The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-02-18
sExAaEsIMA SUNDAY.

The morning services IN calvary Epscopal
Church, Prytanis street, and the evening services
in Trinity Church, Jackson street, were of more
than usual interest on Sunday last. Bishop Will
ner, with several of the clergy, was present at
both, and the congregations were SO large as to
fill each church to overlooking.
After morning prayers had been read at Calvary,
and an excellent practical address delivered by
Rev. Mr.. johnson, Of Bayou Sara, Mr.. S. E. Bnford
Cate Major Buford) was ordained to the Disconate
| by Tie bishop. The impressive ceremony Of the
administration Of the rites Of confirmation fol-
lowed Some forty candidates presented them
selves for the solemn laying on Of hand, and as
the reverend bishop, placing his hands upon
each bowed head, prayed defend, Oh Lord, this
thy servant" etc., there was not one in that
crowded congregation who did not feel the beauty
of those words lever more and MORE" Those
words which once gave TO the pen Of Mrs. Sgour-
Dey a mere than poetic power.
In the evening, at Trinity, the services were
equally interesting, involving one Of those occa-
sions where, in response to the cries of suffer-
ing church, the hearts and hands of all present
were opened to give. After the evening prayers
had been read by Rev. Mr.. Smedes, of Pass
Christian, and the lessons by Rev. Mr.. Perciya, Of
the Church Of the Annunciation, the choir sang
that grand old anthem Old Hundred to the
words Of the lO2d Psalm, commencing, Before
Jehovah's awful throne"
Bishop Wilmer then rose, and after briefly com
menting upon the beauty and significance of the
words just sung in alteration, stated that from all
parts Of the diocese there came accounts of ap-
palling distress among the people Of the church,
and that the congregation might be more
thoroughly informed upon this unhappy condition
of affairs, he would call upon clergymen from the
rural parishes to give in brief their variations.
The Rev. Mr. Clute, Of st. Tammsny, first ad-
dressed the congregation, stating that no better
field for Episcopal missionary labor could be de-
sired than in the towns of Covington, Mande.
vile, Lewisburg and jacksonville. Here, said he.
are four towns, in each of which many people
desire the privileges of church worship. And
yet, alone am obliged to do it all, beside teach.
ing parish and another school, visiting the sick
and performing the rites of baptism, marriage
or burial. All that we need is missionary aid,
and money TO support Us while prosecuting the
good work.
Rev. Mr.. johnson, Of Bayou Sara, gave an &C.
count of some distress existing in his parish, but
was generously willing to abstain from calling
for help while others were in greater need.
Rev. Mr.. Blackwell, of Mt 0livet parish, Al
giers, told sad stories of desttution among por-
ton of bis pensioners. He knew, he said, of
one little girl who had walked five miles, bare
footed, in order to be baptized by him.
He knew OF one clergyman now here
who, when he should return to his family it would
be to hear some of his children crying for bread,
and he feared to 60 back to them without the
money to relieve their necessities, in the name Of
the church.
Rev. Mr.. Adams, of this city. told of SINH ar
restitution existing here within our midst. At
the close of his remarks, Rev. DR.. Beckwitb,
rector Of Trinity, appealed to his congregation,
especially to the young men of Trinity Benevolent
Association and the ladies' OF the Bishop Polk
Society. to come forward aud raise for their suf.
fering brethren the Trinity Church portion Of the
amount needed $1,000. Turning to the bishop.
DR.. Beckwith pledged that this should be DONE
A collection, amounting to about $500, was then
taken up. Meanwhile some of the laity con
ferred with the rector, and stated their belief
that half the amount needed could be raised
among those present. DIR. Beckw with stated this
to the congregation, together with the suggestion
that those who had not the amount with them
which they desired to contribute might do so By
written pledges, to be redeemed thereafter. A
gentleman at once rose in his seat and said, al
will be one of twenty to raise $1,000" "And l."
"And l." came from other parts of the church.
Numerous smaller amounts (twenty, ten and five
dollars) were deposited and when the collection
baskets were returned to the chancel, it was
found that DIR. Beck with had redeemed his pledge
The second collection had amounted to one thou.
sand and six dollars.
The choir then ssng1 " Gloria Tibi," the con
gregstion rising while the bishop placed the free
will offerings upon the altar. He then offered up
q prayer and the congregation retired none feel
ing otherwise than happy at having witnessed SO
noble an outburst Of Christian sympathy.
In addition TO the contributions mentioned, we
have since learned that one hundred dollars
more has been handed in by generous sympa-
thzer making thus far a total collection of
slGO6 so.
The Trinity Benevolent Association met at
2 o'clock yesterday, pursuant to call from its
president, and passed sresolution that each men,
Der be fully authorized to solicit contributions
for this lsudabs object. Similar energetic action
was taken yesterday by the ladies of the Bishop
Polk Society, with what results we have as yet
been unable 10 learn.
A collection will be taken up for a similar object
in Christ Church, Canal street, on Sunday next.