The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-05-26
ST. FRANCIS xAvIER's CHURCH.
Close OF the Missi0n-A Great Work and
Gratifying Results-A New Church To
Be Built.

Close OF the Missi0n-A Great Work and
Gratifying Results-A New Church To
Be Built.
The mission OF the Jesuit Fathers at their church
in Sixteenth street closed last night as auspcousy
as 1t began The earnest labors OF the good fathers
have brought forth good fruit, and many reclaimed
souls will have reason to remember long the
week OF the great festival OF the Ascension. At
solemn high mass yesterday, as well as ct the after
noon and evening services, the little church was
crowded. AT high mass Rev. Father Glackmeyer
delivered one Of those eloquent ana impressive SER
mems which the occasion OF a mission calls FORTH
and he besought his hearers not to forget
the lessons taught them during the mission. The
results OF the good work have been very gratifying
Hundreds have been drawn to the participation of
the sacraments who neglected their religious
duties for years; lukewarm Catholics have been re-
claimed and no insignificant number OF converts
have been received into the bosom OF the Catholic
Church. The inadequacy OF the church in point OF
Jesuit Fathers TO consider the question OF erecting
a new stately building more In keeping with
the dignity Of the order, the necessities OF
this end they have purchased a very
large portion of the adjoining property and pre-
pose building church extending rem Sixteenth
to Fifteenth street, 100 feet front and 200 feet IN
depth According TO the plans IT WIN be- excepting
the city. An appeal has been made by Rev. Father
Merrck the pastor. for assistance to carry out and
complete this noble design. The present church
viii remain 1t Is, after the completion OF the
new building will be used as a college chapel. At
high mass yesterday the choir, largely Increased
tor the occasion, sung MoZarts Twelfth Mass.
This work is frequently heard in this city, but
seldom receives justice from the hands Of ch0irs
or orgapists. 1t would be difficult to recall
dering OF 1t as spirited correct and effective
that OF yesterday. This was principally owing to
the ability OF the organst, william Berge who dis
cardlng the usual Accomplishments to be found in
Novelties editions, selected an old German arrange
ment oil the organ part, In which every orchestral
effect from the full score sretained. This arrange
ment Is extremely difficult. but 1t adds a lustre
to the glorious vocal parts almost as vivid
as viOlins, reeds and brasses could effect
The choir is so well trained that even
the formidable fugue at the end OF the
"Gloria" did not cause them to vary from the right
path Tor moment. Benedicton in the afternoon
with Berges .'lantum Erg0'' and Lambill0tte's "Te
Deum" in the evening" again testified to the
efficiency OF the choir. An Organist Is to choir
what pilot is to ship. He can guide them safely
through the intrcacies OF Beethoven, Haydn or
lessy houndering in the quicksands OF fugue or.
concerted piece. Work on the new church Will be
commenced at an early date, and perhaps next
year PentecOst will be duly celebrated In 1t.
At four O'Clock p. M. the reverend Father again
preached to over five thousand wOmen-every
available part Of the church being densely
thronged, including galleries. aisles and portcoes,
while crowds lined the street outside who could
not find entrance. At eight O'Clock the indefatl-
gable priest again preached to over three thou
sand Men, not single female being in the church.