Page:History of Barrington, Rhode Island (Bicknell).djvu/302

 240 THE HISTORY OF BAREINGTON. Rev. John W. Colwell began his labors June 19, 1887, and was installed by council July 20, 1887. Though no special meetings were held, 41 united on confession of faith during the first two years of his minis- try. A Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor was formed July 5, 1887. The meeting-house was enlarged in 1888, and a new pipe organ purchased. The house was dedicated March 17, 1889. The Church Manual was revised, new Standing Rules being adopted, and this Historical Sketch enlarged, cor- rected, and brought down to date. Mr. Colwell's able and successful ministry was terminated by his early and sudden death in February, 1896. Rev. Norman Plass followed in the pastorate and was installed in November, 1896. His brief ministry in Barring- ton has been marked by faithful pastoral work and vigorous preaching. Hon. Lewis B. Smith, who united with the church May 6, 1832, and was chosen deacon Nov. 3, 1859, and treasurer of the "United Congregational Society March 7, 1853, died suddenly in the lower vestibule of the church, Sunday morn- ing, May 29, 1892. This was on " Memorial Sunday." Special service, in accordance with the custom of the church, was held on this Sunday, preceding " Memorial Day." Mr. Smith had been sick with heart difficulty a week or two previous. He felt so much better that he came out to this service and though very feeble, he entered into the spirit of the occasion and seemed to enjoy the service. At its close, brethren, neigh- bors, and friends gathered around him, glad to see him back in the place, which was seldom vacant on Sunday. He went below with the Sunday School, but was not well enough to teach. He sat with his class during the opening exercises. Singularly, the superintendent gave out Keble's Evening Hymn, " Sun of my Soul " to be sung just before the les-