New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1853-05-25
AFFECTING CALAMITIES.
A Church struck by Lightning.


We are called upon 10 record an awful and solemn Wis
ation of Providence that has thrown a gloom over
the entire community Yesterday afternoon Just after the
comm encement of serv al the Congregational Church
the house was struck by lightning causing the death Of
Mr. Luther Croker Jr and Durlng more or lees Samuel
Dutlee Cyrus G. Northam lao about Ia years of age
Of VIM Mack; Mary Place daughter of George Place
Fran els Holmes, daughter Of Alfred Holmes and Mss SirAh
Stewart
The lightning struck the church steepe the southwest
corner passing down into the gallery occupied by the sing
ers which was directly under the steeple and all the per
sons affected by the shock members OF the choir.
They about concluding the Introductory hymn when
the shock came, carrying death and dsnay into
II cir midst The main streak Of electricity entered the gal
ry directly over the head OF Mr. Crocker who play
II the bass vio and dverged of either way n urn the
persons named above.
The rt moment after the shock was one OF universal
CONSERVATION and dismay Every person in the gallery,
numherins twelve fifteen, except two were
prosated by the shock but those that escaped injury,
aided BY persons from below, Immediately proceeded tile
assistance Of the unfortunate Some of the injured persons
had hCr faces and bodies burned, making them present
horrible picture.
They were all removed quick as possible TO the open
air and the proper remedies applied under the drec
ton Ct Drs Fsssett al Gouldwho pr0videntily,
in the church AZ the tme-wmch successful in res0r
ing 10 consciousness all except Mr. Croker The de
ceased al outward appearances, sustained the least in
jury Of any Of the sufferers but he doubtless visited
with the heaviest shock
The lightning seems TO have passed along the outside of
his down e. the right thgn then down his lett
g ripping open his boot in passing off The only on
BIS person is the left foot and this is very slight he
Mr. EliSs Clark standing between him and Mr.. Dur
fee and not being injured he proceeded 10 lift the latter up
when the deceased said 10 him: Help me, am hurt the
worst Mr. g. immediately tax IN but he only
gssptd twice snd expired. His body was then
taken 10 the office al DR. FssetI and every means which
medical science could suggest was used III vain TO restore
Linn 10 consciousness
The scene within the church Immediately after the shock
Is pres cnted by ewness io have been a~f IL the
eAtIt!Ir. TIE pastor, Kew. Mr. Gilman, whose position
IN the Iulpt such TO enable bin AZ glance
The terrible effect Of the lightning tainted away as dd sew
era OF the lsde and ghasy pSlene oyersprsad every
Countenance.
Tie shock terrible and is effects astounding
that i seemed TO DEP rive al Of tie power Of giving vent
70 their ieer. in tho usually exhbicl on s2uaE
but les appalling occasions. Not shrek sroaH Was
heard the amo, iusudibe made by some one OF
the victims no brile confusion ensueG but dresd coz
sternaton seeme1 10 take hold of al for the time.
A the bodies removed out IN frJpt OF is ehurcn
crowd gather and the dread intelligence spread nun
dreds TO offer their sympathy There has never been
an occurrence in midst which has seemed TO spread
such unive' sal gloom and sadness
Groups of persons discussing the sorewful AFFAIR were
every few rods in the principal streets and the church
surrounded by large concoure OF people until late
hour last night To add the general detection, nature H.
self were the most sobTe aspeeIc beavens were OYER