New Britain herald., 1926-05-19
PainuiHe Ne.ps
METROPOLITAN IS
 VISITING GODSON
Head Of Greek Orthodox Church
 ChristenS Local Child
SEEK PERMANENT WALKS

Chnn1ber of Commerce Committee
 Want Permanent Ones Iaid-Ac-
 oept Resignation of Rev. George
 L Browne-Briefs.
 His Holiness Gennadios, metro politan of Thessalonica of the Greek Orthodox church and honor ary president of the Y. NJ. c. A. of Saloniki. is visiting his godson, John Stamatis of Whiting street, proprie- tor Of the Central lunch. His rank Is the highest in the Greek or Orth- odox branch of the Catholic church and corresponds to that of Pope in the Roman branch. He arrived in Hartford last week and came to Plainville Monday to see his godson. He is a guest at Stamatis house during his stay here and will leave tonight 10 continue his tour of the United States, the purpose of which is to thank the American people for the help which they gave the Near East during and after the great war.
 Stamatis and the metropolitan came from the same town. Meso- polos, village in Asia Minor about four miles from Constantinople, and the religious dignitary's brother was best man at the wedding of Stama- tis' father. The Greeks of the old world have a very complicated sys- tenn of relationship, the best man being godfather Of the first born child and his brothers having the same relation to other children. In this way it happened that His Holi- ness Gennadios became godfather of the local restaurateur, The relation ship of the godfather to the child is much closer than In this country. as he names the baby and is practically it's legal guardian.
 The metropolitan came here Mon day evening and took Stamatis for a ride in his automobile, after which there was a great christening party at Stamatis' home on Whiting street. His Holiness Gennadios was the priest in charge of the ceremony baptizing the local mans son. Many prominent Greek clergyinen and laymen from all over Connecticut were present.
 Want Better sidewalks
 More permanent sidewalks for Tlainville are being sought by the sidewalk committee of the Cham ber of Commerce, of which S. s. Gwillm is president. One of the attractive things about small town Is the good sidewalks that 1t may have, and Plainville has been lack ing in this respect for some time. Working with the selectmen, the sidewalk committee of the chamber expects 10 try to interest quite q number of property owners in or about the center of the town in building cement sidewalks where there are none now,
 The more permanent sidewalks appearing it will be, and if Is hoped by the selectmen and chamber that property owners who are approached on this subject will cooperate in the effort being made to improve con- ditions of some of the sidewalks located near the center of the town.
 Resignation Accepted
 Tine resignation of Rev. George I. Browne as rector of the Church of Our Saviour has been accepted by the parish and will become effective one July l. Mir. Browne was forced to take this action because of i'll health, and the parish regretfully allowed him to retire to build him. self Up again. Edward Van Dusen and James Eaton have been ap- pointed a committee to secure a suitable successor to the retiring pastor.
 Rebckahs Surprise officers
 Mrs. Anna Vance, newly elected warden of the assembly, and Mrs. Annie Brown, left support to the warden, were pleasantly surprised last evening when Mrs. Emma Rich ards, in behalf of the Martha Re- bekahs, presented them with gifts from the lodge. Mrs. Vance re- ceived q cut glass vase and bouquet of carnations. and Mrs. Brown was given an amethyst console set. Both 1 In a pleasing manner, thanking the donors. An enjoyable i evening was spent, guests being | present from all the towns sur ! Plainville.
 visiting Day
 Visiting day will be observed to- l morrow at the Broad street school, | and parents and friends of the pu- pills are cordially invited to take the to inspect the work being done there. Glasses will be in 1 regular operation. and work done by | the pupils will be on exhibition.
 Legion Notes
 Brock Barnes post. American Le- ,ion, will hold its regular meeting |