Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1896-02-01

gone from us, who deemed no labor too
great and no sacrifice too considerable to
preserve for us an institution whose worth |
is best attested by their pure and sanity |
lives. To the memory of woman, worthy
to be member of that blessed band that
now holds her you could erect no worthier
or more enduring monument than this
parish house, whose hospitable cheer and
helpful use are SO typical of one who living
in sunshine herself, gave to all with whom
she was connected so abundantly of her
own sunny light.
1t was her wish, ] am told, to give
parish house to this society as a memorial
to her own mother, and the plans for it re-
ceived much careful and painstaEing
thought from her. With loving devotion
you have carried out her wishes in every
detail and it comes to us showing in the
completeness of every part your careful
care and attention. Ii we only prove as
faithful in its use as you have been in its
construction you will never regret your
action.
With very grateful heart, in the name
and in behalf of this society thank you
for this delightful home and pledge you
for them that no effort of ours shall be
wanting to make this gift so benehcent and
useful that its cheer and far-reaching i'll
fuence shall worthily commemorate the
lovely virtues of your departed wife and
the great generosity of the giver.
Tie Presentation.
The following is Mr.. Hastings presenta-
ton address in full:
Mr.. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
members and friends of the Unitarian
Society Inasmuch as l have erected this
building for the purpose of strengthening
the social interests in our society, it is a
great qualification to me to see such large
attendance here this evening; and | wish
to extend to you all most cordial well
come.
1t is certainly most convincing evidence
of the individual interest that is felt in the
welfare of our society; and it is just such
interest as will ensure the prosperity Of
any society Now that we have made a
good start let us keep the pace.
1t has been double pleasure to me tc
erect this building, inasmuch as it has been
I
constructed in accordance with the wishes
of the one in whose dear memory | give 1t,
and as | begin to realize this pleasure that
has come to me, am reminded OF little
poem written by Robert Beverly Hale
/ short time before his death last October.
Mr.. Hale was the youngest son of Rev.
Edward Everett Hale. The poem is
entitled 1.-The Stars
Law at ease in my little boat,
Fast moored to the shore OF the pond,
And look up through the trees that swayed in INC
At Gods sky beyond.
And thought of the want and the sin in the
world,
And the pain and the grief they bring,
And marvelled at God for spreading abroad
Such sorrow and suffering.
Evening came creeping over the earth,
And the sky grew dim and gray
And faded from sight; and l grumbed at ni2ht
For stealing my sky away.
Then out of the dark Just the spcck Of face
Peeped forth from its window bars;
And laughed to see it smile at me-.
!, | had not thought OF the stars
There are millions of loving thoughts and deeds
That never would start from the worlds cold hear
But tor sorrow and suffering.
Yes the blackening night is sombrc and cold,
And the day warm and fine.
And yet if the Gay never faded away
The stars would never shine!
think most all OF you know that it was
Mrs. Hastings intention to present the
society with this parish house, but hel
pleasure was surrendered to me, as wa:
invariably the case during her lifetime
and it is great pleasure to me to feel thai
have not only erected a monument to hel
memory, but have constructed 1t In accord
ance with her plans and wishes. l have
carefully watched every detail of the wori
and have endeavored to have it done in ;
thorough and substantial manner, using
the best material so that the expense 0
Keeping it in repair would be slight.
Being DESTROYS of securing to the societ,
the free use of this building so long as j
stands, and not wishing it TO be subjected
;, to any debts which they might incur in tn
? future, | have made deed of trust whicl
9 | shall deliver to the trustees of our society
:. have furnished the stage with one exte
rior and two interior scenes, and a goot
. durable curtain, all of which | take pleas
ure in presenting to you with this building
/ have also insured the building for fiv
thousand dollars for three years and pre-
: sent you with the policies, and with m
best wishes for your future prosperity
leave this building to your care and use.
We are under obligations to the Keen
!, Sentinel for the fine cut used in this article
i CAGES MILLS.
is Mrs. Elmira Spaulding is sick.