The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-07-13
From the Maino Democrat.
Fire In Saco.

| between nve uDu SIX O'CLOCK lhbt ounudy
morning our citizens were startled by sn
alarm Of Ere, which arose from the discov-
cry Of smoke and fame issuing from tho
belfry Of the Congregational, or First Par.
ish, Meeting House. The FIRE had then
made great progress in the upper portion Of
the belfy, and very soon developed the bell
and spire. All efforts to check the flames
were unavailing, and the noble old cjihco
was, with feelings Of universal sadness and
regret, abandoned 10 the devouring element
In about one hour |, was reduced to heap
of ruins.
The fire was for timo confined wholly
to the bclfry or porch, and the first corners
found no difficulty IN entering the body Of
the house, where for time there was neither
smoke nor FIRE. Portions Of the carpets,
cushions, hymn books, &C., were removed.
The fremen Of this town and Biddeford
were promptly upon the spot, and BY their
efforts the neighbOring houses were saved.
There was very little wind at the time Blu
the fire was 80 hot as to scorch the buildings
on every side, and those nearest were saved
with difficulty.
All is conjecture as to the origin Of the
FIRE. The Choir had met In tho church the
evening previous for rehearsal, but all was
apparently safe when the sexton closed the
doors. Some surmise the fire was accident.
ally kindled at that time; some think IL may
have been caused BY spontaneous coz
bustion In the waste used to clean the
machinery Of the clock; others say that
persons in the vicinity were dischsrging
rockets or Roman candles late on Saturday
night, and they think FIRE was thus commu.
nica,ed to ibe belfy but nothing is known
a. to It's origin. Persons who were early
upon the spot, say the FIRE was high up in
the belfry, and must have originated be.
tween the second floor and the bell-deck.
There was no insurance upon the building,
organ, clock, or anything pcnsining TO the
church. The large sabbsth-school library
was entirely lost.
The destruction Of this building 70 felt
a. q sad calamity to the society who
wOnhipped in it and to the community gen
orally. II was q noble monument Of
the olden times, its tall steeple, and clock,
the first objects to attract the eye Of the
traveller, and the constant monitor OF our
citizens. Its bell was rung on al pubic
occasions, and everybody seemed to have
an interest in this edi6ce. To many Of
those who wo,hipped there Il was endesred
BY the most tender associations, and not
few were moved to tears ss they beheld the
sacred temple melt away 10 the flames.
The Meeting House was erected In 1903,
and was dedicated Feb. II, ls06-on which
occasion Rev. Elihu Whi.comb, then pastor
Of the church, preached the dedieaioiy Ger.
mon. The house was % feet 10 length BY
81 in breadth, with very high posts, and the
steep!e l33 feet 10 height. For many years
II. was considered the largest and most ele-
CANT edi6ee Of the kind in Maine. The
cost was originally estimated at $4,000,
but unexpected outsys brought tho cost to
the proprietos nearly up 70 $25ooo. The
building committee were IDEA. 8. Scam
man, Foxvell Cuts, Esq, Capt. Seth 6tof.
CT, James Gny. Esq, and Mr.. Edmund
Moody. The mastsr builder wss NJ Brad.
bury Johnsoo." The tiubsrs vere very
large and securely Pot together - the
IsnQth Of dine thsy withstood the hfe and