Sunday School Anniversary – the 88th anniversary of the Old Baptist Sunday school was celebrated on Sunday. The chapel was profusely decorated with plants and flowers, producing a very pretty effect. The special preacher was the Rev. John Edmonds, of Grimsby. There were crowded congregations throughout the day. Besides preaching morning and evening. Mr. Edmonds addressed the scholars and their parents in the afternoon upon the beneficial effects of a good example. Special hymns were sung at each service under the able direction of Mr. T. Farey. In the morning the choir sang the anthem “Praise the Lord O Jerusalem” and in the evening, “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord” The quartette in the evening anthem was very nicely taken by Miss West, Miss Green, Mr. Max Stringer and Mr. T. T. Clark.

On Monday the annual treat was given to the scholars. Tea was provided for the young people at 3o’clock, followed by a tea for adults at 4.30, a large number attending. Some very attractive amusements were provided in Mr. A. Abbott’s field (kindly lent for the occasion) under the management of Mr. Jas. Clarke, Mr. W. S. Hartwell, Mr. W. H. Darnell and others. At the conclusion of the sports, much to the delight of the youngsters, some paper balloons were sent off. The atmosphere, was scarcely disturbed by a breeze, and the balloons were visible until they appeared a mere speck in the heavens. Considerable fun was caused by a representative of the famous “Punch” refusing to take the aerial journey. He suffered himself to be filled with hot air, but when the time for departure came, his inclinations were earthward and despite the persistent efforts of the committee, he refused to leave terra firma. Selections of music were played during the evening by the Rushden Temperance Band. The school is probably the largest one in the town and for many years has been in a flourishing condition.

The officers are:- Superintendents: Mr. James Clarke, Mr. W. S. Hartwell and Mr. Fred Cowley; treasurer, Mr. W. H. Perkins; librarians, Mr. W. B. Sanders, Mr. A. C. Ashby and Mr. W. H. Darnell; musical superintendent, Mr. J. Farey; secretaries, Miss Bayes, Miss L. Cowley, Mr. E. W. Lack, Mr. E. Green, and Mr. H. Lack. the expenditure of the past year amounted to £48 5s 3d. the income, including £23 6s 10d from last year’s anniversary, falls short of the payments by £3 17s 4d. It is satisfactory to note that this year the collections are in advance of 1897.