of Bramley Park (Mr. Ricardo's), all met again in the schools to hear an address from Miss Wright, Secretary of the Society, who, having attended the last year's festival at Asbury, had been so attracted by the evident success of the G. F. S. in the Deanery, as gladly to respond to Mrs. Power's invitation, given, at the Branch Secretary's suggestion, to come a second time. Her address was well suited to the occasion. Several premiums were given to those who

had earned them. Then followed a few words of hearty approval and sympathy from Canon Sapte, of Cranleigh, Rural Dean (in whose parish the next festival is to be held); and after Mr. Jones had (without permission, he said) expressed the gratefulness all felt towards the Vicar, and Mrs. Power, and their daughters for their kind and hospitable reception, the Evening Hymn was sung by all present, and a day of real enjoyment, not unmixed with profit, was brought to a close. A large number of the clergy of the Deanery were present, besides those already mentioned.

On

NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME R. D. BRANCH. Tuesday July 6th, the Members of this Girls' Friendly Society from the parishes of Betley, Audley, Goldenhill, Newcastle, Talk o' th' hill, and Wolstanton, within the R. D. of Newcastle-under-Lyme, were entertained at Betley Court, near Crewe, the residence of S. F. Twemlow, Esq. At 3.30 p.m., a lengthy procession, headed by the choir and clergy, entered the Parish Church to take part in the special service. Following the clergy, walked the girls from the Newcastle Union,candidates of the Society,-which was perhaps the most pleasing feature in the procession; behind them, with an imposing array of banners, came the Members, Associates, and Secretary of the Society, numbering in all about 300. In an appropriate address the Ven. Archdeacon, Sir Lovelace Stamer impressed upon his young hearers the importance of purity of life, sobriety of behaviour, dutiful obedience to parents, and thrift in personal and household economy. After the service the procession reformed and was conducted to a marquee in which an excellent tea had been prepared with suitable accessories. When the viands had been duly appreciated, Mrs. Twemlow, the Branch Secretary, having given affectionate messages from Mrs. Townsend and Miss Hawksley, utilised the occasion by giving the girls an admirable ad. dress, in the course of which she set before them the advantages of mutual help and sympathy, advised them to be careful in their selection of literature, to shun all books likely to contaminate, and prayerfully to seek after what was good, virtuous, and noble. She exhorted them, even though it might be considered a matter of minor importance, to cultivate good taste in their style of dress, giving no place either to slovenliness or gaudy finery. Mrs. Stubbs, a Member of the Central Council, then gave her experience of the Lodge at Brixton, S. E., detailing the advantages it offered in the shape of a home for girls out of situation, the inmates being enabled to obtain all necessary comfort at nominal charges until they succeeded in getting fresh engagements. The Society had made wonderful strides since it was started a few years ago, and now Her Majesty had consented to give it her countenance and patronage. Self-help, however, ought to be their watchword; and their motto, 'Not to get, but to give.' Before the party dispersed through the grounds, the Rev. J. Pauli, Vicar of Audley, desired to express the thanks of those present to Mrs. Twemlow for her thoughtful kindness in bringing together so many of those connected with the Society, as well as for the bounteous entertainment which she had provided for so large an assemblage; and assured Mrs. Stubbs that the Members present appreciated the kind interest shown in them by her having undertaken so long a journey to be present on that interesting occasion.

The grounds, gardens, and conservatories, were freely thrown open to the visitors, who returned home in the evening highly gratified with the hospitality extended to them at Betley Court.

ABINGDON R. D. BRANCH.-The first festival of the above Branch was held in Abingdon, on July 14th, fiftynine Members and seven Associates met in the Girls' National School, where tea was provided, after which six Members received premiums for good service, and as many bonuses on savings. J. Trendell, Esq. most kindly lent his gardens for the afternoon, and the proceedings terminated with full choral service and an address by the Rev. W. Gibbs in St. Michael's Church.

DENBIGH BRANCH. The Working Associates and Members of this Branch residing in the parishes of Denbigh and Trefnant, held their quarterly meeting at the Denbigh Girls' School, on Wednesday, June 29th. Prayers were read by the Rev. J. F. Reece. The Ven. Archdeacon Smart presided, and after making a few remarks upon the growth and advantages of the Society, gave an earnest speech on ' Influence, and spoke seriously upon the necessity of purity of conduct.' Miss Oldfield (Tremerchion) kindly gave an address on the Society's motto, Bear ye one another's burdens,' and dwelt on the privilege and pleasure of being able to perform little acts of love and sympathy. The hymn, 'Lord, dismiss us,' was then sung, and the proceedings closed with the Benediction.

