The New York herald., 1873-12-26
THE DAY IN THE CHURCHES.
CHRISTMAS AT OLD TRINITY,

Imposing Celebration OF the Great
Christmas Festival-Address by Rev.
DR.. Dfx-Flowers, Music and Eloquence
as Auxiliaries to Worship.
There was grand celebration OF the great and
triumphant Christian festival of Christmas at
Trinity church yesterday-an effort eminently fit
Tor the commemoration OF the advent OF the new
born King OF kings into the dominion Of the uni
verse-and the services were, usual, participated
In by vast throng Of worshippers. The day was
greeted first by the ringing OF chimes and carols
on the bells, and this feature OF the days ceebra-
tion also attracted a very large assemblage OF
listeners. who appeared as they loitered on the
pavements and looked intently up to the
oelfry In the graceful tower to take the
deepest pleasure in hearing those '.sweet bells
tangled" to such appropriate tunes and on such a
glad occasion. The Ginning was, OF course, under
the direction Of the veteran bellringer, Mr.. James
e. Ayine, and comprised the following pro-
gramme Of airs Ringing the changes on eight
bells; Carol, "Glory be to God Most Highln Carol
'Ring Out the Bells;" Carol, "Chrstmas Bells -
Carol Children Of the Temples" Carol, "Christ
was Born on Christmas Day."
The interior OF the splendid edifce was exqu-
sitely adorned with evergreens and flowers, and in
consequence OF the rather overcast, cloudy state
OF the atmosphere the gas lamps throughout the
church were lighted, thus heghtening the effect OF
what would have been In any event an imposing
and beautiful spectacle. All the interior arches OF
the doors were bordered or festooned by sprays Of
laurel, and at the apex OF each gothic arc was
fixed an emblem wrought in evergreens-
heart, star or cross The divid-
ing pillars between the stained glass
windows along the church walls were also decked
with green boughs, and in the central panel Of
each window was likewise placed an appropriate
Vfna xxfnn in lor fnIf ,tI1r
twlnlngs and festoonlngs graced the great organ
and the pulpit But the elimination OF the floral
adornment was achieved IN front or and on the
sides or the chance on either hand beauteous
pyramid OF choice trees, shrubs, trailing plants
and flowers In iull bloom lowered against the pill
lars OF the chance arch and lent TO the consecrated
enclosure somewhat OF the appearance OF gor-
geous sylvan grotto with a rich background OF
Buperbly stained glass. Beneath the window was
the array OF gold and silver ornaments aud vessels
pertaining 10 the chancel service and the
massive Astor candelabra OF rich golden fabric
The church was crowded to excess III every part
by a large and fashionable assemblage; there was
no standing room TO spare anywhere and fully
TO secure admission and so went home resolved TO
De earlier IN attendance next year. The services
D. D., assisted by Rev. Dr.. ogilby and Rev. Messrs.
hitchings, Houghton and Mines. The music was
under the supervision OF A. II. Messter. musical
director oi Trinity church. the director presiding
over the chancel organ and the splendid choir OF
male voices, While MIR. Henry Carter oflciated at
the large organ, which was supported by an or
chestra OF 40 instruments, brass, strnged and
reed. The ceremonies were commenced by a quar-
ter OF an hours voluntary at the great organ by
Mr. Carter, after which the service prescribed
by the ritual OF the Protestant Episcopal Church
was performed.
THE CHRISTMAS ADDRESS
was delivered by the Rev. DR.. DIX After brief
prOemial in alluson TO the nature OF the feast
which all were assembled TO commemorate, he
lit seems to-day as If the whole world were
one IL Is one so far as that great work Ii regarded,
the remembrance oil which Is nlling our hearts
with JOY and our mouths with gladness. Jesus
Christ is the Redeemer OF all mankind as certainly
as God Is their Creator and their Father. The first
creation and the second are OF equal breadth.
There Is not one human being who may not look
up 10 God as his Father, nor one who may not see
ms Saviour and his Redeemer In the Incarnate
Son To-day we celebrate the mystery OF the holy
incarnation, which was not the taking OF one man
into closest relations with the Deity, but the
Ing by God OF that nature which is common to us
AL .He was made man, Observe, II does not
say he was made q man. That would
not be. God could no more be changed into
man than a man could be changed INTO God. God
the Son remained what lie was and Is and ever
shall be-God OF God Light OF Light very God OF
very God. But He was made man. He assumed
human nature detached from any human person
ality. II was our common nature that was adopted
by Him. Your own humanity is made immortal
and glorious In Christ-not yours only but that OF
every race, OF every age, OF every generation, OF
every human being. There Is no square loot on
she globe Inhabited by rational and Intelligent
creatures OF God in which we could not keep the
1nSstnas least Vito lns as perfect 2ropriety as In