The New York Herald Newspaper, December 26, 1873, Page 6

6 CHRISTMAS DAY. How the Christian Festival Was Spent in the City and Suburbs. “GLAD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY.” Prayer, Praise and Psalm in the Protestant and Catholic Churches. Charity and Christmas Cheer in the Private Institations of the City. Christmas and the Commissioners of Charities. When the late Mr. Dickens closed his “Christ- mas Carol’ with the observation of ivy im, “God bless us! every one,” he summarized, wrrough “Tim,” the universal feeling of Christen- dom at this season of the year. Everywhere throughout this city yesterday, as will be seen by the reports given below of how te day was spent, there was a universal sentimeat of thankfulness, and the crowded churches testified that the people were desirous of acknowledging that the source of their contentment and joy was attributable to Him of whom “Tim’s” universal blessing was asked. Music, the twin sister of devotion, was, doubtless, the major attraction, for there is not @ heart, however rude or base, but hath some slender string that yields an answering tone to song and praise. In the Catholic churches the choirs stole the listening souls away, almost, by their rendering of rapturous melodies; and in the Protestant churches the chant, the psalm, the anthem and carol were Liited by the united voices of choir and congregation in a loud acclaim to God, The lesson of the day the Christian Church thus celebrates, in special signifi- cance, was taught and improved by priest and Pastor in tones of eloquence, and in some instances with solemn reminder Of the obligations to a more Gevoted spiritual life, which the recurrence of Christmas brings to sincere and heartfelt Christians. The poor, whom we have always with us, were not forgotten on this great anniversary day of the birth of their Deliverer. Charity, with its organized and bountiful hands, distributed to the adults and the children of the negelected and sorrowing classes creature comforts, in the shape of solid and toothsome food and mental excitement in the form of games, toys and music. So that, at least, one day in the sad round of the 365 might be remem- bered as the silver lining in a dark cloud of Continuous trouble. There was a notable exception. Municipal reform, that has brought us sO many douotful blessings, has also given us a new set of Commissioners whose duty it is to care for the poor and those who are condemned to imprisonment. A time-honored custom has included the destitute and the degraded a8 worthy of being partakers in the general festivi- tes of Christmas and the celebrations of the birth- day of Him who came to seek and to save the lost. Yesterday was selected as an appropriate time for the manifestation of economy, and so the customary “Christmas cheer” was cut off. The prisoners at the penitentiaries and the various institutions Were forbidden to eat plum pudding, roast beef or turkey, and to remember by their abstinence that Mey had fallen on days when the redemption of the aollar was the only kind or redemption that was Worthy of a mortal’s thought. THE DAY IN THE CHURCHES. CHRISTMAS AT OLD TRINITY, Emposing Celebration of the Great Christmas Festivai—Address by Kev. Dr. Dix—Flowers, Music and Eloquence as Auxiliaries to Worship. ‘There was a grand celeoration of the great and triumphant Christian festival of Christmas at | Trinity church yesterday—an effort eminently fit for the commemoration of the advent of the new- born King of kings into the dominion of the uni- vVerse—and the services were, as usual, participated in by a vast throng of worshippers. The day was greeted first by the ringing of chimes and carols on the bells, and this feature of the day’s celebra- tion also attracted a very large assemblage of listeners, who appeared, as they loitered on the pavements aud looked intently up to the Delfry in the graceful tower, to take the deepest pleasure in hearing those “‘sweet bells Jangiea”’ to such appropriate tunes and on such a glad occasion. The chiming was, of course, under ‘the direction of the veteran beli-ringer, Mr. James E. Ayliffe, and comprised the following pro- gramme of airs:—Ringing the changes on eight Delis; Carol, “Glory be to God Most High!” Carol, “Ring Out the Bells; Carol, “Christmas Bells;’” Carol, “Children of the Temple; Carol, “Christ ‘was Born on Christmas Day.” The imterior of the splendid edifice was exqui- sitely adornea with evergreens and flowers, and in consequence of the rather overcast, cloudy state ‘Of the atmosphere, the gas lamps throughout the church were lighted, thus heightening the effect of what would have been in any event an imposing and beautiiul spectacle. All the interior arches of the doors were bordered or festooned by sprays of laurel, and