The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1871-09-12
" Spring Grove"

those who have not visited it "a true descrip-
tion Of Spring Grove and its beautiful
surroundings. A brother has urgently
invited us to the pleasing task, and
cheerful compliance is but the part of
Christian courtesy Verify there is
something in name" "Spriug Grove"
is short name, sweet name, solt, not
harsh name; it is euphonious aud de-
void of clumsiness, aud will never tire
nor jade the ear, and besides it mirrors
the idea Of an overhowiug fountain, and
ID embematic of the waters that slake
the thirst and heal the maladies of the
souls ofmeh who repair to Christ folhelp.
The spring or fountain from which the
grove is beautifully christened, situated
On its eastern boundary, is never falling,
aud in the language OF that sweet poem
of Tennyson's "runs on, and on, forever.
When New Haven and Middlebury,
Weybridge and vergenues we're all a
wilderness, Mr.. Seth Langdon. senior,
long since deceased) father to him who
sold us the ground. came here from an
adjoining State farm hunting and it is
notable fact-that the spring 10 this
grove decided his choice and influenced
him to purchase the farm on which the
camp meeting association have located
their grounds "a farm" he remarked,
without living water is comparatively
valueless." So, be it said, Of site for
camp meetings. The spring is sine qua
non, and in this relation, source IF com.
fort and utility almost beyond estimate.
Water, pure water, thou art true friend,
Thy praises shall never-no never shall end.
The extent of the grounds is comprised
in ten and one-fourth acres. mostly COW
cred with second and thrifty growth of
beech and maple. The grounds slope
gently and gracefully to the east. thus
giving those in the rear of the audience
full view Of the speakers on the stand.
The western boundary is barricaded by a
rocky promontory, which serves as nat
ural defence, rising to height of some
twenty feet. overlooking the whole ex-
tent of the encampment and its thousand
worshippers. This lofty, enduring, nat
ural fence, is a beautiful feature in the
grounds, and lends additional charms to
this alluring spot. On the northern
boundary is An open and extended lawn,
protected by Il high close fence, where
horses and carriages find ample room and
where sheds are being erected for their
comfort aud protection. The southern
boundary looks out upon the highway,
and affords colnmodious entrance and a
generous driveway across the grounds in
rear OF the cottages, tents, aud speakers
stand. The stand is plain, simple struc-
ture with sleeping apartments in the rear
aud an open elevated platform for the
preachers and choir
The conjunction of rail and carriage
roads renders the location one of unsur-
passed accessibility. Indeed it is diff
cult to conceive Of a greater combination
Of favoring points, than is found at
"Spring Grove for the purposes to
which it is devoted.
The grounds are broad and generous.
their position fine aud commanding, and
many Of the cottages handsome aud in-
posing. The whole is neatly and substau.
tally enclosed by high picket aud close
fence, which keeps guard to this sacred
enclosure.
Nature seems gifted with wonderful
love Tor these snowy tents and cottages.
She busies herself all the day long in les
sons at sketching and drawing. In the
morning she amuses herself in laying
their shddo1os all to the westward at
noon she bundles them up and lays them
at their doors and Easements; at evening,
before the fame and gold Of sunset sink
to their blissful bathing in the rosy west,
she trails them like mourner's robe, far
down eastward and lifts them up over
trees and fences, over bridges and brook
lets, and creates fairy land of light and
; shade. This village Of tents and cottages
possesses numerous features Of rare beau
ty. Among them is diversity Of form
,, and finish. Iustead Of one uniform pat
tern, which always disgusts and tires. you
find here its counterpart in charming con-
trast. Diversity greets and cheers the
eye on every avenue. Monotony ignores
and flies the scene. This has pleasing
effect and enhances the interest felt by
spectators, and the dullness in the tents
throughout the encampment.
One grand mission OF this institution
among the many, is to widen and extend
the area Of Christian fellowship and bind
in cords of love, all who embrace the
Protestant faith. The time was when diff.
fering sects deemed it wise to array them.
selves in hostile attitude, and perching
themselves on the crazy promontories Of
sectarian sel6shness-op the bleak noun
tain-tops Of seclusion and strife, shout
defiance to each other across the vale be.
low. Thank heaven brighter day has
dawued, and its golden beams are exert
ing healthful and salutary influence upon
the dwellers in the wales and on the plains
The ownership of "Spring Grove" A" ia
held in common by several Christian sects
which tends to biud all in one common
bond Of Christian brotherhood. We re.
view the scene. The grove is environed
by public thoroughtares and rocky battle
ments--serving as watch-towers of de-
fence. Its fine eastern slope-its pretty
oottaSes-ito puo" "uito tehts-to e'ei-
flowing fountain-its roads and walks
its nocturnal glories--its leafy temples
its miniature hills and gleus-its thou,
sands Of trees sparkling in the COLDER
glow of sunset, each and all reveal a
scene of loveliness highly impressive il
" their effects.
To a mind gifted with the powers oi
minute analysis, what is this spot but q
: repository Of pleasing and cherished OBJ
jects--sources of religious emotions and
spiritusl delights. The site and its envi'
rons is beautiiul-most beautiful. Sci
dom has nature with her skilful finger.
! and lavish hand brought together SO rare
! and rich deposit OF gifts. Proiuse iu
measure, charming to the eye aud tas I
Iae ka i ~ l. -, a