The New York Herald Newspaper, December 26, 1869, Page 3

CHRISTMAS Brilliant Commemoration of the Great Christian Festival. IMPOSING RELIGIOUS CEREMOIEs. The Masses, the Carols, the Chimes and the Charities. The Day Among the Skaters, the Fantasticals and at the Fireside. Merrymaking in the Pub- lic Institutions. Wuletide in the Metropolis, the Su- burbs and Elsewhere. Yesterday—the most eagerly anticipated and joy- fully celebrated holiday of the year—was observed 1m New York and Brooklyn with a quiet and domes- tic pleasure that speaks well for the many bappy American homes dally widening the circle of our social geniality, Tne day opened with a dusky mis- tiness, and the atmosphere was heavy with gloomy fogs hanging over the city im thick and cneerless patches. By four o’clock the half nude youngsters began to crawl out of their cribs, and their loud appeals for the freights of Santa Claus disturbed the gentle slumbers of the maturer sleepers, While the streaks of dawn were just beginning to diffuse the eastern sky a small male insect tumbled out of his cradle in an uptown mansion to take a clandestine peep whereof he was tobe the future monarch of allhe surveyed. The stillness of midnight is in the chamber. The night jamp burns low, Then there tg a pattering of infantile feet on the carpet, a rustle of javenile drapery, aloud crash of toys. A patent blast gun makes @ sharp report, @ muinia- ture engine rushes frantically about the room, @ box of ‘ninepins is knocked down with all the perfection of the art, a cornucopia is @ischarged in the hollow of his night shirt, Noah's ark is disgorged of its inhabitants, a hobby-horse undergoes the treatment of a bare-backed rider, and the baby winds up by-sounding revielle with a pair of tongs. Under such a presgure, such an unearthly din, the superiors of the infant are ready to drop their eyes on the floor with astonishment, They re- monstrate, they persuade, they coax, they caress; at last they command, and in a food of angry tears’ base bawl is added to the delightful confusion. Weariness soon supcrinduces sleep. The breakfast beli finds the inmates yet oppressed by dreams. Such 1s our positive Young America, who rules the roost on Christmas day. Throughout the city the condition of domestic affairs was much ie same among the less mature population. That large ele ment, the young ladies, all appeared happy wherever they deigned to show themselves, and they inva- riably exiibited something new—evidently souvenirs but a few hours old—the token of an old friend, the remembrance of a parent, the reminder of a lover. The latter predominated, The presents this year were lavish. Froma candy whisle to a brown stone front or @ generous settlement the catalogue was complete. Congratulations, thé oit- repeated ‘(Merry Christmas,’ small talk and excited countenances—all told that yesterday was the happiest day of the year. Everybody, in one form or another, was remembered. business was generally suspended. Wearied clerks took the day for a suburban journey, a visit to their dulcineas, a long pull at their meerschaum, a toss or ‘two at the forbidden bowl, tournaments at biluards, calls on particular friends, aa hour's repose at the rooms of the Yuung Men’s Unchristian Association, @ loaf at the hotels, hours of companionship wit the HERALD, and they made away with a good deal of the day in firting with young ladies across the Btreet, Matrons and demoiselles went to aburch, when they rose in time, and the churches were fuli of sparkling beauties, At ‘Trinity, St. George's, Christ church and numerous other temples of wor- ship the solemn Feast of the Nativity was numerously and enthusiastically attended. The day glided by, avd early dinners were the style, All the Tichness of cuisine was observed in the gas- tronomy employeg. The mouth-watering salads, delicate sweetmeats, Widow Cliquot, Moet and Chandon, long partagas and the most delicate of all liquers prevaiied in the eievated circles, ‘There was plenty everywhere. Even the poorest fared sumptuously; and we need only refer to our columns to pout out the evidences of that novie geuerosity showa to the bumole and helpless. In the evening there were the fashionanie family gath- erings. Relauions as remote as the consanguinity exisung between AGam and the Cardi Giant gathered about tne sidepoards of the family pio- heers, and among juices rich and wines rare made merry as the parasites of old about the groaning table of Timon of Athens, Cosey littie epicurean assemblies sat beneath the coiiortabie mediations of a grate fire and drank hard cider with tart apples. All the best snades of life were brought out vy tue glorious Christiuas day. The weary ceased from Work, the wicked trom troubling to the extent shown by our police reports, and the most romanuc must have felt ‘the ideal is less than the real; fan- cies are poorer than facta.”’ ‘ihe fantasticuls were Out in all their bideous and grotesque costumes, galloping along on jaded animals, dressed in the most oullandish styles, endeavoring, as far as Possible, to group the ludicrous with the disgusting. The avenue was uscd as the promenade of the day, the most compact figures, delicate jittle features, higu complexions and well- turned ankies being visible, ach toilets were borne by little bodies wiio seemed to carry cosmopolitan variety stores along with them, The Park, the cars, the slages, Harient lane, the ferries, on tue river, down the bay, up the tsiand, at High Bridge, Carist- Tas was truly Curistmas. It was one of those days ail over New York wherein there was little sorrow; but there was still, underneath the vast ovean or joy, asuent current of sadness ranning toward the memory of that pure and distinguisned ex-War Minister whose record of patriotism and great deeds Tras, by his untimely death, been closed trom tresi additions forever, The infexibie and steriing wort! Of Stanton was the theme of every tongue. His raises Were those of 2 grateful peopvie to a just man. jt iW aimong the best trails in We human Character thac there 18 yet, while festivity and reveiry resound by day and by night, a green spot for the virtues of @ great but deceased citizen, CHRISTMAS AT THE CHURCHES, MIDNIGHT SERVICES AT ST. ALBAN’S, Rites of Ritualism—Crowded and Fashion- able Conaregation=Color, Light and Melody as Aids to Piety=Close Counterieit of Catholic Ceremonies, At the hewerodox Protestant Church of 8st, Albans, Forty-seventhjstreet, between Fourth and Lexington avenues, midnight mass was celebrated Christmas Eve with ail the pomp and ceremony of the Roman ritual. People came from far and near to witness this most extraordinary aberration of the Protestant mind from the standard of its original plainness and simplicity, and to see how near tho genuine Roman service the Anglican imitators brought theirs. Hundreds of refined and fashion- able jadies, accompanted by stylish cavalters of pro tem, piety, hurried with the midnight chimes through the cold, starlit night to the quiet and secluded little Church of St. Alban. There was a confused murmar of voices and rustle of dresses in the vestibule for some time belore the proceedings began. The arrivais were rapid, and, thronging for hair an hour before midnight and half an hour after. Finally the church overflowed, and people stood On tipwe outside on the chilly and cheerless side. Walk, vainly seeking to catch a glimpse over the shoulders of those tn front of the altar and its daguling decorations. The memvers of the congre- gation more than Hiled tne pews, strangers thronged the aisles and decorously crowded around the chancel. The little church couid hold no more and many had to dba A disappointed, It was @ re fined, respectfal congregation, and though wholly Protestant aud in presence of the most extreme ceremony ritualiem has yet dared to perform, there was no rude remark or gesture made by any one, and of course no such brutal conduct could be snown as #0 frequentiy marks the demeanor of Protestant ppectators of ritualistic service io Bogiand, A Catholic ‘pappening to drop in i 3a Of the v jase "Was inepronress, tat fit oa 1} of t's own fait abr ence of soul, and in the periormy NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1869—TRIPLE SHEET. " ys ; ed tor 6 Dimeelf attos counter! © Ogieu 08 “4e genuine; but an ex} nothing but the painted kenge . 