The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1872-01-14

The New York Times of the 18th ult,
gives the following notice of the ceremonies
on the occasion of the conservation of an
| altar in an Episcopal church in that city:
The memorial high altar, which, for some
the Protestant Episcopal church of St.
Mary the Virgin. was solemnly consecrated
| on Monday. by Right Rev. Bishop Potter,
assisted by Rev. Thomas M'Kee Brown,
rector of the church, and Rev. Messrs.
Swope, of Trinity chapel; Olmstead, Of
church,; Bradley Bradley, S Of ST. Sacrament am Mis-
sion; Harrison, Van Kleek and others.
The church was crowded with refined and
Intelligent congregation, who were present
by special invitation, the ceremonies being
Of private character. The services OF the
occasion by Bishop Potter. They were of
very impressive character.
Looking at the altar, dressed with flow
ers, and bearing hundreds of wax lights,
the surpliced ciergyS and the uniformed
sisterhood OF St. Mary the Virgin slowly
was forcibly reminded by all the surround
ings of the Roman Catholic Church. In
deed the services in this church are said to
make nearer approach to those Of the
Romish than even those of st. Alban's or
DR.. Ewer's.
Inc affair, Wnlch ID DOT YET compIeeeo, 10
one of the French Gothic style of the
eleventh century, and is being built at the
expense of Mr.. John D. Murrey, o promi-
nent member of the congregation, rs me-
mortal of his deceased wife. When finish
ed, it will be the most beautiful work of
the kind in this country, excepting, per-
haps, the high altar ofSt. Stephens Roman
Catholic Church, on Twenty -eighth street,
and will even exceed that altar in height.
1t is approached from the body of the
church by nine steps, the highest of which,
nearly ak feet from the floor Of the nave,
forms platform from which the main
structure rises. In length the altar is sew
enteen feet, including the wings, and the
height to the top of the tabernacle is about
twenty. six feet.
A marble revedos, or screen, extends the
whole length at the back of the table, and
rises to the height of twenty feet above it,
having at each end canopied inches. for
the reception of statuary, supported by
slender columns with richly carved caps.
From the center of this screen projects the
tabernack, beautifully sculptured piece,
on the top of which, under an elaborate
nearly five feet in height, imported from
Italy for the purpose. A number Of brass
candlesticks, designed expressly for the al
tar, will be placed upon it when completed.
Two hundred wax lights are to be used.
Two candlesticks of elaborate design, and
fourteen rect IN ueISut, Will SCauu vi tuo
ground floor at each corner of the altar, to
hold the Sanctus lights, to be lit when the
Sanctus is sung in the mass. The material
used in building the altar and steps is Ital-
ian marble. The following inscription is
car we'd on the faces of the retables-tbe two
last sentences being in Latin, the transla-
ton of which ia given:
Erected to the glory of Almighty God,
and in loving memory of Sarah Elizabeth
Murray-wife-who entered into her rest
on Sunday, December 14th, 1870.
"In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
External rest give unto her, o Lord, and
may perpetual light shine upon her and
give her peace"
The work which is performed in a very
substantial manner, is from the designs,
and is being built under the supervision of
Mr.. Edward u. Stent, architect, of this city.
1t is expected that the altar will be entire
ly finished by Christmas. The Church of
St. Mary the Virgin was brought to it's
present state of completion about. year
and half ago, the ground for the edifice
being the gift of William B. Aston, under
condition that the church shall have tower
and adjoining school houses. A handsome
pulpit of different colored marbles is to be
raised in the church, and the chance! floor
will be laid with the came material.
Mrs. LAMBERT's DEMoRALIzEp Cow
Since the celebrated cow that kicked over