The Newtown bee., 1909-08-13

the many devoted women of tn, church l would mention Mrs smitl
 Weeks and Mrs Harmon Treat, wht in the church and Women's Board o Missions, as well as in their daIl,
 life, showed their earnest, effectiy,
 Christlon character, We have (
 splendid heritage in the lives ahd
 characters of the men and women
 who have been members of this
 church, and during recent years
 those who nave come into th.s place
 are giving the same interest and help
 as did the older generations, SO we
 feel q confidence in the future that
 Gods work will be carried on here.
 Dea w. G. Green, who was lntro- duced to bring the greetings of the mother church, made q very pleasing address. Mir Green quoted those
 words of Edward Everett Halea "il anyone is foolish enough to ask you to make a speech, take him up." We are here to re-enact the 16th Of Romans. We ale here to con- graduate you on the record Of the past. The Congregational church of New Milford Is very proud of one who has proved so faithful in all her history. This Is one of your days of triumph. As you survey the past the difficulties will fade away and you will think only of the Pisgah heights of blessing. This church has had it's full share of that number of good sheep. say all honor to this and other nill-town places which are keeping the house of God attractive and the taper burning on the altar. l am ashamed that thes mother church has done so little for this very worthy daughter, whereas on the other hand you have sent us several families. Isn't it the glory of these hill town churches that they are senulng so many to city churches to be a power and a blessing. ?"
 Lorenzo D. Sanford of Bridgeport gave an interesting paper of remin- iscences, which was listened to with | deep interest The devotional serv- ice at the afternoon was conducted by Rev G. D. Pond, rector of St Marks church. H. Wooster Treat presided during the afternoon serv- ices. Rev pr Albert E. Cunning of Boston, Mass, editor of the Ccngre- gationalist, was the first speaker Dr Cunning spoke from the text The things that are seen are tem-' poral, the thing that are unseen are eternal" In opening Dr Cunning asked three questions: m consider ing the past, what has passed away as temporal? What has survived from that time? What will remain of value to our successors? l came to Bridgewater in 1850. We then made our own shoes. we made our own hats. 1 have made dozens of hats. We raised our own cattle, pigs and sheep We built our own houses. People aid things themselves. The social life of the fathers is entirely gone, the political conditions have disappeared and the religious con ditions have changed. The faith of our fathers was unwavering in it's simplicity In the old days we reverenced our teachers, but the of- flee of minister is no certificate of authority to-day In the new social order we uepend upon the whole nation to provide our wants. The free church, the free public schools and the free L4ule are the principles which make free people. You have just as wort ] pridgewater as you have anywhere. The finest things in the world are human beings who nave attained I honor and excellence. Great charac- ters can never be transcended.
 Rev Joel s. Ives, secretary of the Connecticut Home, Missionary so- ciety, said in part: "In the name of our 333 churches l extend the heart fest felicitation. Connecticut is said to be hopelessly Congregational and there is large responsibility resting upon Congregationalists. It is for you to see that the old white meet ing house is to abide. It is well for us to provide for the future in the increase of the ecclesiastical fund"
 Rev J. B. Doolittle of Noroton, for six years pastor of the church, spoke in a reminiscent vein, and of his work in planting the trees which now beautify Bridgewater Street B Rev MT Palmer, a former pas tor, said he was glad to be one of the century plants to decorate the plat form. "This is the most endeared spot on earth to me-"
 Rev Eugene F. Atwood, a former next introduced, said: Talk about | your city choirs. Why, I haven't heard such good singing since left Bridgewater." In referring to his work in the ministry Rev MT Atwood said: Thank the Lord, I Dreac acned | for 20 years and enjoyed it every minute.' > Rev l.. F. Burgess of :Aidgebury, next introduced, said: Tt seems strange to come back here and see the old familiar faces gone, Dea George Bennitt, Dea George Mlnoi and Dea Horace Sanford. There is a minor note in life, which if we dwelt on all the time would make us sad, but when we combine it with the major keys it has a good effect. We are here as Christians. It is the centenary reunion of Christian church. All this weakness of the flesh which reflects the minor note brings us in contrast with the un- chanqelhleness in Jesus Christ. The very changeability of everything here is what throws us vigorously upon Cod J
 Rev w. w. Wallace said in part: |