The New York herald., 1873-09-15
L'EaLIsE EP1sCoPALE DU SAINT ESPRIT

Abusing Pho Nono-Massacres for Re.
ligion's Sake to Take Place in the
United States and France-Thc Sixty
Nuns from France-Fire and Birthstone
All Round-A Congreg alton Of Twenty
People.
The reopening or the French Episcopal church Of
the 'Saint Esprit" in Twenty-third street, be.
tween Filth and Sixth avenues, after having been
closed for couple OF months, had the effect yes
terday morning OF drawing together a congrega-
tion Of some twenty persons, including four repre-
sentatlves oil the fair sex. The handsome church
at FIRST sight appeared to the visitor who came In
from the garish sunlight to the dim light Of the
house OF worship OF the descendants of the Hugue-
nots TO be positively empty. Becoming accus-
toned TO the deep shadows of the place. the de-
voted band OF twenty, including the "bedeau,u
were discovered In the chance and aises to be of
sombre mien and musing with sadness, for all
the reporter knew to the contrary, upon the dsso-
luton OF the congregation and the consequent
wreck Of the church. Little did
TIE HANDFUL OF woRsHIPPERs
who had assembled to welcome back their pastor
after his summer vacation dream Of the terrible
prophecies which their venerable teacher was
about to enunciate for their edincation. The SER
vice was conducted in somnolent manner and
more than one head OF the congregation was seen
wagging towards the land OF Nod The time for
the sermon at last arrived, ana slowly and pom
derously the Rev. DIR. Antoine F. verren who has
been pastor Of the church for many long year,
ascended the pulpit, and upon arriving there
buried his face for reflection In large and snow
white pocket handkerchief. This being concluded
and several verses OF psalm sung BY q very small
choir, which possesses "basso profundo" voice OF
ponderous calibre which always seemed to
be a few bars ahead OF time, the congregation
awaited the discourse. Silence reigned and the
pastor stood erect In his pulpit, surveying with
uismay his almost imperceptble congregation. In
Iaciai appearance he has somewhat OF the Father
hyacinthe type, but with more stolidity than tho
excommunicAted French priest.
SERMON WHICH Is NOT A SERMON
NY uear orethren commenced the reverend
gentleman, we have met together this day to re.
open our church, which has been closed for the
space OF two months. We have all reason TO he
thankful to our heavenly Maker that He SIN pro.
tects and ch ershes us, that since we last mot
here TO worship together none OF our number
have been removed by death from onr
midst. would here make the remark that
! believe the majority OF our cOuntrymen in this
city carefully observe the laws OF hygiene for their
with that Of other residents OF this CITY, who. like
ourselves, have to support this terrible Climate
The enortalltystatstcs published here by the Board
OF Health show that In a week we have occasionally
500 deaths, with birth proportion OF merely 400.
Death has not spared our flock, for we, AXE
Tor the dead has been conducted here ! have seen
the banched cheeks OF the sOrrOwfng relatives as
sembed round the dead corpse OF the loved one be-
come more lie-llAe and their tears have ceased 70