National Republican., 1876-12-25
Other Churches and Services.
CHRISTMAS MORN.
Midnfght at St. PauI's Church-Inter.
esting Services and Grand Singing.

For several years past the custom of having a
celebration Of the Holy Communion few min
utes after midnight on Christmas morning has
been one Of the most important events that takes
place within the parish of st. Pauls Protestant
Episcopal church, Twenty-thtrd street, in this
city. In response to an invitation from one Of the
choir, q representative of this paper was present
at the midnight mass, held carly this morning.
Upon arriving at the church shortly before mid
night it was found that the edihce was already
greatly crowded, while large numbers of people
were coming frem all directions. The church is
situated on Twenty third street, Just below the
Avenue, and is very unpretentious in appearance,
being very small, one story In height, and built
has iaTSe number Of % coiored and stained glass
windows, the one inthe rear Of the chancel, and
denominated as the chancel window, being en-
St. Paul. This is a free church in every respect.
Ever since 1t was established, some time early in
1865, it has always been conducted on the free
pew principle, the rector, Mr.. jackson, desiring
that II should be church where all could assem-
BILE, without any distinction as to gold and pre-
cious jewels, and unite in the service Of God In
fitting and appropriate manner.
The envelope system, which alone prevails in
this parish, and the offertory are the only means
church. Through the kindness Of one Of the yes
try, good seat was obtained and q chance was
offered TO look around upon the
BEAUTIFUL DECORATIONS
of the church. During the week q beautiful
tire width Of the church This was surmounted
with cross Of the same material, trimmed with
Spanish moss Behind this was the altar all re-
splendent with lights and flowers, the arrange
ment of which were in keeping with the taste
displayed in arranging the screen. There were
fully one hundred lights upon the altar and
within the chancel rail. The candelabras and
Jewel cross which graced the altar were brought
from Rome and presented to the church by one of
its members. The flowers were of the most beau
tiful and expensive order, and embowered as
they were in green leaves and emblematical mis-
tletoe told, in their own poetic language, the JOY
and festivfty of the season. From the ceiling and
arches braids Of evergreen were suspended which
were Joined to the screen in such manner as to
form an almost perfect cross-and, in fact, every
where flower or evergreen could be placed the
cunning hands OF the ladies had arranged them
in beautiful and striking manner.
The low, sweet notes OF the organ now resounded
through the church, and the SOFT yet distinct, ut
terances that glorious old professional hymn the
the distance, but gradually growing stronger and
stronger, till at length the sacristy door opens
the choristers march out, keeping time splendidly
and fairly making the church ring with their
Joyous melody, emblematic of the birth of our
Lord. The congregation all rise, and remain
standing until the procession around the church
is completed. The procession is headed by a
crucifer carrying cross, and is followed by the
boys smallest rst, all attired in white Gotta and
black cassock. They march down the north aisle
and up the CENTRE separating at the centre of the
chancel rail and marching with soldierly precision
TO their accustomed places in the stalls ranged on
either side Of the chancel. There thirty six in
Men and boys are under the supervision of the
organist who is an adept in the matter Of boy
choirs. Their singing is without doubt the finest
in the city, and clearly evinced that their in
structor has not laDored in vain. In the Introit
anthem, Like on the Heart, &C." the trio by
Sipe, Easily and Pralle, was excellently we'll rem
dered, as was also a soprano solo by Master Hal.
Kerr, who, although only thirteen years of age,
has voice of great sweetness and purity. At the
ottertory Professor Sipe sang tenor solo by Ro-
bauldi, with fine effect.
bers being either scholars teachers in the Sun
day school. The communion service was simply
sublime the long row Of swhteclad choristers re-
ceiving the bread and wine SO emblematical OF
the suffering Of the Saviour that the feeling ex-
perienced when witnessing it is indescribable.
The s0lemnity Of the whole service at that hour
Il o'clock mIdnight-atfected many in q manner
was very impressive, lasted over an hour and the
music Of the festival service for the Holy Com
| munon, written by Hoyte Of London, England,
as, indeed, all Of the music was remarkably we'll
| rendered. The flowers and the church decora-
| tions were simply grand, and when, added to
| these, music triumphantly glad proclaimed the
| Messiah's coming; when sweet voices ''panted
| that the hallowed morn brought balm to the
| weary spirit, and made the ''Star of Bethlehem
shine with redoubled brightness DER darkened
| pathways?
| Today, at IL O'CLOCK, the same music will be
repeated, with the exception Of the ''Gloria' fol
| which Gunther's "GlOria" will be substituted
| and the Oiiertory one written by Gounod will be
sung by Master Stockman. Dyer's Te Deum will
also be sung at this service.
As the seats in this church are free, and q
cordial welcome is extended to all, no lover Of
good music should fail TO be present.