1 Ming thing itself, Four priests robed themselves inupereacr* = Father Noyes, celebrant; Morrill, »son; Downey, deacon, and ‘Miner, sub-deacon. I weeded by two acolytes dressed arene soutanes and“ white sur- plices, and followed by two boys known as serve! the priests walking Indian file and glittering in al the glory of vestments threaded or silk and gold, emerges {rom the sacristy, and passing around the chancei drew up in {ront of the altar. ‘The altar was draped in white at either side supported two large vases of natural and highly fragrant flowers, ‘two tall wax candles stood beside the flowers, and this much constituted the simpic and effective deco- ration of the main altar, On the super altar, how- ever, the biaze of light was fairly dazzling. iiere also were vases of natural flowers interspersed be- tween the rows of candelabra which took up the apace at the rear and made a bright illumination of the stained glass’ Windows aud the painted wails and pillars at the back of the church, From the altar to the front door uncommonly heavy wreaths and festoons of pine leaves, hemlock aud laurel were suspended to the mussive beams of the Govhte reot, and between the pilasters at the sides shields were hung, enclosing crosses of green leaves aud white camellias, From the main entrance of the church the appearance of the altar was singularly pictur. esque, seen, as it was, with its halo ol light and color through a soft aromatic haze of incense which floated languidly back from the altar over the heads of the congregation and filled the church with the Oriental odors of frankincense and myrrh. The chasubie of the celebrant, a vestment of heavy tex- ture, marked broadly with a cross, was & magnill- cent "garment with a ground of pale silver like “moonlight on the lake.” The chasubles of the other oifictating clergymen were exceedingly rich and beauuful, That of the celebraut was made and pre- sented by a lady of the congregation, ‘The music was of the ligt and captivating char- acter attrlnuted to the choirs of modern Catholic churches. ‘The femaie voices were evidently the pro- duct of refined training. ‘The service was high mass and began inuch che same as in the Catholtc Church, There was the Jntroit accompanied by the anthem ‘Arise; the Kyrt, Twelfth Mass “Sequence’: to the music of the beautiful Adeste Fideles, The teinging of this hymn was excellent. ‘The cele- brant turned at various tymes around to the congre- gation and cried, ‘fhe Lord be with you,’ and other consolatory exclamations, but the principal time Was devoted to reading and partly chanting prayers: in English, with his back ‘to the people who knelt, BLOOd up and sat down at intervals according to the particular stage of the ceremonies. The bread and wine, typical of the Saviour’s body and blood, were duly introduced and would appear to have been considered transubstantiated judging from the vowed and reverential faces in the con- gregation. Communion as in the Catholic service Was administered to the laity, Who went up in great numbers to the chancel and Fecetved it. ‘ihe Creed, Offertory, Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus differing in gome respects from their Roman prototypes, but not essentially, were chanted by the priests in very fair imuation of tie Catholic manner, Benediction closed the ceremonies which were over about one o’clock yesterday morning. The congregation, it appears, has become exactly twice too large for the cupacily of St, Alban’ SERVICES AT TRINITY CHURCH, The Chimes—Gloria in Excelcis Deo—Fine Music, Appropriate Decorations and a Large Throng. Commencing at half-past ten o’clock yesterday morning, the splendid chimes of Trinity church rang out clear and harmonious on the morning alr, and in the hands of Mr. Ayliffe the whole lower portion of the island resounded with the melodies con- tained in the following programme:— Ringing the changes on eight bells. Carol—"‘Once in Royal David's City.’? Carol—Christmas is Come Again." Carol— ¢ Children in the ‘Tempie.”* Carol—‘‘See, the Morning Star Is Dwelling.”” Carol—“Christ was Born on Christmas Day.”? The elaborate services ordered by the Eplscopal Church—the only Protestant ecclesiastical body that celebrates Christmas by ceremonialis—then began, under the direction of the rector, Trinity church never before saw such a throng as yesterday—never before had so many bewitching beauties at her service, and never looked more at- tractive in Christmas decoration, The people were packed like sardines. Long before eleven o'clock it waa an impossibility to effect entrance througn the north door, and the means of ingress were about as flattering at the southern entrance. All the aisles, Seats, lobbies—even to the organ gallery— were crowd with people of both sexes. The church presented a forest of faces, heads, chignons, mingled with bald pates, ermine furs, mink skins, Poser a4 oe pleasing epee In decoration much good taste was evide: chancel flanked ny two large Nergreen boughs, and ife altar supported huge clusiers of lighted tapers. ‘the side plilars and pilasters were entwined with laurel leaves, and the Gothic architecture of the silent tombs was mellowed by the beautiful branches ofall that spring haa leftas a Christmas present to nature— the evergreen. At intervals these branches stood boldly out, and, with the subdued lights from the stained window glass, with the bright colors of tre congregation, the solemn robes of the clergy and choristers, the lmpressive awe of the great wind in- struments, and the deep devotion of ail present, the occasion seized every one as very imposing. About the doorway and among the tombstones eager sight secrs were busy reading the inscriptions, stopping to comment upon such & one as Captain Lawrence, “Don’t give up the ship.” ‘The services meanwhile proceeded. Of the singing, of the pred and deyo- onal hymns, they were the best that religious art can produce in America, The soprano voices were excellent, and sweet as to tone and correct aa to Ume and expression. Of the other volces, they pro- duced @ grand eifect, and, were applause appropri- ate, it 18 not doubted it would have been given. ‘The Jollowing was the CELSIS DRO. Hymn 47—ancient and modern First tone--Gregorian alms 19, 45, Hopkins in “A.” J. Hopkin Nerbe ‘Drop Down, ¥e