The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-12-25

g The pulpit. 1he massive columns in
front Of the pulpit are covered with cedar
and holly until they look like the trunks Of
oak trees when covered by ivy. The desk
Of the pulpit, the readng-desks, and font,
are also covered with evergreen, and the
railing of the chancei is completely con-
cealed by the wall Of green which has been
placed between it and the congregation.
The effect Of this is very fine, and gives a
Christmas appearance to this place OF wor-
ship.
.r s'r. JOHNS CHURCH.
st. Johns church is not very elaboraely
decorated, but has been dressed with much
taste with cedar. Along the pulpit side OF
the church are stretched two Wreaths ex-
tending the whole width Of the building
one near the floor and the other near the
ceiling. Between these, and at equal dis
tances apart. are short wreathes placed per-
pendicularly, forming squares. In the CEN
tire OF each one Of these squares, on white
background, is a different emblem, cross,
the letters I. Fl. S., q crown, and star-all
beautifully made Of cedar. The galleries
are very tastefuly hung with long feStoon-
ings Of evergreens.
-.. ST. MARKS CHURCH.
At st, Marks Episcopal church, corner
of First and Clay streets, the decorations
are OF the most beautiful description. Not
only have the font and cbancel been en-
wreathed with evergreen, but all portions
OF the building are similarly decorated. On
either side of the Chancel Illuminated texts
have been worked. Among those promi-
nently displayed were the following in beal,-
tiiul coloring: "BehoId, Thy King Com
eth" "The King OF Glory" "The Star OF
the East"
The manner in which the church is dec
GRATED reflects credit upon all the ladies
connected with the work. The Sabbath.
school room has also been feStooned in a
most beautiful manner. Tomorrow the
annual distributions to the children will
take place.
GRACE CHURCH,
northwest corner OF Main and Foushce
streets, has been neatly decorated and pre-
pared for the Joyous services Of the Christ
mas season. Opposite the centre door,
standing in the vestibule. is large cross
rising from pile OF granite blocks. The
cross is covered with rich magnolia leaves,
and over one OF the arms is cable OF ever
green's and flowers and holly-berries. To
the right OF the altar, OH the wall, is the
word Emmanuel" worked in white letters
on field OF crimson, the whole enclosed
| in a white frame, each corner OF
which forms a portion OF a cross. On
the left q similar frame encloscs the
word "Redeemer." Cedar and holly
berries are wreathed about the doors,
windows, chancel- and Undertakings. An
evergreen arch spans the tablets, and from
| its keystone, as it were, is suspended a
cross. The chandeliers arc also draped with
green. Attached to that over the reading
desk, and fronting the congregation, is a
star OF immortelles. a bouquet Of natural
camclIas has been provided for the baptiS-
NAL font. Over the centre loop OF the fcs-
toons about the choir, as it Is also over the
door leading from the vestibule into the
middle aisle, is a shield bearing the inscrip-
| ton "Glory to God"
Without being costly or particularly elab-
crate the decorations are pleasing and plen-
| tful, and give to the church an appearance
that is calculated to inspire solemn yet glad
some thoughts.
The services will begin at II o'clock to-
day, and the music will be among the nota-
BILE attractions. The choir of thirty-ive
boys are in good training.
CHRIST CHURCH.
The decorations at this pretty little church,
situated on Washington street near Seven
tcenth street, and Of which Rev. r. S. Bar
rett is pastor, are not OF the most elaborate
character, but are certainly among the most
tasteful in the city. Mr.. Barrett has been
his own architect, and with the assistance
OF his wife has rendered his little church
unusually attractive in appearance. Around
| the walls within the sacred edifce wreaths
OF evergreen are festooned, in the loops of
| which over each window appear crosses Of
evergreen. '~~.
Upon entering the church, that which
meets the eye first is the inscription over
the chancel, "OF His KINGDOM THERE SHALL
BE no END" Upon the left OF the chancel
is dove, and on the right the symbolic
Star OF the East. Underneath the tablets on
which the creed Is painted is star OF GRIM
son and gold, and on either side Of the
church, under the wreaths, hoops have been
placed, in each Of which are Christmas SYM
bols OF striking colors, and on the choir
gallery is q beautiful Tyre OF eyergreens.
One of the most beautiful features OF the
decorations is the font, which was ar
ranged by Mrs. Barrett 1t is filed with
white and green moss, and from the centre
OF the mound, in the bowl of the font, rises
Il cross Of evergreens, giving an exquisite
finish to the whole.
MOORE MEMORIAL CHURCH.
While the decorations at this church were
not as elaborate as at st. Marks everything
was in the most perfect taste. Yesterday
afternoon M there was general distribution
to the poor people Of the parish and the
Sunday school, superintended by Major
Boykin.
ST. ANDREWS.
AT this church the decorations are OF q
beautiful character, and on better order
than usual. The children of this parish
were regacd with the usual Christmas offer
ings.
MEADE MEMORIAL CHURCH.
The Meade Memorial church, OF Man.
chester, was, as usual, taStefully decorated,
and the children connected with the Sab
bath schoo! received their annual tributes
from teachers and friends.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCHES.
The decorations in the Catholic churches
are rot as elaborate as on former occasions.
| At St. Peters cathedral the affairs are ap-
propriately decorated, and present beau
| tiful appearance.
At st. Mary's church there are also ap-
propriate decorations.
st. Patrick's church, on Twenty fifth
street, is decorated with eyergreens and
| flowers about the affairs.
THE sEyENTH-STREET LUTHERAN.
At the Lutheran church on Seventh
street between Grace and Broad the men,
bership have been active in preparing for
Christmas. The pulpit, altar, and galleries
are all tastefully decorated with wreaths
and festoons OF evergreens, and tonight the
church will be thrown open, on the occa-
sion OF the Sundny-sehool anniversary. An
address will then be delivered by the pas
tor, and letter read from Professor Par