at the apex of each gothic arc was fixed an emblem wrought in evergreens— @ heart, a star or @ cross The divid- ing piilars between the stained glass ‘Windows along the church walls were also decked ‘With green boughs, and in the central panel of ach window was likewise placed an appropriate device wrought in dark green foliage. Similar ‘twinings and festoonings graced the great organ nd the pulpit. But the culmination of the floral adornment was achieved in front of and on the sides of the chancel. On either hand @ beauteous Pyramid of choice trees, shrubs, trailing plants and flowers in full bloom towered against the pil- Jars of the chancel arch and lent to the consecrated enclosure somewhat of the appearance of a gor- geous sylvan grotto, with a rich background of superbly stained glass. Beneath the widow was ‘the array of goid and silver ornaments aud vesseis pertaining to the chancel service and the Massive Astor candelabra of rich golden jabric. ‘The church was crowded to excess in every part by a large and fashionable assemblage; there was nO standing room to spare anywhere, and fully 1,000 persous were disappointed by not being able ¥o secure aamission and 80 went home resolved to be earlier in attendance next year. The services Were conducted by the rector, Rev. Morgan Dix, D. D., assisted by Rey. Dr. Oguby and Rev. Messrs. Mitchings, Houghton and Mines. The music was under the supervision of A. H. Messiter, musical director oO! Trinity church, the director presiding over the chancel organ and the splendid choir of male voices, While Mr. Henry Carter officiated at the large organ, which was supported by an or- chestra of 40 instruments, brass, stringed and reed. The ceremonies Were commenced by a quar- ter of an hour’s voluntary at the g organ by Mr. Carter, aiter Which the uswal service prescribed by the ritual of the Protestant Episcopal Churcn ‘was periormed. THE CHRISTMAS ADDRESS ‘was delivered by the Key. Dr. Dix. After a brief proemial in allusion to the bature Oo! the feast Which all were assembled to commemorate, he said ;—It seems to-day as if the Whole world were one, It 1s one so far a8 that great work is regarded, the remembrance of which is vo our hearts with joy and our mouths with gladness. Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of all mankind as certainly as God is their Creator and their Father. The first creation and the second are of equal breadth. ‘There is not one human being who may not look ‘Up to God as his Fatner, nor one who may not see his Saviour and his Kedeemer in the incarnate Son, To-day we celebrate the mystery of the hoiy incarnation, which was not the taking of one man Into closest relations with the Deity, but the assum- ing by God of that nature which 18 common to us all, “He was made man.” Observe, it does not si he was made a man. ‘hat would hotbe, God could no more be changed into a man than @ man could be changed into God. God the Son remained what He was and is and ever shall be—God of God, Light of Light, very God of Very God. But He was made man. He assumed human nature, detached trom avy human persop- ality. It was our common nature that was adopted by Him. Your own humanity is made immortal and glorious in Christ-—not yours only, but that of ery race, of every age, of every generation, of every human being. There is no square foot on Blebe inhabited by rational and intelligent patted of God in which we could not keep the binas feast Wit just as periect propriety as in NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1873. this consecrated tem Among Mahometans or Brahmins or Budduists, among the shiverin; and cowering tribes toward the North Pole anc in the midst of the naked savages of the torrid zone, anywhere and everywhere, among the evil or the rng among the faithful or amo the infidels, beiore the sinner as we as in the lace of the righteous; wherever there are men, be they what they may, think they what they may, betieve they wnat they may, it only they are human beings, there may we properly display the hahiowed symbols of our faith and preciaim the Christmas Gospel as meant also for them. ‘The musical programme was as lo!low: sional Hymn 42; anthem from Hymn 43; “K. Nicene creed (first mass) ; sermon; offertory (‘+ edictus”) ; “San (first mass), Mozart; ‘‘Ag- nus Dei,” Mozart ona in Exceisis” (first mass), Mozart; Recessiona! Hymn 44. During the admin- istration of the sacrament of the Holy Communion, which occupied three-quarters of an hour, Dr. Austin Pearce performed with masterly effect on the organ, and at the close ol the services, while the congregation was retiring, the orchestra, under the leadership of Mr. Carter, executed tne Jupiter Symphony of Mozart. 8T. