The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-05-14
4 CHURCH NOTEL RI.
The ~. stephens Catholic Congregation Sing
Ing Hymns In English.

Congregational singing in Roman Catholic
churches has hitherto been but little practsed
in the United States. A step has been taken
however. 10y the Rev. DR.. Edward McGlynn Of
st. Stephens Church in Twenty-eighth street
which may ultimately lead TO the Introduction
Of congregational singing in many OF the Catho-
lie churches OF the country. During Lent the
congregation was supplied with a number OF
hymns printed on slips. and these were soon
mastered by tho people. who. aided by the
choir. sang them with spirit. These hymns
now form part OF the regular service.
Last night reporter. after listening to part
OF the services at St. Stephens. including short
sermon 10y Father Kern. saw DR.. McGlynn at
the parsonage
The introduction Of congregational sing
ing" said he is not altogether new to US. For
several years the Paulist Fathers in Fifty ninth
street have encouraged and practiscd IT, and in
the German and French churches. whose con-
gregations have received moro or less musical
instruction. 1t is not uncommon. Tho mem
bers OF st. Stephens are, for the most part
Irish. race who have had but little chance. at
least in their own country. to learn music; yet
will hear my congregation rendering an Eng:
lish hymn with lusty voices. and with taste and
feeling. They cannot. OF course, be expected 10
take part ~. the music sung by the trained
choir-the kyrie. the Gloria, the Credo, the
Sanctus and the Agnus Del. But we have
added n choir Of men and boys called the chan
Gel choir. for the singing in plain chant. or in
the Gregorian chant. OF certain parts Of the
service which are prescribed to lie sung but
which are omitted in most churches. The In
trot is sung before the Kyrie: the Graduate is
chanted after the Epistle: the Onertory after
the Credo: the Commune after the Commu-
MON. To make the service stili more complete
the congregation Join in singing the responses
as. Tor example the amen at the end OF the va
rious prayers the ~ cum spTitu ittO. in ponse
to the DoD'Hus robiscil, Of the priest. the Dec
Qrdiids at tho end Of the Epistlc, tho LdH ftbi
Christie ~ the end OF the Gospel. and the re-
sponses before the preface Rs HdbenuS al
Doinmun, in response 10 the priests Sp'sull
IN keeping with the spirit and practice Of Rome.
While tho plain chant may be considered more
liturgical and ruhrical. the practice Of Rome In
the POpe's own Sstne chapel ana In the four
great hasilicas. as well NJ in the other churches,
abundantly sanctions the use Of figured and
harmoniled music of the most elaborate char
acter; In addition 20 the strict liturgical or ru-
brcal service. such rs that at the mass and yes
pers, we have many devotional seryices-for in
stance. ut mission; at evening worship IN Lent.
and at other times
The voices Of more than a thousand singers
came floating n from the church.
Come" said Father McGlynn let us get
nearer" He led the way through the reception
room and opened one Of the doors leading into
the church. The grand organ was playing n
simple hut pretty air. aud the volume 81 sound
was pleasautiy increased by the unframed yet
agreeable voices, ot crowded congregation Of
men. women, and children. The following Is a
verse 81 the hymn the people were singing;
o. hone ofcvery coniriie heart;
q. JOY ~ all the weak.
To thoso who tan how Kind Thou art,
How good 20 tiose Who SEEK
But what 20 those who nndf %, this
No tongue. 80 On eau show.
The love Of jesus. Whatitis
None but His loved ones know.
Tho whole hymn would he as Acceptable 10
the Methodist or Baptist as 10 the Roman Catho-
lie. but that of which the following is q part
would, Of course, be entered in the index erpar-
gdtOg'iWS:
They may boast Of heis wealth, they may talk Of tieiT
gold.
ri be- true 90 The faith like the martyrs Of OLD;
catholic live. and Catholic die,
BE this my life 5 watchW ord al death my last cry.
They may cali me pauist and Lurh NJ my creed;
lis the faith that Will save IA the hour 81 need.
hand.
The priest Is the only true friend in the land,
Then wen cling TO The priest and ven cling 70 the Pope
Wen cling to thnsts Wear, Tor Christ l. our hope,
We. NJ ht good battle and Mary the wlie
FROM her tr0u, iu the skies on her children Will smile