In 1870, in view of the growing Educational necessities of the Wesleyan Body, the General Wesleyan Education Committee decided on the establishment of another Training College, in addition to that which they had in Westminster. Circumstances led to the placing of this on the Southlands estate, near the Battersea High Street Railway Station. It furnishes accommodation for 110 female Students, who are under training for the Office of Teachers; and who in due time are employed in all parts of the kingdom in Schools under Inspection. They constitute, it need hardly be said a very interesting portion of the congregation. The Rev. G. W. Olver, B.A., is the Principal, and Mr. James Bailey the Headmaster of the College. A Sunday School with 280 Scholars in average attendance meets twice on each Sunday, and is conducted with more than the usual efficiency. There are also the customary benevolent and religious agencies maintained by the Wesleyan Church here; and Day Schools for Girls and Infants are connected with Southlands Training College.[1]--W.S. [Footnote 1: In olden time this place was called the "Retreat," a spacious mansion, stuccoed, situated in the midst of an extensive pleasure ground and shrubbery it belonged to Valentine Morris, Esq.--but when Sir George Pollock became the occupier he changed the name to that of Southlands, jocosely punning at the same time upon its former name by saying that he _never made a retreat_. Afterwards Sir George Pollock removed to Clapham Common. Near it stood Manor House the seat of Richard Morris Esq. Son of Valentine Morris Esq. a large brick edifice in the style of George the First's reign.] O happy souls that pray Where God delights to hear! O happy men that pay Their constant service there! They praise thee still; and happy they Who love the way to Sion's hill. They go from strength to strength, Through this dark vale of tears, Till each o'ercomes at length, Till each in heaven appears: O glorious seat! Thou God, our King, Shall thither bring our willing feet.