The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-09-12
ST. PHILIPS EPISCOPAL CoLoRED CHURCH.

An Ethiopian Sermon and Ethiopian Worship
pers-FashionnbIe COlors and COlored PeO-
ple-SermOn by Deacon John Peterson.
Morning service hello in this edifice yesterday
and owing to the temporary absence OF the pastor
the pulpit was supplied by the Rev. John Peterson,
one OF the deacons OF the church. Deacon Peterson
proved that when called upon to fill a church va
cancy he was fully equal to the occasion. He was
attired in the customary vestments worn by minis
tiers of the Episcopal Church. and the spotess gown
o. pure white linen in striking contrast to his
venerable sable countenance. The church Is stu
ated In Mulberry street, near Blocker, and Is q
rather pretentlous edldce The ceiling and walls
are painted IN
VARIOUS CoLORs
OF neat pattern, the pews are painted white and
are furnished with brown cushions. The altar is Of
wood, plainly but prettiy decorated. The reredos
contains seven panels and the Initials 81. II. S."
appear in the central panel III gilt letters on blue
ground. The divisional altar columns painted
red, surmounted by gilt capitals stranger enter
ing this edifce would at once perceive 10y the APP
pearance of the worshippers that it was
THE ARIsroCRATIC CoLORED CHURCH.
Though the church will hold 200 there were but
$50 people present. and all present, possessing the
virtue OF humility, sat in the body of the church.
The galleries were entirely deserted There
were many ladies present whose complex
ions were almost as fair as those Of
sented ali degrees of color, from a saffron hue
down to ebony The males too, exhibited all shades
Of penitade Of White hair. The ladies present
were evidently not pupils OF Nine. Demorest, and
cared not to emulate the example OF the Empress
Eug6ne IN matters of fashion they were plainly
but respectfully Atlred and showed their figures To
advantage. The Ethiopian sentiment on fashion
seems to be that there is nothing ike white muslin
for Dress almost all OF them were atired in this
emblem OF purity. White dresses and oversklrts
with red or blue sashes, were the prevailing
fashions while other ladies wore black silk or reps
with sash and overskirt OF The same material. Long
before the time for the opening OF service the people
began to gather together, ana were uShered into
their seats by venerable sexton attired In white
coat. One fact was particularly noticeable In the
service that all seemed TO join in The singing and
they sang as only
COLORED PEOPLE CAN SING.
There are scores OF CONGREGATIONS Ill this metrOpO-
q lesson as TO the proper way IN which cOngrega-
tional singing should be conducted. The prepara-
tory service being concluded, the reverend deacon
mounted the pulpit and announced as his text the
words, Though walk through the valley Of the
shadow OF DEATH Will fear no evll' Psalms, xiii.
~. In sonorOus tones. but with fauitless articua
ton, the preacher portrayed the weakness of man in
tins world It was Impossible ior Christian man to
knowledge OF God. Man was but an embodiment OF
weakness and sin, always seeking for strength and
freedom. 1t was here that the merces OF God were
visible when He stretched out HIS hand and helped
the weak and fainthearted, and gave them strength
to go on their way rejoicing. They should seek the
mercies OF that Master who had
FREED THEN FROM BONDAGE,
and He would then look upon and shine the light Of
his C0uuJenauce upon theui lue psdiIISC Knew TIC
power Of God and knew that God was disposed to
help all that came unto Him. and David knew also
that with this help he would prosper and succeed
in every good thing that he desired. Troubles ana
trials were the legacles OF every man, and doubt
they were sent for good purpose Many grievous
trial caused person to seek the Throne OF Grace,
and that person generally came away an altered
man. man who lives in pleasure, free from care
and distress, rarely exhibits Christian disposition;
but man bowed down with trial naturally looks to
one to help him out OF the difficulty, and so he
ies to the mercy seat Therefore take all your trials
and grievances to God and He will relieve you OF
them.