harmony they are good; and, as a body, they manage all their work—­responses, psalm-singing, &c.—­in a very satisfactory style.  For their services they receive nothing, except, perhaps, an annual treat in the shape of a country trip or social supper.  They wouldn’t have money if it were offered to them.  St. James’s is the only Preston church in which surpliced choristers sing, and we believe they have tended materially to increase the congregation.  The choral system now followed at St. James’s was inaugurated in 1865, Originally, the choir consisted of 12 boys and 10 men, but, if anything, parties who are under the painful necessity of shaving now preponderate.  In one corner at the chancel end there is a moderately well-made organ; but it is not an A1 affair, although it is played with ability by a gentleman who is perhaps second to none hereabouts in his knowledge of ecclesiastical music.  Like the singers, the organist resolves his services into what may be termed a “labour of love.”  In other ways much may be fish which cometh to his net; but he is, organically, of a philanthropic turn of mind.  The necessary expenses of the choir amount to about 25 pounds a-year, and they are met by private subscriptions from the congregation.

The lessons are read in the church by Mr. Gardner, who comes up to the lectern undismayed, with a calm, military cast of countenance, and goes through his articulative duties in a clear, distinct style, saying nothing to anybody near him which is not contained in the book before him, and making neither incidental comment nor studied criticism upon any of the verses be reads.  The Rev. John Wilson, son-in-law of the present vicar of Preston, is the incumbent of St. James’s.  He is the seventh minister who has been at the place since its transference from the Primitive Episcopalians.  The first of the seven was the Rev. W. Harrison; the next was the Rev. P. W. Copeman; afterwards came the Rev. W. Wailing, who was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Betts, whose mantle fell upon the Rev. J. Cousins.  Then came the Rev A. T. Armstrong, and he was followed by the present incumbent.  During the reign of Mr. Cousins there was a rupture at the place, and many combative letters were written with reference to it.  Up to and for some time after his appointment the Sunday schools of the Parish and St. James’s Churches were amalgamated—­were considered as one lot; but through some misunderstanding a separation ensued.  Mr. Cousins, who had no locus standi as to the possession of the schools, took with him some scholars, drilled them after his own fashion for a time, and eventually the present day and Sunday schools in Knowsley-street were built and opened on behalf of St. James’s.  The day school is at present in excellent condition, and has an average attendance, boys and girls included, of 400; the Sunday school has an average attendance of something like 200, the generality of the children being of a respectable, well-dressed character, although no more disposed, at times, than other juveniles, to be docile and peaceful.