Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1871-12-24
CHRISTMAS IN THE CHURCHES
and Preparation All Over
the City fer b Celebration Of the
Great and Ancient Festival.

Our pious reporter, who takes great ia
terest In church matters, went around
among the churches, last evening, to see
what sort of preparation the good chris
tian people were making for the proper
celebration of Christmas. This IL, per-
haps, one of the most ancient and iHlpor-
tsnt festivals In the christian church,
which celebrates the event that all chris
tians regard as the initial of the faith.
The Sabbath Is commemorative OF
the creation, and constantly re-
minds us Of the God who made
the Visible universe. As the whole scheme
OF mans redemption, after the original
departure from Innocence, springs from
the hypostatic union of the God
head with our humanity, 1t is only
proper that christians should cell
ebrste the birth of the Goldman
with all honor, reverence and joy. It is
no less important In its nature thsn that
original movement of infinite power
which called forth sl things out of moth
ing. The union OF that Infinite Power
with humanity In such a manner rs to
produce true God and true man Is an
event that raises man to inconceivsble
dignity and honor. The Christian minis
tiers, IS 3 general thing, concur in the SEN
timent which gives, by outward demon
s~trstionsr whatever expression Of love
@LA4 IN NeA 4LA1 AIN1AO - S.Ro14C
OF to the celebration of that event.
The first church our pious man visited
was that of DR.. Carmichsel-
GRACE CHURCH,
on fernando street. He was happy to
find that beautiful little edihce made
more beautiful by the hands of loving
piety. The whole church was richly
decorated with evsrgreens. In front OF
the sanctuary the gothic outlines of q
meiivsl church were done in evergreens,
surmounted by . cross which reached the
ceiling. The large window behind and
over the sanctuary wss festooned AL
round, as were b windows on either side
of 1t, over one of which q cross was placed
representing Faith, and over the other an
anchor representing Hope. Charity, the
Doctor said, was most dtly represented by
the poor-box at the door. Festoons OF
evergresns hung from q chsndelieI
to another. The walls were also tasteful
ly decorated with wresths and festoons,
and a number of blue shields bearing,
each one, a name of the Redeemer as used
by the prophets. Among them were
1.-THE Ancient of Days." "Mighty God
Everlasting Father, n"wonderful Coun-
selIor," prince Of Peace" and sour Sa-
viour." =
Tbs church was brilliantly lighted NJ,
and the good pastor was there like one
who enjoyed the sight. His sps skins
features seemed to say, Il have loved the
beauty of thy house, o Lord, and the
place where thy glory dwelleth." a
Christmas tree will be one Of b attrac
lions in that church on Thursday evening
There will be q procession Of little chill
dren through the sisles of the church
bearing q cross in front.
THE sBURY CHAPEL,
which is near Grace church, was iIlumin.
ated by countless lights, and joyous
sounds issued therefrom. Our pious re
porter found the church full OF people
The chapel was fully decorated, and a
the upper end a large Christmas tree ele
waited its lofty head toward the ceiling
Groups of happy children surrounded thu
beautiful object, while equally delighted
parents and relatives filled the pews
Messrs. Estes and Goldman were engaged
dispensing the multitudinous gifts tina
hung from the tree to the little ones. TIT
scene was suggestive Of happy DAYS pas
and of the Eternal Day" to ONE. Verify
those who dwell in the tents of Israel hsv,
the best of 1t in this world.
ST. PATRICKs.
This lovely church Is sdjscent the othel
two. 1t was quiet last night, but pioui
hands were silently busy within its WALL
kobEAIk ~ H%O AlOoN OAeOCAeEO 6CAA vi AON
Grafton. the columns were all festOoneC
from the floor up. But around the altar
the greatest skill and taste Of the decora
tors were expended. Several tall treel
had bsen bodily transplsnted from the
green wood into the church and were
picturesquely arranged around the sano
tuary. The wealth Of flowers upon the
altar would be impossible to describe
Pictures and vases of the richest glasses
chandeliers which will bear countless
lights, will make g blszs of glory foI
Christmas morning. Tho decorations
will not be complete till late this evening
81. Bridget's church, at the corner O.
Third and Overton streets, had SOM
model decoration after the style Of st
Pstrick's, but not go elaborate.
ST. PETERS.
This grand old church will bs character.
izsd by a lofty splendor tomorrow. The
skill Of the ladies who take care of its
msjsBtic altar viii be chiefly expended ip
side the sanctuary. The decoration will
altar a gas tst will blaz9 out the words,
"Gloris in Excuses Deo,"
while the whole altar will DO g blaze O
wax, light and flowers, The grand music
sedsts architecture Gnd stained glass win.
dows Of this church can hardly be en-.
HANGED by any ordinary decorations.
st. Lazarus church, on Madison street
and Calvary church a. the corner OF Sec
ond and Adams streets, will bs nicely
decorated, but The work WAS not finished
last night.
More or less decorations and prepare
tons were going On IN other churches, bu'
were not completed for the CnristmsI
feast,