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL, The Observance of the Great Christ- mas Festival—Magnificent Ceremonies at the Grand Pontifical High Mass— The Archbishop Officiating=—Splendid Decorations and Excellent Music—Ser- mon by the Very Rev. Vicar General Quin. The great and universally honored festival of Christmas was celebrated yesterday in St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral at half-past ten o’clock by ceremonies of a most digni- fied, attractive and interesting character. The altars were beautifully decorated for the occasion, veing embellished with richly-gilded ornaments and studded with hundreds of burning lights. Around the sanctuary were suspended small but neatly-woven wreaths of evergreens emblematic of the day. At the back of the high altar immedi- ately above the tabernacle was a beautiful piece of tinselled workmanship representing the “ Ris- ing Sun.” Large bouquets of rich natural flowers rested on each altar table, and the can- delabra were elegantly enamelled by every variety of ornamentation; in fine, the interior of the whole edifice presented an aspect of modest grandeur more magnificent than is wont w be noticed on other great festivals. Every available seat in the church was occupied when the clergy- men entered the sanctuary for the celebration of the “GRAND PONTIFICAL HIGH MASS.” The following was the order observed duriug tne ceremonies :—The Most Rev. Archbishop McUloskey acted as celebrant. The Very Rev. Vicar General Quin, assistant celebrant. The Rev. Fathers Kane and McDonald, deacons of honor. The Rey. Father Salter, deacon, and Rey. Mr. Reardon, sub-deacon. Rev, Father Kearney, master of ceremonies, and Rev. John F. Farrelly, assistant master of cere- monies. There were also present in the sanctuary 40 neatly attired acolytes, four of whom acted re- spectively as book-bearer, candle-bearer, crozier- bearer and mitre-bearer to the most reverend Archbishop. The richly embroidered vestments of the officiating clergymen and the many-colored cassocks and surplices of the acolytes added much to the beauty of the ceremonies throughout the entire celebration and gave a noticeable tone of impressiveness to the religious scene, The grand ma mass, selected for the occasion by the distinguished organist, Professor Gustavus Schmitz, was No. 3, by Haydn, It was rendered throughout with all that spirit and feeling which sacred music inspires and in a manner easier to be praised than sufliciently well described, The choir, which was under the direction of Professor Henry Schmitz, consisted of a full chorus of 40 voices, of whom the following were the dis- tinguished solo singers, viz.:—Miss Sullivan, soprano; Miss Ballard, alto; Mr. Bersin, tenor; Mr. Urchs, basso and Professor Henry Schmitz After the “Asperges Mei’ was intoned by the most reverend Archbishop the choir sung tne ‘Kyrie’ with delightiul effect, Next followed the “Gloria im Exceisis Deo,” which in the composition of = its Music adntitted of the most excellent rendering by solos, quartets and the full chorus at intervals, The “Credo,”? which is exveedingly long in composition, and also as a consequence long in its Musical rendition, was made especially pleasing by the distinct pronun- ciation of 1ts several rising and falling inflections, beiore the sermon the “Veni Creator,” a soprano solo, was exceilently rendered by Miss Snuilivan. At the elevation “Ecce Panis” was played by the organist with a French horn accompaniment by Mr. Henry Schmitz, and sung by Mrs. Grosz with great feeling, genuine sweetness and power. Lastly, the ‘Agnus Dei,” an admirable solo, was sung by Miss Ballard in a very praiseworthy man- ner. The whole choir of St. Patrick’s deserve great praise and merit for the splendid feast of Tuusic which they gave the congregation yester- day, as also do the Messrs. schinitz individually for their wonderful abilities displayed in we ren- dition of the music. THE SERMON of yesterday at the Cathedral was preached by file Very Rey. Vicar General Quin alter the conclusian of the first Gospel. The very reverend preacuer first introduced his subject by alluding to the importance, significance and glory of tne festival of Christmas and the obvious necessity and sense of celebrating it with becoming dignity and reverence. He then calied the attention of his hearers to the great mystery of the “incarna tion,” the nature of which he endeavored to ex- plain in clear and forcible terms. He referred to the fall of Adam by disobedience of the divine man- date, and explained the promise of God which was to leave our first parents not without. ‘For from the seed of the woman a@ Saviour should be born who would crush the head of the serpent,” and satisfy by His death the offended justice of God. Tne patriarchs Absaham, Isaac and Jacob had been told of the promised Messiah, and