The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-12-05
CONsECRATED.
IMPOSING CEREMONIES AT THE CHURCH OF THE
REDEEMER, ASTORIA, L. I.

IMPOSING CEREMONIES AT THE CHURCH OF THE
REDEEMEB, ASTORIA, l.. 1.
The conservation of the Protestant Episcopal
Church of the Redeemer at Astoria yesterday was
remarkable event from the number of bishops and
clergymen who took part in the exercises and be-
the edihce. which cost $685. 1853. was all paid
for and there was not penny of indebtedness ON
the parish at the time of conservation. The
church is handsome stone edihce. with tower.
chapel and organ chamber OF Gothic order of archi
lecture. and. standing eminence is visible in
its picturesque beauty for considerable distance.
The rector of the parish. Rev. Edmund d. Cooper,
took charge in December 1866. and in that time. in
addition to the amount expended for the church
building. S69.4e6 have been paid for its run
ming expenses. that the total amount raised by
the parish in thirteen years has been $123.l59.
The ceremonies OF conservation commenced
at eleven O'Clock with procession to and around
tho church from the chapel the wardens ana vestry
men in the van. followed by the visiting clergymen
the rectors and four bishops-Littlejohn. of Long
Island; Seymour. of Springfield, ILL.,; scarborough.
of New Jersey and Southgate late Of Constantnople
Entering the church in reverse order. as process
sion. the Bishop Of the diocese. DR.. Littlejohn.
chanted the twenty-tourth psalm. beginning. "The
earth is the Lords" After he entered the chancel
and the reverend gentlemen had found seats on
chancel rail, Mr. William Mulligan. the senior war
den, presented the Bishop with the instrument and
deed OF donation, upon which the ceremony OF con-
secration commenced, and together with the MORN
ing prayers, the sermon the communion service and
administration OF the sacrament OF the eucharist
occupied four hours, concluding at three O'Clock
P. M.
BISHOP sEYMoUR's SERMON.
Many Of the clergy and each OF the bishops took
part in the services, the Right Rev. George +. Sey
mour. ID. D.. LII. D.. Bishop of Springfield, ILL.,,
preaching the sermon from Habakkuk, H., 20-"But
Yep silence before him." His argument was that
to admit the mystery Of the incarnation was to
admit the fact that the omnipresent God could be
especially present in special places not necessarily
visible object but in spirit. tor men have grad
uated in knowledge and in faith and no longer need
cloud as in days of old. but feeling His presence
within their hearts bring forth fruits to His honor
and glory. The parish of the Church OF the Re-
deemer had been especially blessed the speaker said
enabled to present to Him church free from
debt No estimate of dollars and cents ought
to be put such work. each had done
all he could, and tho Lord God only could place
estimate the efforts and sacrifices and offerings
that had been made. And now, he said. the building
trust, and no matter what difficulties they might
meet with it should never be mortgaged. Mortgage
ing church was robtng the Lord. and if pecuniary
misfortune too often see. compels the selling
trittering away of money in the sale or by an
change. In the case of the Church of the Redeemcr
its congregation should do anything they could that
they might keep perfect, as 1t is now perfectfree
from debt aud unencumbered-to the glory of God,
the saving OF souls and the education OF youth for
happy eternity.
At the close of the service collation. provided
in the chapel for all visitors