, 1876-09-03
CHESTER CATHEDRAL.
STORY OF ITS RESTORATION.
PFptideuce Journal.

PFottdtnce Journal.
CHESTER, Eng, Aug. 9.-Arriving in Chester
yesterday morning, found the quiet old town
in high state OF excitement. The streets were
crowded, the buildings were covered with flags,
the bells were ringing aud Ginning continually.
It Was great day for Chester, as the ancient
Cathedral, which had been undergoing the pro-
cess Of repair and renewal for the last ten years.
was to be rcopened in the afternoon with mag
nidcont service. struck at once for the resi-
dcnce OF Dean Howson, who had been mainly
instrumental in effectiug the renovation Of the
Cathedral, and met with most cordial 1ecep-
ton.
where are your robes?' was the first ques-
tion; Bishops are rather scarce to-day, aud for
various reasons there would be something par-
ticu1arly appropriate in having An American to
join with uB to day."
was obliged to say that 1tmust be allowed to
fall into the rank and file, and such rank and
file never saw before in the form OF an ecclesi-
asticl procession Preceded by the usual Off
ci:ls, with their silver wands and marvellous
outfit, first came surpliced band Of loo choris-
ters from various parts OF the Kingdom, and
then about 800 clergymen OF various orders, ali
in full costume and in their parti-colored hoods,
with Oxford caps in their hands. Passing into
the choir, which is about the size OF our Grace
Church, We could see the entirc nave and tran
septs Of the edldce crowded, no one being nd
mlttea without o ticket, OF which many thou
sands were distributed, while the clergy ind
choristers filed the entire choir.
The service WAS simply the usual evening
prayer, with very sensible sermon BY the
Bishop OF Rochester, but there was such an
abundance OF anthems and so many elaborate
chants that the entire exercises occupied nearly
three hours. Twas much impressed with sew
eral facts that were given in the Bishops ser
mon Thirty years ago, he said, the question
was whether the whole cathedral system should
be given up as poor failure, everything con
nected with these establishments was in for
Iorn, dilapldated condition, but, he added that
within the last few years, i20, ,000, 600 had been
contributed TOR the restoration OF these vencra-
BILE piles, and all the services were now conduct
cd with earnestness and zeal: It's haru LOT US
to comprehend what the renewal Of one OF these
editices means. To take out one stone after an
other, and replace it with a new one, cut and
carved precisely like the former, to do the same
with the elaborate woodwork, and make it all
new without in any degree obliterating the fea-
lures Of antiquity, is slow and costly work. It
is something that will never be done in our land.
}tz!9 4RV Gazette, Aug. 7.
Chester Cathedral was reopened yesterday al
ternoon. The restoration has occupied exactly
eight years, and has been divided into successive
parts as the funds have come in. The first four
years were employed principally in graining the
nave roof, restoring the tower, and in refaeing
and unlerpinning the Lady Chapel and choir.
Immediately alter this tie restoration Of the
interior Of the choir was begun; and while tnat
part Of the cathedral was under alteration the
nave was used for services on Sundays and week
days. The deal boarding which WAS Temporarily
down few weeks ago, thus leaving the whole
length Of the Cathedral open from end to end.
Formerly the length view was intercepted by
q heavy stone screen. upon which the organ
stood. Tie latter instrument now Stands al Tie
opening of the north transept, in new case OF
oak, supported by the twenty-four monoliths of
Italian marble, the gift Of the Duke OF Nest-
minister. The south transcpt, known as st. Us
wa1l's Church, is also laid entirely open, though
not as yet restored. Ono Of the most notlceabic
features Of the restoration is the rich red tint OF
the sandstone, which Was formerly covered with
q thick layer OF whitewash. The tabernacle
work, famous for its de1icacy and beauty, mas
been repaired throughout with the utmost care.
The lighting Of the crossing is effected br
magnificent brozcn corona.
RELIGIOUS MISCELLANY. !
THE CHURCH IN GENERAL. !
The Bible has been excluded from the public |
schools of Greece at the request Of the Bishops |
The average age of Congregational ministers |
who died In Massachusetts, last year g2s 50 /
;ears.
1t is stated that during the past year 2,o42
French Catholics in Montreal have abjured the |
papal religion.
Another Roman Catholic Vicariate Apostolic
S to be created in Western Amcrlca,-the Vicar
ate Apostolic of the Indian Territory. |
The lcgacles received by Congrcgationalist |
hurches in Connecticut for the last six years |
mount, according TO report, to more than |
;750, GOO.
Rhode Island c1ans are extensively utilized !
or the bcteft of impecunions churches. "Wick-
ord clan-bakes" are now in fashion, and have
ielded to one society OF struggling Baptists at
east 81, 400.
rhe American Board Of Missions {Congrega-
ional) will hold its si1ty-scyenth annual meet
ne in Hartford, Conn, on the 81 to the 9Th Of