The New York herald., 1868-08-17
CONSIDERATION OF BISHOPS IN BALTIMORE.
Grand and Imposing Ceremonies in the
Cathcdral-The New Bishops and Tho!l
EIoIds of Labor.

Grand and Imposing Ceremonies in the
Cathcdral-The New Bishops and Their
FIoIds of Labor.
BALTIMORE August 16, 1868.
To-day the Right Rev. Thomas A. Becker, d. D.,
and Right Rev. James Gibbons, D. D., were solemny
consecrated Bishops OF the Roman Catholic Church,
In presence OF vast congregation. Long before the
hour announced for the commencement Of the pro-
ceedngs the spacious cathedral was densely crowded
In every part 80 much 30, indeed, that standing
room could scarcely be obtained, while at the
doors and around the building an immense con-
grogation assembled. The ceremonies which
began at ten O'Clock. were performed with all
the impressive grandeur characteristic OF the
Church, and the occasion was rendered even more
than usually august from the fact that there were
two candidates TO whom the great power Of episco
pacy was to be communicated.
The Right Rev. Or. Becker formerly belonged 10
the Cathedral Of Richmond, and the Right Rev. DR..
Gibbons was late Secretary TO the Archbishop Of
this city, the Most Rev. NJ. J. Spauldng, who
ofnciated as consecratng prelate. At ten O'Clock
the grand procession proceeded from the west
door OF the Archbishop's residence, passing
around the south side OF the cathedral within
the enclosure, and entered the sacred edince
by the main door. It was splendid spectacle
and was rendered additionally imposing by all the
aloft myrads of lights Illuminated the grand altar
shining brightly on the many works Of art within
their rays the vast multitude knclt In silence aud
the procession moved slowly up the aisles. First
came the acoytes, then students from the seminary,
arrayed in appropriate costume. next the clergymen
the dignitaries Of the church with the two bishops
Gibbons were the Right Rev. Bishop Of wheeling
and Rev. DR.. McGi Bishop Of Richmond, and the
assistant bishops 70 the right OF the Rev. DIR. Becker
werp n
ton, and Domene, Bishop Of Pittsburg The once OF
FIRST deacon Of honor was performed by the Rev.
honor by the Rev. Francis McNierny, OF New YORK.
Rev. r. p. Dennis was the oficiatng deacon and Rev.
II. M. Chaplin officiating sub-deacon. Rev. y. Ferte
was first master Of ceremonies and was assisted IN
the various duties by the Rev. W. Leguerre and
Rev; L; N. Mnce. The p other bishops bishops p5esen, PRESENT
Of Newark, N. j.; O'Harra, Bishop OF Scranton, and
Bishop shanahan Of Harrisburg.
Arrived at the altar rails the processionists filed
OF on either side, and the consecrating prelste
and attendants proceeded with the imposing cere-
mony: The two senior assistants having presented
sion was then called for and read and the oath
taken on bended knees, after which the other sacred
rites were performed. Description conveys but q
faint idea OF the solemnity of the occasion or
the general routine invariably gone through.
The prostraton OF the bishops elect on the floor OF
the sanctuary was very impressive. Their subse
quent examination as to their duties and anoint-
s BLESSING o e ana
bems Of pastoral authority and ndeity respectively,
and the solemn benedictiors and prayers-al these
points were witnessed by the multitude with the
greatest devotion and did not fail to impress the bo
holder with the Importance Of the occasion
During the progress Of the ceremoniea which
lasted nearly i've hours the heat was intense and
although the cathedral was filed to ita utmost ca
pactty no casualty occurred. The musical arrange
ments we're admirable Moxart's tGrand March,
NO. H." was performed by full choir and with or.
gan and orchestral accompsniments, with fine effect.
| The ceremony OF placing the new bishops on the
| episcopal chair being performed the w Dcur was
| sung and the proceedings were brought 10 close
with solemn bonedictlon.
| The Right Rev. Dr Beckcrs diocese Will comprise
the State Of Delaware and that of the Right REV. DR..
| Gibbons the state OF North Carolina. me former
4 who was ordained in 1851, and now AGED thirtynye
y Ss.s,S !. pl.xkss, - ~ lalsuA ~ xs<. !.