Phe decorations at Union Chapel, (or Church, as the present pastor prefers that term), are on a more extended scale and of a more elaborate character than those of Jast Christmas, and the indefatigable ladies of the congregation and their helpers are to be congratulated on the success that has attended their labours, As might be expected, the mottoes, worked in white wool on a scarlet band edged with evergreen, present a most striking appearance on entering the church. "Glory to God the highest and on earth peace, good will towards men" extends along the south wall of the building; on the opposite side are the words "Thou shalt call His name shall save His people from Over the platform appears the announcement "Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy." Two large gilt ators are placed, one on either side of th central arch, a little below. The three recesses beneath these words are decorated with green, and bear in gold, the two smaller ones the symbols Alpha and Omega, and that in the centre the well-known Greek monogram for the word Christ. A scroll rung along the western wall, and sing over each door are the words Phe Word was made flesh and dwelt among us," On the wall midway Letween the doors is a very handsome oval shield. It bears the letters I.H.S. in gold on a white ground, bordered with scarlet, the whole being surrounded with evergreen. On the blank part of this wall to the right of the most northerly of the two doors a scroll is displayed in a zig-zag form on which is emblazoned the words "In Him was life." The balusters and hand-rails of the platform are covered with evergreens, while long sprays of ivy were twined round the rails in front. These green pillars are set off by a background of white, tastefully contrasted with holly-berries and leaves. This part of the work was executed solely by the ladies of the congregation, and does them great credit. All the windows and doors are trimmed with green, as are also the gaseliers and the three memorial tablets, over each of which appears a green star; and the same with the ornamental boards on which are displayed the numbers of the hymns and tunes. Double festootis are also suspended along the wooden balustrade at the western end of the building. Altogether, we think it doubtful if the church ever looked so cheerful and handsome as it did on Sunday morning, The Rev. Alfred J. Bamford preached two excellent sermons, appropriate to the occasion. The anthems sung by the choir in the morning were Elvey's "Glory to God" and the " Adeste Fideles"; in the evening " Arise, Shine, for thy light is come.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.