Litchfield enquirer., 1870-05-19
DEDICATION HYMN.


 BY WILLIAM ooTHREN
 We're standing to-day on the holy sod With reverence draw near
 Whence our fathers souls ascended to God
 Their sacred dust lies here. Caorus-Many are the years since ye hasted away,
 Eager for the golden strand;
 Many are the voices calling you to-day
 To hear our filial Band.
 Hear us alway, hear us alway,.
 Hear us in your happy land.
 Ys are happy to-day in your home above,
 Your hearts are all aglow;
 Ye are smiling now with look of love,
 On us who tol below.
 Chorus
 We greet you to-day, ye sturdy old stock,
 Who rest from your labors here
 From your prayers and praise at the Bethel Rock,
 To shine in brighter sphere.
 Chorus
 -t The exercises closed with Benediction by Rev. Austin Isham of Roxbury.
 At 8 quarter to IF. M., the bell called to the afternoon exercises. These were of a social character. Hon. N. B. Smith, ,neph- ew of the third pastor, the Rev Noah Ben edict, who had presided at the monument, also presided here, ably aided by the pas tor, and Deacon Trowbridge, Chairman of the General Committee, acting as Vice Presidents. After singing, the opening prayer was made by Rev. Austin Isham. Rev. Horace Winslow of Willimantic, the last preceding pastor, made an exceeding ly happy. entertaining and eloquent s'greet. ing" address to the assembled churches, beginning with the grandmother, Strat- ford-and read the sentiments prepared for the response of the churches, gracefully introducing the various speakers. The sentiments were as follows, viz.:- SrRATFoRD!-Mother reveredl thou that dwellest by the sea! called in green old age to celebrate the birthday of this, thy first lone daughter. with filial reverence and great joy, we greet thee and welcome thee to the goodly heritage which the Lord our God has given us. sn Response by Rev. William K. Hall. SoUTHBURY!-Firstp pledge of our affec- tions, and offspring of our heart of hearts, dwells ia the fertile plains beside the beau. tiful river, the Jordan of our ancient in- heritance, with maternal joy we greet theel
 Response by Rev. A. B. Smith.
 BEThLRHEM!-Thou "house of bread" situate, like thy namesake in the Holy Land, about six miles from hy Jerusalem -nurtured, enriched and adorned by Bel lamy and Backus-we greet thee, second child of our love!
 Response by Rev. Geo. w. Banks. 4R &hn ~1 O seated on thy hill, like the ancient hill of Zion, fit place for a new temple, "Unani- mously and Lovingly Agreed upon," third pledge of our affections, we heartily greet theel
 Response by Rev. W. s. Cotton!
 RoxBURY!-Dweller in the chill coun try," and along the river of the hills, brave witness for the truth, and companion of the faithful, fourth blessing from Boun- tiful Hand, we welcome thee to the old fresidel
 Response by Rev. A. Goodenough.
 SOUTH BRIrA1Nl-Dwelle in the South west, along the banks of the "Great Riv- er,"" beyond the mountains" fifth pledge of faith, hope and charity, right heartily do we welcome thee to the old family gathering
 Response by Rev. H. s. Newcomb. WooDBuRY NoRTHl-Latest an nearest. the child of our old age, co-dweller in this beautiful land of promise, and co-laborer in every good word and work in the Lord, with motherly pride and affection, we vel come thee to this our glad jubilee!
 Response by Rev. John Churchill.
 In closing, Rev. Mir. Churchill called up Rev. Austin Isham, who gave some very interesting "reminiscences.
 Rev. Thomas l.. Shipman of Jewett City. formerly pastor of the church in Southbury, by invitation then came for ward, and gave an exceedingly eloquent and interesting history of the life and character of the late revered Samuel R.. Andrew, who was pastor of this church for nearly 30 years.
 All the speakers, during the afternoon, were exceedingly happy in their remarks, giving great delight to the audience. which hung upon their utterances with undivi- ded attention and undiminished interest during the long services. Each one said what he had to say, and stopped. Inter esting letters were next read from two of the former pastors, viz.: Rev. Messrs. Robinson and Little, and one from Miss Charlotte R. Andrew, daughter of the late Rev. Mir. Andrew.
 The singing on the occasion was given by the united choirs of this and the North Church, and was of very high order The quartettes at the opening of the com munion. at the Fathers Monument were particularly commended by musical crit ics
 The concluding prayer was then mad, by the pastor, the benediction pronounced by Rev. Mir. Hall. and the delighted audi enee separated for their homes among tn, hills and valleys, never to meet in this oli church on like occasion. 4
 Great praise is due to the general com mittee. and. particularly, to it's chairman Deacon Trowbridge. for promptly ant firmly carrying them into execution. s.