The Press., 1895-10-31

A most beautiful autumn day greeted the people who gathered on Tuesday to observe the semi-centennial of the ded1- cation of the Universalist church. The friends from abroad began to gather home last week, number came on Monday evening, and by 3 p. m., when the exer- cises began, there were present three of the ex-pastors of the church, some 75 of the members of the church from abroad, number of the local clergy, goOdly number of people from the village and vicinity, making an audience which filled the house. The church was profusely and artistically trimmed, chrysanthemums and ferns being the chief decorations. After an anthem by the choir the com munion was observed, the pastor presid- ing at the table, F. M. Scripture, of New Britain, and H. Vinton acting as deacons. It was observed as service of memory of all the loved ones and of all the help full influences that had come into each life. All present partOOk of the em- blems. Using the simile of the custom of the gathering home of the family at Thanksgiving time, the pastor in few feeling words welcomed his brethren home to the old church.
 Ex-Lieut. Gov. E. H. Hyde was then introduced by the pastor as one whose memory and knowledge would fill up the gap in the church's early history. MT. Hyde spoke of the early ministers of the church, saying that all the ministers prominent in the early days of the Uni versalist church had preached in it's pull pit. Rev. Hosea Ballou, D. D., was its first pastor, beginning in 1916. Then fol- lowed Revs. John Bisbe, Joshua Flagg, T. G. Farnsworth, J. H. Willis, and oth- CTS, whose names had escaped his mem- ory. The speaker related instances of the fact that 1t required force of charAc- ter to avow oneself Universalist in those early days.
 The pastor mentioned that Mrs. Amelia Fenton, of Colorado, and Nathan Wash burn, of Boston, were among those who were present at the dedication of the church, and were in the audience. He then introduced Hon. John R. Washburn, of West Stafford, as one of that number who would speak for them and for those times. MT. Washburn said that in l791 Rev. Isaac Foster was deposed from the pastorate of the COngregationalist church in West Stafford because he had become Universalist. He drew 8 majority of the congregation with him, and preached there until he died. This was probably the seed of the church on the Street. MT. Washburn then mentioned the names of those many devoted people who used to walk to the old church on the Street from the Hollow, Staffordville, West Stafford, and even from Monson. An original hymn, written for the dedication by Miss Ann M. Washburn, the sister of the pastor, Rev. Ira Washburn, was then sung by the choir to the original tune, which was "Agawam."
 The oldest ex-pastol present, Rev. c. w. Riddle, DID,, of Spencer, Mass, was
 
 inimitable way mingled wit and wisdom, humOr and pathos, incident and exhorta- tiOn, in his cheery address, which defies any attempt at condensation. He gave a picture of the industry, devotion and missionary work of the church during his pastOrate. He thought 1t would be iniudi- ciOus to mention names. which would only revive sad memories, but spoke in gen. eral way of those who made the church power for good in the community.
 The social hour followed, the meeting closing at o'clock. This was one of the very pleasant features of the occasion, abundant time being given for the renew ing of old friendships and for greetings of old and long sundered friends, which was most thoroughly enjoyed by all. Supper was served to one hundred and ten people in the beautiful manner and ample hospitality of the Stafford people. Promptly at 7.30 the congregation re- assembled. After an anthem by the choir Rev. pr. Riddle read the 122d Psalm and offered prayer. Rev. Thomas Borden, of Manchester, N. H., was intro duced. He spoke of his work during the war; that he had addressed war meetings all over the town. He also spoke highly of the character of the congregation when he was pastor, all of whom, except those who were young then, have since passed away. He read list of ministers who had preached on exchange with him, most of whom are also dead. MT. Borden re- lated number of amusing and pathetic incidents of his ministry.
 The pastor said he had introduced Gov. Hyde and J. R. Washbun as specimens of those reared under the influence of the earlier church. He would introduce one, of whom all are proud, of those reared in the church at the present day, and intro duced Rev. c. H. Puffer. In beginning his remarks MT. Puffer could not refrain from speaking in high and deserved com- plimentary terms of the banquet which the ladies had prepared for their guests. Of all the church banquets he had ever partaken of this was the best. He also said that he knew many highly salaried choirs which did not sing with the earn estness and enthusiasm which had always characterized the volunteer choir of this church. In the course of his remarks he also said that the Sunday school was al- ways vigorous body because the whole conpreQation were members of if. In speaking for the young people, MT. Puffer said that they owed to this church a debt