The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-12-25
RING OUT THE CHIAfEs-CHRISTMAs EVE IN OLD
TRINITY BELL TOWER.

TRINITY BELL TOWER.
HERALD reporter toiled up the winding steps that
led to the Trinity bell room about ten O'Clock
last night. Up. up, until it seemed as
though the top would rever be reached
and at last the breathless scribe found him
self at the door of what resembled o
large prison cell. And this the famous bell room
of "old Trinity" Entering tho room the visitor
found it occupied by number of strangers while
leaning against the handles of the bell rack was Mr.
W. J. Thirlwall. tho bell ringer. Those who have
never been in bell tower ct night can hardly
imagine what weird melancholy steals over one
peculiar sound which has SO often been compared
to human moan or sigh: But the jollity of the
company drove away all the gloom which invariably
seizes on the midnight visitor to the bell tower
Looking down out OF the steeple windows large
crowd Of people could be seen daring the nclemency
of the night aud enduring the bitter wind for the
sake Of standing in the solemn shadow Trinity and
hearing hearing the the. Christmas E chimes. What fas-
dreds will stand in the cold all night
to hear them ring. Another pretty sight could be
ss from tiny SndS Swr Which looked down n upon
numbers of fitting figures busly engaged in decorat-
ing the chancel The church being decorated with
at the church door was greeted by mysterious
Fixing up tonight. You must come to-mor-
department evidently expected to 0 piay the pnrs
of horal Santa Claus; but. far up in
the tower, close to the little eyrie window, the
day the thousands Of readers of the HERALD will
know that Trinity chancel is gorgeous with lovely
camellias and waving Southern palms.
Midnight was noted by the ringing of q change of
bells. and then all hands waited patiently for half
past twelve o'clock to arrive. The intervening time
spent in pleasant conversation and miscellaneous
entertainment, and finally the minute hand on the
dial of the seeple clock outside pointed out the time.
handles and with quick jerk began TO ring the pro
Jude OF changes Hardly lad the echoes of the bells
aied away away wnen aney once more pealed forth;
hymn. "Watchman, tell US Of the night" Tho
opening notes were followed by chorus OF steam
boat whistles and other sounds which formed
grand matutinal anthem not to be forgotten least
by the occupants Of the boil towers last night by
the shverng groups who kept tho night watch the
SERVICES, RELIGIOUS AND AMUSING, IN THE
CHURCHES ro-DAY-GooD CHEER ALL ROUND.
In the December number Of one OF our Juvenile
magazines there is picture of half dozen little
birds huddled together branch Of tree. and
each asking tho other. where shall we get our
Christmas dinner?" Even so will ask many hundred
poor children to-day though doubtless most Of them
will be provided for by the bounty OF New York
Christians. Two thousand at least Of thcm will BIO
cared at the Catholic Protcctory, above Fordham
this afternoon. and 375 of them ut st. vncents Homo
in Warren street. New York, where over two hun
dred suits Of clothing will be distributed In tho
morning at eight O'Clock. Five hundred poor
children and 800 Sunday school scholars will
be made glad by dinners and toys In
st. Barnsbas' Home and School, In Mulberry street.
near Blocker, at two o'clock. There besides
sixteen "Home" children whose stockings the good old
saint with tho snowy beard has not forgotten. and
who will be delighted with his presents to cheer
their little hearts. Tho ten twelve thousand
children cared for by the Childrens Aid Society In
their several mission schools and in the Newboys'
Home will also be made glad. The latter win sit
down AT six Il. M. to annual feast provided By
Mr.. William NJ. Fliess. The Five Points Mission and
House OF Industry and Howard Mission will feed and
gladden. the hearts of their little folk this afternoon
and older folk who desire to be made young
again will find the inspiration to perpetual youth
therein, and will be Welcomed to the pleasure which
the children will give back in return in songs and reci
tations. The mission school children Of st. Marks
Church, In the Bowery, will gather in that church
this afternoon also and enjoy the festivities OF the
day.
festival which has been opened for some days
in st. Francis Xaviers College Hall, in Sixteenth
street, will DO continued to-day between three aud
ten p. M.
In Brooklyn the morning hour of the day lhalf-
past ten) will be given to the children In Sands street