Connecticut western news., 1875-01-08
Sheffield No. 2.
CANAAN.

The echoes of Happy New Year have hardly died away, and We can imagine the pleasant greeting is borne to us by the winds from far away friends; at least the winds have been whispering in no gentle voices for week past. With the advent of the New Year we as usual, formed ma ny good resolutions, some to break per hars; but others to keep, would you like to know one of the latter? Here it is: Re- solved, that l will join the band of cores. pondents who help to i'll the columns of the NEWS can not do much in this way, but friend Pease shall have my mite. such as it IS, to aid the circulation of the paper, which constantly increases in interest. May the year of 'Seventy-tive be one of great prosperity to the CONN. WESTERN NEWS ! -CThanks; many thanks, for these kindly words: May thelr author see a thousand years of Heavens choicest blessings and prosperity, and never for once :ail to write regularly for the CONN. WESTERN NEWS. ED. NEWS ] Doubtless your regular will give the items, so you will forgive any repetition may make. Christmas passed joyously to all as far as l know. Santa Claus, in spite of the hard times, proved himself liberal old soul, remembering in many homes; the old as we'll as the young. The Christmas tree at the Episcopal church was picture of beauty, and the fruit it bore suited the capacities and tastes of the young for whom it was intended. The Congregational Sunday School passed 8 pleasant evening Dec. 24th, at the house of Mrs, Cook, where a good supper, fine mu- sic and pleasant games made time fly rap. idly...... The reopcning of the M. E. church took place on Tuesday, Dec: 29th. It was my good fortune to be there. Bishop James preached the morning sermon, in the forcible, wide awake style peculiar to him. self. His text was from tue 63td chapter of Isaiah, the first four verses, descriptive of the Savior's coming. All who had heard the Bishop, expected treat in lis tening, but the eloquence of his discourse far surpassed our expectations; the thought that we might never again listen to this aged Bishop added much to our interest. Bishop James was born in the town ci Sht field, and the town may we'll be proud of such a son. Following the sermon Was an exhibition of lberality by the members and friends of the Methodist Church. The pastor care forward and stated that bt wished to raise he sum of $500, then and there this sum to be expended in paying for inside repairs already made, and also tc repair the outside when spring comes As lonished faces met his gaze on every side. for, think what sum for hard times
 Eight hundred do lars, and all for tho church Many said in their hearts We'll he wont get that amount here, and some frightened the clasp of their purses, but al far naught. Forward to the front came that Fals Village man: the Rev. MT. Smith whose cOuntenauce beampd with liberality itself, as he volunteered to help beg; or in other words to raise the subscription With two such men as Rev's. Smith anG H0Yt asking alms. it was irresistible, and down cam" the cash in ffties. twenty -fivrs tens and lives until the whole amount Was raised. the last drop in the bucket being in value only seuenty.fos dollars. Wont tell
 where that came from, for we know it was not given to be seen of men,. The lihtrali ty of Sht field people is unbounded when they are once awakened To sense of their duty. Dr.. Ridgw y the celebrated M'th- odist devine, preached m the evening; choo- sing his text from Galatians, 4th chapter, 4,h and 9th verses. The sermon was mas ter piece in itself: Iris seldom the people of Il country village have opportunity to lis ten to thoughts expressed like his; in words sublime. He held the audience spell-bound and none were tired though the hour was late. The NJ. E. church has been greatly beautifi,d inside and thoroughly renovated. In the spring it is 10 be re-painted outside, and then no church in miles around will present a more attractive appearance. Much credit is given to J. M. Smith who has decorated the walls of the church so handsomely, but every one knows tha, John could not do poor work if he tried. To the President of the hadirs Aid Society. especial thanks should be given by this prosperous society. for this success is due to her enterprise and labors there. This article is all about the churches, but I am sorry to say am not much of g church. man.
 LEWIS.