Heaven F. J, Hopkins ancient an! modern re were Shepherds”® jory to God”? Calkins vHyimn 43 ancient and modern ‘Hymn 42—ancient and modern Pealuns 89, 110, 133 Page 25 GLORIA IN Kecessional. rocessional ST. FRANCIS XAVIER'S CHURCH. Mercadante’s Three Part Mase—Superb Mu- sicnl Ceremonies Yesterday. The music of this church since the return of Dr. William Berge to the choir has undergone a woader- ful change for the betvor, Yesterday the grandest festival of the church was celebrated in an appro- priate manner by a most masterly performance of Mercadante’s three part mass, with selections from Catalant, the Adeste Fideles, arranged by Berge, and the ‘Stradella Overture’? and “Prophet March’ as an opening and finale. The mass has never been given with chorus ana orchestra, although it 19 @ standard favorite in choirs. Itis an exceedingly brilliant and taking work, abounding in charming themes, and the orchestral subjects are very effec- tive. The Kyrie is solemn, prayerful, and the parts gilde into each other with chant-like effect, The Gloria opens With & trumpet passage, after which there is @ beautiful modulation from the key of B flat imto D major, the voices and = in- struments working back through a series of dissonances into the original Key. The Laudamus 18 a delightful trio for soprano, tenor and bans, which leads through & passage of startling chords from F major into ) flat. Here the tenor and bass have an interesting dialogue, the bass responding to \he interrogatory plirases of the tenor. The Que touis in nine-eight time has some remarkable chords and modulations. The bass, tenor and soprano then have three successive recitative passages, fine ex- ainpiles of declamation, and then comes a dashing choral finale which 1s very effective and brilliant. ‘The Credo opens with a bold, impressive declaration of faith by each voice im succession, and the Bt in unwn bas a sparkling orchestral accompaniment, a popular theme entirely distinct from the voicer, Your bara, in which the fundamental notes give the tones of the common chovd singly, led by a very beautiful modulation from the key of C into A major, and then comes the At /ncarnatus, a sinple, pretty to, The basses then energetically deciaim Cru- cleus, representing the clamor of the rabble for the death of the Saviour, and the sopranos and tenors repeat the words, but with tenderness and feellug, to exemplify tie anguish of the mother and the lament of tne discipics, The basses close Hl sepiitus est with a most sepulchral passage. The Kl resunerit 19 vivid and startling, and gives an idea of the convulsions of nature when the Saviour triamphed over death. i itenwim 18 a brilliant and effective bass solo, with a distinct subject as accompaniament in the orchestra, like the Klin guaum veum. A charming trio suug by Tamaro, Berge and Baceiliin astyle which would have brought down the house at a@ concert, next fol- lowed. The finale of the Credo will bear compari- son with any Italian work for brilliancy, dash and electric effect, The most remarkable features in bis mass are the wonderful modulations and harmo- nies. Berge’s effective arrangement of the Aceste, in whiea @ Wagnerian system of counterpoint is intro- duced, and in which each voice sings a variation on the subject, while the chorus gives out tne air, was sung at tne Offertory, The Sanctusand Agnus were from the works of Catalani. We have rarely heard the overture to ‘“‘Stradelia” or the ‘Coronation March” given with more vigor and effect, The phrasing and nwancea were more distinctly marked, and the musicians seemed to tnrow ther whole soul into the work, KEben’s orchestra was engaged for the occasion, and a select chorus from tne Berge Choral Union assisted the soloits, Miss Teresa Werneke, soprano; Signor aro, tenor, and Siguor Bacelll, bass, Mise Werneke's Voice was noticeably effective in the soprano variation in the f poets renoning A954 B to alt with ease and on- ambushed power. ‘Un the alter the pastor, Rev. Father Beaudevin, 8. J., oMciated as celebrant, assisted by Fathers Thier'y and Renaud. A sermon was preached at the Gospel by Father Ronau on the festival of Christ- mas. 6 church was crowded. At five o’clock P. M, Berge’s vespers were sung by the choir, with famileves Christmas Tantum Ergo, with 8010 ob- gato, ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH--DR. TYRE Christmas Decorations and Christmas Muste. Filied to overflowing by a devont and fashionable congregation, Dr. Tyng’s Episcopal church in Six- teenth street presented a cheerful aspect yesterday Morning. Tokens of the joyful Christian anniver- sary were everywhere visible. Beside the altar, on which the sacred elements of the sacrament, covered with snow-white linen, were conspicuously displayed, stood large evergreen trees, emblematic of the never-dying faith of the Christain, and along the galleries, About the ornamental pillars, support- tng the illuminated roof, were entwined garlands of the Immortal shrubs of nature. The mellow Decem- ber light, failing through painted windows upon frescoed wails, shed radiance upon the upturned faces of the congregation; while hallowing the scene soft, delicious music, stealing from the lips of the well-trained choir, harmonized by the sonorous organ, spoke the benediction of art on the formali- ties of religion. Madame Anna Bishop, whose splen- did voice was heard cicar and high above those whose united melody filled the sacred edifice, was the principal soprano. in chant, in psalm and hymn, her joyiui voice, singing the praise of the Kedeemer iu tones mure eloquent and impressive than the utterances of minister or assisstants, sunk deep into the hearts of the assembled people, and powerfully affected all who at ihe motner’s knee ‘were taught to reverence Him who for hate substi- tuted love, for vengence mercy, and proclaimed to an astonished worid the blessed doctrine of Faith, Hope and Charity. he services were characterized by amore than ordinary display of devotional feeling. In tae hearts of al! the devout worshippers there seemed to pre- vail a living sentiment of gratitude to God, their faces shone with love, and their hearty responses were eloquent of inward adoration. The cold tor- mality of Sunday observances was not shown, but the lively and humanizing warmth characteristic of the Christan auniversary in older lands was pleasantly apparent. 1t was satisfacuory to see the hard features of the merchant, the careworn face of the banker, the stern rigor of the millionnaire, change into seagonabile and Cliristian expression under the Measured words of sacred import and tte resound- ing tones of choir ana organ. The pains and penal- tes of the Old Testament were for the moment for- gotten; the everlasting damnation promised to five- #ixths of the human race ignored, and only the bliss- Tul promises of the gentle Saviour remembered. Al the conclusion of the services, which were most Interesting, the Rey, Dr. Tyng preached a very elo- quent and effective sermon on the anniversary of the Saviour’s birth, alter which the sacrament was administered to a large number of persons. ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL Sermon of Rev. Dr. Shea, President of St. John’s College, Fordham—imposing Cere- monials=Choice Music. The solemn and imposing ceremonies at the cele- bration of high mass at this church yesterday were attended by a very large congregation. The body of the church was unadorned, save by the beauty of its gothic architecture, while the decorations of the altar were of a chaste character, which served to hignhten its simple grandeur, being simple pyramidal boquets of white fowers entwined with green, and a large halo placed at the rear of the Host, which, as the gas light fell upon it, shimmered and sparkled gloriously. 5 But it was only upon the entrance of the ‘ecclesl- astical procession, composed of twenty acolytes, wo of the foremost bearing candles, and a third, be- tween these two, bearing a large cross, headed by the master of ceremonies, Father Kearney, and fol- lowed, in order, by th Snb-Deacon, Father McGean, the Deacon, Dr. McSweeny , and the celebrant of the mass, the Very Rev. Father Starrs, that the grandeur and solemnity of the Catholic,church celebration of the birth of our Savious was shown. The gold broid- ered vestments of tne priests, the red cassocks and hats of the acolytes contrasted prettily with the grand sumpifeity of the altar and made such a scene 45 No one, having once seen, would ever lorget; and Taen the solemn stillness which it indueed was sud- denly brokea by the pealing forth from the organ and choir of the Ayrieé Eleison. ‘he sermon was delivered by the Rey. Father Shea, President of St. Jobu’s College, Fordham, wo cou ct th tie Words or Ue Auge Im dunoUNCIDg te birth of our Saviour to the shepherds:— “Fear not, for behold, I bring you govd dings of Joy, that shall be to ail the peopie: For this day is born to you @ Saviour, who is Christ, the Lord, in the City of David, The reverend speaker said:—We are celebrating the birth of Jesus in the human nature; for in the Saviour there are two natures—the human and di- vine, He comes to be a Saviour, to raise us from all troubles; He does not come 1n thunder or any other manner by which we muy be irightened into belief in him, but he comes to us as a litle chud. How did he deserve the title of Saviour? Did he raise us from any form of trouble or gutfering’ In answering these the reverend father sketched the creation of man and the many advantages given him. God gave Man a soul, thus making him, as St, Peter said, “a sharer of His own nature,” and made as the end of man that he was to see ail good in Himself, not, as we now do, through faith, put He was to see Him in person, God made a sort of com- pact with Adam and Eve that if they should remain faithful to Him all their privileges and advantages should be transferred to their cuildren, but should they prove unfaithful they shouia die, for until then they were safe from the thing we call death. The speaker compared the passage of sin over the gouls of our first parents to the devastating sweep of a storm vyer a beautiful landscape; for, said he, theo- logians tell us that after the original sin was com- mitted the souls of Adam and Kve were masses of corruption, all the intellectuai faculties were gonc. Man would have remained in this condition through all ume; he would have come into this world, toiled through it, and, dying, wouid have been forever de- barrea from the sight of God, Now, thea, did Jesus yee His right to the title of Saviour. He offered Himself to make atonement for the sius of men, This He could not do in His divine form, but He must be born as a human being. Before Adam sinned he could not err, but so soon as he fell he lost ail the super- natural intelectual power, and he forgot his God in the one divine person and raises up for himself many images which he called his gods and which was the origin of idolatry which spread all over the world, and it was only in Judea that a faint idea of the true God was retained. Then Christ comes to us and gives us His peatitudes and acceptabie manner of Frorahipping Goa and shows us the true end of man. It would have been useless for Him to give us the principles of right if He had not given us the power to pursue them. This power He did give us in the jorm of Faith, The Reverend Father asked all to fae the generosity of Christ in coming from His royal throne in Heaven and laying down nis life for man, When the smailest suffering on His part would have redeenred us; asked all to show their gratitude tor thelr redemption by giving liberally to the poor and the orphans, and said:—'The seed you now sow will in future bring forth a harvest in proportion to your present generosity.’” During the service Mandantci’s Mass, in G major, was rendered very nicely by the choir and chorus attacked to the church, under tne condact of Mr. G. Schmitz, the organist, and several solos and trios were sung, of Which only one or two can be noticed. At the offertory Verdi's “O Yesu Dei was sung by Mme. Chome and Messrs. Schmitz and Sohst; at the “elevation,” Mrs. Gros sang Proch’ ove Pans,” Mr. fi. Schmitz playing the accompaniment upon the French horn, GRACE CHURCH, The Nativity of Christ—sSermon by the Rev. Dr. Potter. A large and fashionable congregation assembled at the impressive morning services in Grace church yesterday in commemoration of the nativity of the world’s Redeemer, The Rev. Dr, Potter preached from the Gospel of St. Luke 1, 7—“And there was no room for them in the inns.” He said:—How our hearts turn from these words with a cold shudder os they repel @ young and tenuer woman from the doors of the caravansarics! These words carry more weight With them because they bear intrinsic Marke of having been the very words in which the Virgin Mother told the inhospitable tale herself. ‘The tribes of the house of David were gathering froin all sides to Bethlehem of Judea in order to be en- roiled, in obedience to the mandate of the imperial Cwear, Men of every class and condition of life came at the same time with Mary and Joseph, For all of them there was room. except for the infant Christ and his mother, God has never been able to find room fn bis own World, Men so occupy them- selves with material things that the heart is always too full to leave space for the Lord of all. It was so two thousand years ago. The revelations made by the discovery of Herculaneum show that men in those days hunted after lascivious art, sensuous ease and bodily comfort. Is it not very much the same tm our days? Men who reverence God and who do not intend deliberately to tareapect Him, yet manage, owing to the distractions of life, to almost entirely ignore their Maker, to be 80 occupied with profes. sional duties, commerce, speculation or mere frivolity as to shut out Jesus, as they did who had no room for him in the inns at Bethiel The return of this festival found many iatian hearts petrified by sin, many frozen ¥ wh ayed far away from tne beantiful paths trodden the righteous, But the spectacle of an infant joa lying in swathing bands in a manger and redo- redeeming love, was calculated to open these ice-bound hearts to the purifying and justify- ing influences of divine grace, No sweeter visitor can knock at the door of the human heart, no more agreeable companton can woo man’s tenderness, attenuon and affecuon, Leaving man in full pow session of the exercise of his natural yowers and faculties acco: vo che rules of mn, Christ entered man’ to Itft him above himself, to en- noble his desires and pi his alms and purposes, urify