Litchfield enquirer., 1870-05-19

s'Welcome," and We Greet You. :" Throughout the house, in the lamp brAck- cts, were vases and baskets of flowers and dropping plants, producing the finest and most, artistic effect.
 The dearest and balmiest day of the year heralded the coming exercises. We could but feel and see the favoring smile of that good providence, who has so wisely and tenderly watched over this church during the two centuries of it's existence. At an early hour, the people of this and the neighboring towns began to assemble, the streets were lined with vehicles of every description which had come from the hills of the 'sancient town," and the church was almost immediately filled to it's utmost ca- pacity. Settees and chairs were carried into the aisles above and below. The ves- tibule and every place where standing room could be found was immediately fl- led, while there was large crowd without, who could gain no admission. There must have been more than 1,5OC people in atten- dance. As 8 test of thls estimate, it may be remarked, that 1000 collation. tickets had been issued, and yet it became neces sary for the committees to admit large numbers, who had not been provided with tickets. Pursuant to the admirably arranged pro. gramme of Dea. P. M. Trowbridge, chair man of the general committee, the exercis- es commenced precisely 10 a. m., by the great congregation rising and singh 2 ''Praise God from whom all blessings flow The reading of an appropriate selection of scripture, and prayer by the pastor next followed, after which the congregation sang the old, familiar hymn,-"Ye tribes of Adam join," Sc. This was followed by a carefully prepared historical sermon from the pastor, of great beauty and excellence, briefly narrating the history of the church and it's pastors for two hundred years. We do not give synopsis of it as it is soon to be published entire. To be appreciated it must be heard, or read. All will agree it could not be excelled. The concluding prayer was uttered by Rev. John Church i'll. and after this recess of five minutes occurred to give opportunity for such as chose to retire.
 During the services of the forenoon the 1 oek Ia ol,, and those of the North church sat about l the communion table after the manner ot 'sye olden time." After the recess came the administration of the Lords supper to some 800 communicants, filling the seats above and below. Rev. Wm. K. Hall o1 Stratforl and our own pastor officiating. It was solemn and interesting occasion never before enjoyed here-never again to be enjoyed by us below,-when a mother church, with it's own mother and six chil- dren sat down together at the Earthly marriage feast of the Lamb" The remem brances of that hour will go with us through the eternal ages.
 It was now ''high morn" and the final hymn being sung the ''great congregation ' moved to the Town Hall to partake of the col. lation, which had been prepared by the church and congregation, aided by tue vol untary and acceptable contribution of eat- ables and assistance from the ladies of the North church, and the churches of Judea and Roxbury. We shall not soon forget their kindness, and shall be only too hap py to assist them ou any similar occasion. All were amply supplied, and when all were filled" there were "many baskets full taken up."
 At 12:45 p. m., the bell gave warning of the services at the cemetery, where the Fathers monument was to be dedicated. This is structure hewn from native boul- ders, of massive proportions, and B feet high, erected at a cost of more than 8. 300, more than one third of which was contrib. uted by single individual. There is no similar monument in this country so far as known to the writer. The exercises here were very interesting and impressive. First came fitting prayer by Rev. Thomas L.. Shipman of Jewett City, one of the con- tributors to the monument. William Cothren then delivered the following | DEDIoAToRY ADDRESS.
 Ten years ago, as the curious antiquari- an searched with reverent tread among the messy mounds which surround us, on this consecrated hill, "beautiful for situation, <" in this loveliest of vallies, parting here and there the rank grass and tangled briars, he would have discovered that little head-store e of naked rock with it's rude inscription, telling us the simple tale, that here rested all that remained on earth of the first fath- CT of the town, "ye faithful, worthy, be- loved Minister of the Gospell, and much lamented pastor of the Chh of Christ. |" One hundred and sixty times had the dark brown years' passed over this con secrated spot, and this was all that remain ed to tell the numerous posterity of the fathers, who had been enriched and bless ed during all that long period by his faith full teachings, labors and suferings-that here the ever to-be-revered Walker had laid his armor down-that here he awaited in tranquil rest the final trump of God. Then, as now, grouped thickly around him, in