the traditions of nations supported that promise and preserved its authenticity intact. The prophets Isaiah and Daniel foretold it to the people of Israel in their prophecies and mentioned even the spect- fled time at which the Saviour would be born, and told them that His name would be Emmanuel, Which meant God is witn thee. The evangelists, who were the disciples of our Lord after His com- ing upon earth, and who were most closely con- nected in this relationship with Him, also wrote of Him and of the miracles and wonders He per- formed. All this went to prove, the very rev- erend preacher said, that we celebrated the an- niversary of the birth of the Son of God as @ fact which was in itself incontrovertible and which was acknowledged as such by the uni- versal world. He then described the circumstances of the Saviour’s birth, in lowliness and poverty, in Bethlehem o1 Judea, and specified etd eye mys- tery of the Incarnation of the Son of God as the foundation stone of the Christian religion. He lastiy advised bis congregation to go in spirit to the scene of our Lord’s nativity, and present there, with the three shepherds, the homage and offerin; of their hearts and souls in faith and love to the infant Jesus, the King of kings, their Saviour, their Redeemer and their Judge. Alter concluding his very eloquent discourse Very Rev. Vicar General Quiun said that the collections at all the masses Were to be given for the support of 1,400 orphans, and appealed to the generosity of the congreg: nm. The splendia and impressive ceremonies were og f brought toa close by the administration of the Papal benedic- tion by the Most Rev. Archbishop McUloskey, 8T. ALBAN'’S CHURCH, Impressive Music—Attractive Decora- tions—Sermon by Father Morrill, The religious exercises at St. Alban’s church, in Forty-seventh street, near Lexington avenue, yes- terday morning, at half-past ten, were of a very interesting, solemn and impressive description. The congregation was not £0 large as it usually is, alvhougb there was a large numper present. Father Morrill oMciated alone on this occasion, and was | assisted by alarge corps of choristers, under the direction of the music master, Mr. Alberti, whose selections were of the highest order and finest description, and all very appropriate. Most of the music sung was of his own composition. Several of the pieces were unexceptionably fine, especially several beautiful solos sung by Mr. Westerveit, the soprano, This singer has a@ voice like @ woman, sympathetically sweet and tender, bat with a volume and clearness which few female voices possess, His notes rose clear and plerc- ing, far above the melodious tones of the organ and the combined voices of the large body of chor- isters, and sunk again to that indescribabie triliing softness Which touches and thrills every music- loving heart. Unusual pains had been taken in decorating the church, and the tasteful manner In Which this was effected reflected considerable credit upon the ladies of the congregation, under Whose voluntary supervision it had been carried ob and consummated, The high, vaulted ceilings were festooned with evergreens, the pulpit was gracetully wreathed with Onristmas evergreen, mee with bright holly berries and interspersed with ayly tinted autumn leaves, and the altar looked radiant witn the light of countiess wax tapers. Choice hot-house flowers, made into bright colored Wreaths and crosses, were strewed around the altar in beantiul rofusion, aud vases containing autumn eaves were placed at the foot of the altar, together with evergreen wreaths. ‘Iwo large candles, which are only | solemuity, added greatly to the brilliancy of the aitar decorations and to the Whole almost fairy- like scene. There were the usual prefatory ex- ercises of reading by the pastor, singing of hymns by the choristers, responses by the congregation and prayers. All the services, especially the sing- ing, consumed a considerable portion of time and in consequence.of which THE SERMON was very short, It was about the birth of the hted upon occasions of unusual | commences to narrate the awiul myster, Saviour, an¢@ the sermon was founded upon the text, Zechariah, ix,, 9—“Rejowe greatly, O ye daughters of Zion,” &c, The wise king tells Us, the reverend speaker began, that there is a time for everything. The Hebrews had their great days of fasting and atonement and they also had their days tor jestivais and merrymakings. There were the ieasts 01 the Passover, of Pentecost and 01 the Tabernacle. O! all the festivals the feast of the Tabernacle was the most marked: by joy and giadness, The burnt-oiferings were more Dumerous, the altar was decorated and the songs were jubilant, The Christian has a time for sorrow and a time for sadness. ‘As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be.” The Church allows herself to meet the bridegroom, She re- joices, and at the altar her worship culminaces, We sing to-day the “fe Deum” and the.