The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-09-09
Conservation OF st. Peters Church, staten
Island.

Conservation OF st. Peters Church, staten
Island.
Sunday being the day fixed for the conservation of
the new Catholic Church of ST. Peters, Staten Island
large concourse Of the principal inhabitants of the
Island, IN addition to the congregation of the
church, were in attendance from an early hour, all
seeming anxious to witness ceremony, which
is at all times imposing, and particularly interesting
to every member OF the Catholic community. The
day was hne, and afforded an ample opportunity to
the admirers Of the "beautes OF nature" to feast
the eye on all the rich, varied, and picturesque
scenery, for which this beautiful retreat and It's Vi
entity are justly celebrated. The New Brighton
boat left the wharf at eight o'clock, fully ireghted
with groups of persons from New York, Brooklyn,
and even NewJersey. AS the boat SKINNED along the
current the company on board were loud in their
admiration of the beauteous landscape which sur
rounded them, varying at every move OF the boat,
and quatied the cool and nvigorating breeze fresh
from the Atlantic with rich gusto On arriving at
the wharf, New Brighton, procession was shortly
formed by the members of the Temperance Society
on the Island, who proceeded to the residence of
the Catholic Rector of the Church, the Rev. ILDE-
PHossus MEDRANo, to escort Bishop Hughes to the
new church. At 10 o'clock, the procession was
formed and neat Temperance bannerw was hosted,
when the procession moved towards the new edice,
several spectators looking on as they proceeded.
The Bishop, his chaplain, and some of the Catholic
clergymen of New York; proceeded in front in
carriage, and were followed by the Catholic Rector,
the Rev. Ildephonsus Medrano, in second carriage,
and all moved towards the new church; on arriving
at which, the Bishop Immediately entered followed
by an immense concourse, and after dressing IN his
full pontihcals commenced the ceremony of conse-
Grafton, accompanied by his private chaplain and Sc
veral of his clergy dressed in white surplces They
formed in procession, and first proceeded from the
altar to the outer door, and went round the church
outside, the ordinary form, repeating their cere.
mony in Latin On entering the church, the same
ceremony was performed when, after chanting a
hymn, and repeating the nany of Saints in front of
the altar, they entered the sacrsty, which concluded
the ceremony. The choir hereupon chaunted a
hymn, re Denm, and their performance was highly
sided at the organ, Messrs Myers, Johnson, and
Williams, Mrs. King, Mrs. Carpenter, and Miss
King, aided by some others, formed full choir
The singing and general performance was rich,
full and effective afiOrding treat to the numerous
gentry of the Island, who were present, which they
seldom have had an opportunity OF enjoying in that
vicinity. The church was crowded with highly
fashionable assemblage of ladies, many of whom
lively interest In the proceedings during the cere-
mony Of the mass and also of the consecraticn
The altar was chastefully decorated and bore seve
raj very costly articles belonging to the Church,
with superb rich, and costly golden chalice
The building is OF chaste construction of the sim
pie gothic order, Its dimensions some 50 feet by 40
but laid out with neatness that speaks largely for
the good taste of the architect 1t is perfect illus.
tration of the simpler munditiis of the poet The
pulpit, at the lett side Of the altar, is assembled by
flight of circular steps, surmouned by 1ich carpet
ing The organ is placed Immediately over the
front entrance, and though small, possesses admra-
bic tone, and power quite sufficient for the size OF
the edifice The whole has been built through the
unring energy and jealous exertions of the Catho-
lie rector on the island, who seems to enjoy good
deal the good wishes and opinions of his dissenting
brethren. The Rev. Mr.. Medrano Is Il Spaniard land
quite a man sni gene,is. HIS appearance would at
first impress the casual observer with the belief of
his being some eccentric person who has retained
the manners and habits of some tw centuries gone
by His long hair Is combed back on his shoulders
and partially gray-iloats wildly in the air as he
moves along A few moments conversation, how
ever, will dlspel the idea which first look will i'm
press upon the mind, and you will at find you
are in company with gifted and extraordinary man
The present Pope OF Rome was once the pupil Of
Mr.. Madrano, and SO were many celebrated men
who now figure largely on the European continent.
He has been but six or seven years on this Island
and met with considerable difficulty and opposition
when he first took up his residence there, threats
and violence being often used towards him; but,
his bland and amlable manners and disposition have
gained him numerous friends during the short pc
rod he has been resident, and enabled h,m to
consummate the leading wishes and object of his
mission in the erection Of the Church, the site of
which has been free gilt from some Of his dissent
ing friends, in testimony OF personal regard.
The erection of the Church the first Catholic one
ever built upon the Island, owes, also, good deal
to the private munifcence of wealthy resident,
Spanish gentleman, named Avnandos, one of those
rare sort OF men In the present day, who do
Good by stealth
And blush to find it fame"
There is a school attached to the church, and the
array of the pupils OF either SEX which appeared
shows the xstence of large community of their
own persuasion.
Mass was celebrated during which the choir per-
formed with admirable taste and execution. In the
course OF the ceremony
BIsHor HUGHES assembled the altar and read the
Gospel OF the day, from which he took his text, and
preached 10 the large assembage, many of whom
surrounded the church outside, unable to procure
admisslon-the windows Of the church being
thrown op n.
The text taken from Maifhec, xxi chap; rerses
50 to 40 And one Of them doctor Of the law asked
him. tempting him saying Master which is the great
commandment, Of the law Jesus said to him: Thou
Thy ,hole soul and Nth thy trhofe mind This is the
greatest and first commandment And the second is like
this: Thou shat lore thy neghbor hyseD On these
two commandments dependeta the whole law and the
Prophets
These words my Christian brethren, are taken from
that portion of the gospel read in tho Mass for this
day. and hardly suppose it would be possible,
throughout the book Of the New Testament to find Ian
guage appropriate for the occasion which
are assembled. The Evangelist represents Christ as
approached by one Of those who considered the
wise of the Jewish nation lawyer, doctor of
the law, who was held in admiration by the peop,e;
he approached the Savior and asked him, which is the
great commandment Of the lawl" and the Savior
swered him and said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy
God with thy whole heart with thy whole soul and thy
whole mind This Is the greatest and first command
ment. And the second is like to this: Thou shalt love
n
whole law and the prophets Beloved brethren, this
casen calls upon to offer my congratulations for the
happy accomplishment Of a work, in which many of
you and with so much zeal have been engaged For
years past, have many of the scattered members
Of my flock, moving about upon this island like sheep
ms zeal and carnesness in the holy Of religion,
collected them together and now, hopes which before,
could hardly dare to cherish have hey ond
my most sanguine expectations. We assembled
within these walls which have this day been consecrated
10 our God and for the well being Of neghbors.
cong ratulate those and esnccialv