hn
Thomas (1805-1871), who, after studying medicine in London, migrated to
Brooklyn, N.Y., U.S.A. There he at first joined the "Campbellites," but
afterwards struck out independently, preaching largely upon the
application of Hebrew prophecy and of the Book of Revelation to current
and future events. Both in America and in Great Britain he gathered a
number of adherents, and formed a community which has extended to
several English-speaking countries. It consists of exclusive
"ecclesias," with neither ministry nor organization. The members meet on
Sundays to "break bread" and discuss the Bible. Their theology is
strongly millenarian, centering in the hope of a world-wide theocracy
with its seat at Jerusalem. Holding a doctrine of "conditional
immortality," they believe that they alone have the true exegesis of
Scripture, and that the "faith of Christendom" is "compounded of the
fables predicted by Paul." No statistics of the community are published.
It probably numbers from two to three thousand members. A monthly
magazine, _The Christadelphian_, is published in Birmingham.

See R. Roberts, _Dr Thomas, his Life and Work_ (1884).

CHRISTCHURCH, a municipal and parliamentary borough of Hampshire,
England, at the confluence of the rivers Avon and Stour, 11/2 m. from the
sea, and 104 m. S.W. by W. from London by the London & South Western
railway. Pop. (1901) 4204. It is famous for its magnificent priory
church of the Holy Trinity. The church is cruciform, lacking a central
tower, but having a Perpendicular tower at the west end. The nave and
transepts are principally Norman, and very fine; the choir is
Perpendicular. Early English additions appear in the nave, clerestory
and elsewhere, and the rood-screen is of ornate Decorated workmanship.
Other noteworthy features are the Norman turret at the north-east angle
of the north transept, covered with arcading and other ornament, the
beautiful reredos, similar to that in Winchester cathedral, and several
interesting monuments, among which is one to the poet Shelley. Only
fragments remain of the old castle, but an interesting ruin adjoins it
known as the Norman House, apparently dating from the later part of the
12th century. Hosiery, and chains for clocks and watches are
manufactured, and the salmon fishery is valuable. There is a small
harbour, but it is dry at low water. The parliamentary borough,
returning one member, includes the town of Bournemouth. The municipal