“Gloria in Excelsis.” ‘The announcement of the angels was & reat joy throughout the world. They had been looking for the Christ four thousand years, and now He is come, There ts a duty of rejoicing. ‘True joy 1s the ofspring of love, and its origin aud nature are the same as love. In the world there is no such joy as the joy of one who is saved, Ques- tion the man who was snatched trom death’s door; the exile when told his banishment 18 at an end, and the prisoner when his chains are loosened. Christ came to bless us and to turn us trom our iniquities. He was a prophet, mighty «nd good, the bright morning star, Jehovau, a lamb without 8) ot. We must individually participate in this enjoy- ment, Letus go to the manger, There we will find a new-born bave wrapped in swaddling clotues and surrounded by poverty. Let us approach THE DIVINE INFANT and beg to be allowed to follow Him, eat bread at His table and at last die with Him, Our Saviour has made us aii bretvren by His sacrifices. In vain are our oblations, anthems and incense. They are but mockery if we appear before God witbout the quality o! mercy. This question of love tor one an- other is what the lessons of Christmas teach us, May the last day find us in the eternal temple praising God! CLOSING EXERCISES, The procession proceeded from the ante-room singing “Adeste Fideies.” [t was headed by thuriier swinging the censor, followed by cruciler, choir boys, the banner o1 the Incarnation, taper bearers, acolytes, lay clerks, ministers and, last, the priest, Father Morrill, They marched slowly down the side aisie and up the middle aisie to the altar, where they took their places, still Singing. Afterwards the holy sacrament was administered the partakers kneeling and receiving the bread an wine from the holy iather’s hand, CHRIST OHUROH. Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Hugh M. Thomp- son—Christ and His Intimacy with God—No Man Sees God buat Through Christ—Through Christ Only Can We Reach the Divine Presence. Christ church, Fifth avenue and Thirty-fifth street, was most appropriately decorated for Christmas. The entire length and breadth of the building was crossed and recrossed with ever greens. and the chancel and altar were festooned with evergreens and flowers of the choicest kind, Directly underneath the organ and immediately facing the altar were the conspicuous words, “Glory be to God on high,” in jets of gas, while a beantifully Uluminated star cast ite splendor from over the altar, The solemnly dark, yet beautiful, church was crowded to its utmost, and the services were of the most impressive character. THE TEXT for the occasion consisted of the first and second verses of the first chapter of Hebrews:—‘“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath im these last days spoken unto us by his gon, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the world’ The minister spoke of the impossibility of the finite to under- stand the infinite, and therefore no man could un- derstand God, because he bad not seen Him, nor could he see Him except through Christ the Mediator, It was impossible for man to under- stand so great and glorious acreator as God unless he had seen Him and been an eye-witness of His majesty and power. Christ had seen God, and therefore knew Him. He was the Son of God and had dwelt with Him, and therefore He knew Him, and what He SPOKE OF GOD was true, for it was given from the Father to the Son, and “No man cometh unto the father but through the son.’? Men, said the divine, must not doubt God be- cause they had not seen him, for that privilege is given to no mortal. Yet, thougn we are as yet de- nied the bliss of seeing God the Father, mortal eyes have seen God the Son. As to the Holy Ghost, better, probably, the Holy Spirit, every man had that in his own breast, and to turn away that godlike quality from one’s OWN SELF constituted a sin beyond forgiveness here or here- after, It was like inviting an honored guest to one’s house, and after treating him 1M kicking him out o1 doors. Apology nor prayers could not com- pensate for the wrong. Let none deceive them- selves; though we have not seen God, yet he surely liveth, and in time we shall know this, and with our own eyes shall we behold him. Blessed are they who wait not for this vision, but who have seen and know God through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Mediator. THE MUSIC, which was all English cathedral, was fitly chosen for the celebration of the day, and as the organ pealed forth its glad notes human hearts gave praise and heads vowed in humble thanks that on this day they