The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1875-04-13
Church Notes.

The services at the various Catholic churche
of this city on Sunday were of an unllsua
character and highly interesting especially
so at St. Patrick's churcs and St. Marys (Ger
many church.
At St. Patrick's church. at 10 o. clock A. III.
Right Rev. Bishop Gibbons administered the
sacrament Of confirmation TO over fifty chill
dren and several adults; which ceremony
was performed with the most impl essive
solemnity. The candidates were neatly
dressed, the girls being clothed entirely in
white, with flowing wells. At the conclusion
Of the ceremony the Bishop addressed the
children in his usual felicitous style, con.
gralula,ing them II pom the ha appiness accorded
them in being permitted to receive the
sacrament, and advising them iu the most
pleasing language as to their future course
Of life. H,gh-mass was then celebrated
by Rev. Father Kelly, the pastor cf
the church. The decorations of the
atars were really beautiful. those of the
altar OF the Blessed Virgin being particularly
grand and gorgeous. This altar presented
the appearance Of perfect floral mound, in
Which were prominently displayed number
OF the most beautiful Gala lilies, roses, gcra-
NUNS, and other equally choice plants-a all
living and growing in vases and pots. The
bead OF the statue Of the Blessed Virgin,
which was in the centre Of this magnificent
floral display. was encrcled By an elegant
crown studded with diamonds and other
jewels. loaned Tor the occasion by members
oil the congregation, as were also many of
the beautiful plants about the altar. AS
whole, the decorations were the finest ever
seen in any Catholic church in the city, and
letlect much credit on the good taste of Mrs.
l.. Lottier, Miss Mary Byrne, Miss Kate He
gan, the Misses Lottier, and other ladies' OF
the Sanctuary Society. The occasion of the.
extra decoration of this altar was the conse-
Grafton OF the congregation TO the Blessed
Virgin, which ceremony took place Satur-
day evening, Rev. Father Keiz, one Of the
RcdemptorlSt Fathers, officiating.
AT 81. Alary'S church bgh-mass was ceIe-
DRAFTED in the forenoon, which was followed
by discourse by Rev. Father Rathke, c.
S.. r., TO the married men and widowers OF
the congregation. At night the mission SER
vices, which have been progressing at this
church Tor week past, were continued.
Rev. Father ketz, G. SIS. r., preached 40
eloquent sermon on the Blessed Virgin, in
which he explained the great benefits to be
derived from having spiritual intercourse
with and honoring in the highest degree the
lIlOiUCl vi Uul oifIUul, " uO LeAl W UllU WIS
the greatest interce>sor between God aud man.
After the sermon, while the choir sang the Re-
gina CgH, Il number Of young girls, clothed
IN white, entered the church and marched in
procession TO the foot Of the Blessed Viz
gins altar, which was elegantly and taste
fully decorated with cvrroreens and living
ana growing tl3wcrS, when the ceremony Of
their dedication, as well rs that of the con-
rntin IN 4 tl,rN nf 'hrt. nnl.
place, Father kcilZ utli eating. This
WAS followed uy bcnCdlcton of the
Blessed Sacrament by the Right Rev.
Bishop Gibbons, who was present du-
ring the evening services. After
benediction the Bishop briefly addressed the
congre CATION. saying he could not allow the
opportunity TO pass without returning thanks
10 reverend gentlemen (lhe Rcdcuptorist
Fathers) for their earnest and Jealous Ia
borS during their stay in Richmond labors
which he felt sure bad been and would con-
tiuue TO be productive OF much good among
hoped and prayed that God would bless
them in their cndeavors to live up to the
teachings of these holy missionaries. and that
their labors in the cause of religion would
result in permanent good to all.
services were held, Rev. DR.. McMu!len, rector
Of the cathedral at Chicago, preaching an elo-
qucnt sermon at high-nass.
The missions at st. Pltrick'S and st.
Mary's churches, which have been in pro-
greSS for more than we.k, will close We'd
neSday. The missionaries, four in number,
will then divide into two parties; one party
going TO Norfolk, Old Point, and Ports
mouth, Va, Ncwbern, Goldsboro', Newton
Grove, Wilmington, Charlotte. CASTOR, Ca
barluS, Raleigh, and Fayetteville, \. G. !;
the other to Petersburg, Lyuchburg, Lex.
inston, Slaunton, HarriSonburg, Martins
burg, and Warrenton. Va, remaining some
time ut each place. giving series Of SER
mons.
Father Keitz will preach a sermon at the
Cathedral Friday at . Z. NJ.
At the Broad-Strcet Methodist church on
SUNDAY Rev. \. c. BledSoe preached morn
iDg anJ night. DR.. Granbcry has gone to
Norfolk 10 rest. lie has been quite sick
recently.
vt Oregon Hill Methodist church there
was one profession.
At Trinity church Rev. D. p. Wills
preached morning and night.
at the Monumental church Rev. George
Woodbridge, d. D., preached highly inter.
e>tiny sermon on Sunday morning on the
subject Of baptism.
AT the Second Baptist church Rev. DR..
Biting in the morning preached on the sub.
jcct, "What is Close Communion:"
AT the Plue-Street Baptist church on Sum
day Dight five candidates were baptized.
At Union. Station Methodist church Rev.
William MCGEE preached ut II O'Clock ou
Sunday animpressive sermon to good con-
gregatien. In the afternoon the pastor held
religious services for the young people of the
community, when eight persons professed
conversion. At the night services five others
pre>ented themselves for the prayers Of the
church and prOfessed faith in Christ. There
will be preaching 1T this church every night
this week.