breathe peace into his spirit and set him at rest with God and within himself. The reverend gentie- man eloquently appeaied, on the part of the children attending the Sunday school, 700 of whom were made happy last night by an entertainment got up for their encouragement at considerable expense. PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ST. JAMES. Sermon by Bishop Potter and Dedication Service. The congregation of the Protestant Episcopal Church of St. James, who have for some sixtv years worshipped in tne old frame edifice situated at Hamilton square op Sixty-ninth street, yestewlay, for the first time, attended service at their newly erected church on Seventy-second street, near Lexington avenue. The new buildmg is @ hand- some little structure of blue stone, ornamented with Jersey and Cleveland sandstone, The style 1s the Gothic peculiar to the mxteenth century. The furniture is of chesnut, gracefuWy inter- laid with walnut. Sixty thousand dollars have already been expended on the edifice, and wien the decorations are compiete the building will be anornament to the locaity and in keeping with the style of the numerous Mansions now iu course ol erection in this neighborhood. Rev. Mr. Smith, the pastor, made a few remarks complimentary to the architect and the contractors who built the edifice, and congratulated his congre- gation on the success of their zealous exertions. He said that in jess than six months from the jaying of the foundation stone the church 1s turown open for divine service. Bishop Potter, who delivered the sermon of the day, took his text Irom Hebrews 1, 6—“When He bringeth in the first begotten into the world he saith, and let all the angeis of God worstup Him.” His discourse curned on the festival celebrated the world over ou this day, Which brings joy to every heart and @ ray of light to many a saddened eye, He said the One great mistake that most people make ou this earth 14 to ignore the fact that every feature in which man 1s an actor has an invisible as well as a visible result. Wesee the cid die, the littie tongue thar had prattied merrily grow dumb and cold and claminy, but we do not see the kind ministering spirits of heaven embrace the soul of the little de- parted one and bear it to the Divine bosom amidjthe acclamations of heavenly choirs. We celebrate to-day a great mystery, in which the eternal Goa appears on the stage, sustaining the principal part. Our inteliects are put to the test, Our faith is put to the test. Turn your face to Beth- Jebem, the human eye wiil see @ poor outcast family, despised and trodden down by the gay and hardene world, refused the shelter of a roof and compelled to betake themselves toa stable and to associate with the beasts, The Divine Word was born here, dependent on charity for the mean rags in which #18 tender body was swathed, exposed to the biting December breeze and warmed only by the breath of the oxen, The wealthy and powerful had spurned Him from their doors. He ald pot importune them to receive Him, but dispiayed Himsel! to the poor shepperds, whose hearts were open to receive His {ts aud whose souls yearned to adore the infant dod. We see in this one of the most marked traits in the divine nature—tenderness and sympathy with the poor, an anxiety to 1mpiant His divine affec tons into tae forlorn and forsaken hearts that have nothing to hope for and nothing in this world to love. His whole life was a repetition of this same doctrine. He says ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit.”” ‘These words of encouragement should bring joy and clicerfulness into the thousand desolate homes mn our city, Where to-day men, women and children will spend their Christmas in utter squalor and pov- erty, enjoying few if any of the worid’s goods and bearing more than their share of its oppressions. CHURCH OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. Imposing Ceremonies—Discourse by Father Rony. ‘The services yesterday at this church were very imposing. ‘They consisted of a grand high mass in the forenoon and vespers in the afternoon. The church was very prettily decorated with evergreens, and the small altars as well as the main altar were adorned with a profusion of fresi flowers, pre- sented by the ladies of the congregauon, At the left of the grand altar there was a little crib, in which Was ama)! infant Jesus of wax, surrounded by sev- eral lighted candles. The Rev. Father Ronay, the eloquent clergyman who 4uring the last Advent season deliveréd the weekly discourses, delivered the sermon. He took his text from the Gospel of the day, and for over an Mwur’awelt upon the great benefib mankind had reaped aud would continue to reap till the end of the world from the incarnation, It had been a long age of darkness and despair for the world from the time of tae fall of our first parents Until the birth of the Son of God im Bethlehem. ‘The idee Drevatied at the time of the’ coming Of CHTiBt thot the Messiah would come into the world as a great conqueror, Wo, at the head of armies, would bring the whole World under the power of the people who cate from Judea. He came, however, to con- quer men by love and suffering and humiliation, and haa set them an example which all good men should endeavor as far as possible tofollow, The speaker, afver dilating upon the life of the Saviour and the sufferings He underwent for men’s sake, closed by cailing upon all good Chrisuans to be mindful of the passions of the Lord, and to show by their lives im the future that they were determined to do all that lay in their power to repent of their past sins and become worthy of a heavenly rest alter this lite’s ut ful ever should be over. THE UNITARIAN SERVICES. Services in the Church of All Soals—Sermon by Rev. Dr. Bellows. The congregations of the Church of All Souis and Church of the Messiah held joint services yesterday morning in the former church, corner of Fourth avenue and Twentieth street, Rey. Dr. Bellows and Rey. George H. Hepworth occupying the pulpit. The large congregation present attested the interest felt in the observance of the day, though the absence of ay evergreen or floral decorations seemed singular m contrast with the generally profuse deco- rations of other churches. The music, how- ever—that medium for tue highest expression of Joy as well us the sad and deeper passions of the heart—was of unsurpassed excellence. The pit sung were Jubilute, in B flat, by J. Shail Feed His Flock,” from the ‘Messiah, ny “Hark, What Mean Those Holy Voices?” by S. P. Warren—the choir consisting of Miss b. A. Hamlin, soprano; Miss L. Perring, contralto; Mr. J. E. Per- ring, tenor, and Mr. W. Green, basso. Dr. Bellows preached @ sermon of rare power and eloquence, taking as his text Acts il., s2—‘*T'lis Jesus hach God raised up, Whercof we ali are witnesses.” A more forcible and brilliant exposition of the mythology of the ancients and the literature and arts of the goiden days of Greece and paimlest petiod of imperial Kome israrely heard from the pulpit, Alter hoiding ius audience spellbound with bis revelations and graphic delineations of the splendor of those old times, when art was perfect and oratory unsurpassed, he dwelt more in detail upon the times of the birth of Christ. ‘That child, in swaddling clothes in an humbie stable, revealed a sublime power