The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-11-01
STAMFORD

| anniversary of the dedication of the | lresent building. The front of the or gan loft was draped with the national colors and the flags of Japan and Turkey. It was explained that Rev. Mir. Judson. a member of this church. | IS a missionary in Japan. and Rev. Dr. Barnum. another member. is in Tur- key. and that both countries now have liberal constitutions. The music. which was of an excellent order. was rend- cred by the united choirs of the church and Christ church. pr. Packard eX- hibited a large iron key which he said was the key to the first church built in Stratford- Mrs. R. w. Bunnell. read | from the pulpit a very interesting his- torical sketch of the five meeting houses which since 1889 have been IT families came from England to the west band of the Housatonic. and made settlement in the wilderness of the Cupheag. They were a people of law and order. of intelligence and re- ligion- Twelve years after their land ing they built the first meeting house out of logs It was a square building with hip roof and high backed seats. Tkere was aesoundinE board over the pulpit. and the bell is said to have been the first one in the state. In 1561 the town voted that a gallery be built for the young men and boys. The church was the center of the town life. Mrs. Bunnell gave a sketch .of the various pastors. one of whom gradua- ted from Harvard at the age of IT. In 1880 the town voted 100 pounds to build second church. This was 42 by 4S feet and was finished the next year. It was fortified to make it a secure place for the women and the children People were seated in 1t according to their dignity. All persons over co years of age were regarded as honorable. Side galleries were built in 1116 and there were separate seats for ancient bachelors and ancient single wou~n- De-. new members were added to the church. The third church was built in 1T43 on the site now occupied by the soldiers monument. This was the church of the Colonial wars and the Revolution. Many strenuous sermons were preached. and many of the men marched off to the wars. The news of the surrender of Cornwall!s reached stratford on a Sunday. and was sent up to the preacher. He said the church was not the place for a boist- rous demonstration. but the congrega- tion might go through the motions of the fourth church was begun on the 17th of June. 1775. Two days were re- quired to raise the frame of the build ing. and it stood on the site of the present church. only little more to the east. The house had a choir. with a tuning fork and a violin There were galleries on three sides. and at first all the psws were square. but later
 
 stoves for the worshippers. and one for the pastor. At first the pastors salary was raised by taxation. but later by subscription The present house was built in 1859.
 Mrs. Bunnelfs paper was followed by a very able enc on The Greater Sunday School" by Mrs. Dr. Cogswell. She said the Sunday school stands for temperance. missions. education and soul winning. The church of the fu- ture will be what the Sunday school of to-day makes it. She advocated better organization and teaching in the school. and gave a graphic picture of the coming Sunday school. She point ed out the great growth 1t has attain ed throughout the world. and especial ly in English speaking countries The paper was listened to with deep atten- ton and made a powerful impression Rev. Joel S. Ives followed with a short address of Hopeful Lines of Work For the Next Half Century" This evening there will be a banquet at the Town hall Rev Cyrus F. Sumson arrived yesterday from waterville. Maine. and will be one of the speakers
 On the 9th inst. the Anniversary Committee of this town. which partici- patcr a few years ago in celebrating the 25Oth anniversary of Stratford. will take a dinner at some place vet to be named. The committee in charge con- sists of Henry P. StagE. William Crawford. Charles E. Curtis. and
 Mir. and Mrs. James Albert Wales. nee Beach. have returned from their trip. They spent sometime in Canada
 Mrs Swan Brewster. with her chil- dren. has recently been in New York
 Somebody has tapped one of Charles Biakeslee's wine barrels. and sucked out half of it's contents The attempt to throw the blame on some member of the Stove Club is repudiated by that honorable boiy.
 The ladies who have charge of the next dramatic entertainment. when the play How the Story Crew. will be given are Mrs. Alfred Stacey. Mrs Gilbert Edwrads. Miss Mary Hoadley and Miss Martha Townroe- The per formance will be next Thursday at Red Mems Hall
 The electricity has been turned on at the new Catholic rectory.
 The anniversary being celebrated at the Congregational Church really the 50th and net the 10th as has been announced.
 Building business is said to be boom ing in town.
 It is now quite unlikely that a har- ness shop will be opened in the Rus sell Building.
 in evidence but one short night The next morning it headed south It IS migrating.
 Rev. Geogre c. sauer at Bethany Mission yesterday.
 There were 10 services at Christ church last evening.
 Rev. George Farrar's address at Red Mems Hall yesterday afternoon was along apprpriate lines.
 Mir William Oakley. afte- 20 years work, decides to take rest He may go to Cuba or California for the win ter.
 A young lady recently tainted in one of our markets Dr. Rowland restored consciousness.
 George Wilson. George spall. Frank Hanson. William St. John. and possi- bly others. went to Long Island on Saturday to witness the auto races. It was said Sheriff StagE would go with his daughter. Pauline, and other members of his family.
 Mrs. Harold Brown has been enter taining her sister. Miss H. K Thomp- son.
 Mrs. Bernard Judson hass returned from Albany.
 George Herdman has been up before the local court charged with selling some . tons of coal to John Bond, from the barge Red Ball of which he was the captain. He was on his way inc river admitted his rvrIiIf