The Newtown bee., 1895-02-22

engaged in their responsible work, ] and after visiting various places and examining different churches and different plans finally decided upon the plan as carried out in the present edifice. That this committee exercised their best skill and judgement IS directed by the house of worship furnishes good evidence. It must be remembered in this connection that the means at their disposal was limited The subscriptions were to be binding if the sum of $3000 was secured, while the amount sought was $40O0. The latter sum was about the amount ex- pended. The committee are deserving of much credit for securing so good house from the amount of money at their dis posal. That the members of the commit tee exercised not only skill and judge ment but also much energy and prompt ness in the discharge of their duties, will be seen in the fact that the building was ready for dedication on the 18th of Jan uary, 1S45, less than year from the time the com m4nittee was appointed.
 THE CORNER STONE
 of the new church was laid about the 1st of August, 1S44, with appropriate exer- cises, Rev Samuel Andrews of Wood bury making the address. A box con- taining books and papers was placed un- der the northeast corner. The work then went rapidly forward to it's comple- tion.
 The day of the dedication was one long to be remembered by the members of the church and society. The people gather ed in their new house of worship to re- joice together as we'll as to engage in the public services of the occasion. The Rev Leonard Bacon, D. D., of New Haven, preached the sermon from the text found in Psalm 122 I, Fl was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord." Rev MT Whittemore, pastor of church, offered the prayers of dedica- tion. Probably other ministers assisted in the services. The large choir with many musical instruments, sang the anthem, ''The Lord is in His holy temple, Let all the earth keep silence before him." Also the anthem "How lovely are thy dwellings" Of those who were present in this house 50 years ago to-day to en- gage in the services of dedication, but few remain to meet with us to-day. Many of them have passed on from the temple made with hands to more exalt- ed and glorious worship. "They rest from their~l labors and their works do follow them" Some have gone forth to find homes in other places. A few how ever remain in this community, most of whom were then children or young peo- pie. One member of the Ecclesiastical society, the chairman of the business committee, who did much towards secur- ing this house of worship, is still permit ted in the providence of God, to continue with this church and to be present with us this evening, the beloved senior dea- con of the church,
 SHERMAN FUTILE,
 from whom we expect to hear some rem- inisce1ces. Two others who were mem- bers of the church at that tine are still with us, Mrs Fanny Scott Hicock, who sang in the choir, and Mrs Harriet Bost- wick Hunt. Several others of the pres ent members of the church were living here at that time and some of them were present at the dedication, but they were not then members of the church. There are also others in the community who were 90 years ago, and probably some were present on that occasion. But 50 years have made great changes. Most of those who were active then in the church and society have finished their work on earth and gone to that unseen world to which we are all so fast haste h. i-g. The exact membership of the church at that time is not known but it was probably between 70 and so. About six years after the church was built a new bell was placed in the tower, and in the year following through the efforts of the ladies society the basement of the church was fitted up for a lecture room and other purposes, at an expense of about $50. One thing in connection with the building of the church may be mentioned here. There was left in the gallery an alcove, in which there could be placed pipe organ if the society at some future time should wish to get one. This Of course furnished grand oppor- tunitY for the boys in the gallery to get FAa rtjaIlu CIrfD Df cinht md hay h meeting of their own while the services were going on in the church. This temptation was so great and so trouble. some that one minister declared he be- lieved the devil had hand in building the church. But this trouble was after wards remedied, the alcove being parti- tioned off and the singers gallery fitted up anew and consecrated to the service of song.
 This house
 ATTHE TIME OF THE DEDICATION
 general structure and appearance. It has however been renovated and made more beautiful and attractive since that time. In 1880 the house was painted on the outside and the interior was greatly improved Ly frescoing the walls and ceiling, carpeting the floor, cushioning the seats and getting new pulpit and chairs at an expense of nearly $500. And few years later new organ and new lamps were put in the church cost ing about $400. The house as it now is speaks for itself, but it is generally ad- mitted not only by the people in the place. but also by those who visit ns