, 1869-04-23
AN INTERESTING CEREMONY.

CONVERSION OF A CHRISTIAN MAIDEN
TO JUDAIsM-The conversion of Chris
tian to Judaism is nearly, if not quite, as
unusual an occurrence as the conversion of a
Jew to Christianity. The tenacity with
which each cIings to the popular teneuts of
he church with which he or she is connec-
ted, having from childhood been accustomed
to worship according to a prescribed form
laid down by their ancestors, renders the
task Of training the mind to run in a totally
different and contrary channel to which it
has been habituated, one of extreme Difficult
ty, almost invariably resulting in disappoinl-
ment and vexation. The strongest argu.
ments falling, as it were, upon unwilling
hearers, fail to produce any impression what
ever, and, if any one is induced to renounce
his faith, it is generally due to outside in
fuences
The converts to Judaism thus far, at least
in this city have been women, and the. fact
that there was man ready 10 receive them
aud call them wife as soon as they crossed
the line, has induced them to abjure Christi
snty, desert Christ and depart GroUa the
paths in which they had been instructed to
ing, evidently interpreting the ApOStIe Paul
that woman should leave her father and
mother and cling to her husband, as includ-
ing Christ also. The power of Cupid is
wonderful, and when a woman devotedly
loves a man she will sacrifice herself for his
sake, for it matters not with what particular
sect she becomes identified 50 long as her
belief is sincere and her faith unfaltering.
The second instance of Chicago Chris
tian adopting the Jewish faith, and being
admitted to membership in that church, is
that of Miss Mary Gilmore, formerly of De-
troit Michigan. Particular interest is at
tached to this case, from the fact that she
was Catholic, it being generally conceded
that the Romish Church has stronger hold
on its members than any other denomina-
ton Of Christians. As in the other instance,
prospective husband was the paramount
reason for desiring conversion.
The ceremonies were held in the Broth
ers of Peace Synagogue, located on the cor
ner of Third avenue and Harrison street,
yesterday morning Our reporter entered
hat in hand. being unfamiliar with the Gus
toms of the Israetes. As he approached
the altar several gentlemen requested him to
dor his chopeaH, as it was contrary to the
Jewish law for a man to uncover in a place
of worship. The head covering was restored
to its place, and be seated himself to await
Developments. There were no decorations,
and no more than ordinary interest was man
Tested upon the part of those present in the
roF pVpnt W Uhioh uaS IN faka DlaPn
About ten minutes after eleven the con-
vert came up the main aisle, accompanied by
Mrs. Julia Barnett and Mrs. Sarah Sneider,
taking a seat to the left of the altar. She
was attired in a neat fitting white tarleton
dress, with no ornament except white silk
scarf which eneircled her neck. She wore
Grecian Bend" hat, trimmed with blue,
with large white feather in front. Miss
Gilmore is decidedly good>looking, and un-
ouestionably will make Mr.. Berney Berlyn,
the gentleman whom she has selected as q
life partner, happy.
The advent of the Rabbi, the Rev. Dr.
Messing, was looked for with anxiety. He
entered the church dressed in his robes, in
a short time, and took position in front of
the altar. There were now about three hubs
dred persons present. Miss Gilmore was
conducted to the altar by the sexton, Mr.
Louis Baeharach, when the following colo
guy took place, the young lady answering
the questions in clear and distinct voice,
the audience maintaining the strictest 81
lence during the exercises:
Rabbi-Miss Gilmore, as you present your
self With the intention of joining the Jewish
faith, are you ready to answer me, in the
presence of these people, the following
questions?
Miss Gilmore am.
Rabbi-Then, please answer them: Do
you freely, and of your own accord join the
Jewish faith?
Miss Gilnore-Ido, in the presence OF
an these people in this house of the Lord,
and in the presence of the Almighty, de-
clare my purpose to join the Jewish nation
and recognize the unity Of God.
RabbieArey you acquainted with the ar
ticles Of faith of our nation!