WARWICK R. D. AND KENILWORTH BRANCHES.The joint festival of these two Branches was held on a glorious summer's day, July 12th, at Kenilworth, where about 200 Associates and Members met in the old parish church for the special G.F. S. service, conducted by the clergy of the different parishes, followed by a highly appreciated address from the Vicar, on the words, 'She hath done what she could,' the lesson taught so beautifully by Mary's example, particularly in its spiritual sense, being enforced alike on Associates and Members. A sumptuous tea followed in the Vicarage grounds, after which the Diocesan President, the Marchioness of Hertford, most kindly presented the premiums and bonuses earned by various Members, and then addressed to them all words of good advice, rendered very acceptable by the hearty sympathy evinced-not only by the words themselves, but by the fact of the long distance she had come in order to be present at the festival. The remainder of a very happy meeting was spent in the Castle grounds, in the enjoyment of the old ruins and merry games.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

All Communications respecting the Magazine, including those for the G. F. S. REPORTER, should be sent to THE EDITOR, care of the Secretary G. F. S. Central Office, 245 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, S.W.

Reports of Branch Festivals will be inserted according to space available, at a charge of one penny for eight words, the amount to be sent with the MS.; they must be written on one side of the paper only, and be received by the 10th of the month if for insertion in the current number.

HOMES OF REST-GENERAL FUND.

It is desired to collect, by degrees, a Homes of Rest Fund, to -secure admission for our Members to Convalescent Homes where payment is required. We think many of our Members may like to help their sister Members by subscribing small sums for this object. The smallest donations, from ONE PENNY upwards, will be received with pleasure, and may be forwarded to HoN. LADY (B. C.) GREY, Fairmile House, Cobham, Surrey.

They will be acknowledged each month in the Magazine. The following are gratefully acknowledged :

DONATIONS TO HOMES OF REST-
GENERAL FUND.

Alice Enock, Clapham Branch

Elizabeth Fletcher, Lea Branch, Port

Edith Holmes, Witham Branch.

arlington, Ireland

Mary Lloyd,

Elizabeth Prior,

Emily Powney,

Eliza Sell,

Holy Trinity, Rich

I

99909090

о

Order for Bexhill Seaside Convalescent Hospital given to Louisa Boulter, Guildford, per Mrs. Edward Halsey.

Members of Southsea Branch have subscribed 125. to enable Elizabeth Still to remain another fortnight at Southsea Lodge, and Emily Sproates has added 5s., being her good service premium.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO DIOCESAN HOME OF
REST FUNDS.

mond, Surrey.

VOL. VI.

Thoughts on the Marriage Service.

BY THE EDITOR.

III. THE HAPPY HOME.
'Oh, well is thee, and happy shalt thou be.'
Ps. cxxviii. 2.

ID you ever notice, dear readers, how full of meaning, and how singularly fitting, is this Psalm, chosen. so long ago for our Marriage Service? The happy home is our thought to-day; and surely it was never better described than in these few simple verses. There are five points that I want you to notice in this Psalm : 1. The fear of the Lord: 'Blessed are all they that fear the Lord.'

No. 62.

knew to be higher, and wiser, and better than yourself, whom you would love to please in any way you could, whose approval would be your greatest joy, whose presence in your home would be your greatest honour. Such a fear of God it is that brings His blessingeven 'the blessing that maketh rich,' and to which He 'addeth no sorrow.'

II. Work.-Perhaps you may be thinking that a home where there was no work would be the happiest. But, to begin with, there never was a home where that could be. If you had ever such a large household you would find there was plenty of work for you to do, only it would be in directing other

3. The wife's love of home: 'On the walls of thy house.'

4. The peace and holiness that should bind the family together: Thy children like the olive-branches round about thy table.'

5. The love of country, or patriotism: Thou shalt see Jerusalem in prosperity all thy life long.'

Is not this a true picture of what a home should be?

I. The fear of the Lord.-This fear does not mean being frightened. It means something like that reverence which you would feel towards a dear, earthly friend, whom you

But whatever your labour may consist in, however hard you may have to toil, depend upon it there is no blessing like that of work. A great man has well said: 'All true work is sacred; in all true work, were it but true hand-labour, there is something of divineness.' Think how our Blessed Lord Himself toiled at Nazareth, and has He not thereby made all work sweet and noble for us? Even in heaven there is work: 'His servants shall serve Him,' is the blessed promise in the Revelation; and the angels themselves are given work to do by their King, flying swiftly to do His bidding in ministering to His people on earth.