Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-10-17

A Scene in Richmond.

The Conservation Services at st. Paul ;
Episcopal Church, attracted an immense
crowd Of visiters from every portion OF the
Coniederacy and excited among the de-
nomination il this city, the livrlicSt interest.
As two Of the most prominent Bishops
were 10 be Consecrated at St. Paurs Church,
this large and handsome editce was the cen
ire Of attraction. Although il was announc-
ed from the pulpits and published in The
daily papers that the doors of the Churches
would not be opened before o'clock. as
early as < \. NJ. a large company had assem-
bei in the purtco Of St. Paul's, and before
., the portico front yard and all the ban
uue,tes. about the Church building, were
densely packed with people-about nine
tcnths Of the company being made up of
"Heaven's last best gift" clothed in all the
colors Of the rainbow, and with untirlng
tongues and smiling faces, keeping UP clat-
ter and presenting scene a lively rs IL was
beautiful and picturesque.
Great Impotence was manifested as the
moment for opening approached. and when
nj last the old Barracks Bel" near. by
struck nine, and the doors were thrown open,
the rush for abundance was almost terrlhc
All one had u do, WAS merely to place him
SELF in the current and an irresistible force
inpclled him forward The crush OF erino-
line WAS shocking, the cries OF some oil the
weaker ones 10 be relieved from the pres
sure, were in many cases distressing. and one
or two ladies swooned away from fright.
Inside the church, the scramble for seats
below and seats above. was almost lndescrib-
able. The galleries were filled TO overflow
Ing in twinkling, and on the first floor
every seat save those specially reserved for
delcratc. To the Convention, We're occupied
Immediately. The reserved seats were great
" coveted, ana it required all the efforts
which two or three strons-!nnded ana
strons -armcd gentleman, stationed IN each
aisle. could mu -ter. TO prevent this forbidden
portion of the building being taken Il Ct
a!mis. All the entreates and all the nm
portuntics. however, Of the fair ones. were
wholly Intellectual, and they were finally
compelled to retire, and repair TO one OF the
other churches, the other seats having been
all taken in the meantime.
The scene in the church was now Gcauti-
full in the extreme.
Around, below and above, the vast build
ing was densely crowded, and at least TWEEN
ty-nine thirtielhs of the audience were latiies.
As the Conservation Services were not an
nounced to commence until 10 O'Clock, II
were simply matter of impoSsibliity that 50
large number Of ladies could remain ell
tircly Sient--especially after the intense eX-
element produced by the rush to gain adj
mittance. Something must be done to Kill
time. 50 the talking soon became not only
general but was conducted in very au-
dible tone. At length the CHATTER grew
intolerahlc, for the Rev. Mr.. Minegervde
assembled the sacred desk and entreated the
audience to remember that they were III the
house of God; that they were about to wit
ness one of the most solemn aud interesting
ceremonies known to the Church: aud closed
by repeating with fine effect the words from
liabakkuk-.rh Lord is in His Holy Tenn
pie. let all the earth keep S.i'"ce.'
The Rev. gentleman very proper rebukc,
had the effect Of producing comparative ST.
cuce, but as the moments passed tardily on,
much impotence was manifested IN every
couutenaucc.-C Correspondent IF PetcrSduy