The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1861-11-02
A SUNDAY AT GRACE CHURCH.


To the very remotest corner OF our land
has penetrated the fame of this stately sane
tuary, whose mighty shadow falls across the
everlasting tumult Of Broadway, and over
whose aristocratic pavements no footsteps
pass but those Of the very creme de la creme
OF our New York society. 1t is no easy af-
fair to effect q successful entrance, so great
10 the throng of rustling silks, butterfly bon.
netts, costly furs and glittering ornaments
pouring into church from the host of carri-
ages without. This portly smiling gentle
man, with the bald forehead, riDged fingers,
glossy linen and lustrious broadcioth, who
10 always busy, yet never in IN undgni6ed
hurry, is Mr.. Broxn-the identical immor-
tai Brown, whose presence Is so indispenss-
bic ct every wedding or soiree, ball or fune-
raj. In fact, this sexton Of Grace Church
10 sole master Of ceremonisls ut every fash
ionable festivity, Within there is the rich,
gorgeous gloom that one unconsci ously
connects with the old cathedral cloisters Of
the middle ages--the long perspective of
dim arches, aislss and pillared waves, while
the magnifcence Of tho stained glass win
dows almost battles the power of description.
Streams OF deep blue and emerald light
blend, with sort Of rainbow effect, into the
shadows Of vivid crimson and trembling
gold that glimmer across carved doors and
decorated gallery, while one window seems
like peep into the clear depths of sum
mer night, SO exquisite il the CLEAN Of its
golden stars through . ground of soft rich
azure.
Another pictures the fne old apostles with
circles Of amber glory above their heads,
and the great central window above the al
tar is emblazoned with the Dove descending
in shower Of radiance on the meek bowed
head Of the Savior. All here is splendor
and luxury; the ceilings are exquisisely
carved and frescoed, rich carpets deaden
the football, glittering prayer books. in gold
and velvet, reposs on the satiny surface of
rare veinsd wood, the form sinks back into
the soft depths of yielding cushions, and
damask footstools offer delicious refuge
for the fashionable sinners when they kneel
to confess their manifold pccadiiioes. We
wonder what the martyrs Of old times, and
the heroes who died at the stake long ago,
would cay il they could be suddenly placed
in the midst of this temple of the Lord, and
introduced to this religion Of the nineteenth
century! Would they marvel at the wisdom
Of their descendents, who have exchanged
cut across the velvet carpets and mosaic
to entertain q doubt whether the short cut
actually led to the exact spot called
Heaven!
We cannot answer that question. Ask
yondcr fat old gentleman, fast asleep, with
his gold specsacles perched on toe tip OF
bis nose; there are bank dividends and fat
rent rolls written on every wrinkle of his
face. Or ask that lady, in her velvet dress
and crmine cape, who is egeing her neigh
boris Russian sabes with an envious eye;
ask yon lovely girl in her diamond bracelet,
so prettily conscious Of her meussaehed hero
opposite.
See what they will say. No doubt the
verdict will be satisfactory. The ine and
familiar chants Of the Episcopal Church are
rendered still sweeter BY the magnificent
volume Of voice, on which float up the sweet
sentences Of Scripture, and the old fashion
ed hyms, sung by thousand mothers at
thousand hearth-stones, fall with grateful
refrain on the ear. Who shall say there is
nothing holy and attractive in being con-
seryativs ss regards the observance Of the
customs Of "lang syne?' The good old
pastors Inns have scarcely concluded the
benedicsion when there is an instantaneous
move msut toward the door, As if the con-
gresa,ion experienced a sensation OF sudden
relief. No wonder--all their religious ser
vices done, and the coast clear for another
six days Of gaicsy and dissipation! The
nimbls creatures Of cockades and gold bands
descend to open carriage doors-the gentle
men exchange mods and smiles With one
another. fat gentlemen included, Who says,
"Its very fne sermon;' though, to our
certain kno viedge, be was asleep the whole
time: ana the ladies compress their crino-
lines. robes a oueiles, and rose co!ored bon
aess into their carriages, as one by one they
draw M 70 reccivs their aristocratic freight.
There y Q thunder Of wheels, glitter OF
silver. plated harness, and sofs Utter Of
bird like voices, as the ladies say, STOOD
bye,'' and thus ends our Sunday 1t Trace
Church,