The New York herald., 1870-02-07
ST. STEPHENS CHURCH.

Religion, Fashion md dmsic-Obserynnre
Of the Sabbnth-Serm0n by the Rev. DIR.
NfcSwecny.
Devotion earnestness, fashion. wealth and re.
spectablity were among the elements that cnarac-
terized the congregation which assembled at last
mass yesterday In ST. Stephens. The limits OF the
spacious edince were well taxed, as indeed they are
almost every Sunday, and few churches, If any,
present more impressive scene In the midst OF ser.
vice. AT the end OF the centre aisle stands the beau
tiful new altar, brilliantly lighted, the main noor
crowded to the doors while along the splendid gal
leries scarcely seat s left unoccupied. Fair wea-
ther or foul, the assembagc is rarely diminished,
though the sun, shining through the handsomely
stained windows, contributes to render the elect OF
the interior more picturesque and imposing. The
dancing OF the variegated rays blend harmonic ousy
and tends 10 exhibit IN bold relief the chaste yet
fashionable toilets Of the congregation Then burst
forth the powerful and majestic strains OF the organ
as the celebrant enters, attended by acolytes and
host OF assistants, and the multitude
kneels IN prayer. fhe array OF fashion at ST. Ste
phen's yesterday was very fine, not less remarkable
for It's elegance than for its taste and appropriate
Among the families of the members of the
church occupying the peSs In the vicinity OF the
altar were those OF Messrs. Ponvert Brian Lawrence
UBren, J. T. Deviin, I. McCahiIl Chrystal Bernard
Kelly, H. A. swain, Bedeity, Tralnor, McGowan Es-
tfea, Rtbon, Mrs. Mcdowell ana others. Nearly
two-thirds Of the pews on the main floor regu-
II,
those In the galleries, being set apart casual
visitors. AZ the celebration OF the mass yesterday
the ya key ~ Mr. a, Henry was the the Officiating Clergyman
preached heightened sermon on the proper o0-
servance of the Sabbath, taxing Tor his text the
third Observation-Disclosures thou keep holy
the Sabbath day." He alluded the hygiene social
and pontcal necessity OF observing the SaDDalh.
In the modern state OF society large number of the
people,, from their continuous employment. espe.
cially as modern machinery was increasing did not
give sufficient time TO their religious work. Mole-
ha nIl- unl x1.,t
rest by the workingmen TO enable them 10 cutivate
their ideas and develop their mental powers ana
allow them an opportunity OF aumlring the beau-
ties Of nature. The Over-pressure or WORK
made the poor nate The rich and was DOT unire-
guently the cause OF revolution, such as broke out
In France In religious sense IT. necessary for
society to see that the sabbath he observed because
when people forgot the law OF God they likewise tor
got to practise truth and honesty and their oath5
could not be trusted. Religion was the basis of
security In society. Servants in either public
private capacity could not be trusted unless sey ot
served the sabbath aud were made to recoilect the
law OF God and practise II. Employers should look
that those under Their control should observe the
Sabbath. for II they di1 not they could not oe de
pended upon. The reverend gentleman also called
attention to the subject OF festivals which called
mind the religious mysteries Of the Catholic laIth.
The Jews, although fewer IN number were not
ashamed 10 observe their festivals; how much more
then, ought Catholcs whose numbers 20
large, honor the days set apart particular occa-
si0s for devotion. The non-observance OF the a
bathiday had ere this been marked by temporal pun
sfnent, for the Offenders were subjected captivity
disgrace and disOnOr and the people OF this great
republic should tosk lest IL be broken conse
upon the failure TO observe the law laid down in the
tnfrd commandment. At the CONCLUSION OF the
reverend gentleman's discourse the services were
proceeded with.
The choir OF st. Stephens wei, known and Justly
appreciated by the vast throng that every Sunday
flls the church. The double quartet is especially
fine Tor the best and most difficult selections receive
at their hands q satisfactory rendition. That the
artists have been admirably trained Is apparent and
the high standard OF music performed speaks vol
umes Tor their capacity as wen as for the asslduity
OF the director. The music gwen yesterday was as
usual most acceptable ana, with very slight excep-
ton IN the Benedictns, q beautiful quartet. not the
slightest fault could be found. The mass played
was by Weber in g. a composition that lew cho,rs
ntly produce Schmitz's Pent creator, interpreted
by Madame de Lyssan, the soprano, displayed 10
advantage the richness and feeling which cnarac-
terlze her singing. She was equally successful In
the facdn0tus In line, the entire mass was wei
performed AT the 0rertory an appropriate and
me0dious selection was played by Mr.. George W.
Morgan. who presided at the organ, accompanied by
Mr.. TOulmin with the harp. The other sooists were
Nine. Anschuz. cpptralto; NJ. Boy tenor. and SiQn0F
Colletti, Dasso. As the services were beng finished
Mr.. Morgan PLAYED Bach's fugue with his asual
nov nd hIii