The New York herald., 1870-03-28
OLD ST. ANN's CHURCH.


The Now Pastor, Rev. Henry Wobbc-Sor-
mon ON "Conlrmati0n."
Old st Ann's Protestant Episcopal church. at tho
corner OF washington and Prospect streets, Brook
lyn, was at one time one Of the most prominent In
the city but since tbs rector, Rev. DR.. Schenck,
ceased to have charge OF 1t there has been number
OF changes among the pastors and the church mas
not appeared to be as prosperous as formerly.
Within several weeks past, however new pastor
has taken charge
REV. HENRY wEBBB,
an able and energetic young minister under whom
tho church is rapidly returning to the position
which It formerly held. Tho choir has been ia
proved and during the Lenten season has been re-
inforced by the well known soprano Madame Anna
Bishop, who kindly volunteered her services until
Easter.
now is as acknowledgements, Madame Anna Bishop
and Miss Julia Burge; cOntraltos Miss Foreman and
Miss Carrie Harding; bass0. Mr.. Remmetts (of the
Aron Society; tenors, Messrs. L0ebner and At2elr
The organisJ is Mr.. John r. Morgan and his assist
ant Mr. OTIS p Boise. In addition to the choir there
Is fine chorus OF $50 voices. The bass In the
m0tette choir Ia very strong lad BY Messrs Jochum,
Lee 4. ID. Snow and Others. and depends rather
upon numbers than on distinguished solost, except
when assisted In the evening service by Mr.. kem-
metts.
With O live, enthusiastic pastor and q first class
choir and chorus the attendance is rapidly increas.
ing, ana yesterday, considering the inciemency OF
the weather and the recent deserton OF the church.
there was quite large congregation present
authem-..Thus satin the Lord" composed BY John
p. Morgan, and rendered by the motette choir IN 2
most brilliant manner. The grand choir rendered
the beautiful Episcopal service most efrectivey, all
the music being conducted by the talented 0rganst
Rev. Mr. Webbe stated to the congregation that
the Bshp having given notice that the rite or con-
irmation would be administered in this church on
NS lEa.t ayt hA thn dfnrlu Hl
to receive the names ofrurther Candidates.
The pastor then preached brief extemporaneous
sermon on the subject OF
taking his text from the third chapter Of the Acts OF
the Apostles. sixth verse-"Ihen Peter SAID, silver
In the name OF Jesus Christ oi Nazareth rise up anu
walk" The reverend gentleman. IN opening said
that when be came to Brooklyn he had not recov-
cred from a severe illness with which he was
afflicted last summer, and day ike yesterday
utmost dflcuty that he addressed the congregation
He must therefore, be brief, and look forward 70
future opportunity when ne should nave u more
favorable to address them on subject that W aS
dear to his heart. There never could De
for pastor and people any moment more solemn
or more awakening than that would be when The
Bishop of the diocese received the candidates Tor
confirmation into the communion or the Cnurch
The meaning OF the word .comnrisa,,oa was SIM h
strength, and here denoted the public admission into
the told or the Protestant Episcopal Church. Ihe
reverend gentleman showed that the origin OF ana
authority Tor the rite was proven from the Bibie,
end passed therefrom TO the benefits TO be derived
from 1t. expressing the belief that right reception
or confirmation must bring down the blessings OF
God upon the recipient. IT must tend TO Increase
Christian knowledge and shape the life OF those
whose minds were expanded whose faculties were
opening and whose young hearts were capable OF
receiving any impression and OF beng moulded IN
any form. Mr.. WeObe offered few words to parents
OF the congregation on the importance OF the
RELIGIOUS TRAINING OF THEIR CHILDREN,
and 10 young men, who, he said. would never have
better opportunity TO confess their obligations to
tner God and acknowledge their senslDillty to His
favors than they would have at the approaching
combination in conclusion Mr. WeDbe spoke OF the
apathy Of some in the matter OF religion, and ln-
qured why, II they thought religion was folly,
they did not throw 1t uD alt0geher but, If on the
other hand they thought that there was something
truthful In It, why didn't they rise and live for that
religion. lie impored them to be either one thing
or the other,
At the conclusion OF the sermon Madame Anna
Bishop executed the solo, "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord
God Almighty" (Hande)-wlth exquisite effect
the distinguished lady actuated by her desire to see
Mr.. Webbes enthusiastic efforts crowned with per-
manent success.