The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-01-02
IN BROOKLYN.

The old year passed away, and new leaf in the
annals OF time was turned IN the City OF Churches
amid the report OF firearms and the ringing Of the
chimes OF st. AIMS, on the Heights. In many of
the Methodist, Episcopal and Baptist churches the
Pensioners and pastor assembled at the watch
meetings, and with music and psalm singing saw
the year 1874 pass away. Before daylight and
while the first quarter moon and the morning star
were shining brightly in the heavens, the bells OF
the Catholic churches rung forth the summons to
early devotions 1t being the Feast Of the Epiphany,
given by the people, who at that early hour Of
the day thrOnged the edlfCes and many approached
the communion rails and received the sacrament OF
the Eucharist. Masses were celebrated the same
as on Sundays. AS the forenoon wore on gayly at
tired groups fyOung men were to be seen hasten
Ing along the Streets bent upon carrying Out the
tlne-hOnOred custom of making calls. Door
bells were rung, bright faced ladies' ushered In the
callers and the compliments OF the season were
exchanged. Carriages ratified over the frosty
pavements and livery stable keepers cnuckled
over their profits, $25 being the price for days
strictly temperance table, Among those who
called upon the Mayor were Alderman Ripley
Aldermen; John T. Henry, Comptroller Samuel s.
Powell, Assessor Hennessey, John F. harrington.
Commissioners OF Police briggs Jourdan and
Jensen; p. Ready, Engineer Dale, COroners Nolan
and Sims, Commissioners of Charities Cunningham,
Norris and Kaoer; Commissioners OF City Works
Palmer and whiting. DIR. Holly, OF the Health
Board, aud many other prominent citizens and
officials. The pressure for admission to the pres
ence OF the Mayor was not great, however.
District Attorney Winchester Brtton also en-.
tertained his friends at his house in Carroll street.
South Brooklyn, during the day and evening.
Chief Engineer Nevins, OF the Fire Department.
and lady, were made happy IN receiving their
friends at their residence IN Carroll street, near
Hicks. Indeed upon all sides the custom OF pay
Ing respect 70 friends was never more generally
observed in Brooklyn than was the case yester-
day. There was very l:tle dissipation apparent
in the streets.
by upward Of AOoo men. and boys, who preferred
sliding on the ice to the orher attractions
AFFORDED upon the occasion. At the Uapitohne
o harvest OF preenbacEs. Matinee and evening
performances were given at the Brooklyn, Park
and olympic theatres, and they were well ut.
tended.
AT SIS. PETER AND PAUL's ROMAN CATHOLIC
CHURCH.
The services yesterday IN SITS. Peter and Paul'S
church in Williamsburg were most Impressive
At the principal service the pastor, Rev. s.
Malone delivered a sermon. In his remarks he
said DUTY is the most important feature In
mans lie. 1t must he loved, POWDERED over and
faithfully fulfilled Then there nothing IKE the
ennoDle us; it will impart happiness to our minds
and justify us before GOD; on how splendid is
the knowledge OF truth We should endeavor to
communicate 1t to all men. In this respect, said
the reverand gentleman, Catholics enjoy especial
Yesterday we Celebrated the feast of a great
Pope, who though he lived in the days OF blood
and persecution has left his name firmly stamped
on the pages OF history. 1t was the great st. Sy-
vester wHO in his Legdte HoStus CO1tl,t6enSts pro-
claimed in the 1rsL council at Nice the dogma of
the divinity OF Christ, A. d. 1926. He was infalllble
like Plus k Under his pontifcate the Church
emerged from the Catacombs What splendid
sight TO see the spouse OF Christ under the cherish
Ing influence OF st. Sylvester shedding the light OF
Christianity on the crown OF Constantine Like
Plus IN, IN our time, he III his days confirmed
his brethren. glory IN hearing his name because
1t 10 associated with the emancipation OF the
Church. with the PRONUNCIATION OF Christ's dtvin-
ity, with the eXaltatlOn OF his representative,
with the commencement Of the triumph OF His
kingdom on earth. He was glorious predecessor
OF Plus TX. Let us initiate his virtues, and with
the armor OF truth and justice we shall conquer
the world, assure the triumph of the Church and
reign forever with Jesus Christ. That trutn JUS
tice and charity toward all men may reign in your
hearts to-day and every day Of the year Is the sim
cere wish Of my heart
MR.. BEECnER'S NEW YEARS.
The mum oer OF callers on Henry Ward Beecher,
yesterday. was between loo and 1,100, an eX-
cess over last year OF about third. There were
several interesting incidents In connection with
these calls. A teacher from 1.-The Bethel'
introduced to Mr.. Beecher a class OF 1876 young
men, and as they would not be satsfled with one
''handshake," MIR. Beecher had 10 go through the
hand grip 275 times with this party only. Many
prominent citizens called to wish Mr.. Beecher q
happy New Year, and among these were many
who until this year had not made New Years
call uDOn him.