The Newtown bee., 1888-11-23
BLOOMFIELD CONGREGA-
 TIONALISTS
Open Their Renovated Church,
 Sunday.
THE SERVICES, THE IMPROVEMENTS AND
 THE CHURCH HISTORY.

been entirely re-fltteu ana handsomely decorated, the work of Bridgeport art ists and s now one of the finest to be found in any country village. Bouquets of flowers adorned the Bible stand and reading desk and were also arranged on tables at the side of the platform. The usual morning service was conducted by Rev A. C. Pierce, with communion and these four were admitted to membership :: Phcbe J. Kellogg, Katie Nestor, Charles A. Kellogg and Franklin Kellogg. An afternoon service of song and praise was held at 3 p m, to which the pastors and people of neighboring churches were in vited to take part in the services. Dr Maxwell of the First church, Danbury, Rev J. F. Hoyt of Newtown and Rev II. l.. Slack of Bethel were prsent. Will sherman of Bethel presided at the or gan. Services commenced with the ''Te Deum'' by the choir quartet, Miss s. Isabelle Fayerweather. Mrs Edward Taylor of St James choir, Danbury, Frank Hawley and Prof Green, who kindly offered their services, after which an appropriate lesson of scripture was read by Rev Mir Pierce. A solo, ''Thy will be done,' was finely rendered by Prof Green and was followed by prayer by Rev Mir Hoyt. After the singing of the hymn, "Sun of my soul," by the quartet, Messrs Hawley and Green withdrew to be present at their usual services in Bridgeport. Rev Mir Pierce introduced Dr Maxwell, whose remarks were listened to with much interest, re- lating, as they did, to the duties of par ents to their children and congregations to their pastors, advising parents to bring their little ones early to the house of worship, that the habits formed in early life might never be etfaced. A hymn was sung by Miss Fayerweather, Mrs Taylor, Mrs vroman, Mrs Emmon Hawley, s. F.. Hawley and c. Vroman, after which appropriate and congratula- tory remarks were made by Rev H. l.. Slack of Bethel, with touching allusion to the associations of family connected with the seats occupied for generations by parents and children. After another hymn by the choir, Rev J. P. Hoyt, in his usual happy manner, responded to the invitation of Mir Pierce, congratulate ing him on his work of l9 years in this parish and hoping that, as Asa of old sight of the Lord for II years, so might this Asa be spared to see many years of usefulness in the future. The services closed with the singing of ''Coronation'' by the congregation, after which the clergy and guests from out of town were invited to luncheon by Prof F. s. Curtis.
 The Church Repairs.
 The good people of Brookfield arc justly proud of the neat and tasty church re-dedicated, Sunday. With Sidney k Hawley as chairman of the committed on repairs, backed by the pastor, l! years in charge of this flock, together with the whole membership, the old style meeting house is now one of tho most tasty rural churches imaginable The square pews, with an aisle at eacf side of the room, have been removed ant semi-circular seats of natural oak have taken their place, with center as wei as side alsles. The old style pulpit is re moved and platform, with beautiful pulpit, Bible stand, etc., look quite il keeping with the charming surround ings. The pipe organ is re-gilded and ; neat and substantial chancel rail divides the preachers platform from the choi and is of fine design and finish. In tn vestibule, one of the stairways to tn gallery has been transformed into re cess for the Sunday school library and just over it, china closet for the Ladie society has been fitted up. The color used in the fresco work are charmingl, blended. The main walls are of mos green, while the ceiling has centra panel of sky blue tint dotted with gil astral figures, around which are panel In brown shaded with olive, with gil and royal purple pencilings which ad greatly to the pleasing effect. The bor der as the top of the walls is wide an
 contains beautiful emblematic figures The chancel decorations are finer if pos ible than the main walls, the ceiling re sembling a star-lit dome, while tn sides initiate great arches with tn Greek emblem of the Trinity as prom
 inent feature. A beautiful dado con pletes the wall adornmcnt. The trefoi
 the Maltese cross, the Greek emblem c the Trinity, the olive branch and the GIT blem of eternity are noticeable figure in the decorations. With new carpetin
 throughout, as well as new cushions, tn whole effect Is unique and charming. Tn stceple lihs also been strengthened wit
 new tlmbers and painted to correspon with the spotless white of the edifict which was recently painted. Messr Longstaff & Hurd have exhibited rar taste In their design for the seating al engagement of the audience room, as we as Hcaly 4 Co.,, who had charge of tn frescoing and wall decorations. Tn pulpit, from Boston firm of churc furnishers, Is beautiful piece of ai furniture, Q cap sheaf to the prevailin charms of the room, which have cost al together about 0160O. Tn it's churc work, the Brookfield church and societ ls to U congratulated that 1t has, durin the years Of the present pastorate, . 1oost held its own, . state of affairs no ron6ral ln the hill towns of Connecticut kIIc present membership of 132 Is care