Southern Christian Advocate

The Free Church of Scotland. In the short space of two years, 530 churches have been erected, at an expense of £335,000, of which £285,000 is already paid. There are 70 other churches in progress, which will be completed in the present year, and it is assumed that 140, in addition to these, will ultimately be wanted, raising the whole number of congregations in connection with the church to 740. This is exclusive of 42 quoad sacra churches, possession of which is disputed by the establishment. The whole sum collected for church building is £320,000. Last year the Sustentation Fund produced £62,500, yielding the ministers then employed about £75,500, yielding each clergyman £122. In addition to the sums mentioned, about £100,000 has been raised for missions in the two years, and £120,000 more for what is called the congregational fund. Altogether the sum raised and expended amounts to £725,000, exclusive of £60,000 subscribed for schools and a new college, which will be forthcoming when required.