The Newtown bee., 1892-07-29
HUNTINGTON.

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH BURNED
 A very great calamity has overCaker the Congregational church of this place in the loss of their church building which was burned to the ground, with all it's contents, at about l o'clock Mon day morning and was not insured. The origin of the fire is a complete mystery there having been no fire in the building for some time and the lamps used by the Endeavor society were all carefully eX. tinguished at 45 o'clock, Sunday even ing. At II 30, MT Buckingham, who had been putting up his horse on the op. posite side of the park, while looking that way saw no indications of any fire, This building was erected just 60 years ago, this season. Some 10 years ago, it was repaired and papered and again, about three years ago, extensive repairs were made and it was re-seated in mod ern style, making it very beautiful and tasty audience room. The officers of the church and society's committee, while re- alizing their great loss, are yet not dis heartened, but had come together before 12 o'clock on Monday and decided to call meeting of the society, with all those interested in having the church building replaced. This meeting will be held in the Town hall, Monday, August 1,2 p m, to take steps for raising means and pre- pairing to replace the church edifice. It is earnestly hoped that all interested will be present to aid with their counsel and means. The church services will be held, next Sunday, in the Town hall at II m.
 The church was discovered on fire at about l 15 o'clock Monday morning, R. W. Linsley, c. K. Quick and Olin Shel- ton arriving at the church at nearly the same time. When they arrived, the flames were pouring out on the south side of the church and were so hot inside that no one could enter, consequently ev- erything was lost. Harry Brownson was called and the way that he made the bell at St Paul's ring was loud and fast, awakening the people and calling them to the fire. It was soon found that the sparks were lodging on the roofs of K. J. Buckingham's. store, house and barn and, as nothing could be done at the church, all turned to and kept the roofs of MT Buckingham's buildings wet with water and saved them. H. l. Brownson also had lively work for awhile watching his buildings. Some hay stacks caught fire several times, but, by the free use of water, all were saved. Had there been strong wind at the time, without doubt other buildings would have been burned. The origin of the fire is, of course, unknown, but the gen. eral theory is that it was accidental. The Christian Endeavor held a meeting, Sun- day evening, in the basement and the lights were put out about 9 o'clock. It IS thought that match or spark or a lamp that was placed near the ceiling was the cause of the fire, though few think that it was set on fire purposely. That is not the general theory. There was no insurance and business men criti- else the society for not having it insured. The loss is heavy, probably $S000 is not far out of the way. Some 5000 had been laid out within the last two years for new seats and cushions. The church was built in 1S32, consequently has been standing 60 years. The bell, which was of superior tone, pronounced by many far and near as one of the very best, is melted. The sheds and the fence around the church were all burned. The fire, when it was at it's height, was seen by Bridgeport policeman, who thought that it was the hospital or near there and rang in an alarm, calling out the fire de- partment, which ran to Old Mill Green, only to find their mistake. The shelton reservoir banks are lined with fishermen catching carp, every pleasant Sunday of late. Mrs Charles Morse and daughter of Thomaston have been at George A. Bid- wells. Those who have not taken in the grand views from Highland Lawn on Garfield avenue, near the residence of George
 
 can be had from these parts. The mon- ument on East Rock near New Haven is | plainly visible with the naked eye, while | the figure of Lincoln on top can be seen through glass. The view of Long Is- land and the Sound cannot be surpassed. | Miss Anna Dimond has been hired to | teach the Center school. An effort was made by one of our citizens to have the | same teacher, who taught, last year, hir- ed again and petition was circulated to | that effect, but several parents thought change in teachers would be best and the committee was one of those. Mrs Joseph Bassett is visiting in Bridgeport. Harry Brownson has marketed large crop of early cabbage.
 Mrs Katie Richardson from Bridgeport spent few days, last week, with her aunt, Mrs Sarah Nichols.
 Rev A. Goldsborough of Monroe will preach at St. Paul's, next Sunday, 3lst, by exchange with Mir Johnson. Service will be at II o'clock, with celebration of Holy Communion.
 WHITE HILLS.
 Misses Jennie and Carrie Curtis enter tained guests from out of town, this week.
 Sheriff Barrett and wife were Sunday