Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1875-12-31
THE services at the Moravian Church

IHE services at the Moravlan CnuTcn
IN this place Oh Christmas Eve were beau
tiful, imposing and grand; The church
was elegantly trimmed and decorated, and
everything wore charming al pe ct, COM
mcmoratWe of the solemn occasion. At
the appointed hour Elder James Crccgcr,
Superintendent of the Sunday School; !al-
nounced the order Of Notwithstanding
by the school under the direction of Prof
Conrad Willhidc, Miss Flora Gilds presid-
ing at the organ. Several hymns were
sung with fine effect. The music was ex-
ccllent. Hey. j. Summers being present
then invoked the blessing of Heaven upon
the ceremonies of the evening in a beaut-
full and powerful prayer. After which Rev.
Henry Wisslcr arose, and taking his text
from the words of thr prophet Malachi
"Thc Sun Of righteous shall arise with
healing upon his wings" depicting with
graphic power the Star In the East, the
brightness and radiant beauty Of the glo-
rious Morning Star as seen by the Shep.
herds while they watched their flocks at
night, foreshadowing the coming of the
Prince of Peace, the Saviour of the World.
Watchmcn, what Of the Mighty Hark,
the Angel voices are sounding; and 10 Ia
Saviour is born to save sinners from the
wrath to come. Let us bow down and
adore him! The voice Of the Angel Ga
bricl sounding in the ears of the Virgin
Mothcr-the birth of Christ in Bethlehem
in an obscure Mangcr--,he flight of Joseph
and Mary into Egypt with their Heaven
born infant, and the wonderful miracles he
wrought, &c, were described with great
vividress and beauty, which at once
stamped the speaker as flrst-class pulpit
orator. We have not space to report at
full length
The waxen talrcrs were then delivered
to the Sunday School scholars, which
pleased the young urcnns nightly. More
singing followed, and that by the intantile
prodigics, the Bird class" under the spe-
cial tuition Of Elder Crccgcr, was very
fine. After some further remarks by the
Superintendent a collection was lifted,
when Rev. WisSlcr pronounced the benc-
dicion. The house was packed full, All
retired we'll pleased,
Communicated
CHRISTMAS DAY was pretty generally
observed in a social way in our quiet vii.
lage and by the Sabbath Schools in their
swelling anthems. Although the weather
was rather inclemcnt, yet the festivities
went forward in proportion to the prepara-
tons made, to render it merry and happy
day.
Early in the morning, say at about six
o'clock, the services commenced at Mt
! Carmel Catholic Church, Rev Henry S
McMurdc Of Noun. st. Mary's College,
celebrated High Mass, delivering at the
Gospel of the day, a brief but impressive
Bethlehem of Judea, and the Glad lid
ings Of Great JOY it impaired throughout
the christian world. For more than ciyh
teen hundred years this Great Event rs
torctold by the prophets
The braces of God,
That flowed fast by Siloa's brook,
And touched Isaiuh's lips with lallowcd
| fire
has been celebrated With great pomp and
ceremony by the Catholic Church, WITHOUT
variation, from pole to pole throughout
CMistcndom. 1t was betting chat Christ.
mas derived from the words Mass 'ol
I Christi, should be green in the hearts OF
all and honorcd as the birth day Of the
King of Kings. Let your light shine from
the hill tops. The high altar, and that
alike erected to the Blessed Virgin Mary
were a perfect blaze of beauty. The
altar and church were tastcfully fcstooned
with cvcrgrccns. The Celcbrant cXpatiatcd
upon the Incarnation ofour Lord and said
its object was two-fold: The Glory of God
and the Redemption OF Man AT the offer
tory, the "Adcstc Fidclcs' was rendered
very effectively by the small choir, Miss
Annie Need presiding at the organ. After
Mass, Diclnan's Christmas Hymn was
sung with grand effect
In the afternoon, the Sabbath School
held "A Love Feast at the MoIavian church
! This service, though novel to some, yet
al old custom observed for yea in the
past was participated in and enjoyed in
full spirit, with cake and good coffee by the
school. The singing consisted Of solos,
duets and quartcttc, and Christmas carols,
and was most excellent. Miss M. FLORA
GILDs, organist, presided with ease and
grace, and contributed very much to give
interest to the occasion. Short addresses
were made 10y Rcvs. Gilds and Clewell.-
Superintendent Elder James Crceger also
spoke with his accustomed zeal and ear
nestness. All were delighted and the occa-
sion greeted with a full house. Many
thanks are due to those who assisted in
getting up this Christmas entertainment.
In the evening, the Lutheran Sabbath
School observed their festival and anniver.
sary. A large and appreciativc audience
greeted the occasion. On entering the
church two large Christmas trees were OBJ
served lighted up brilliantly, and ladened