The Press., 1909-06-16

effort. Another misfortune gave the work a serious set back in 1877. This was the bursting of the reservoir dam at Staffordville, and the consequent destruction of the business center of this village. However, the mission resumed it's activity. and another ap- peal was sent out, with the generous response of $5. 1000. The lot on Main street was given up, and the present site purchased of Julius Converse.
 In August, 1877, the excavation for the basement was begun, and the corner stone was laid by Bishop Will Hams on Sept. '. 1877. On the ninth of December the congregation moved from Mission Hall to the new basement The first service was held in the completed church above on Easter day. April 13, 1878.
 The mission now being so strong and we'll grounded, under the date of May 6, 1878, the proper form for the organization was signed by: F. J. Hawley, J. F. Chamberlin, M. B. Fisk, R s. Hicks, G. F. Beard, John Dobson, F. W. Preston, Milton Will son, s. E. Fairfield, Walter Field house, J. T. Melbourne and Allen Dobson, and Grace church mission became the parish of Grace church.
 The women's society, beside liberal acial contributions, gave the sySS$ st and the organ then used; Mrs. R. s. Hicks a central chandelier, and Miss Ella Bakers class in the Sunday school the bishops chair and the rose window. The chancel win dows were given also. Later the electric lighting was installed. as the gift of Mrs. Mary M. Ives. The font was given as thank offering for the recovery from dangerous illness in the autumn of 1877 of the reotor's children, Thomas 0. and Marion E. 0. Hawley.
 MT. Dobson was unanimously elected senior warden, but declined, and James F. Ohamberlin was chosen, in which office, at various times, he served for many years As treasurer, also, he served from 1885 to 1894. His earnest care and strong support of the parish, financially and other wise, during prosperity or diversity deserve the grateful recollection of all who are of this parish, and his memory should be blessed by all who may come to know his name, through the beautiful window, which has been recently placed here, that we may be reminded that he is of the church expectant in paradise.
 The church was consecrated Decem- ber 3, 1878, by Bishop Williams, the rectors of the churches at Meriden, New London and the two at Norwich being present.
 The Rev. Mr. Hawley resigned Jan. z, 1880, leaving at Easter, March 28th. At this time about $40 had been raised toward the cost of the bell, which was placed later, and bears the inscription: "The gift of Grace parish. aided by Rev. Wm. B. Buckingham, it's first rector, and other friends. y
 The Rev. MT. Hawley has been succeeded by the following rectors |: Rev. B. Ellison Warner, Rev. David l.. Sanford, Rev. Walter H. Larom, Rev. Fred. D. Buckley, Rev. Walter H. B. Allen. Rev. John A. Bevington, Rev. Edward R. Brown, Rev. W. H. Morrison, Rev. Theodore D. Martin and the Rev. William Morrall.
 The name and memory of the Rev. Edward Rutledge Brown, rector of the parish from 1925, is emphasized before us by the chancel windows. placed at the same time as the one in MT. Ohamberlin's memory, Ascension day, 1909. Though his voice is silent, his life still speaks in the affectionate memory of his loving service in the recollections of those for whom he labored and in this splendid memorial gift, which tells, in sweet silence, the truth of our Lord s ascension. The silver chalice is also gift in his memory from Mrs. Brown, and the patten is gift from Miss Carolyn Brown.
 The Litany desk is a reminder of the life and work of the Rev. William Morrall, and of the esteem in which lie was held by his Masonic brethren of Ionic lodge and Orient chapter, by