The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-12-25
the CHRISTMAS FEAST.
How the Day IL to be Observcd-Tho Re-
Agious Services Mt tho Churches, &c.
Christmas comes but once year,


unfortunate domestic troubles into which We have been
thrown by the Southern rebellion, our citizens seem not
only to be the full enjoyment Of peace and prosperity
but daily performing those practical works Of bencvo
lence toward the poor whioh bstokso well filled
purses. Tho divine virtue II bAnsvolsnce is ono
which should be practised a Ill seasons, but
particularly during tho CAsisinae holidays, so
a. TO afford those poor creatures whose lot is
that Of poverty and want opportunity Of properly OBJ
serving the day which gave birth 10 the of tho
world. Christmas is occasion which all should be
cheerful and 1t very encouraging the ladies Of
every denomination working together with such
unanimity for the object OF relieving the press
ing wants Of the poor at this ncement season.
II was feared that would have a green Christmas;
but, true to old habits, has been ushared in upon
with all the outside of fog and ran snow leo and
piercing winds, to impress upon the truth that,
while in the possession Of comforts and luxury,
thcre others who stand of assistance and
sympathy.
Last night were crowded with pedestrians
loaded down with poultry Christmas dinners toys
for the youngsters The markets, thorough
fares presented the veliest imaginable. There
the father with q large fat turkey arm,
and q Christmas tree almost groaning under the
weight OF toys, bon mots, &c, hurriedly pushing
his way through the crowd, with a countennnce
radiant with JOY to lay before his little all that
his means could procure for their cnjoymcnt--the
mother at home using all tho arts at her command TO ap
pease the anxiety of her children for the fathers
the lovers making and receiving those generous givngs
which exercise such pleasant recoiectons afterwards
The churches, too presented all the socmnity which
brings the Christian mind the sentiment Of the day
Glory be to God on high and earth peace, good will
towards Indeed have every to feel thank
ful for the abundance with which are blessed. But
while we are joyous must forget that there
many homes saddened by the absence OF two OF
it's MEMBERS nghtng for the perpctuaton Of blessings
enjoy and pray to the God Of Battles TO spare them
to their families and enable them to spend many happy
Christmascs with those they love.
Apropos of this the officers Of the army volunteers
in the city to hold meeting at eleven O'Clock
to-day at Az Broome street, for tho purpose Of raising
funds relieve the Union prisoners suffering in the
rebsllous States.
The different places Of amusement unusual at
fractions for the theatre going folks for this afternoon
and evening glance at the advertisements in another
column gives all tho information necessary
Tho customary religious exercises in the various
churches prepared for Christmas will take place, and
very interesting novelties in this line announced
for to-day.
At Trinity church full choral service will off,
beginning eleven O'Clock in the forenoon. The prn
cipal music under tho able direction Of Mr. Cutler, will
be the Episcopal service, Exemption" in fat, and
lcctons from Hsnders sMcssah" Rev. DR.. vinton will
preach the sermon.
AtSt Paricks Roman Catholic cathedral there will be
grand high mass and the renowned orator Dr. Cshill
is announced to deliver the Christmas sermon.
Mr.. Charles Wells, who has withdrawn from st. Ste
phen's Roman Catholic church. and assumed the musical
a. fv~;ox hoop ,opoH
the following excellent programme Of exercises for to-
days services at the last mentioned church,
Organ voluntary, Rossni ............. Mr. Chas Wells
vcnitc, Chas. Wels Choir.
To peum, thas wslssocs BY Mrs. Mozart Soprano
Mrs. Scott, alto; Mr. Mozart, basso.
Jubilsc H. MlIard Solos by Mrs Mozart, soprano Mr..
Miller, tenor.
Pastoral Symphony from messiah ? Handel Mr. Wells
Recitave and Chorus from Messiah, = Handel Mozart
and Choir.
The 45th Hymn, W. A. Mozart t..............C Choir.
Closing Voluntary, Organ Concerto Rink Mr. Chas. Wells
new grand mass (the second) composed by Mr. Louis
Dachaucr, organst OF the Church OF ST. Vincent de Paul
Twenty third street, will he sung the first time at the
church, by the Society Of st. Cecilia, at hall past ten
O'Clock A. n.
At st. Paul's chapel the Rev. Mr.. Dix, assisted by
others will olcate the services to commence at halfpast
ten O'Clock A. NJ The decorations OF the interior Of
the most chaste and beautiful character stoons OF
greens archng the whole ceiling while wreaths OF lau
rel, fir and holly placed in picturesque posi-
tions at intervals In this old chapel George Washington
wont to worship, and the pew which he occupied is
very handsomely trimmed with laurel
st. Stephens, st. Francis Xaviers, st. Peters, st.
Marys St. Andrews st. Boniiaces and all the other Ro.
musical exercises. New will be sung each Of
the above mentioned churches.
At St. Johns chapel the Rev DR.. Weston and Rev. Mr.
Young will onicate, at half past ten O'Clock A. n. Scec
tions from the 'Messiah" will be cast. On St. Johns
Day. Friday next the Christmas festival Of the schools OF
this chapel will be held in tho edace at half past
o'clock The Bishop Of the docess and the clergy Of the
parish are expected to be present. There will be
monster Christmas this occasion the foot of the
chancel steps, which will be laden with gifts for fifteen
hundred and thirty children belonging TO the various
schools Of this chapel.
At the Church Of the Holy Communion Twentieth
street and Sixth avenue, there will be very splendid
musical display. aud the religious services will be con
Quoted by the Rev Messrs. Lawrence and Muhlenberg
The altar will be beautifully illuminated at halfpast six
O'Clock in the morning.
The Rev. Mr.. Gallaudet will hold divine service at
st. AIMS church for the deaf mutcs Eighteenth street
and Fifth avenue, at ten A. NJ The church has been
evergrecns, on crimson ground, which overtops the
altar, and which will be illuminated with jets of light
The ceiling fesooned with laurel which is suspended
from the corbes, and the altar is ornamented with
bouquets OF white flowers.
St. Paul's German Lutheran church is tastefully
adorned with pine and laurel The leading features of
the ornanentaon four large Christmas trees formed
of jet pipes. and covered with eversrecns, which are
placed tho nave the chancc The trees are laden
with all the gifts supposed to be under the command of
Christ kindchen and will be divided among FIVE hundred
children OF the schools Of the church. new hymn,
Honor to the Lord God )" will be sung
at the service at half past ten o'clock The pastor Rev.
Mr. Geissenheimer, will ofnciate. In the evening the
Christmas trees will be illuminated with gas and the
gifts on the trees distributed TO the children.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES AT TRINITY CHURCH.
The annual celebration Of Christmas Eve took place
yesterday afternoon three o'clock This is one OF tho
Christian festivals on which Old Trinity prdss herself
It and for many years past has been, observed thus
sacred edcs with all the devotion respect which the
occasion deserves.
The church was decorated in a most beautiful and
artistic All the pillars were wrsathed with
evergrssns and the pulpit was almost entirely shrouded
with green leaves and stems. Tho appearance
Of the church on entering was extremely fine