We are called to notice the death of REV. SILAS MCKEEN, D. D., of Bradford, Vt., whose name, for fourteen years, has stood upon our list of Vice-Presidents. Mr. McKeen was born in Corinth, Vt., March 16, 1791. His education was obtained amid many difficulties. So great was his desire for knowledge that, in his father’s grist-mill, he occupied his leisure moments in studying, without a teacher, Latin and the higher mathematics. During an illness which caused him to abandon all thoughts of a collegiate education, he was led to devote himself entirely to the service of Christ; and, in the following spring, he commenced the study of theology with Rev. Stephen Fuller, of Vershire. In 1814 he was licensed by the Orange Association to preach the gospel. His first sermon was delivered in Vershire, and his second in Bradford, where, shortly afterwards, he was installed as pastor. Twelve years later, he was dismissed from this church, but in less than three months was recalled, and remained its pastor five years longer, when he was again dismissed, this time that he might accept a call to Belfast, Me. After nine years of labor in Belfast, he was a second time invited to return to Bradford. His whole ministry in this place was about forty-three years, he finally resigning when he was seventy-five years old. During these years, there were added to the church three hundred and forty-two members. A man of great diligence and decision, with tender sympathies and warm affection, true and judicious, his ordinary work among his own people, as well as in protracted meetings and in revivals, was eminently successful. He took a lively interest in education, and was a true and eloquent friend of the colored people. Full of years, with his work well done, he was ready to leave it for the reward. * * * * * ITEMS FROM CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. DUDLEY, N. C.—“A deep and increasing religious interest is reported. The work of conviction and conversion is going on. Backsliders have been restored. Brother Peebles was assisted for a time by Rev. Mr. Smith of Raleigh.” GEORGIA.—Of the thirty-seven graduates from Atlanta University, thirty are teachers, two are pastors, one is a missionary in Africa, one a theological student at Andover. Only three are not teaching or preaching—two who are wives and one who has died. ALABAMA.—The Trinity Church, Athens, Rev. Horace J. Taylor, pastor, received one on profession at the May communion. This church has a flourishing missionary society, which contributed in February $16 for the support of colored missionaries in Africa. It has sustained during the year just closing, thirteen mission schools, in which over 700 have been taught. LOUISIANA.—The Minutes of the Southwestern Congregational Conference, which met at New Iberia, April 3-5, have been printed. The statistics give fourteen churches, with a total membership of 865.