and glory oi the human soul. He cofitrasted the characteristics of Christ with those of the old Greek philosopher Diogenes, in his cub, and of the works of the Middle Ages and of the bishops and priests of the present day. Christ had founded a Church that would outlive ail other church organizations. In conclusion he traced the eifects upon modern progress and civilization of true Chris- tianity, in their relations to man, Individually con- sidered, to home, to our country aud to God. In the course of these latter rewarks he referred to the Richardson-McFariand ragedy, denouncing in scathing terms the modern facilities for divorce and the assassin. The sermon, though occupying over an hour, Was listened to with the most earnest atiention. THE PUBLIC D PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS, Christmas at the Tombs, Wards Island, Bellovae Hospital, Five Points House of Industry, Howard Mission and Other Chari+ table Asylume. Christmas Day of 1869 was indeed a pleasant annl- versary at most of the public and local charitable institutions of the city and will long be a pleasing reminiscence to the thousands of homeless and un- fortunate ones whom adversity or error had com- pelled to partake of the thoughtful gifts of the be- nevolent, At Bellevue Hospital, Ward’s, Randall's and Blackwell’s Isiands, the City Prison, the Five Points, charfty homes and all the local and secta- rian asylums extra efforts and supplication had been ut forth for some weeks past to secure for the Inmates some cheer for the day when the whole Christian world rejoices and the hearts of the indi- gent, the sick, the lame, the biind, the orphan, the widow, the aged, the Magdalene, were all mace glad fora day—wi ich 1s, if even for 80 shorta time, a proud and Christian-like achievement. CHRISTMAS AT THE TOMBS. Unristmas, if not a merry one, was observed at the Tombs in the regulation fashion of happier nowsenolds by eating of @ substantial dinner and an indulgence im good cheer. This deviation from the prison fare doled out from January to December marked yesterday as a red letter day in the calen- riod of incarceration of those who in the Tombs, dar of the have the misfortune to be confined Not alone was the body Seripture motsoes in evergree! jorned the blank spaces of the Wisc ternating in pleasant contrast with the grim, black iron doors of the ects and iron staircases that everywhere meet the eye and saddea the mind with an uncontrollable feeling of restraint, Nearly 300 criminals were entertained at dinner. Among the more prominent of these were Mr. Jerome Bradley and Mr, McFarland, who were promenaning the corridors, by way of getting up an appetite for ine dinner, Mr. McFarland was bumiy engaged perusing the contents of a morning paper, and remarked to our reporter on the aunguBcement of the marriage of Mrs. Calhoun with Mr. Runkle, neither of whom he seemed to regard with very pleasant recollections, Mclarland spoke very affec- uonately of his wife, and showed @ genuine, beart felt aympathy for her future welfare. THE DAY ON WARD'S ISLAND. ‘The children on Ward’s Island were not forgotten yesterday by the Commissioners of Emigration. At anearly hour in the morning Commissioner Cyrus H. Loutrei, accompanied by a large party of ladies and gentlemen arrived on the island, where there was every sign of a day of festivity. At ten o'clock the children, amounting to about 300, ail bright, healthy looking amd neatly clad, assembled in the dining nail. Before them was spread the Christmas Presents consisting of toys of every imagimable de- scription, illustrated books, &¢, Commissioner Loutrel said to the children that Christmas comes but once @ year; that it was a holi- day that Protestants and Roman Catholics alike rev- erenced and observed; that there were four great holidays in this country —Thanksgiving had been lately observed, New Year's day was soon to be upon us and the Fourth of July, natal day of the nation’s independence, was dear to every heart. Mr. Lou- tre} did not wish to detain the children and wished them with ail his neart a happy Curistmas. The toys were then distributed. Mr. Welles, superintendent of the ‘stand, and Doc- tors Ford, Rymer and Dwyer devoved all their atten- tion to promoting the happiness and enjoyment of the occasion, The grown up portion of ihe inmates were treated to @ Christmas dinner, and the day was also celebrated by services In both tie Catholic and Protestant chapels, AMONG THE JUVENILES ON RANDALL'S ISLAND. The usual annual celebration of Christmas was observed on Randall's Island wtth perhaps more than the accustomed rejoicings, By the generous consideration of the Commissioners of Public Charities and Correction in additton to the time- honored feast of poultry a special appropriation was made for the purpose of procuring Christmas trees in each of the nurseries, hospitals and Idiot Asylum, ‘The aforesaid trees were beautifully decorated and laden with toys—toys useful, ornamental, serious, picturesque and grotesque—which toys were the cynosare of at least 2,000 youthful eyes during the day. ‘To add to the joyful, toyful interest of the day Mrs. A. H. Gibbons, at the head of a party of ladies and gentlemen, brought her twenty-second annual Christmas offering, paying her usual atcention to her spécialit’, the hospitals and Idiot Asylum. For the balance of the day and far-into the nigit the islind was vocal and hideous at intervals with discordant elements, wereln the biendtd bravs of trumpet and the sharp rattle of drum bore witness of the thoroughness. with which Mrs. Gibbons had dis- tributed her gifts. After a dress parade by the “guard,” the children of the nursery, nunibering 400, were, on the arrival of Commisstoners Bell, Brennan and Nicholson, as- sembled in the school room, which was handsomely decorated with evergreens, fags and bauners. Here the girls sang very sweetly, nnd the boys ina dia- logue, thoroughly discussed the condition of “Tur- kev. Commissioner Bell, on behalf of his associates, presented to Captain Michael Donnelly of the Ran- dail’s Island Guard, and Miss Lillian Steptiens, of the girls’ department, each, a beautiful gold badge, as asouvenw of the visit of the Providence Light Infantry to the isiand, October 14, 1869. ‘The badges were accompanied by a letter from the command, in which they speak most glowingly of their visit to the institution, and conclude by electing Captain Donnelly and Miss Stephens veierans of the intan- try. Then tollowed the presentation of a very power- ful magic lantern—a costly gilt—the donation of Wm. C. Connor, ex-County Clerk. Commissioner Bell completed the presentations by adverting very touchingly and effectively to the fact that the children —the favored wards of the metropo- hs—should evince, by their obedience, truthininess and assiduous devotion to their studies their gvat- tude ayd appreciation of the bounties showered upon them, bot only by the citizens of New York, but of other cities who have visited them from time to time. The Commissioner's remarks were lisiened to with respectiut attention, at the conciusion of which the assemblage dispersed, and the Commits- sioners then personally inspected each department of the island aud enjoyed the spectacle of a thou- sand children feasting Inxuriously at the expense of the taxpayers, who