Connecticut western news., 1877-08-17


 cue. They decided to turn the proceeds of their sewing society towards commencing fund for the chapel. They held dime soclables etc. Much credit IS due to Mrs. Fred. Simons and Mrs. James A. Cochrane, for their efforts in this direction in the year 1876; also to Mrs. R. P. Foster and Mrs. Arthur Warner for their efficiency in the present year TT. By their united efforts nearly two hundred dollars have been raised and placed in bank against the time of need in furnishing said chapel. Their enthusiasm walked up the..men, and plan was hit upon that has laid these founda- tions. gathered these timbers and brought you here to-day to join in the ceremonies and witness the laying of the corner stone of the chapel our chapel.
 A few years since, oyer in Torrington, in | this state, in place called Poverty Hol- low, there lived young man by the name of c. P. Huntington. He had not much of this worlds goods. but he had mind to work for the best wages he could get. He preferred that, to joining in strike and getting up rebellion and riot all along the line. He managed to get two tin trunks, filled them with Yankee notions, strapped them across his shoulders, and thus equip ped, he started forth on foot to win his way in the world. He goes from house to house, offering his wares. He wends his way to Cornwall, and entering one ot the houses in our parish, he meets young lady to whom he offers his needles, pins, tapes, combs etc. etc.
 We infer that while the current of trade is moving, the current of affection started from its lurking place. The two, in time were blended, and Elizabeth, daughter of the late William Stoddard, became the wife of 0. P. Huntington. Nor long af- ter, the California gold fever ragged through out the land, and multitudes were by it car ried away to the Pacific coast. Among the number were c. P. Huntington and wife. They prospered in business and gradually accumulated property. Mir. Huntington became one of the active promoters of the building of the Union Pacific Railroad. and with the success of that work you ale familiar. He is now vice-president of the company, and one of it's chief managers, having his residence in New York city.
 Within the past week have read in a New York paper that he is now worth twelve million dollars, and prospectively a great deal more.
 Mrs. Huntington has seemed to retain an interest in her native town. It was deemed advisable to apply to her and he1 husband for aid to build our chapel.
 Rev. c. N. Fitch and Deacon T. s. Gold went to see them and duly presented their object. They informed MT. and Mrs. Huntington that we wanted a chapel to cost about twenty, five hundred dollars, and would be glad of their help. They gen erously responded to the application, and MT. Huntington said, Eve will give you one thousand dollars, but when it is paid il must be at the end of the chapter, and re move the last of the indebtedness incurred in the erection and completion of the i building." All right. Our delegation came home and reported; a meeting was called; subscription paper was started; the required amount was raised and it was decided to proceed with the work. I think we, all of US appreciate the gift of MT. anG Mrs. Huntington, and their memory vii always be held ln grateful remembrance by the people. We are also under great obli- gation to MT. and Mrs. Ebert E. Shepard, and their son, George Wheaton Shepard for their very liberal cash subscriptions aut for the gift of the lot on which our chape stands, with roadway through the entire length of the field. But for thelr liberali ty toward the project we fear 1t would stil have been castle in the air.
 MT. NAthan Hart, in his weekly visits tC New York had interviews with MT. Hun tington in regard to the plan of the build ing. A form and shape was decided upor satisfactory to all concerned. MT. Hun tington said, s'I will have the plans snt specifications drawn without expense tc you" We understand that he paid thirty five dollars for them, and here they are beautiful in their proportions, and such a! shall make it temple for the indwellin& of the Most High.
 The committee were anxious that ou resident mechanics should do the work.
 After much negotiation they decided no to undertake it. Nathan Hart and Russo R. Pratt finally entered into contract tc erect the building above the foundation fo stipulated price. They have contracted with Jacob Odell. of Lakeville, to do thu mason work in the building, and he al SO took the contract for laying the founda- tion.
 James A. Ford of West Cornwall, take the contract to do the painting.
 E. J. Beardsley from the south part of tht town, has the contract for most of thu carpenter work He commenced on Tuesday, the 3lst day of July, 1877, ant expects to raise the building on the 1lth o August.
 Iu about two months time we hope t. see you all here again at the dedication ser vices. We come today with joy and re jocing to lay the corner stone. Surely i is an eventful day for West Cornwall Many of us have long hoped for it, and ar , glad it has come. Many others, not her to-day, have longed and looked for it bu died without the sight. If dear departed ones may as we sometimes imagine, talk cognizance of earthly things, then thinl that out of wonder heaven, those lool down upon us, who in time past, ponderet long and earnestly on the question how the building of chapel could be secured. Hark hear you not voices If not ou of yonder heaven, certainly out of the past encouraging us in our work here to-day 1 ..stnn methinks hear the Qnices n