46 A HALF CENTURY. 



raised, and the building was erected. It was a plain, substan- 

 tial structure of wood with basement rooms, four pillars in 

 front, a clock and bell, standing on the corner of Main and Arch 

 streets, near the site of the present church. It cpntained, in- 

 eluding the galleries on three sides, which were put in some 

 time after the church was constructed, about five hundred sit- 

 tings. It was built by Mr. Elnathan Peck, at a cost of about 

 $8,000. It was dedicated June 29, 1842. Rev. Joab Brace, 

 D.D., Newington, preached the sermon from Ps. 84. 



This building was occupied for twenty-five years. In the 

 spring of 1864 it was removed a few yards to the east, to make 

 room for the present house; the congregation, however, still 

 worshiped in it till the present one was nearly completed. The 

 last religious services were held in the old house on the eve of 

 November 3, 1867. Rev. Samuel Rockwell preached the dis- 

 course from Matt, xii: 6. Subject: ''The Unwritten History 

 of the Sanctuary." The old house was then dismantled, and 

 converted the following season into a public hall, and was after- 

 wards destroyed by fire. 



The present stone edifice was commenced in April, 1865. 

 The corner stone was laid with appropria.te ceremonies on the 

 23d of August following. Address by Rev. Samuel Rockwell. 

 Prayer and laying the stone by Rev. C. L. Goodell. 



The chapel was finished and dedicated March 29, 1867, and 

 used after that for all the evening meetings of the Church. The 

 main house of worship was completed the succeeding winter, 

 and dedicated January 16, 1868. Sermon by the pastoi'. Rev. 

 C. L. Goodell, from Rev. xxii: 9. Subject, " Christian Wor- 

 ship; its nature, claims, and uses, together with some of the 

 dangers to be avoided.'' Consecrating prayer by Rev. Jonathan 

 Brace, D.D., Hartford. 



The building committee were C. B. Erwin, F. H. North, 

 Henry Stanley, Oliver Stanley, Horace H. Brown, Philip F. 

 Corbin, and Lucius Woodruff. The architect was George F. 

 Meacham of Boston. 



The church cost $140,000, and will seat about eight hun- 

 dred people. 



