Middletown transcript., 1881-07-15

was ShOfJly dlIeIWHIub bOlu ut ductlOl,
and from about 1842 to 1850 a number
of the people worshipped with the
Drawers church, near Odessa. The
present building was dedicated in 1857.
There has been seven pastors since.
Rev. John Patton, ID. d., to whose
centennial sermon am indebted for
many historical points, was the loved
and faithful pastor for sixteen years,
resigning in April, 1880. Rev. W. e.
Alexander, the present pastor, is like
Mr. Murray, young man of activity
and earnestness, and the church prom
ises well under his pastOrate.
The Episcopal congregation used to
worship in the old st. Anne's church,
about a mile south of this town. This
is one of the oldest churches in the
state. During the time that Rev. DR..
McCabe was rector he prepared, with
much care, history of the church, and
vet, strange to say, although less than
ten years have elapsed since it was pub
lished, no copy can be found in the vi
cinity of Middletown, and it is difficult
to ascertain the many historical facts
which 90 to make the ancient building
most interesting. In the course of time
the location of the old church was
found to be inconvenient, and ten years
ago, for greater convenience, a neat
new building, bearing the same name,
was built in the town, where services
have been held since. The old struc-
ture is used but once a year. The new
edifice, built of blue stone, is very hand
some, and was erectad at cost Of SIG,
600. The rector, Rev. W. G.. w. Lew
is, is one of the most scholarly men in
the State.
By an act passed in 1877 the old
school districts Nos. 60 and 81 were
consolidated, and the present public
school arrangement is known as the
i" Middletown schools. . The school
management is in the hands of a
board Of education composed Of six
members elected by the people, and
three members elected from the trustees
of what is known as the " Academy" "
This academy was built by a lottery
grant made by the State about 1924,
and is under the control of seven trus-
tees, who are empowered to choose
their own successors. 1t was conduc-
ted for several years as a private school,
but never proved much of success
financially, and when the school dis
tricts were consolidated the trustees
offered the use of the {" Academy for
public school purposes. A. s. Wright
is the present principal of the school,
and he has four assistants, there being
five different grades. William Green
is president of the school board. There
are about 200 scholars in attendance at
the school. The Bayard Institute is
private school under the charge Of Miss
Tilghman.
There are two first-class hotels in
the town. The Middletown Hotel,
kept by Samuel Peacock, was built in
1761. 1t is in the centre of the town
and has long enjoyed the reputation
of a first class house. The National
Hotel situated near the depot, is under
the charge of Alex. Maxwell, one of
the best-known and most successful ho-
tel proprietors in the state. The restau-
rant at the depot, conducted by Rich
ard E. Smith, is a great accommoda-
ton to the travelling public, and is
largely patronized. The Middletown
National Bank, of which Henry Clay
ton is president and j. R. Hall cashier,
is in good condition and great accom-
mediation to the residents of this section
of country. At the beginning Of the
year the Irving Lyceum was organized,
and thus far has proved very attrac-
tive to those who incline towards lit
erary matters. 1t already has MEM
bership Of forty and is constantly
increasing. The Peninsular Agricul-
tural and Pomological Association has
its grounds about mile north of the
town. Seven annual fairs have already
been held. William R. Cochran is pres
ident and w. Scott Way secretary. 1t
is well managed and in good financial
condition, and once a year attracts to
Middletown large numbers of people
from all parts of the Peninsula.
The town supports one Building and
Loan association, of which G. E. Hukill
is president, and A. G. Cox, secretary.
About half mile to the east Of the
town is HamtOwn, Il settlement COM
posed exclusively of colOred people.
They have erected a very neat and at
tractive school house, where Il school is
kept open about eight months in the
year, and they also have good church
building.
No town in the State gives greater
promise for the future than Middle
town. 1t is very attractive place for
residences, and recent building opera
tions show that many of the well-to-do
farmers Of the vicinity incline to make
Middletown their home. The erection
Of water works is contemplated, and
everything points to the growth and
extension Of the town.