The New York herald., 1873-12-26
ST. STEPHENS CHURCH.

Splendid Decorations Imposing Ser
vices-The SermOns-Christmas for the
Little Ones.
The pastor OF st. Stephens can truly say, with
the almist:-"Lord, have loved the beauty OF
thy house and the place where thy glory dwell
eth.n The decorations OF the church were yester-
day on a scale OF unusual splendor and magnif-
cence. In the body OF the church the pillars and
balustrades Of the galleries were tastefully
festooned with evergreens and adorned with
crowns, wreaths and other devices. The sanctuary
was resplendent with countless lights, which re-
nected the beautiful and varied c0lors of the
flowers which decked the affairs. From the
lofty ceiling hung neatly designed gas
star, embematic OF the star which led the
kings and wise men to the stable in Bethlehem In
which lay the infant Saviour Of the world. At the
summit OF the slender marble pinnacle OF the high
altar was o unique design in Mowers, with the
word 'natus" formed OF carnations on ground of
lilies. From the base of that beautiful floral star
fell in graceful folds rope OF evergreens, with tas-
sells OF blushing carnations and chaste lilies A
magnificent bouquet OF the rarest products OF the
greenhouse nestled at the foot OF the cruclfX
the taoerpacie BE- ana she table Of tue altar WITH the
and tastefully decorated with artistic floral de-
signs.
the manger- cradle was not forgotten. II was bril-
liantly lighted and Ornamented with baskets and
ject which attracted most attention the little
matched crib. In which was a waXen figure OF the
infant God, on either side OF which were placed
richly chased candeabra, with numerous waxen
candles.
THE CEREMONIES
were gone through with dignity and precision
not unworthy OF the occasion. Rev. Father Power
sung the ngn mass assisted oy tue Key. sasner
There was present an immense congregation OF
worsnippers. on whose faces were visibiy reflected
the feelings OF peace and which the return OF the
anniversary OF the birth OF Christ usually creates
the hearts Of Christians. The services began at half
past four O'Clock A. NJ, when hign mass was cele-
Drated by the Rev. DR.. McGlynn, who delivered q
sermon. The church was crowded in every avail
scarceiy % be- witnessed than the Vast CONGREGATION
at that early hour OF cold winters morning. de-
voutly kneeling and joining in heartfelt thanks
givings for the priceless boon OF redemption from
the slavery OF Satan and sin.
THE MASSES CELEBRATED.
AS Christmas Day is the only festival IN the year
on which 1t is permitted a priest to say three
Masses the priests attached to St. stephens
Is masses celebrated, at each Of which were crowds
OF worshippers and very many communicates.
Masses exclusively for the children were SAID adm IN
sands of children worshippng the child God and
singing His praises IN the beautiful .Adeste FL
celsis" at the children's masses 1t would not re-
quire q great stretch of Imagination to fancy the
angels or God chanting, unheard BY mortal ears,
the great song of JOY In unison with the voices OF
those innocent children.
At the last high mass, after the first gospel, the
Rev. DR.. McGlynn delivered powerful discourse
the fundamental article OF Christianity. Taking
his text the first chapter OF the Gospel accord
ing to st. John, he gave vivid picture OF mans
creation to "the image and likeness OF God" his
fall, and the promise made that the seed OF the
woman would crush the serpent's head. He then
reminded his hearers tnat they were celebrating
the anniversary OF ransOmed humanity, the BEAM
ing OF the light Of the lace OF an incarnate Goa the
birthday OF Him who is the figure ana substance
OF the glory Of the Father; the END OF the the incar,
God. The Doctor then contrasted, In forcible and
feeling language, the ways of God and the ways OF
men, and spoke OF the circumstances OF the time,
place and manner OF the birth OF the Man-God, the
| eternal wisdom OF God. He concluded by urging
his audience to join heart and soul in the angelic
| song, "Giory to God on High and Peace Earth
| to Men oil Good WILL, and pointed out that true
| peace can only be found by becoming men OF good
| win.
The mass selected by the organst was Mozarts
| No. IL, which rendered in very creditabe
| manner by the choir. An opening march by Weber
| was an excellent performances. The usual choir
/ was supplemented by 40 additional voices, and an
| orchestra OF 20 pieces added valuable accompani-
! ment. The solo "Et lncarnatuso was done ample
tory Mme Bredelli sung the "Adeste Fideles."
| The chorus throughout was good. The services
were brought to close by a brilliant performance
i OF Wagner's "Grand March,
/ SUNDAY SCHOOL FESTIVAL.
! In the afternoon, and intimately connected with
| the services, was grand sunday school festival,
| held in the basement OF the church. Each child
was plentiiuly supplied with candies. There were
| Afer the singing OF several Christmas hymns the
Rev. Dr. McGlynn addressed the children, telling
them IN his own r eloquent way pleasant things
Father 1issot, one OF the missionary fathers OF the
| late mission, who congratulated them upon the
| opportunity OF spending such very pleasant
| Christmas, surrounded, as they we're, with all the
| piety which q noble Christian pastor could supply
for them, and which he trusted they would in their
| young hearts bear q tender remembrance Of
! At vespcrs, in the afternoon, there was an un-
! usually large congregation. The choir sung Mer-
| cadahte,s vespers and Perego's ''Tantum Ergo.n
| -