The Newtown bee., 1892-01-22

and adjacent buildings are in ashes, hav- ing been totally destroyed by fire, Tues day evening. It was the most distruct- i've fire that Fairfield has witnessed for many years.
 The fire was discovered about o'clock and was then bursting from the porch on the east side of the church.
 Father Coleman, who was in his libra ry in the rectory, next door, was startled by loud knocking on his door and was immediately informed that the church was in flames.
 An alarm was sounded and the resi- dents of the town turned out in large numbers, but, by this time, the flames were well started and it was soon seen that the church could not be saved.
 A bucket brigade was immediately formed and good work was accomplish ed. Water was brought from wells and cisterns and everything was done, that could be done, to save the convent and school.
 The night was bitterly cold and a blinding snow storm ragged; the wind was blowing gale. The work was very fatiguing, owing to the slippery condi- tion of the ground.
 Within few minutes after the discov- cry of the fire, the convent was in flames.
 The four Sisters of Mercy, who occu- pied the convent, were taken to the resi- dence of Jeremiah D. Toomey, where ha nf hn flo
 In the meanwhile, the priests house had caught fire. Every effort was made to save the building, but it could not be done. The fierce wind made the building seething furnace.
 But very few things were saved. The flames made such rapid headway that everything had to go. Within half an hour after the flames were discovered, the buildings were all in flames. Father Coeman's library, valuable one, was entirely destroyed.
 An old Bible, which Father Coleman said that money could not purchase, was also lost. A few pieces of silverware and several pictures, besides lot of books which were of small value, repre- sent all that remains of the personal eff fects of Father Coleman.
 The loss of the school building will af- feet number of scholars; accommoda- tions will probably be secured within a few days.
 The church and other property were entirely free from debt and were fully in- sured. The church has been used by the Roman Catholics of Fairfield and South port for many years.
 The Town hall will be used until the church is rebuilt.
 The origin of the fire is a mystery, but Is thought to be of incendiary origin. This is not likely, as the flames when first discovered were bursting through the side of the structure. When the train arrived here at 50, it was a few minutes late and the flames were seen by the pas sengers. A large number were from Southport on their way to the Stoddard lecture and it caused much excitement.
 Father Coleman said to a newspaper reporter: After all, it may be a bless ing. It will be many years before will be ever able to replace the buildings, as our parish is small and the financial re- sources correspondingly light. Had we any kind of fire department in this town, no such a scene would have oc- cured. It would have been an easy mat ter to have checked the progress of the flames, had we the proper equipments. Some of our citizens are rather backward Tn, thair vii nd fn certain extent, have antiquated ideas. However, I wish to thank all those kind neighbors, who, regardless of religious principles, showed such a generous dis position in aiding me in every manner possible. I shall never forget them for it,
 The loss on the buildings will be about $50,000. All the valuable vest ments, rituals, chalices, etc., were lost. A more substantial structure will be erected as soon as possible.
 E. Betts has new upright show case, where he may show cigars and pipes to the best advantage.
 Miss Catharine Burr is quite sick with the prevailing distemper.
 What came near resulting in serious fire at the St Mare, by the explosion of a kerosene lamp in the laundry, last week, was extinguished in 10 minutes by men forming line from the we'll to the laundry, ,passing pails of water till it was put out. The damage done the linen, ,etc., exceeded $100.
 Members of the bar will vote, this week Friday, whether a jury will be called, or cases be tried before a judge. If jury Is called, the Burr Osborne will case will be resumed at the February term.
 Rev MT Jones is yet confined to the house and service was again read, last Sunday, by Judge Glover and a sermon by Rev F. w. Robertson.
 Mrs Silas Turney was buried from her home in Black Rock, Saturday.
 MT Bunnell from Lakeville has been in town on flying visit.
 Charles Riggs is employed in New Ha- ven he will move his family there soon. The diphtheria scare is somewhat abated.
 William Kelly goes to the Roosevelt hospital for treatment; hurt on his limb and, by working in the Chemical works, it is supposed to have been pois-