certainly do not grudge auything that may contributo to the enjoyment of these litte ones, whose welfare is watched with tender solicl- tude by those devoted almieners of New York's be- nevolence—the Commissioners of I'ublic Chariues and Correction. THE FIVE POINTS HOUSE OF INDUSTAY. In the lecture room of this recognized charitable Institution 360 girls aud Hoys were assembled to do Justice to the good cheer that awaited them. The smiling faces at the gathering were suggestive in deed. From the perambulating dispenser of neats- foot oil and lampblack over the cowhide and calt- skin coverings of pedestrians to those who had been destined to that university of” infuucy— Blackwell's Island—where the ‘child,’ by associating for “two moons” with the hardened rascals of a great metropolis, have any lingering feeling of virtue “crushed out,” and are thus prepared to enter upon an enlarged Geld of infaucy, and be able more perfectly to work upon a broader platform of turpituae and crime, were present, Appropriately dressed—the giris in ite, with crimson sashes, and the boys in black (every soul plucked by kindly hands from a terribie future)— the scene was inspiring. After the singing of several ape and an address by Mr. Stephens, of Cincinnati, at one o'clock, the light-hearted cow pany sat down to dinner. Chickens, turkeys, pastry and puddings disappeared with that readiness, sug- gestive of appetites willing and greedy. At three o'clock the gifts from the Christmas irees were dis- tributed, and every heart went to bed very early, happy and plulosopiical in their infantile way. It was aday of merry lhours—a day that the children eof the Five Points House of Industry will long remember, THE KOWARO MISSION, Four hundred and thirteen souls, many of which have been wrested from festering gutters and filthy courtyards and made comfortable in pleasant apart- ments by generous and Christian friends, received their meed of mercy and charitableness at the cosey room of this mission in the New Bowery, Siuging, prayer aud addresses were indulged in until noon, when, after the arrival of several ladies who have been instrumental in the good work to hinder evii by this agency, the tree provided for the occasion was stripped of its presents, a thousand or less, and appropriately distributed. Each little one received, besides some comfortable and fancy article, a pack- age of “goodies” that made them lift their hands ana ery for joy. Not one who witnessed this Christian charity and Saw the reflex of happy souls beaming through ra- diant eyes could but think tfat— The quality of mercy is twice blensed: It biesseth him that gives and him that takes, SUNDAY SCHOOL FESTIV.TIES. Presbyterian Mission School Festival. The Christmas festival of this mission school was held yesterday im the spactous schoolroom, at 140 Sixth avenue, The school was established and is supported by the University place Presbyterian church, The schoiars, to the number of 6500, assembled at eleven o'clock, and, alter singing several Christmas pieces, were acdressed by the Rev. A. H. Kellogg, Mr. Lampman, Mr. A. K. Brown and others, Three huge Christmas trees were erected and tastefully decked with the presents and gifts, which were stiortiy after distributed, and if the children exhibited any impatience during the continuance of the addresses It was accounted for by the enormous supply of cakes and fruit of every variety laid out on a@ table for distribution, The children afverwards dispersed, well laden with presents, and were well pleased with the festival of 1869. Forsyth Street Protestant Episcopal Church of the Holy Martyrs, The annual celebration of Christmas by the Sab- bath school of the above church was celebrated in the chapel, in Forsyth street, yeaterday evening. The exercises were commenced by the singing of a hymm by the children; reading of the Scriptures and prayer by the Superintendent, who delivered an affectionate address to the little lambs of his flock. He congratulated the friends and teachgrs of the school upon the prosperous condition a ing the past year and no pecuniary emb: to contend with. Apposite and appropriate remar! were made by Kev. Messrs. Millett, the pastor; fleid, Warner and Dayckinck. After which Sant: Clause was cailed upon to preside, which he ald to the delight of the young jubilants, who received his bounty with satisfaction, Miss Wine, the musical directress, who maketh the hearts of the ohgidren glad, was presented with two beautiful vases by the teachers in token of eatcem; and the Superintendent ie presented by the school with a beautiful copy of cotl’s Poems, The benediction was pronounced by the pastor and the happy ones dispersed. ‘The Morning Star Sunday School. The Morning Star Sunday School held its annual Christmas festival and Santa Claus Friday evening, Santa Claus @ very fine gold watch, valued at $200, from some kind unknown friend. THE JOLLY ARIONS’ CHRISTMAS. Festival Celebration of the Society at Gere ania Assembly Rooms—Wit, Mirth and Music=A Glorious Reunion. When the Arlonites are about nobody need fear drowsiness for want of fun. ‘this was experienced again last evening at the Germania Assmbly Rooms, Where the Arion Vocal Society celebrated Christmas in their usual jolly fashion. The company was en- livened by the best of humor, and the arrangements, ‘With the exception that the beginning of the even- ing’s programme was delayed tor upwards of an hour, was full of wit and enjoyment for all, and for several members of tne society, even fraught with honorable distinction. A view of the crowded hall from the balcony was a beautiful sight. The many ladies, a large portion of them In full evening dress, gave une air distin- gué to the scene, Near the’orchestra was placed & huge Christmas tree, over eighteen feet high, decked with all kinds of confectionery, resplendent glass globes and innumerable wax tapers. It was the delight of the great number of young folks crowding around and admiring it, At about nine o'clock Mr. Joseph Neustaedter, president of the Arion, mounted the rostram, and caliing the company to’ order an- nounced that the presentation of Christmas gifts by the society would now commence. He first called before him Maestro. Carlo Berg- mann, the musical director of the Arion, and, presenting him with an envelope, said taat 1b contained a “sreca monster” which has wrought many evils, but which he and the society hoped would prove the reverse Mr, Berge- naum Was also the rect] a dsome cigar holder. The next was Mr, C.F. Triacca, ex-prest- dent of the society, Wao was presented With & beautiful dressing case, in brown morocco, gilt miounted, Mr, Alfred Keicheit, fnacial secretary. received alarge black marpie mantle clock. Five the ex-officers of the Arion received heavy gold badges, and five others were the “recipients of valuable meerschaum pipes. Mr Bergmann was again cailed up and received for pimseif and for Messrs. Grill, her and Baesig, members of the Arion orchestra, & contrivance such asis sometimes seen over stoves, moved by a widinill propelled by the current of hot air. In this case it represented four monkeys playing lustily on imaginary fiddies. This created great merriment. Mr. Henry Steinway, Sr., was pre- sented @ with heavy ivory-handled cane. The general disiribution of gilts by the