Norwich bulletin., 1917-11-17

The pretty little towr, or Hillsbury with it's neat and modern public buildings, its newly laid out park, and even the two canning factories. with their attractive grounds, were pleasing to the eye, and worthy of the pride of .the whole community. But there was one blur that spoiled the harmony of the whole. This blemish was the old church, an eyesore to those who felt that the House of God should equal the other buildings. This edifce was very old, and because of the indifference of those in authority had not been pre- served. The ladies kept the lawn about the building trim and tasteful for here and there were ornamental receptacles filled with flowers.
 The citizens were aware that new church was needed. The earnest Christians in this community were persons of moderate means, but gave toward this object more tt4n they could we'll afford; and the young peo- pie increased the building fund with proceeds from entertainments Ser vices were suspended after the weather became cool for the roof and walk could not be repaired.
 A committee of seven ladies were appointed to canvass the town for subscriptions. Like all towns, there were characteristic and exclusive indi- viduals especially MT. Knowles and MT. Howe, who were never willing to give towards or aid any object that did not give some recompense in re- turn.
 Mrs. Lowell, lady of sterling qual- ities and magnetic influence, was se- lected to call upon these rich, eccen- tric and peculiar gentlemen.
 She selected a pleasant day and looked her prettiest and made her first call on MT. Knowles. After stating her errand he cleared his throat.
 What! A new church." cried he. 'Why won't the old one do? I guess what was good enough for our parents ought to be good enough for us!'
 But" replied the good lady, you do not want to endanger onee heaIth?"
 "Of course not; repair it."
 She quietly responded: You know that it is now beyond repairing. You contributed towards the town hall"
 Yes; but that brings money into the toyH's treasury"
 You also recognized the need of a new schoolhouse and library, too"
 T didn't either; I don't approve ot
 the library; but schools make better men and women of our boys and girls But said she, "our boys and girls also older persons, have souls to save!
 If they become Christians will they not make better citizens?" 'U-m! Christian! Show me a req one- Show me one who will help those who struggle to make ends meet. Mos ! people like myself help only thos, l who will pay interest or will M timt | return the favor or principal. Who, i continued he, "opens their houses tt those who cannot often return to theil | homes. and are oftentimes lonely ana homesick. Not many, because the | hostesses would not be benefited by such invitatjons.''
 rectly in the eye, remarking: T thinl ! that you are mistaken, for my mothe, always set an extra plate on the tablt Thanksgiving day. and at the close O. l the morning service invited some per son whom she knew could not go hond. | to take dinner with her, and I follow her example,
 Well, well! bet it is someone yo, know" said he.
 What would prove to you that tn, 1 church's influence is for good and ex | tends to strangers and non-members 9 He thought moment, then smilingl. said: This idea comes to me. Yol dress your plainest and go to Hamil | ton, 70 miles from here, several day. before Thanksgiving, so that you car attend church the Sunday before, anc I then again on Thanksgiving day. ant l if anyone invites you to go home witt them I will respect that Christian ac | by presenting you with ten thousane dollars"
 Mrs. Lowell answered: Are you no requiring a good deal from me. tt wish me to absent myself from my l family on that day? I am willing tt ask anyone you wish to dine with me- "Ah! You, yourself are not very willing to give for the cause. You art | to do as I say or I will not give 'yol l a, cent."
 She calmly said: Good morning, and as he responded the same ht chuckled to himself: That air propo sition will keep the money where i is.'
 Mrs. Lowell proceeded to call upo1 MT. Howe. That gentleman looked a