The Newtown bee., 1893-05-26

During two and half centuries the Congregationalists of Fairfield, Conn.,, have had five different churches, all of which have been burned; the third was burned by the British on July s, 1779. The first church was built in l639, and it was constructed of rough logs and hewn tlmbers, the crevces being filled in with clay; openings cut in the timber to admit light, and the door being simply barri- cade without hinges. The people sat on stones, blocks of wood, or whatever they might bring with them for a seat. This rude structure is quite in contrast with the grand, stately expensive pile in which the people now worship. The sixth church, of which we present illustra- tions, has just been completed. through the untiring efforts of it's pastor, Rev Frank $. Childs, who has the honor of being instrumental in setting in motion the machinery which has been the means ot materailizing one of the finest places of worship in the state. Mr Childs was as- sisted by Frederick Sturges, Esq, who Is entitled to much credit for his kind at tention during the progress of the works. The new building,
 OF GREAT ARCHITECTURAL BEAUTY, is treated in the English Gothic style. It Is situated on gentle rising knoll some distance from the road, thus giving am- pie opportunity for effective surround ings, and keeping it in harmony with it's location, and the ancient spreading elms. the glory of Fairfield, which serve to add their beauty, and thus render the scene attractive. The exterior walls are built of warm reddish sandstone The roof is covered with red English tiles. The main entrance is marked by the tower, which is unusually ample in dimensions, and through which we enter large vestibule, giving access to the whole church. The side walls of this vestibule are paneled to the ceiling with oak, and the ceiling heavily timbered and panelcd in keeping with the walls. The floor is of polished marble mosaic. On entering the auditorium, four great columns, so disposed as not to obstruct the vision. are seen, having
 ELABORATELY CARVED CAPITALS.
 and from which spring heavily moulded arches, laterally and diagonally, finally losing themselves on carved corbels against the walls. In the central space, inclosed by these columns, above. the arches are maze of curiously fashioned braces and arches, worked in all, how ever, with scientific regard to the work they have to do, and with their rich crowns, making warm, cheerful in- terior. The pulpit recess is separated by broad soflited arch, and is elevated above the auditorium floor some five steps, which extend entirely across the the space inclosed by the pulpit arch, and only broken by the bronze pulpit located in the centre. At the left of the altar, and in no way obtruding itself. is the organ and choir, re-enforcing in a very dignified manner the pulpit end, one arch to the recess being effectively locat- ed on each side, with
 GREAT STONE COLUMN
 between, having carved and moulded capi- tai and base. On the side opposite the organ the space is occupied by another entrance vestibule, astudy, which affords access to the altar. The pews, furniture, and woodwork throughout is of English oak, harmonizing with the Indian red furnishings. the delicate stained glass effects, and the walls, which are treated in yellow and brown. The auditorium has paneled wainscoting six feet in height. 4 [ the rear of the church, op- posite the chanel and in recess cor responding wish it, appear great sliding