The Washington times., 1895-04-25
Twelfth Annual Choral Celebra-
ton in Ascension Church.
ADDRESS or BISHOP TALBOT
Choirs From Seven Episcopal Churches and
St Marks Friendly League Joined in
Rendering a Magnificent Programme Of
Impressive Music-Rev. DR.. Elliott Pre-
sided-Eloquent Plea for Mission Work

The twelfth annual choral festival of
the vested choirs of the Episcopal churches
of the District of Columbia and the annual
service of st. Marks Friendly League
were jointly celebrated at the Church Of
the Ascension last night.
The noble church trembled with raptur-
Gus song, resounded with divine chant,
and glowed with softly twinlling lights. A
mighty congregation drawn from all Sec
tions of the District throngcd the great
edifice to uncomfortable density. The
occasion presented sacred picture, with
its surpliced ministers ard snowy vested
choristers, its lights and flowers, and its
multitude of reverent people standing to
join in the mammoth chorus or kRceling
in deyout and faithful prayer.
Bishop Talbot, of Wyoming, conducted
the service and delivered the address.
Punctually at O'Clock the musical words
"Hark, bark, my soul, angelic songs are
swelling welled up from the vestry, and
united choirs. 200 strong, rendering pro-
cessionaI hymn 3oS, filed by twos down
the aisle, followed by the visiting clergy.
The several choirs filled the chancel and
overnowed into the auditorium.
BEAUTIFIEn, THE CHANCEL.
The clergy took position in the back
ground. Garlands of green beau titled
the chanccI, and the banners of the several
branches OF the League OF ST. Mark flut-
tered here and there.
As the final stanza of the professional
which nuns Angels OF Jesus, angels of
light, singing to welcome the pilgrims OF
the night had been lost in echo, the con-
fession, the abSolntion, and the Lords
prayer and Yersicles followed
Then the psalm "Dorninus Regnavit" lang
out in all its wOBdroUs majesty. After
this came the 'Magnficat," one Of the
greatest musical creations iii the EeIyice
OF the Episcopal Church. Apostles creed,
versicles and prayers ensued The anthem,
Send Dat Thy Light" aud The : Snlns, In
the Vineyard of Our Father" and Fight
the Good Fight With all Thy Might" pre-
Ceded the address of the evening
Bishop TaiTot was introduced IN kindly
phrases by Rev. John H. Elliott, d. D.,
President OF st. Marks Friendly League
He referred to The scenes around him as a
smiling sight" He commented pleasantly
on the hopes md aims of the League, and
quoted from its constitution TO prove that
its mission was three-fold, for mission,
charity and worship.
Bishop Talbot rendered lengthy and
eloquent plea for mission work, affirming
that mission and Christianity were syn
onymous terms, and that paralysis of
mission work meant spiritual paralysis,
and this meant the death Of Christianity.
Ii was just to Jesus, just to the church, just
to ourselves, just 10 the people whose souls
were perishing i'll darkness, To carry forth
the cheering light OF The Holy Word.
CHRISTIANITY THE EINSPIRATION.
He made a stirring reply to late
magazine story wherein the writer con-
tended that modern Christianity should
assume more practical form than the
erection OF monster churches, and the de-
votion of so much time and energy to
elaborate church ceremonies.
All hospitals, all charitable institutions,
he said, had their origin in Christianity.
A hospital was unknown till the coming of
Christ. The forms of church organization
should be retained to insure the continuance
of those deeds OF beneficence and love per
formed in the past. He then paid rich
tribute 10 the utility of song, and quoted
Shakespeare that IA man without music
in his soul was fit but for treason, strategy
and spoils."
Following the address came the offertory
anthem from Mendessohn, Il Waited for
the Lord" The ascription, .'P raise God
from whom GSl blessings now," faded
away, the beuediCtion was reverently pro
nounced by Bishop Talbot, the recessional
was sung, the choisters and ministers
passed out as they had entered, and the
religious feature of the celebration was
done.
Refreshments were served in the basement
by committee of ladies representing the
various churches.
The ministers having places in the chancel
were: Bishop Talbot, Rev. DIR. Elliott,
Rev. DR.. Tongue, and Revs. Bispham,
Snyder, Murphy, Buck, and Wood.
THOSE WHoPARTICIPATED.
Mr.. w. H. Daniels, of st. Johns, acted as
musical director, and Mr.. Francis E. Camp,
of Ascension Church, as urganist The
choirs participating, and their IIeoentors
were:
Ascension, Mr.. Francis e. Camp; st.
Johns, Mr.. W. III. Daniel; st. Paul's, Mr.
d. B. Mcleod; ST. Michael's and All
Angels, Mr. Harry j sleed; st. Marks, DR..
John E. Parker; st. Jatnes', Mr. Louis NJ.
Lester; Incarnation, Mr.. Thomas c. Pole
The officers of the society are: Rev.
John II. Elliott, d. D., president; Miss
Eliza Wilkes, organizing secretary; Miss
Mary c. Dashiell, corresponding secretary;
Miss Weisel, treasurer.
The branches of the ,eague represented
were: Guild OF thes Holy Child, st. John S
parish Guild of Earnest Workers, Ascension
parish; Children's Guild, st. Paul's parish;
Trinity Parish, Trinity parish; st. Johns
Parish, Georgetown, D. e.; Emmanuel
Guild, AnacoStia, ID. G.
o