Morning journal and courier., 1882-12-25
SaournaI aaS Courier.
Monday, Dec. 25, 1882.
Christmas in the Churches.

Large onxregations-Christm Ser v1ces-Musfc and Song-EIoquent ser- mons-AnniversaryG Gatherings.
 At all the churches yesterday the services were rendered specially interesting by the near advent of Christmas and in commemora- ton of that occasion. The specially beauti- full appearance of many of the churches in their Christmas array enhanced the Christ mas feeling and spirit and added to the inter est of the day. The mild, lovely weather and sunshine, more suggestive of the near advent of springtime and buds than of mid winters early arrival, increased also the at tendance upon the churches. Trinity church in it's Christmas dress looked very finely.
 St. Paul's, as usual, presented very tasteful appearance. This morning the Christmas services will be held and the Christmas music given. There will be throngs in attendance, the weather holding fine. At the Center church Rev. Dr. New man Smyth repeated by desire of many peo. pie the brilliant discourse preached by him | Sunday, December 10, the Sunday following ! the transit of Venus. There was very large | congregation present and another in the af- l ternoon, when he preached fine Christmas | sermon.
 I At College street church very fine pro- gramme of music appropriate to the Christ mas season was given, Prof. F. A. Fowler 1 organist and musical director. It was 8 splendid addition to the service. Rev. Mir. Kelsey, the pastor, preached an able dis course, heard with deep attention by the large congregation, from Ephesians 3 Il, ! ''The eternal purpose, which he purposed ,lR tIOr A pleasant social affair takes place at this 1 church Wednesday, from to- P. m.
 Rev. Dr. Stifer preached to his former congregation at the First Baptist church. His morning sermon was on the story of the Good Samaritan. He was welcomed by 8 large congregation, and all heard again the voice of their former pastor with much pleasure.
 l Rev. MT. Pine, of New York. oficiated at the St. Johns Episcopal church, State street. yesterday. The church is slightly trimmed It is somewhat expected that Bishop Williams will officiate at this church next Sunday. | preaching memorial sermon relative to the late Rev. MT. Tremaine.
 l. At the Davenport Congregational church last evening there was a very enjoyable Christmas praise service. The church was crowded. There WAS singing, responsive services, dialogues, and an address by the pastor.
 At the Church of the Messiah, Rev. Mr. ! was given by the Sunday school. There was
 large attendance. A fine Christmas enter. , tainment for the benefit of the Sunday school will be given on Thursday evening very interesting Christmas service was held yesterday afternoon in Dwight Place !. church. The choir sang 'Bethlehem'' "Im- 5 manuel" and ''Angels from the realms of 3 glory" The children sang 'sRing out ye : sparkling stars of night,'' ''Carol, sweetly carol" "We three kings of orient are, J ! 1,iok, 0r,a1
 singing, made the exercises appropriate fol Christmas.
 The Christmas praise service at the St. Johr
 street M. E. church was a fine success ano
 quite fulfilled the expectations of the large
 audience in attendance.
 As soon as the doors were thrown oper
 the people in waiting filled every available
 seat and many went away disappointed II
 not being able to gain admission. The body
 of the house was reserved as usual for the Sabbath school. The exercises commenced
 with the processional, Onward, Christian
 Soldiers" /" to which the scholars marched uI
 from below in admirable style The mos prominent musical number in the programme
 was the 'tsCantata of the Shepherds" bJ Wilson. It embraces solos, quartette anc full chorus, together with an angel chorus ir 1 five parts, which was beautifully sung by ! eighteen ladies.
 The solo singing by Miss Gertie Osborn ! was in excellent taste, more especially in the
 obligato with male quartette from Rossini' ! s'Stabat Mater" The singing by the Sab
 bath school was quite up to the reputation
 which this school has for good music. Th'
 recitations, especially of Miss Jennie Jackson
 and Master Arthur Jepson, deserve particular
 notice. The infant class exercise, under th' direction of Mrs. Preston, was distinguish ! ing feature in the order of exercises. I'm
 decorations are unusually handsome thi
 year and reflect much credit on all concerned
 Before singing the last hymn the pastor
 Rev. 0. F. Harris, made some appropriat
 remarks and closed with Merry Christina
 for all. Superintendent Camp may well b
 proud of his school, and Professor Jepson
 under whose direction the choir and Sabbatl
 school have prepared their music, has caus | to feel gratifed with the result of his efforts