The Congregational churches in Canada, have, with about eight or nine exceptions, risen into existence since the year 1836. This progress is mainly the fruit of the labors of the Colonial Missionary Society, in connection with the Congregational Union of England and Wales. At the same time not a little has been done in the way of increasing the number of churches by the existing churches themselves, and in this work they have been effectually aided by the liberality of the Christians in the United States. A large proportion of the churches now reported are partially dependent on missionary funds for the support of their pastors; these funds are partly raised in England, partly in Canada, and almost annually some contributions are sought in the United States. In a large number of them, especially iu Eastern Canada, there are a considerable number of members natives of the United States, or decendants of such.

Until the present year the churches in Eastern Canada, and as far West as Brockville, have been associated in one Union, and those West of that point in another. Their respective local missionary organizations were also distinct and separate; but the whole have been recently brought together in one Union and one Missionary Society, under the names of the "Congregational Union of Canada," and the "Congregational Canadian Missionary Society." From eighteen to twenty of the existing pastors have been trained in the Theological Institution at Toronto, in which there are usually from six to nine students.

These churches have done a very important service to the religious interests of Canada, by diffusing correct ideas in relation to the nature of Christian fellowship, and in regard to the spiritual nature of our Lord's Kingdom. They were never more effective than at the present time.

Out-
Stations, Hearers.

Twenty churches, two of them being just over the border in Western Canada; 14 ministers; 1138 members, or about this number; 3620 hearers, probably many more.

*The interest felt in this Church by many into whose hands this volume will come, may justify, if not demand, a note. Its healthy infancy and vigorous youth gave promise of a growth which has not yet been realized; but its importance is not to be measured by its numbers. Standing on the frontier of the Province, it receives from none of the other churches,-it contributes to almost all; so that while many have been brought into its fellowship, its membership has remained comparatively small. Within five years of its formation, "a Quebec church" might have been gathered in its rival sister city, with half as many members as itself now numbers, while its representatives might have been found in New Brunswick, in several States of the Union, and in "the Old Country," as well as in Western Canada. Like a mountain upon which the precious rains have descended, the effects of which are to be seen not so much upon its rugged sides as in the plains beneath, into which it has sent its wandering streams.

At its formation it was the only Church in the city professing to restrict its membership to converted persons. This, and yet more, the strong attachment to the English and Scotch "Established churches," occasioned silent but strong opposition which, however,

like its deep snows, melted and disappeared. A commodious and substantial building was erected and paid for, except the ground on which it stood, and so well attended as to promisę permanent prosperity; but the removal of the Government offices-the failure of health and removal of its first pastor-the sudden death of his successor by cholera-the devastation of two-thirds of the city by the two fires, and the repeated and long continued deprivations of pastoral oversight, have tried the faith and courage of its friends. But the dark clouds have broken away, and the sun now shines again-the precursor, it is hoped, of revived life and more abundant fruitfulness. The solid and beautiful church has been repaired and adorned, and the labors of its present pastor appear to be blessed. May their peace and prosperity be like the noble river which flows beneath them-increasing in breadth and power in all its course.

Total, 52 churches, 37 ministers, about 1,600 members, and above 6,000 hearers.

Without Pastoral Charge.—Adam Lillie, Professor Divinity, Philoscphy, &c., Arthur Wickson, A. M., Professor Classics and Hebrew, Toronto Theological Institute; A. Geikie, Toronto; Wm. Clarke, Simcoe, Agent of French Canadian Missionary Society; Hiram Wilson, St. Catherines, Missionary to Colored population; R. S. Ward, Toronto; S. King, Hamilton.

THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION, of Canada, will meet D. V. in Zion Church, Montreal, on the second Wednesday of June, 1854, at 4 o'clock P. M.

PASTOR, REV. HENRY WILKES, D. D.

The wood cut affords a good representation of the church building occupied by the First Congregational Church, Montreal. It was erected at a cost, including the price of the land, of twenty-five thousand dollars, and was dedicated in November, 1846. The church was organized in July, 1832, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Richard Miles, formerly missionary at Capetown, South Africa, in connection with the London Missionary Society. During the few years of his pastorate, a neat building was erected by the congregation, in St. Maurice street, capable of seating, without galleries, 350 persons.

In October, 1836, the present pastor began his regular labors among the people, taking in connection therewith, the agency of the Colonial Missionary Society, at first for the whole and