The Newtown bee., 1889-06-14
pRIpGEpoRT

WEST END CoNGEEGAT tONAL CHURCH.
 A few weeks ago, it was announced that Rev George F. Prent iss of the West End Congregational chur ch had received a call to the First Congre gational church of New Milford, with pr omise of increas- ed salary. Though flattiered and pleased by this honor to their pastor, to whom they are greatly attached, the people of the church earnestly hoped that he might be able to remain with them. They were, therefore, overjoyed when, at last, he an- Eouneed from the pulpit that he had dc cided to decline the call and remain here.
 Although one of the youngest churches in Bridgeport, the West End is by no means one of the least. Its pastor is young and earnest, devoted to his work and beloved by his people. During his pastorate, which began at his ordination, little more than two years ago, the membership has increased from about 20 to over 60 and the church, which will seat about 200, Is filled at every service. The Sunday school, which is in a flour ishing condition, numbers about 225, un- der the superintendence of II. II. Nettle- ton. A fine library, purchased mostly during the Winter and Spring, is at their disposal.
 The need of larger church has long been apparent, but it was not easy to de- eide in what direction to enlarge. No parsonage had ever been erected and it | R.It Ia, bo fha ff,af move, if possible.
 The Colorado avenue lot on which the church stands is 50xl40 feet; the lot just south. of the same size, recently came in- to the possession of II. H. Nettleton, who retains it for the church. At an import ant society meeting, Friday night, it was decided, among other things, to buy this lot of Mir Nettleton and to erect a par sonage as soon as funds could be raised. To complete the alterations proposed
 about $l5, 1000 would be required and a committee was appointed to canvass fol subscriptions.
 The church was started as a Sunday school by the North or First Congrega
 tional church, in whose name the prop , erty has always remained and to whom
 it was mortgaged for $2000. Arrange
 ments were made to liquidate this deb
 and w. F.. Norton, M. Rogers and H. H
 Nettleton were appointed a committee to receive the property from the Nortl church. A legacy of 5000 from the lat
 E. V. Hawes was paid by the executor
 of his estate, to whom a vote of thank I was passed, with the assurance that
 would be devoted, as Mir Hawes wished to the payment of the debt. The meet
 ing was adjourned to Friday evening
 14th, when more definite arrangement may be made. A reporter learned, how
 ever, that of the $15,OG0 desired, $100 T would probably be applied to the eS
 tinguishment of the debt and $3000 0 , $4000 to the erection of a much neede n parsonage, on the lot to be purchased o
 Mir Nettleton, next the church. Abou
 $10,000 would be expended on the latter which will eventually be moved to tn - rear of the lot and turned at right ar
 gles, to be used as Sunday school room A large and handsome audience roor 5 could then be built in front. It is doubt full if any work at the church is done ur E til next season, but the parsonage vii u be begun in a short time, probably i ;, less than two months and will be con pleted at the earliest possible date.