Connecticut western news., 1893-01-12
THE UNION CHAPEL AT CHAPINVILLE.


 On the first day of June, 1882, Bird French deeded to John Holmes, John Brinsmade, Samuel O. Scoville. Harry Groat and John R. Ward and their suc- cessors Tn office as trustees, for the con- sideration of one dollar, the land on which the M. B. church stands in Cha | pinville. The consideration was that they should build church thereon for the M. B. Society, and when not wanted by them to permit other denominations of Christians to meet and worship there in. The church was built by contribu- tions in cash, labor and timber. The church has had but two trustees elected since, viz, A. J. Spur as John R. Wards successor in 1852, and John M. Teater as John Holmes successor Tn 1862. All of the first trustees are dead except Harry Groat, living in Western New York some 97 years old. There are but three persons living here who were here at the erection of this church, viz, Edward Van Deusen. John W. Soules and Mrs Kirkland Grey, none of whom were born here. This church has been used as union church con. trolled by the Methodists until the 28th day of Dec, 1892. when joint stock company, without capital, was formed by the following persons: T. l.. Nor ton, Rev J. O. Goddard, Mrs Francis W. Scoville, Miss A. B. Sage, Mrs Oar oline R. Fisher, O. l., McElroy, Dwight Allyn, z. Candee, A. J. Spur, Rev. David Philips. l.. P. Ashman, Rev J. H. George, Miss Elizabeth w. Green wood, Mrs Emily P Miles and Mrs Kate A. Ashman. A meeting was held with T. l.. Norton as chairman and Rev J. o. Goddard as clerk at which per manent organization was formed as fol- lows: Thomas l.. Norton, president; D. Allyn, vice-president: Miss A B. Sage. secretary; l.. P. Ashman. treasu- Ter; Mrs l.. F. Ashman, Mrs 0. R. Fisher and o. l.. McElroy, executive committee. The organization passed appropriate bylaws, fixing the first Thursday in September for its annual meeting. The object of this association is to receive and disburse the $500 year. ly income of the legasy left by the late Hon Jonathan Scoville to support preaching, and for the care and main- tenance of the chapel and the good care of it's surroundings At least forty sermons by ordained ministers are to be preached annually,
 Twelve years ago Thomas l.. Norton, an enthusiastic Sunday school worker, recognized Sunday school and soon after spirit of repairs prevailed which was liberally and cheerfully responded to. Among the contributors was MT Scoville, who was enthusiastic and hb- eral in his gifts from his abundance, to adorn and remodel the chapel inside and out. This, however, was his native district. He learned his alphabet at the district school house, which he re- cently fitted up neatly. end at this church he received his first religious instruction, and to which he has left this legacy which will perpetuate his memory.
 Since the erection of this church, Sheffield, Canaan. Falls Village and Millerton have each erected Methodist church, and none are now living here that were married when this church was built. Some of the most eloquent and leading ministers of the Methodist conference, as we'll as this vicinity, have occupied the desk. There have also been revivals at different times. Once an auxiliary endeavor society was form ed, the object being to mould the younger as we'll as the older ones into usefulness, and while in it's infancy the | door was ordered locked and the feeble band was left without to be scattered. Notwithstanding we have been in at- tendance and contributor to this church A years, circumstances force us to say adieu. Hoping that in the un- folding future usefulness this church may thrive. Trusting that the little ones. now being trained in the admoni- tion of the divine light. may look for sunshine, for flowers, and rainbows for contentment in all of their surround. | ings, and then they will doubtless com prehend the beautiful sunset of future life.
 How we'll I recollect few years ago, in standing at the bedside of an aged and esteemed friend, who at the close of his life turned his face towards the wall and exclaimed: "How beautiful the paper is. How splendid the flow CTS look. Oh, can see them so plain. , The friction of his life, the clouds and fogs, the rains and storms, together with cares and burdens of life, were swept away in 8 moment as the spiri had passed into the unfolding of the future, to live forever in the sunlight aud presence of his God.
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