THE CONGREGATIONAL DEPUTATION FROM ENGLAND.

Press, Volume XLV, Issue 7142, 1 September 1888, Page 6

THE CONGREGATIONAL DEPUTATION FROM ENGLAND.

■m ' ■ An event of great interest to the Congregationalists of Christchureh takes place to-day. A deputation from the Congregational Union of England and Wales—a body comprising representatives from over 4000 Churches and mission stations and 2500 ministers —arrives here, and will hold special services and meetings during the next day or two. The deputation consists of the Rev. Dr. Hannay, the Secretary of the Union, and Mr Henry Lee, of Manchester. These gentlemen will visit all the colonies, but have specially come tor a united conference at to be held in October. Writing concerning the deputation, the Australian Independent says:—" The presence of Dr. Hannay and Mr Henry Lee at Melbourne will'materially add to the attractiveness and. vigor of the meetings. Energy is an inseparable attribute of the Secretary of the English Union. He is a man of large statesmanlike sweep of thought, oi endless capacity for detail, and of indomitable will. These qualities were all tested to the utmost in the magnificent movement by which the separate County Unions in England were fused into the great National Association now bearing the name of the Congregational Church Aid and Home Missionary Society. Of tall and noble presence, Dr. Hannay always presents a noticeable figure on every platform where he appears. His hair is white, but as regards physical and mental power he is still in his prime. His language when speaking Is most carefully chosen, his words are sinewy and forcible, his face and frame go with his speech, the whole man vibrates with nervous energy, and the strong purpose which possesses him communicates itself irresistibly to the listener. Hia speaking, we venture to predict, will exactly hit the Australian mind. Dr. Hannay entered the ministry in 1846. He became Secretary of the English Union in 1870; and j since his entrance upon office the entire front of English Congregationalism has changed. It has become a compact organism, holding most tenaciously to its | distinctive principles, but also instinct with esprit de corps, and strong in revived spiritual life. Deputations from England come in pairs. The clerical brother is not trusted by himself. Though whether the ! cleric is sent to take care of the layman, or the layman of the cleric, is open to conjecture. We suppose that the truth is that the English union desires us to have a good sample, both of the pulpit and of the pew. Dr. Hannay is accompanied by Mr Henry Lee. Mr Lee is a Manchester manufacturer, a deacon of the Broughton Park Church in that city. He is an admirable representative of the English commercial gentleman. He sat in Parliament for some time as member for Southampton. He is above middle height, with bushy hair that has once been black, but now is iron grey. As a speaker he is direct, clear, business-like, ready. He is one of the Treasurers of the Church Aid and Home Missionary Society. He has rendered most important service to the denomination for many years, and has enjoyed the closest intimacy with its leading mini3tei s." By reference to our advertteifig columns, it will be seen that Dr. Hannay will preach to-morrow, in the morning at Lin- I wood Congregational Church, Ferry rood, in the evening at Trinity Congregational Church, Manchester street. Mr Lea will j take services at Trinity in the morning and Linwood in the evening. At a public meeting in Trinity Church on Monday evening, addresses will be given by both members of the deputation.