The Newtown bee. (Newtown, Conn.) 1877-current, 1902-06-20

fabrics and adorned with gold and
silver and precious stones, as the
church on earth is inferior to the per.
fected church in the New Jerusalem.
Great, indeed, is the glory of those, who,
GAS LIVELY STONES, ARE BUILT UP A
SPIRITUAL HOUSE,
an holy priesthood, to offer up spirit
ual sacrifices, acceptable to God, by
Jesus Christ"
Less than year ago, on a hot June
Sabbath, we reviewed the history of
the old parsonage, and considered some
thoughts suggested by the approaching
destruction of that venerable building.
To-day let us turn our thoughts to-
ward the latter house, whose glory we
trust shall be greater than that of the
former. And we may well be thankful
that in few months so great change
has taken place on the parsonage lot.
1t is like turning from the past, with
its work done and it's record complete,
toward the future full of hope and
assurance. At first came destruction,
with its wreck, ruin and disorder, on
the familiar corner lot. There is al
ways feeling Of sadness when an old
h ouSe falls, for the sweet association
of home cluster about it: and in par
sonage may be added many sacred
associations which are connected with
all that is noblest and best in human
life. The old house becomes a part of
a completed past, but of past that
exerts powerful influence over the
present and the future. Was there
not universal regret at the downfall
OF the beautiful ash tree, which, for
many years, had been the pride of that
part of the village? But so destruction
must precede reconstruction, as our
whole village is learning just now; and
often, after the fire, or the removal of
some ancient landmark will arise a
village, or house whose glory will be
far greater than that which was de-
stroyed.
Through the autumn and winter the
work of rebuilding went on until
modern, up-to-date building has sup
planted the familiar brick dwelling,
which for over 80 years stood upon the
corner of Elm street and Treadwell
avenue.
Right here it may be interesting to
recall the homes of former pastors; for
fhoSa homes wnra MT f,p1v
THE CENTER OF MUCH OF THE RE-
LIGIOUs LIFE
Of the village, but also much of it's in
tellectual and social life.
AS things 60 in America, we are get
ting to be quite venerable church,
our 2OOth anniversary,
and everything connected with the
church life is intimately associated
With the history of the village.
The first pastor of the church was
jhe Rev Daniel Boardman, who began
20 preach here in 1712 and became the
ettled pastor Of the church in 17l6,
in Office until his death, in
744. The first church building stood
1ear the present residence of Mrs
larry Knapp, and the residence of the
pastor was upon Town Hill, very near
he present dwelling of Mrs William
Black. The town and church were
one at that time, and the
own conveyed various tracts of land |
o the minister, as part of his salary,
Until at his death Mr. BOardman owned |
bout $50 acres of land and was one of |
he largest landowners in the town.
Ome of the land lay about Boardman's
Bridge, thus giving the name to this |
ridge and the present postotfice there.
In l748 Mr. Boardman was followed |
n the passionate by the Rev Nathaniel |
'aylOr, who continued in office for 81
ears, until 1900. Mr. Taylor resided
n the house which still stands on the
orth side of the church. The land
pom which this church stands once
to the Taylor estate; and a
lrge part Of the land, between the
hurch and the corner of Elm street,
as continued in the possession of the
'aylor family to this day.
In 1870 the Rev Stanley Griswold
as ordained pastor, as colleague of
[r Taylor and held office until 1902.
[r Griswold lived in house on land
ow occupied by the Humiston house
4 the opposite side of this street.
nv g | ,