[Illustration:  Theological Institution, Richmond.]

The success of London Methodism in late years is largely due to the establishment of the Metropolitan Chapel Building fund in 1862.  The late Sir Francis Lycett gave L50,000, on condition that an equal amount should be raised throughout the country, and that ten chapels, each seating at least a thousand persons, should in ten years be built in the metropolitan area.  The noble challenge called forth a fit response.  In his will he left a large sum to the same fund, so the committee could offer an additional L500 pounds to every chapel commenced before the end of 1898, with a proportionate grant to smaller chapels; aid will also be given by the committee in securing additional ministerial supply.  Such offers should stimulate chapel building for the two years.  Already, since the establishment of the fund, more than ninety chapels have been built in London at a cost of L630,000, towards which the fund contributed in grants and loans L213,000.  Before 1862, there were only three important chapels south of the Thames, and now there are thirty-seven.  During the last ten or twelve years unprecedented prosperity has been shown, not only in chapel building, but in chapel filling, and the establishment of successful missions.

In 1885 the earnest attention of the Churches was directed to “outcast London.”  The deepest interest was aroused, especially in Methodist circles; and that year great meetings were held in City Road, to initiate a movement that should benefit London’s outcasts.  A large sum of money was raised, and the London Mission formed.  The West London Mission at St. James’s Hall, the East End branch, and the almost deserted chapel in Clerkenwell became notable centres.  Thus at one time efforts were put forth to reach the rich, the artisans, and the outcasts.  The success has abundantly justified the enterprise.  In addition to evangelistic work, the missions make strenuous efforts to improve the social condition of the people, for Methodism realises that she is called to minister not only to the souls, but also to the bodies of men.  Already, as a result of the London Mission, a new, fully organised circuit has grown up; the West London Mission alone reporting a membership which is one-tenth of the whole membership of London in 1837.

The latest and most novel branch of the work is the “Bermondsey Settlement,” established six years ago in the poorest district of south-east London.  In this hall of residence live devoted workers who have been trained in our universities or in our high-class schools, and who spend their leisure in benefiting their poor neighbours by religious, educational, and social effort.  A home for women, in which about ten ladies reside, is connected with the settlement, which is in special connexion with Wesleyan schools throughout the country.  The programme of work is extensive, and in addition the settlement takes an increasing part in local administration and philanthropy, many non-resident workers assisting.