young people to prepare sandwiches or put up lunches for the oft held picnics, in Ingersoll Grove, (where arbutus grew) or other nearby places. Here, too, socials were held or planned. One such event is thus mysteriously heralded by an exuberant reporter of the Union, Oct. 12th, 186+: "The Episcopal Church will be open to the public at six o'clock this evening, and those who happen 'round about that time will be likely to see what they do see, and the event may remind some of the hymn which begins as follows:

                     'This is the way I long have sought,
                     And mourned because I found it not.'"

On the way down town, it was a delightful custom to stop often, at the rectory for a social chat. A good old-fashioned picket fence encircled the yard, and its hospitable gate moved easily on much used hinges.
         The story is told that one day some one stopped at the Rectory and inquired the way to the Baptist Church. "My friend," replied Dr. Burgess, "You are on the wrong side of the street. Jordan rolls on the other side."
         Christ Church's second rectory was the house known for years as the "George Bliss Mansion." It was built by Simon Sanborn, who was the architect for most of the colonial mansions on Maple, State and Chestnut Streets, in those days. When it was moved to the rear of Christ Church, it contained, among other furnishings a set of fine china dishes marked "B," which had been given to the Burgess family by the Parish. It is remembered that the moving was accomplished without breaking a dish. This old rectory represented the best and stateliest type of colonial architecture. Its windows overlooked historic ground. Between those great wooden columns that reached to the roof and supported a long upper and lower porch, passed men, who like its owner held high positions of trust in town and state. Governor Edward Everett, who came to Springfield in 1836 was entertained there. The picture on the memorial window to Mr. and Mrs. George Bliss in the Church of the Unity, is a reproduction of an original painting by Annibale

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