News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1896-09-10

its artistic portico and its Symet-
rical belfry and spire III feet
from the sill of the basement, is
the most conspicuous and impos-
ing structure in the town. The
main body of the house is 75x50
feet. In addition there's a pOrti-
co in front extending ten feet
more, and on it an entablature
supported by four ionic huted
columns, resting on granite bases.
The building was completed in
1868. The audience room has a
seating capacity of over 500. 1t
is supplied with a fine pipe organ
which good judges have pro-
nounced one of the best in this
section of the country.
H. P. Cutting, then a resident
clergyman at Williston, was the
first to occupy the desk.
In 1868, Rev. Charles A. Allen,
the first resident Unitarian minis
ter, supplied the desk one-half of
the time. The Universalists oc-
cupied the church the other halt,
Rev. Mr.. Bailey Of Morrisville
being their pastor. During the
summer seasons of 1866 the
Unitarians employed distinguish
ed clergynen from Boston and
other cities. Among the number
was O. B. rockingham of New
York, who spent his vacation in
Stowe.
Rev. w. H. Walbridge, present
pastor of a Unitarian church in
Rochester, N. H, came to Stowe
in 1873. He was so well received
by both Universalists and Unita-
rians that he became resident
pastor and served the society
seven years. Under his ministra-
lions Unity Church was organic
ed with a membership of about
80 persons, and the meeting
house was, by common consent,
called Unity Church. The fol
lowing is the covenant of CHS
tan Faith. I'VE write our
names to this covenant in the
faith and fellowship of Christian
disciples, uniting ourselves to-
gether for the study and practice
of Christianity. We pledge our
earnest endeavOrs to live accord
ing to the example and precepts
of Jesus in purity of heart and
life, and in honesty and charity
with all men and in Christian
faithfulness with one another"
Signed by some eighty persons.
During the winter of 1880 Mr..
Walbridge received a call from
church in Petersboro, N. H.,
where he remained several years.
After Mr. Walbridge left, the
church was supplied for short
periods by Rev. H. D. Catlin,
Unitarian; Rev. c.. w. Barnes,
Revs. Mr.. Hayford and F. E.
Meoly, Universalists.
May 6, 1888, Rev. Perry Mar
shall, Unitarian, became res
ident pastor, remaining three
years. He was a strong and
able speaker. He started Sun
day evening conferences and in
vited laymen to give free express
sion to their religious opinions
and beliefs, of whatever denomi-
nation, also encouraged young
people to participate, andinvited
them to take their turn in lead
ing the meetings. They did so
and were a prominent feature in
the society, kindly lending a help
ing hand on all occasions. Dur
ing the year 1891 Rev. Watson
Weed supplied the desk.
May 9, 1892, the services of
DR.. l. P. Booth of Mortified
were engaged for one year. No
vember 10, 1898, he was again
engaged for one year. DR.. Booth
was very popular in Stowe and
left many warm and devoted
friends. Under his auspices the
Sunday evening conferences were
somewhat modified, and the
young people took the lead un-
der the name of "The Young
Peoples Christian Union, of Uni
ty Church." which has been very
successful. The members of Uni
ty Church take great pride and
feel a deep interest in the young
people of their society. The
amount contributed by the Bos-
ton Unitarian Assn toward
the support of preaching dnr-
ing the period referred to will
aggregate not less than $11OO,
and perhaps $500. During the
summer of 1895 Rev. Mr.. Miller
from Canton University supplied
the desk for three months.
REV. HENRY c. ABBOTT.
Rev. Henry c. Abbott, pastor
of Unity Church, was born in
Sumner, Me, in 1860, and was a
farm-bred boy. He fitted for col