Norwich bulletin., 1920-10-26
COLUMBIA

The bi-centennial exercises of Columbia Congregational church were inaugurated last Saturday evening, when delicious supper one of those for which Columbia is famous. was served to the members of the church, past and present, and their friends The town hall, where the sup per was served, was filled. In the cen- ter was a table at which were seated the pastor Rev. T. Newton Owen, and Mrs. Owen, also eight guests of honor who were members of the church on its 156th anniversary and are still living in town Joseph Hutchins,~ Eliza 'Hutehins, Maria Yeomans. William A. Collins, Chester Lyman, Mrs. Willard Clarke, Amelia Full Ter and Mrs. Emily Little. There were four guests who were members 50 years ago but are not now residing in town. Representing those out of town members, Hubert Little made a short address. Henry E. Lyman of Baltimore. who be- came a member in 1S42, sent an historical letter which was read by the pastor. 4 letter from Mrs. Peet of New York for her mother, Mrs. Amanda Sawyer, who 1 has been member 7S years, was read also. With her letter Mrs. Sawyer sent 2 contribution of s1e0 in the form of Liberty bond, which is to be added to the | endowment of the church. Most of the | eight persons who were members at the l 15eth celebration had been members for l several years previous and when called upon made short addresses The women's committee stated that about 150 persons | sat down to supper.
 1 The religious portion of the anniversary began Sunday morning, conducted by the pastor, the choir being largely augmented. 1 There was a large attendance of mem bers, former members and friends from out of town. The pastor preached an able sermon from the texts Bound in the bundle of life" and They without us are | oot perfect" stating that our forefathers' Hives were not perfect unless their innu- ence upon the lives of their descendants is such as to bind US in the bundle of life" with themselves and to> imbue us with their sturdy qualities for which they our Pilgrim fathers, were noted.
 After a lunch, which many brought
 with them, in accordance with the ol6 Puritan custom, the services were renew
 ed at p: m., and at this many of tn, old familiar hyInns were sung.
 The meeting was addressed by minis
 :srs of the surrounding toxns-Rey. H. c Beehe of South Coventry, Rev. H. B , i Gtoodsell, Andover, Rev. H. A. Campbell . | lebanon, Rev Marshall Dawson, Mans field, and Rev. H s. McCready of Willi
 mantic. As this 200th anniversary fall f tt the same time that the 30eth ami . versary of the landing of the Pilgrims i
 icing celebrated. the manly character an influence of the Puritans upon their de
 seendants was the dominant theme.
 Nrief historical sketch was given by tn
 pastor, who stated that deep religion
 impetus had beer given the parish b
 three of its pastors-Wheeiock, BrockWa
 md Avery-whose combined pastoratt
 attended over 115 years
 The pulpit and organ were beautiful
 decorated with flowers A tablet ws
 placed in front of the pulpit on whie
 vas written in letters of gold 172e-192 I-Centennial, God be with us as He W.
 with our fathers" from Kings 8: 5
 The church was also well filled at u
 afternoon service, which observance W
 70 down in the annals of the church
 most befitting this great anniversary.