Connected with this document is another, shorter and more general, stating “that a suitable piece of ground, on a long lease,” had been secured, on which was to be erected a building, “estimated at upwards of £900,” which had been already begun, and was then “carrying on.” The object of this paper was to secure contributions. The builders’ estimate amounted to £927 15_s._ 6_d._ The structure was at once duly registered, “pursuant to the Act of Toleration in that case made and provided.” A recommendation of the case is preserved, signed by several ministers, chiefly Presbyterians, stating that friends at Kensington, for themselves and neighbours—as there “was no proper regular place of worship for those who could not conform with the Established Church—had determined to unite their efforts towards supplying this defect.” The dimensions of the edifice were sixty feet by forty inside; but the ground in length extended to one hundred and nine feet. I. THE FIRST PASTORATE. _THE REV. JOHN LAKE_. NO account is given of the chapel opening; but in October, 1794, an invitation appears, in the name of “the trustees and subscribers,” addressed to the Rev. John Lake, M.A., {17} requesting him to take “the pastoral charge of the congregation,” to which, in the following month, an answer was returned accepting the charge, and expressing a hope that the people would receive the Word preached with meekness and affection, with freedom from prejudice, and with the simplicity of little children. “Carefully guard,” he says, “against whatever may engender strife and division. Endeavour to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Live in peace, and may the God of love and peace be with you.” Mr. Lake, it is believed, was a Presbyterian clergyman, and on the 1st of March he preached two discourses suitable to the occasion, which was to unite “several constant and serious hearers at the new chapel” in “church communion,” that they might enjoy “religious ordinances.” The tone of the whole letter is devout and beautiful, and gives a favourable impression of the writer’s character. “On Sunday, March 8th, a special meeting was held at the chapel in the afternoon, of as many as were desirous of joining as members and communicants at the Lord’s Table, when Mr. Lake attended and entered into religious conversation with those present, to whom he also delivered a suitable exhortation. The service was begun and concluded with prayer, singing, etc.” “March 30th. The Rev. Mr. Lake, who had accepted the pastoral office some months ago, removed with his family to Kensington.”