The Newtown bee., 1893-07-28

morning, the peaceful hamlet of Hunt ington was startled by an alarm of fire. Flames were seen issuing from the rear of the Congregational church. Quickly the tidings spread and the whole village gathered at the spot. But all efforts to stay the devouring flames were futile; the entire building was soon enveloped and on Monday the house of sacred wor- ship of the day previous lay mass of charred timbers and debris. The hand some editice which for 60 years had faced the green, the house of God, hallowed by the cherished memories of two general ions of worshippers, was thing of the past. The Congregational church exist ed only as a memory.
 THE OUTLOOK WAS A DUBIOUS
 one. With no funds for building on hand and with no insurance on the build ing which had been destroyed, the first thought, even of those most sanguine was, i've can never rebuild.' But the little band, though cast down, was not in despair. Burying their doubts amid the dead ashes of what had been, with firm trust in the over-ruling providence and benevolent purposes of the God of their fathers, and with zeal commen- surate with the vastness of the undertak- ing, they took courage and went to work. A new foundation was built upon the old cellar. The corner stone was soon laid. The superstructure gradually took form and as time went on assumed beautiful and churchly proportions. On Tuesday of this week, just year from the de- struction of the old, large concourse from Huntington and adjoining towns gathered to participate in the dedication of the new.
 The day was
 ALL THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DESIRED for such a service. The program was opened with an organ voluntary by Miss Belle Park, who, throughout the ser vices, presided at the organ in delight ful manner. The hymns and anthems of the day were especially sweet and im- pressive and were beautifully rendered by the following choir: Paul Rehnburg, leader; Willard l.. Beard, Fred w. Beard, o. c. Beard, bassos; Mrs Paul Rehnberg, Miss Elizabeth Beard. Miss Gilbert, contraltos; Miss Phoebe Beard, Mrs George Wheeler, Miss Flora Beard, sopranos; Zina Beard, Frank Wooster, tenors.
 iflI xIflfr thn yoNo r, the Father" was the Scripture lesson, read by Rev W. G. Lathrop of Monroe. Prayer was offered by Rev W. F. White of Trumbull, the choir singing agaiL the anthem, Ut is a Good Thing to Give Thanks" In behalf of the building com mittee, Dea o. 0. Beard then reported as follows:
 Before making the financial statement, your committee feel it their duty to speak l a few words of commendation for those who have been engaged in the erection of
 THIS BEAUTIFUL CHURCH.
 Beginning with the architect, we think Arthur 5. Meloy of Bridgeport has given us building that in architectural effect | and symmetrical proportions speaks we'll for his ability.
 Messrs Hoyt Brothers of Birmingham, contractors for the carpenter work, have followed the plans and specifications closely, doing their work in a conscien- tious, painstaking and faithful manner, giving us neat and well finished result.
 Messrs s. L. Brown & Co, of New Ha- ven agreeably surprised your commit tee by furnishing us q better win- low for soc per square foot than we at | first expected to be able to buy for $l 50.