The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1909-04-22
Italian Church on Brook Stree
Threatened
BY FIRE LATE LAST NIGHT
A Small House Located Five Feet Away
Was Partially Destroyed and the
Cause Of the Fire Is
Mystery.

Fire threatened the unfinished Italian
church on Brook street last night, when
wooden dwelling-house located not
more than Eve feet away was partially
destroyed at loss OF $500. The church
was not damaged, however, in spite Of
the close proximity Of the burning struc-
ture and the fact that stiff wind was
blowing at the time. The cause Of the
fire Is somewhat Of mystery.
The house is owned by the American
Baptist Mission society Of New York.
which is financing the erection Of the
church, 1t having been left there only
temporarily. It was not being occupied
for regular dwelling purposes. The pas
tor Of the church, the Rev. Ariel Bell
londi, had given permission to a person
to sleep in the house, but that person
had been away since Tuesday night, ID
is said.
The fact that the house had no regular
occupants led to the suspicion that the
fire was Of ineendiary origin, and that
was the belief first entertained by the
fremen and police. But neighbor says
that the house was occupied BY someone
last night as a light was seen theres
and it is possible that the flames were
accidentally kindled Evidences Of "in-
formal spreads"-oId bread and empty
beer bottles-were found in the house.
Saw a Man Leave House.
A story developed this afternoon which
the fire. George Mcintosh states that
he and friend were passing the house
at about 1915 last night and that they
saw light in the upper part Of the
house. Mcintosh thought it strange that
there should be a light in the building
and started to climb nearby pole to
investigate, when the light went out.
The men waited for minute and saw
man leave the house and 60 onto
North Main street. Mr.. Mcintosh says
that be id not recognize the man. but
thas kle Iaktc1 appeared il no hurry aud
walked away at an ordinary gait.
The smoke was seen at eleven o'clock
BY James Freeland. who was on Semi-
nary street at the time. He went to
the place and saw fire just breaking
through the front end OF the RIDGE
pole. Mr.. Freeland rang in an alarm
from box 70. near Whitcomh Brothers
machine shop. Patrolman Garlic, who
was IN the north end Of the city was
ono Of the first to arrive. He went into
the house to arouse any inmates II there
were any, but found one. Mr.. Freeland
says that he saw no one about the viein.
ity when he got there.
The No. 2 fire station Is on Blackwell
street just across Main street and it's
company responded, together with both
pieces of apparatus from the central
station. Streams were turned on FROM
the hydrant at the head Of Brock street
and also at the head of Maple avenue,
as the church seemed to be in imminen1
danger Of destruction. 1t was also feared
that the heat might damage the granite
front Of the church and the handsome
polished pillars The burning house was
so close to the boarded side Of the church
that planks connected the two
Streams were turned on from the front
and the rear and then the side, until
the flames were etfectually subdued, not,
however until the upper story Of the
house had been gutted and both sides Of
the roof burned through, while the first
floor section was deluged with water,
50 that much of the plastering came
oil. The fire did not get below the
second story, and the church was noe
even scorched.
The house was insured by the Ameri-
can Baptist Mission society in New
York company for $500. and the church
itself was insured for $4,000 in Pape's
agency in this city. The house was
to be sold and moved away from the
place. it being reported that Victor Stacy
was bargaining for it with that inten-
lion. In any event, it was to be removed
from its site, as 1t stood too near the
,hurch for safety The fire has reduced
L to such condition that the best way
will be to finish the work of the flames
" tearing it down.
The agency of John Dillon carried an
insurance Of $500 on furniture in the
name Of Bruno, and The insurance was
transferred to the Brook street house
! week ago. Neighbors say that they
aw some furniture taken into the house,
lut oil that could be found last night
we're a couple Of bedsteads, trunk and
few small articles. The furniture may
lave been moved out.
The fire attracted considerable OF q
rowd. but the s'all out" signal was
ounded soon after the alarm.