Connecticut western news., 1875-04-16

M ed a Methodist society there that year. which has continued until the present time, known as the Ashley Falls Methodist Socie- ty. They continued to hold their meetings in the school.house until 1844, when the prescn: church at Ashley Falls was built. The history of which may be of interest to some. The original subscription paper for this church was drawn up by Lovett Taft Esq "To build house for the free worship of God" It was not built as Union Church, though the Methodist SOcie- tY were to have certain rights as follows: "The Methodist society shall have the right to occupy he church one half of the time, and the privilege of two extra Sabbaths each year for quarterly meetings, and at all other times when net occupied by '.the free religious society of Ashley FaHs." This society was few worthy and promi- nent men in the neighborhood who were not members of any church, but in their views Cniversalist. The church was dedicated by Rev. John Crawford of the Methodist Church at Sheffield in the morn ing, and Rev. Hughs of the Pittsfeld Universalist Church in the afternoon. Mir. John A Laffargue gave the ground on which the church stands, and Maj. Ashley gave a deed for the burrylng ground. MT. John Doton, Archibald Taft and Silas Crippen. were the building committee. Oliver Lumbart did the carpenter work. The Unlversalists occupied the church for a short time. The last sermon by Universa- list was delivered by Mir. Smith from Canaan Conn.,, on the creation of man, In the course of his remarks he gave offence to some who ever afterwards refused to hear him. He afterwards experienced religion and published. a recantation of his former views, asking all who had been misled by him to forgive his deception. At the time the church was dedicated there was debt contracted by the building committee, which has never been paid j; though the Methodist society have occupi- ed the church for upwards of thirty years, yet they have no clear title to the same, A~A mentioned in the original p per, never had 8 legal existancs. The church has since been repaired, and fine toned bell and organ added, all of which has been under the supervision of the Methodist Church. Of the church or society, may say, under God great and precious revivals have from time to time visited the place. Ia 1856 and 57 when Rev. O. H. Humphrey was preacher in charge, upwards of sixty profcssed religion and united with the church, some of them yet remain honored members ot the same, some have withdrawn and united with the Congregational Church at Sheffield. where they are honored and useful members. Other still have diminished their course, and joined the church above. The pulpit has been supplied by such men as Rev. Good rich Horton, Thomas Lodge, G c. Ban. croft. Theron Hollister, John Robertson. Cyrus Prindle, Benjamin Murphy, (who dit q on the charge, and is buried just back o1 the church) Aaron Hunt, P. Germond, D. Phillips, and others, some of whom have long since exchanged "the cross for the crown" others are still toiling in the Masters Vineyard. We shall never know of theil trials or triumphs until we reach thu Heavenly Canaan. Many pleasing "reminiscences have been given me of som, of these men. But forbear to mcntio, only one or two. Thomas Lodge was her, in lS42 and in l844. The first year as supply, Goodrich Horton and Levi Warne preachers. He came from Poughkeepsi, and travelled under the Presiding Elder That year he boarded with Miles Belden M. D., in Canaan, who supplied him witt 8 horse 10 ride the circuit. ORe day on tn, road from Norfolk to Goshen the horse fel down and died. Young Lodge took tn, saddle, which was also borrowed, on hi back and went to Father Pendleton's il Goshen, and stated his misfortune. Tn, next day he was taken home to Dr. Belden's e when he related how the old horse died ol the road. and expressed willingness to pay for it if there was money enough coming to him but the Doctor replied, "Yo, need not trouble yourself, only be a goot boy and will furnish you another horse, which he dId. All Brother Lodge received that year was about $6O. He afterward married his wife on this charge. She wal the daughter of Father Pettee" Gas he wa called, and resided at Ashley Falls. Wha he lost in salary has no doubt been mad, up by the faithful and devote wife &c gained while here.
 In ls45 c. 0. Bancroft converted sailo was appointed to this circuit. His frs sermon in the Ashley Falls Church wa introduced as follows: He said, II suppos, you have all come to sec the new preache and hear converted sailor preach. Yo' would no doubt like to know who am what l am, and what hope to be. Well my text to-day will explain it all. Yo, will find it in lst Corth., l5-lo. "By thu grace of God am what am."
 TENNESSEE.
 FRIEND PEAsE.-An abundance O unoccupied time this A. M., has enabled