The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-07-22
INTERESTING SERVICE.
blessing THE BELLS FOR CHIME AT ST.
MARY's CATHEDRAL, HALIFAX.


HALIFAX. N. s., July 81. 1872
For some time past there has becn considerable
excitement in Halifax Roman Catholic circles over
an anticipated event of occurrence-viz.. tho
blessing of newly cast bells to compose the chimes
in St. Mary = Cathedral. 1t some time ago that
the announcement was made that the ceremony
would take place yesterday. and. ss the day APP
preached the interest in the event was not confined
to members of the Roman Catholic Church alone.
but spread throughout tho other denominations.
The event was very unusual in this city. 1t
first intended haye the ceremony of blessing the
whole eight bells performed in public, but the exc
trenc length of the ceremony ard the time which
would necessarily be occupied if this done
rendered it undesirable. 1t was therefore,
decided to go through the ceremony privately, for
seven small bells, and reserve the large bell for tho
public ceremony. Seven or the smallest bells were
Suspended in wooden framework under the gallery
or organ loft the main entrance to the church.
and the large BELL which Is ono OK the largest III the
city was also suspended in massive framework ut
the head OF the centre aisle i'll front OF the altar
The framework in both instances was entwned with
bunting aud otherwise ornamented. gully an noun
before the time announced for the comnencem- mt
of the ceremony. citizens and their families, OF
every denomination, were seen coming from all
parts OF the city. BY o'clock every available
inch of standing room was occupied and all the
news were filled to their utmost capacity, but
many who desired to ha present were unable
TO find and were obliged to leave disappointed
AT the appointed time tho Archbishop entered the
clergy in PROCESSION. At the conclusion OF the pre-
liminary services the Archbishop commenced 10
wash the bells with holy water, and alter the COM
mencemcnt he returned the rsiersorium to deacon.
who handed 1t to the holy water bearer. Then tho
clerks continued to wash the bells, both inside and
outside, with proper linen. While this was beina
done the Archbishop seated himself a nlitre was
placed ON his head and psalms were rccited again.
beginning with the ii5th;-"Lauda ANNA, inca
dominum invita-. inca psallum dec meo guam diu
fuero." The Archbishop then proceeded to arnont
the bell, making on IL cross with tho
h..ly oil Of 10 lex u
long prayer in latin. He then wiped off the
holy oil. and sang, in Latin. the antiphon-"Iho
voice OF the Lord is upon the waters. The God OF
mystery hath Numbered. The Lord is upon many
waters" The Archbishop then took the oil OF tho
inhrm or sick aud, with the thumb OF his right
hand. traced crosses on the exterior OF tho
bell and then he took of the holy chrism in lko
manner and traced -four crosses on the bell at equal
distances, the interior, repeating the worlds
'Iet this bell. OH Lord, be sancihed and consc-
Grated, in the name of the Father, and OF the son.
and of the Holy Ghost In honor OF tho saints Peace
be with Thee.
Other ceremonies were followed by an impressive
prayer. Bishop Bcaly. of Portland, delivered an in-
tercstng sermon during the services