The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-03
Local Matters.


The CEREMONIES OF LAYING THE CORNER STONE
of the new Trinity protestant Episcopal) Church,
on the corner of and Third streets, took place
yesterday afternoon, commencing at five O'Clock.
A large of ladies and gentlemen attended
on the occasion.
The ceremonies were conducted by the Rev. O.
M Butler, assisted by the Rev N. T. Tillinghast
and the Rev. l.. ellis.
The corner stone was laid by the gentleman first
named. There were placed in the box deposited,
first, the Bible; and, meet companion, the
Book of Common Prayer; the constitution and
of the church, and list of the bishops of the
church now living; the Journal of the Protestant
Episcopal Church of the diocese of Maryland; the
Congressional Directory, containing list of the
names of members of Congress, the President and
Vice President of the United States the heads of the
Departments, &C., and other officers; the Consti-
tuition of the United States; the Church Almanac
containing list of the bishops and colleges of the
church, and the institutions of the separate do
ceses; copy of the Spirit of Missions; copy Of
Tuesdays Republic, Intslligencsr, and Union,
tanning the addresses delivered Monday with
reference to the death of Mr. Calhoun; copy of
the recent church paper; manuscript copy OF the
history of Trinity Church, containing prominent
incidents connected with il at the present time
copies of several religious papers; and lastly, a
plate containing a list of the officers Of the church,
the building committee and the names of the archi
tect builder, and contractor.
The Rev. Stephen T. Gassaway delivered an elo-
quent discourse, suitable to the occasion, showing
the importance of disseminating religious truth
from the capital of the Union, and claiming that
the Protestant church is the prop and the friend OF
constitutional liberty.
Senator Berrien, who had Just arrived in the
southern boat, briefly addressed the assembly, in
sisting upon the necessity of religion essential
to well being as nation and joining the gen.
tleman who preceded him, in congratulating the
church and vestry on the suspicious circumstances
under which the edifce has commenced.
The assembly sung the hymn, TO the tune of Old
Hundred, commencing "With one consent let all
the earth TO God their cheerful voices raise
The benediction pronounced by the Rev. c.
M. Butler, and the assembly dispersed. The SER
vices occupied about an hour
FRE.-Yesterday morning, about one O'clock
fire was discovered in carpenters shop, owned
by Mr.. r. G. Briscoe, and occupied by Mr.. Free,
situated on Louisiana avenue, between 10th and lth
streets, which communicated to the buildings on
either side, and consumed the west side two
frame dwellings owned by Messrs. T. x b. Millburn,
and partially destroyed another frame tenement,
the property of Mr. Polkinhorn. On the side of
the shop, in which the fire originated, wooden
building, occupied by Mr.. Sshnider, wheelwright;
and adjoining this brick building used by
Mr.. s. a blacksmith shop, both of which were
tirely consumed. Thesc two buildings the
property Of Mr.. l.. J. Denham. The fire also cx-
tended TO the large twosory frame dwelling house
on 10th street, owned by Mr.. r. Little, and occupied
by Mr.. Haslup, but it was only partially damaged,
the fremen at this point succeeded in arresting
the flames.
The most of the furniture in the houses burned
was much damaged by hesty removal So far as
we have learned, there was no insurance ON any Of
the property consumed except on the two houses Of
the Messrs. Millburn, who insured for a small
amount. The loss in buildings furniture, tools,
Sc, amounts TO a considerable sum, much Of
which falls those who arc little able TO bear it.
The fire is supposed TO have been the work Of an
incendiary.
IScENpIARIsM.-D During the same night, and pre-
vious 20 the breaking out Of the fire on Louisiana
avenue, il discovered that the shop Of Mr..
Griffith, stone-cutter, the corner of Ninth and
streets, had been fired, and would have been con-
stunned had not gentleman fortunately discovered
II while passing to his home. At almost the same
moment Of time IL was found that the wheewright
shop Of Mr.. Wilson, ON f street, between 18th and
prevented much damage. Il is TO be hoped that the
vigilance Of the police will succeed in bringing to
punishment some Of these nocturnal incendiaries.
wAsHrSeTos LIoHT lSFASTRY BALL.-The ball
Of the Washington Light Infantry on Easter Mon
day night at Odd Fellows Hall went of very hand
somely, giving much enjoyment to all who were in
attendance. Though not rs numerously attended
as previous festive entertainments of the company,
it's well earned reputation for ORDER sociabilty, and
pleasure was fully sustained this occasion
George Washington Parke Gusts, esq, of Airing
ton, honored the ball by his presence, and we no
ticed also Captain Augustus p Shut Of Baltimore
among the invited guests. The company's band,
led by Mr.. Garcia, performed several admirable
marches during the evening; while the cotillon
music, under the direction of Mr.. Bergman, was
all that could be wished by the voiarcs of the dance
Credit should also be given TO Mr.. Columbus, con
fectioner for the abundant refreshments served up
by him TO please the taste Of all. Dancing was kept
up to n late hour, and the company separated with
general expression Of qualification at the Easter
ball.
HANDSOME SroREs.--The adjoining fancy stores
of Messrs NJ. II. Stevens and Bastianelli, under
Browns hotel, have lately been fitted anew with
handsome fronts, and massive plates Of glass in the
show windows, adding greatly to their former APP
pearance. The glass in the two windows Of Mr..
Stevens is in single panes, eight feet by five, and
the two panes, 1t Is stated, cost over $500 These
stores improve the looks of the hotel very much.