drawing of nurvers, some 120 in all, Was then proceeded with amid the greatest hilarity, occasioned by the sometimes very ludicrous distribution of the gifts. Thus a young lady received a bundie of baby ciotues, young gentlemen ladies? toilet articles aud soon, The gilts were all valuable, no trash being found among them. When the distribution of the gilts was over, the chorus of the Arion commenced the vocal part of the pro~ gramme with the song “Wie hab’ ich sie geliebt,”" How have | loved her. Other songs toilowed, after which the hall was cleared of the tabies and chairs and the young ladies were gratified with what jhey Wished—a dance, which lasted till alter midnight, At the supper @ humerous original poem, by Mr. Anton Menkel, was sung by the Arion chorus, de- tauig ludicrous incidents of a trip to marge by “seven cooks,” all friends and members of the Arion, which performruce gave rise to great mert ment. THE FANTASTICALS, Their Evolutions Yesterdnay—The Guys and Tam o Shunters of the Period. ‘There are many Christian cities on the globe that celebrate the birth of our Saviour in different man- ners, but ttis doubiful Lf there exists another city in Christendom, outside of Rome or Venice, that celebrates the Nativity in a manner similar to that in which it is celebrated in this the metropolis of the Western Worid, where every language is spoken and every religion tolerated, Christmas ts a gala day in New York, and for weeks preceding its advent 1s looked for with anxious and happy thoughts and anticipations from all classes. Yesterday Trinity culmed forth its greetings to the stranger and the resident, the numerous throng wended their way up Broadway, but @ class far diferent from the asual throng paraded the princi- pai streets and gave mirda wiere sorrow pre- domiuated. THE FANTASTICALS “showed up’? at a late hour and surpassed their former efforts on similar occasions, ‘Their costumes were not resplendent in colors, but what they lacked im beauty they made up in absurdity. ‘The first com- pany of Fantasticals that made its appearance was the “ Hackmen’s Sons of Pieasure,” a company which was neaded by a brawny geulus with a huge grenadier’s hat; behind tum rode a male and jemaie of Ceitic oryein, Or at ieast they miended to repre- sent that nationality. ‘' Jolin Barleycora’? was rep- resented by @ barrel on horseback, with @ head pro- truding, Which was characteristic of the procession, to say the least. The sipping interest Was repre- sented by a dilapidated specimen of humanity in the garb of asailor, Dukes without number, coun- tesses in profusion, and darkies without name paraded mm the gang. Each and every one held out thew paws for “stamps,” and in many instances succeeded In getting tiat necessary artcle; but be- fore they got lurough with their parade tney came to grief, as at the corner of Caual aud the Bowery they were assaulted with various missiles, thrown by ‘‘igafers” and ‘stand ois,” and were compelled to beat a disgraceful retreat 1a diferent directions, company (iat made its appearance Troublesome Muiins’ of the Seventh ward, w band of miscreants, Wao marched through the Lowery, as far as the City Hall, Garved in every of dress imaginable, tiey too came to grief in front of the St. Nicnolas Hotel. where they were met a company of “ragamuitins,’? who saluted the 1 ofthe company With simular articles Wat predecessors nad received, The “invinetbies,”? the last of Fantasticals, pa- raded lave in (he evening, and gave out fun ou alt sides. One fellow, represenung “Ben Butler’? on horseback, Was .te centre of auraction, and gave as exact a portrait of “Ben" as cau be seen in the city. On every side the thing Was enjoyed, and at the St. Denis Hotei they met wiih a complete ovation. The Central Park, Macmiilan’s and the Union Ponds—A Poor Day. Throughout the week preceding Christmas the skating ponds in the various parts of the city gave promise of being wel! patronized, and the patrons of this exhilarating exercise ground up their skates in anticipation of liaving a jolly time on Christmas, at least, but the warm weather—unusual at this season of the year—interfered materiaily, and thou- sands who were calculating upon spending a pleas- ant day wended their way homeward disappointed at the prospects. MACMILLAN’S RINK, at the corner of Futon avenue and Forty-fitth street, Was (ue great resort of the “uptown”? people, and between eleven and twelve o'clock the enclosure was crowded with skaters; but fhe ice giving symp- toms of weakness the majority of the skatorial fra- ternity deserted the pond, not without disaster, how- ever, a5 & young lady, while endeavoring to get ashore when the Ice began breaking up, despite the exertions of her friends, sank into the water up to her waist, but Was rescued without serious injury beyond ‘‘ducking.”” At the CENTRAL PARK SKATING PONDS thousands congregated during tne early part of the morning, Dut dispersed in # short time, the ice being in 4 dilapidated condition, as at Macmillan’s, and they sought other means of pleasure, At THE UNION POND, Williamsburg, thousands assembled to pass away the day, With skates in hana, 10 anticipation of seeing a base ball club perforin on the ice, but as usualwere disappointed, the expected club having gone to Hobo- ken to piay a maten ec at the Kiysian Fields with the “Champions” of Jersey City, which 1s the last gaine of base bail during thelr present season, At the Sixth avenue and Twenty-third street swimming bath establishment there were several skating matches for smail prizes during the day, but the ice, a8 usual, began during the afternoon to give symptoms of weakness, and the skaters lefvln dis- gust. At Macmillan’s, as soon as the ice assumes a proper degree of solidity, there will be a band of masic in attendance constantly during each evening, and some of the most ceiebrated skaters of the country will be in attendance, tnciuding Jackson Haiues, Carrie Moore, Alfred Moe and several others. 1HE FESTIVAL IN BROOKLYN. The observance of the Christmas holiday in Brook- lyn appears to grow more general and earnest from year to year. This year all acknowledge tnat it was more generally observed than the year previous. Everywhere the happy salutation of ‘Merry Christ- mas” was heard, and the cheerful and happy faces which one met at every turn, gave ample inaication ‘Unat the residents of the City of Churches had, forthe time being, determined to banish their tittie cares and troubles and join in the festivities with true zeat. The juventie world was astir at an early hour, for it was a day of impertance to them. Bright eyes “peeped into well filled stockings, and Santa Claus at Apollo Hall, Hundreds of children, parents, | was declared to be jolly, good, noble hearted fel- teachers and friends gathered there and were well supplied with refreshments and presents. The ex- erciges consisted of sowing, declamations, speak- ing, &c. All seemed very happy ana the chudren looked as though they wished Curistmas would come every week. ‘The Superintendent, Dr, Perry, received throagh jow. Papas and mammas were compelled to get up even ata much earlier hour than they were accus- tomed to and join in the merriment of the litue ones. Whisties and borns were considered by the youngsters most wonderful instruments of music, CONTINUED ON TENTH PAGE