“It is impossible for me to express my deep regret at the necessity of giving up any part in these exercises, to which I have looked forward with so much pleasure and pride, and my profound appreciation of the high honor conferred on me by the people of New Milford in electing me President of this Association.
“I desire to extend to them all, through you, my sincere and heartfelt thanks; and to all guests and friends who honor us with their presence on this glad and memorable occasion, and whom I hoped to meet personally, I extend a warm welcome and a hearty greeting.
“Very truly yours,
“Henry S. Mygatt.”
Before and after the exercises of the evening, much informal sociability was indulged in, in the course of which many stories of old times were exchanged and many old friendships renewed. The occasion was a highly enjoyable one, especially to those who had come from a distance after an absence of many years. It was an “old home gathering” in the best and fullest acceptation of the term.
OUR FOREFATHERS
Written for Bi-Centennial Sunday by Charles N. Hall
Lord of the Pilgrims; they who came
Far over-seas to praise Thy name;
Braving the wave, the wilderness,
Firm in their faith that Thou wouldst bless;
Planting upon a new world’s shore
Thy name, their faith, forevermore—
Grant us, their children, thus to be
Persistent in our faith in Thee.
Dark seemed the way; grim forests frowned,
Hunger and cold crouched close around
That Pilgrim band; while wintry seas
Rolled wide, ’twixt English homes and these,
Who, faithful still, to doubt unknown,
Laid here the Nation’s cornerstone.
Grant us, their children, thus to be
Unfaltering in our faith in Thee.
Bitter their sufferings and tears;
Hardship and toil marked all the years;
But through it all Thy saving hand
Guided and held the chosen band;
Leading them safely home at last,
All hardship done, all trials passed.
Grant us, their children, thus to be
Guided, sustained, brought home, by Thee.