were allowed to celebrate the birth of Him who taketh away the sins of the world, A SPECIAL ANTHEM for the day was first rendered, after which came the processional, “Hark, the Herald Angeis Sing ;” anthem, “Let Us Go Now Unto Bethlehem ;” “Shout the Glad Tidings,” recessional; ‘Adeste Fideles,” offertory. Alter the services were over between 300 and 400 persons partook of the communion. For those who saw fit to avail themselves of the opportunity an early service was held at this cuurch, 8T, ANN’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. Solemn Celebration of the Feast of the Nativity—Dechauer’s Dedication M: ie The great festival of the nativity was celebrated at this church with all the pomp, solemnity and grandeur that characterizes the true Catholic ob- servance of great feasts. The altars were almost hidden in a forest of evergreens and a conserva- tory of flowers, and hundreds of tapers made the sanctoary refulgent with light. The boay of the church was festooned with evergreens, and the chimes rang out merrily for the vast congregation that attended the solemn high mass, The first Christmas mass took place at midnight, and was followed by many others, until the tones of the organ in the “Adeste fideles” announced the com- mencement of high mass. The musical portion of the services was most interesting. M. Louis Da- chauer, the organist, has for years enjoyed the highest reputation in Europe and America as com- poser and virtuoso, His best work, a mass written specially for the aedication of St. Ann’s church, three years ago, was selected by him to do honor to the festival of yesterday. The solo choir, con- sisting of Mile. Corradi, Mile. Gomien, Herr Phueger and Signor Succio, was strengthened by a chorus. The mass is a very remarkable composition, uniting the severe religious character of the old Italian school with the most vivid dramatic effects in the illustration of the sublime words of the mass, Those effects are principally produced by a rare skill in the use of contrapuntal changes, which lend constant variety to the work without marring the ravity and simplicity of the general treatment. t would be difficult to point to another work of the modern school of church music in which the har- monies are 80 starting, diversified and yet in strict accordance with fundamental laws. The “Kyrie” commences witn a grave instrumental phrase, followed by aroil of the tympani, ending with a supplicatory phrase for the voices. The “Christe” is a contralto solo (sung with intense expression by Mile. Gomien) in the old style of solemn chant, but enriched with harmonies in the accompaniment of the most elaborate charac- ter. ‘Ihe moduiations ail through this number are both novel and effective. A japiare of brass instruments ushers in the “Gloria,” the voices giving the word “Gioria” pian- issimo a strange effect. Tne faniare is repeated in adifferent key, and the tremolo of the strings ‘ives a peculiar coloring to the words “in excelsis Deo,” and the first exultant phrase is reached in “Landamus Te.’ The voices die away, p. p., in the words “#enedicimus Te,” alter some ingenious modujations are conveyed in the instrumentation, ‘the i then sings “Gratias Agimus,’’ a solo full of devotional spirit, and the word “Omnipo- tens” is thundered forth by the chorus. The mys- tery of God made man, “Domine, Fill unigenite,”’ is announced by a recitative in a minor key for ¢ soprano, and abounds in instrumental enti leads from one key to the other of the most op site kind, “Qui Solis” is a dialogue between the male and female voices, the efect vemg similar to that produced by @ procession of monks and nous chanting alternately the words “Who takest away the sins of the world.” Au unaccompanied quartet oices in the “Quoniam’ and @ brilliant , “In Gloria Del Patris, Ameu,” brings the joria? to @ close, The “Credo” opens with a stately processional march for the instruments, coming to & sudden stop after @ few bars, when the voices cry out “Oredo,”’ A singular modulation occurs here from the key of K fatto ) major, producing an inde- scribable effect, A dialogue then follows between one side and the r. ‘then the tenor of the redemption o| mankind. itis the most dramatic and vivid illustration of this portion of the mass that hag ever been given in any modera work. The the sopranos and tenors on th altos and basses on tie oO! msane fury of the rabble in calling for the cruci- fixion of the Saviour is then photographed by the chorus, and the signs and wonders that ushered in the resurrection are also delineated with rare ar- tistic skill, ‘The ee ends SF tatecaes hrase—alla fugata—very solemn an Mery admirably adapted to the words. The “Sanctus” 18 another triumph of dramatic art combined with music of the true religious type, and