The New York herald., 1873-12-22
ST, THOMAS, CHAPEL.

The First Anniversary of the Chapel
The Feast of st. Thomas-The Apos-
tolic Intu notion, ssRcjoiee Always"-ser-
mon by the Right Rev. Bishop Potter.
Yesterday was the Feast Day OF st. Thomas the
Apostle and the nrst anniversary OF ct. Thomas'
chapel, on Sixteth street, erected by the parent
church. corner of Fifth avenue and Fifty-third
street, and consecrated one year ago. Services
were held both morning and evening. The Right
Rev. Horato Potter Bishop of the diocese, visited
the chapel in the morning, and preached
THE SERMON,
taking his text from the fourth cnapter OF Paul's
Epistle to the Philippians Rejoice in the Lord
always; ana again say rejoice. Let your modera-
ton be known unto all men. The Lord Is at hand.
BE careful Tor nothing, but in everything, by
prayer and supplication, with thanksgiv-
ing. let your requests be made known
unto GOD. And the peace OF God, which
passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts
and minds in Christ Jesus" The venerable Bishop
opened by calling attention to the lesson from the
gospels for the morning found in the third chapter
OF Matthew, as especially instructive at this sea-
son. Then, referring to the text, he said it con-
talns precept and promise We are required
to rejoice in the Lord always, and we are assured
that the peace OF God shall keep our hearts apd
minds in Christ Jesus. This is the one apostolic
message from the very heart of the Gospel to every
believer Oh earth and in every position. In all
trials and tribulatons, in poverty and sickness, as
well as on every giddy height OF power and afru
ence, we are told 10 rejoice always. 1t Is most
wonderful message to q world full OF wars and
rumors OF wars, OF envy, hate, strife and bitter
ness-wsen no truth and loyalty are ree rom mis-
gotten that man is born to trouble How can be
obey your blddingf Such Joy seems impossible.
From nature cannot be obtained that strength
which we require; from 1t comes
NO HEAVENLY VOICE
to speak peace to US. But thanks be to God there
is One who can speak peace to the troubled soul
and lead 1t up toward immortal JOY. Even now
the angels seem approaching earth, singing, GLORY
to man; It @ US child is born to US son IS H even"
He who by His death and resurrection caused US to
be engraited IN the body OF His Church and has
said, He that believeth in me shall live though he
be dead" The Bishop then repeated number OF
the promises OF the Gospel. and stated that under
the inspiration OF these the apostle wrote when he
said ''Re,olce always'-the promises OF that Cos.
pei which, as 1t flies over the earth, changes
row to JOY and canseth the light to chase away the
darkness He described the trials and suterings
oil the apostle, amd which his soul was filed with
joy, and thought there was something superhuman
in the happiness and peace afforded the lowly aud
the suffering through this Gospel Their minds are
thereby withdrawn IRON a contemplation OF earth
ana fixed upon that Saviour who has promised
eternal life aud JOY IN heaven. Thus, too, tue
Church goes on rejoicing, though death cross her
threshold, and in this season especially puts on her
ROBES OF REJOICING,
ana repeats the encouraging solicitation, Reioice
always" He then eXhorted his hearers to ask
themselves, "Has He washed US in His precious
blood ~ and advised them that all who were IN
sorrow and dsquiet from fear OF evil would find in
q Christian lie sure relief. BE referred to the
closing OF the solemn season OF Advent, which, as it
commemorated the coming OF Our Lord as an
atonement, was also suggestive OF that second
coming to judge the world.
THE ANNIVERSARY.
In speaking or this the first anniversary of the
chapel Ae referred TO the parent church, which is
soon TO Celebrate its centennial, and spoke OF
its trials and successes. Forty seven years ago,
when the church edifce was on the corner Of
more thckly settled portions of the town. he had
received confirmation then, and in all those many
years he had seen the church prosperIng. He con-
gratulated the organization on Its success, and
eulogized the pastor. who loved them, and whom
they would soon come to love for his earnestness
and devotedness, and urged upon them renewed
endeavors in the service of God