THE LEICESTERSHIRE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
The Baptist churches in Leicestershire, formerly connected with the Northamptonshire Association, which embraced most of the churches in the counties of Derby, Rutland, Leicester, Nottingham, Lincoln, Buckingham, Bedford, and Northampton, impressed with a conviction that its efficiency was considerably impaired by its extent, thought it desirable to form a separate Association, which should be more limited in its range, and more definite end concentrated in its efforts.
In pursuance of this object, a meeting of ministers and deacons, with their friends, was convened in the school-room of the Harvey Lane chapel, Leicester, on Monday, November the 10th, 1834; when the following resolutions were unanimously passed:—
1. That the churches of the Calvinistic Baptist denomination, assembling at Arnsby, Appleby, Husband's-Bosworth, Loughborough, Harvey-Lane, Leicester, Monk's-Kirby, Oadby, Sheepshead, and Sutton-in-the-Elms, do now form themselves into a Union, to be called "The Leicestershire Baptist Association."
2. That the great design of this Union be the promotion of the kingdom of Jesus Christ; by holding meetings for mutual exhortation and united prayer;—by affording opportunities for the cultivation of brotherly love between the ministers and members of the several churches; by endeavouring to advance the cause of the Redeemer throughout the county.
3. That this Association hold its meetings twice a year—on the Tuesday in Easter week, and on the first Tuesday in November: and that they be holden at each place connected with the Union in its turn; each minister being expected to preach in his course. And that at the Spring meeting a report of the state of the churches be received, and the business of the Association transacted.
4. That with a view to the relief of cases of ministerial distress, to assist in carrying the gospel into neglected villages, and to defray the necessary expenses of the Association, a fund be established, sustained by collections at the half-yearly meetings, as well as by private subscriptions. And that a Committee of Management be formed, composed of the ministers and deacons of the churches.
5. That all churches in the county or its vicinity, wishing to unite with the Leicestershire Association, be requested to convey their sentiments, either by letter or otherwise, through some member of the Union, at one of its regular meetings; and that such applications be attended to without delay.
6. That Mr. New, of Arnsby, be requested to act as Secretary, and Mr. C. B. Robinson, of Leicester, as Treasurer, for the first year; and that the Secretary be desired to give a fortnight's notice of each meeting to the ministers or deacons of the churches.