the “Agues Dei’ 1a a beautiful soprano solo, with choral interiudes. Mile, Gomien sang Adam’s lovely “Cantique de Noel’ betore the ser- mon, and at the offertory “Alma Virgo,” Br ue mel, was reddered by Mile, Corradi with bril- Nancy and finish, The exceptional talents of the solo quartet was shown in the singing of Rossini’s . utaris,? without accompaniment. Bene- diction followed the high mass, and the impressive ceremonies of the day came to an end. Rey. Father Preston officiated as celebrant, as- sisted by Rev. Father Poole as deacon, At the Gospel Rev. Father Lake preached a very eloquent sermon on the Grand jtival of the Nativity, showing the greatness of God’s mercy towar mankind tn sending them His only Sou for our re- demption, 8T, BARTHOLOMEW'S CHURCH Classical Muste and Christmas Carols— Sermon by Dr. Samuel Cooke. At St. Bartholomew's church, corner of Madison avenue and Forty-fourth street, the services yes- terday morning were of an unusually varied and impressive character. There was a very large and fashionable attendance, including not only the usual congregation worshipping in this chureb, but many attracted there by the anticipation of a rich musical treat. The handsome interior“of this beautiful church edifice required but little in the way of CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTATIONS, and the result was that the latter were very sim- ple, but yet most tasteful and pleasing in their effect, A few evergreen boughs and hollies grace- fully intertwined about the pulpit and altar com- prised the sole docorations. ‘The great feature was THE MUSIC, and the programme—which, by the way, was printed, thus enabling the audience to have a more intelligible comprehension of ita extent and vari- ety—presented a miscellany of chants, choruses and solos {rom the most eminent classical composers. Leading off the services was the processional “Thy Seat, O God,’ composed, by Mr. Walters, specially for this occasion. Then followed the anthem “O Zion,” by Buck; the “Gloria,’! No. 1, in E, by War- ren; “Gioria,”” No. 2, in F, by Carozzi; the “Gloria in Excelsis,” 1n A by André; the “Te Deum.” in CG, by Frey; the “Jubilate” in D (festi- val), by Buck; the psalm “Lift Up Thine Byes’? (Elijah), by Mendelssohn; the ‘Kyrie,’\by Gilbert; the “Gior1a Tibi,” by Hauck, and the hymn ‘O’er Bethlehem’s Hill,” a carol. There was then sung a Christmas carol, of which the following were the Opening verse and chorus:— O'er BethPhem’s hill the mystic star Sheds softly orth its lambent light, hile waiting nations. near and far, leep in pagan night, Cnoxus—Swell the chorus; angels o'er us Caten the s:rain, its notes prolong; Christmas hailing, never failing, Jesus’ birth to greet with song. j THE SERMON. After the singing of the above carol Rev. Dr. Samuel Cooke, the rector, preached a brief but appropriate discourse from the text Matthew, ii., 11—*‘And when they were come into the house they saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and fell down and worshipped him; and when they had opened their treasures they presented unto bim gift fold and frankincense aud myrrh,” He began by drawing a contrast between the known future of the infant Jesus and the unknown future of ordinary infants, He then described the wise men as the exponents of all the culture and learning of the time. ‘These, seeing beyond the tires birth of Jesus, His lee dis- tiny, kneelea Before Him and presented to Him princely gilts. Their presents were symbolical in their character, incense represented adora- tion; the gold, tribute; while the myrrh was atoken of life and death. ‘The advent of Christ was the fulfilment ofa prophecy. Hisbirth is the only one about which the whole of humanity takes an in- terest. The reverend speaker concluded by ob- serving that the wise men not only brought their adoration, but presents also, and that this was the true Christianity, not only to believe, but to act. In heaven Christ will have something to say to them Jor their gifts to Him in Bethlehem. CONCLUDING SERVICES. Succeet the sermon was an offertory, “The People that Walked in Darkness,’’ a bass solo, and then the chorus “For Unto Us a Child is Born,” from Handel’s *‘Messiab.” Then there followed the communion service. After this there were played on the organ “Sanctus,” ‘Messe Solennelle,” by Rossini, and then a eucharistic hymn, con- cluding with the tollowing stanz: As swiftly glides each passing year ‘Along the ceaseless tide of time, On, may our souls to him be near, Waose birth first wak’d the Christmas chime. The “Gloria in Excelsis,” by Jackson, followed, and concluding the services was the ‘‘Recessional,” by Gilbert, GRACE CHURCH, Grace church was beautifully decorated yester- day, not only with festoons of evergreens, but of pine and laurel