The morning news., 1892-12-26
THOUSANDS AT CHURCH.
xMAsSBRVICEs ATTRACT CROWDS
TO THE PL ACES OF WORSHIP.

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Entertaining and Instructive Sermons
and Unusually Fine Music the
Special Features of the Religious
Observance-Sundey School Festi-
walls in the Afternoon - Episcopal
Sunday School Scholars Buy Pres
enis For Poor Children.
From religious standpoint Christmas
was decided success. The day was
great one among the churches. Although
the sun did not shine and the weather
looked threatening, every church in the
city at all the services was crowded to its
utmost capacity by devout Christians
honoring the nativity of the Savior and
those who, although not ordinarily re-
hgiously inclined, we're attracted to the
sacred editices to hear the glorious Christ
mas music, which was one of the principal
features OF the days Observance. It is safe
to say that the attendance at the churches
yesterday was the greatest Savannah has
witnessed in many years.
All the masses at the cathedral we're we'll
attended. AT the $50 O'Clock mass Bishop
Becker preached on the Nativity" and how
Christmas should be observed in a religious
manner and not in a riotous style. The au-
thorities, be said, should not allow the day
",
AT 1880 O'Clock Bishop Becker celebrated a
pontitical high mass. assisted by Vicar
General Cafferty and Fathers William and
John Mccarthy. The musical programme
was rendered with fine effect. The chorus
was the best ever heard in the cathedral,
and Prof. Hubner deserves credit for the
manner in which he trained the choir in
Weber's difficult mass. Mr.. Donovan's
'.0ui Tolles," Miss Nolan's "Incarnatusn
and the "Benedictus" by Miss Nolan and
Mrs. Reilly and Messrs. Donovan
and DuRgan were the features of
the singing. The pulpit has
been equipped with a new sounding board
and Bishop Becker was heard to splendid
advantage in all parts of the church. Rose
wigs musical vespers were sung at O'clock.
A solemn high mass was celebrated at St
Patricks church at 1880 O'clock Father
McMahon was celebrant, Father Kennedy
of Macon deacon and Father Quinlan sub
deacon. Father Kennedy preached pow
erful and eloquent sermon on the "Nativ-
tty." painting a beautiful word picture of
the humble birth of the Savior in the stable
at Bethlehem. The musical part of the
mass was probably the finest of any OF the
churches. A full orchestra, consisting of
Prof. John r. Klein, Prof. Louis List, Sig
Holbright, a. Winter Davis. H. Holmes, J.
s. Whiteman, was the feature Of the music.
. serving OF special mention. She rendered
the piece in such perfect manner as to call
forth compliments from all quarters. Last
night at 7:30 the same choir rendered the
Gregorian vespers.
The services at Sacred Heart church were
specially interesting Rev. Father William
celebrated high mass at 9:3O O'Clock and
preached an appropriate sermon The
musical programme was excellently rem.
dered. Vespers were sung at O'Clock in
the afternoon.
Rev. George Lester celebrated high mass
at st. Benedict's church at 1890 O'Clock.
The music of the mass was the best ever
rendered in the oolored church, which has
been noted for the excellence OF this feature
for a long time.
At Christ church, Rev. Robb White, the
rector, delivered discourse upon Christ,
his birth and character and the results of
his mission upon earth. The music by the
choir was excellent. The solos by Mrs
Finney and Mr.. Walker were especially ad-
mired. There was large congregation
present. The decorations were beautiful.
Heavy bands OF cedar were looped along
the front of the galleries. The altar
railing was entwined with bamboo
.hn' ylnes' ,u.Ni1t9o, while the superaltar bore
worked in cedar. The memorial window
in the rear of the pulpit furnished a feat
ure of the decorations. A large white star,
bordered with green, was at the top. Be-
low were wreaths Of pressed autumn leaves.
looking very natural, with the words "Ali
Hail" In white letters, bordered with green
at the bottom.
In the afternoon at o'clock the Sunday
school held its annual festival In the base
ment of the church. The children sang
their Christmas carols and the usual services
were conducted.
A Christmas tree, beautifully decorated.
stood at one end OF the room. Each child
received a present and in addition ali
brought presents to be distributed TO
the poor. Short talks were made
by Supt. Lebey and Assistant
Superintendent e. s. Elliott The children
Of the Episcopal orphans home we're unable
to be present on account of sickness at the
institution. The festival was very much
enjoyed by the children.
The feature of the services at st. Johns
church was the music
Aleluiai 0, how the angels sansl
Aleluial o, how the chorus rang!
And the sky was bright with holy light
Twas the birthday OF king
This was. the opening gem at st. Johns.
IL was beautiful barytone solo, with a re-
frain by eight voices. Then followed a
Venite Dy Holden; Chapman's Festival Te
Deum in Eb; a most exquisitely chanted
Jubilate; the hymn, Come, All Ye Faith
full" arranged for soprano solo and double
quartet and the Christmas Noel,n by
Adam, magnificently sung. From the
opening to the end of the service the choir
did itself great credit and proved beyond
question how thoroughly 10 deserves the
reputation it has won. The solo parts we're
excellently sung. aud especially effective
was the beautiful Christmas song by Adam,
which was rendered at the offertory
by the soprano, Miss Nellie Wakeman.
St Johns church has reason to be proud
Of it's choir.
Rev. c. H. Strong, the rector, was indis~
posed and did not take part in the morning
service except in the communion, bis place
being taken by Rev. Mr.. Kimball, the
assistant rector.
The church was decorated heavily through
out. The altar decorations were especially
beautiful. A large star composed of brilliant
gas Jets surmounted the peak Of the altar
On the superaltar the word "Emmanueln
was inscribed in large flower letters.
The Sunday school services at st. Johns
was held in tue church at 1880 o'clock and
were largely attended. The children entered
the church from the Sunday school room