Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1896-05-09
FIRE At CHINCOTEAGUE.
\ Valuable Church Burned.-A
Vessel Wrecked.

The cry of Fire Fire which is
an unfamiliar sound to the ears of the
native islanders was heard in distress
ing walls at an early hour on Thurs
day morning of last week. The
Union Baptist Church is burning up
The Union Baptist Church is burning
up, was all that could be heard, and
rs we rushed from our beds to the
scene of the conflagraiion, we met a
sight which we will long remember !;
that sacred edifice was wreathed in
flames and the Mortified natives were
standing around with tears in their
eyes, powerless TO do anything to save
that which they loved so well. The
church, on which there was no insur-
ance, was valued at between three and
four thousand dollars and it is indeed
a sad loss TO the congregation as there
is not single wealthy member among
them. The fire is supposed by many
to he of an incendiary origin, but after
a careful investigation we have con-
cluded that it was not, but purely an
accident. The church will not be re-
built in the same place, but in the lot
adjoining the parsonage which will
make ii more convenient for all.
The schooner Palestine, of this
place, owned by VIM. J. Matthews
and Capt VIM. Harrison, was wrecked
in Great Egg Harbor Bay last Sunday
evening at 7.30 o'clock. The vessel
struck on Il bar, pounded for few
moments, and sank without moments
warning in twenty five feet Of water.
The crew had to take to the rigging
for their lives and were re ,cued by the
Lorgport life saving crew. The YES
sci is a total loss on which there was
no insurance. She was loaded with
oysters for Atlantic City, n. J.
Mr.. VIM. II. Selby, of Girdletree,
Md, has purchased the goodwill,
and stock of goods, consisting of gen.
eral merchandise of 5. b. Dennis, and
will open a store on much larger
scale. We welcome Mr.. Selby into
the arena of mercantile life on Chinco-
league, and us he is such an enterprs.
ing young man, we predict for him n
bright future.
Prot. ii. X. Wiley of the Selbyville
High School, and Rev. j. w. Will
liams, former pastor Of the NJ. T..
Church here, but now of Dover, Del,
spent last Sunday with us.
Rev. G. =. Jones. wife and little
sor, of Cherry Hill, Md, are visiting
Mrs. Jones parents, Mr.. and Mrs. j.
+. Matthews.
Mr.. p. Sidney Smith, of Snow Hill,
Nd, is spending few days with his
sister, Mrs o. NJ. Jones.
The Red Men have placed con-
tract for some beautiful scenery for
their hall, and will have it placed in
position sometime about the last of
TINS month.
The entertainment given last Friday
evening by the teachers and pupils Of
the High School, assisted bv some OF
the best local talent, for the purpose of
raising funds for the new school build
ing was quite n success
Miss Selena {. Pruitt, left here ON
Tuesday for Stockton, Md. where she
will spend several weeks with friends
and relatives.
Hon. VIM. Sidney Wilson of Snow
Hill, Nd, came down "Wednesday in
the interest Of the Boatmens' Bank.
and while here secured piece OF land
in front of the Atlantic Hotel on
which will be erected two story brick
bank building.
Miss Nelson, of Selbyville, Del, is
the welcome guest of Miss George
Tracy at The Willows"