The Hackettstown
Gazette
Friday, July 8, 1859
Destructive Storm
On Saturday night last a violent tornado passed over this
town causing an amount of mischief, in an incredibly short
space of time, which will be long remembered. The fine new
building which was in course of erection by James Hance, Jr.,
and the newly erected frame and tower of St. James' Episcopal
Church, were dashed to the ground. For several days previous
to this occurrence, the workmen engaged on Mr. Hance's building
had been getting along with surprising activity, but in a
moment - in the twinkling of an eye, the skill and industry
of the master builders and the labors of the workmen were
prostrated at one fell swoop! The entire structure was lifted
as by a whirlwind, the whole pile falling directly upon the
foundations, crusing timbers and beams like pipe stems. It
is estimated that there were about 35,000 feet of limber in
this building, a large portion of which is, of course, rendered
entirely useless. As near as can be ascertained, the loss
will not fall short of $500.
The framework of the Episcopal Church was of the most solid
description, and as it stood upon the commanding site which
had been so fittingly selected for this temple of the Most
High, it presented a grandeur of appearance exceedingly gratifying,
not only to the friends of the church, but to all who were
interested in the improvement and advancement of our beautiful
town. It was expected that the church would be ready for consecration
about the first of September; this unexpected catastrophe
must, of course, seriously retard its progress. The work however,
will soon be re-commenced and prosecuted with vigor until
completion. |