interspersed with flowers about the altar in shape of crosses and anchors, and made more striking by the sombre tints of the stained giass. At eleven o’clock yesterday morning there was prayer and communion service. Besides the usual quartet of the church anextra one attended, and some very fine music was discoursed, including a rocessional chant, ‘The Heavens are Telling,” of layin; @ “Gloria in Exceisis,” of Gounod, and “Jubilate Deo,” of Mozart. Mr. P. Warren officiated as organist. Previous to the offertory the rector, Dr. Potter, made a short address. He took as his subject the intimate connection between the woridly joys of the Christmas Day and the adoration of God on that day. He said that this was the one great Christian festival of the year that in the minds of men outranked all others. Un this day even the miser univosed his purse strings, and when the beggar said, as he put out his hand lor your charity, “A merry Christmas,” he knew as he looked up at the church bells that there was some intimate connection between their generosity and that great event which the day was typical of, for even im that degraded iene) there was a knowledge of the significance of the day. “Christmas was,’ said Dr. Potter, “a day that appealed pecaiiarly to the home circle and the amily fireside. It aro to the hearts of children, and on the biessed day the joy was teniola where was God's blessing and God’s presence. It was a matter of congratulation to ail Christians that taere was & uniting on this day of the houses con- secrated to ps ie of the innocent pleasures of the day, so that both were good in His eyes and were biessed by Him.” Dr. Potter then introduced an old German legend, where the child Jesus made a Christmas present of Heaven to three starving littie orphans, and showed how we should not weep for those who are gone, but rather rejoice that they are in the bosom of the Father. After the offertory and prayer the communion service took place, CHURCH OF OUR HOLY REDEEMER Impressive Ceremonies and a Musical Pageant—Father Wirth On Christ the Redecmer and Greatest Reformer—The Fate of Would-Be Reformers. Long before dawn of yesterday the massive ed- ifice of the Redemptorist Fathers, in Third street, was filled to ita utmost capacity by an enthusiastic throng of parishioners, who had saliled forth irom their abodes at the first chiming of the bells to cel- ebrate anew the glorious festival of Christmas, The German hearts of the multitude seemed to be as much aglow as the stately charch itself, which shone like a temple of fire. The hign altar was ablaze with hundreds of gas jets and candles flickering among boughs of evergreens and exe quisite fowers, and shedding rays of new beauty upon the glittering banners and pictures along the walls. On one of the banners were emblazoned the Papal coat-of-arms and the remarkable words of Christ to the Prince of the Aposties—“Thou art Peter, and on this rock I will build my Charch.” On the gospel side of the sanctuary was erected an altar to tue Blessed Virgin Mother of Perpetual As- sistance, decorated with tropical splendors. On the epistle side the “crib of Bethiehem’’ was fitted up with artiul simplicity, In the distance loomed up the mansions of the luxurious city, richly por- trayed on canvas. Close by stood the stable, Joseph, Mary and the shepherts awe-stricken at the tremendous mystery. Above the stabie @n angel floated in the air, bearing in his hands @ scroll with the words “Glory be to Goa in the highest,”’ Betore this soul-stirring scene there passed an unbroken line of devout men, women and children, who knelt in turn for a short time and prayed, At four o'clock a solemn high mass was celebrated, whereat the choir, with full or- chestra, rendered Weber's mass in G, After this the holy sacrifice Was offered regularly at intervals, and at ten o'clock began a solemn high mass, the Kev. Father Holzer officiating as celebrant, with Fathers Kiaphecke, Bove and Wirth as deacon, sub-deacon and master of ceremonies reepectively. ‘The choir of this church deserve a passing notice, inasmauch as they tender their services without any fee, and make many generous sacrifices In thus contributing to the pomp and impressivencss of THE RELIGIOUS CRREMONIES. At the last mage yesterday their director and organist, Dr. P, . Leininger, brougat their full powers into play. The band of the Eleventh ee were present with their pieces, making @ fall orchestral accompaniment. The principal managers were Miss L, Koelbie (soprano), Miss J, Rung (alto), Mr. Brauer (tenor) and Mr. Troska (basso). r. Ph, Loesch assumed the leadership of the orchestra, Lambillotte’s “Messe Pastorale” for Advent was prepared, and to e rtion. thereof the company did tall bey Mh out & single mishap, e Graduale” was wed for aAquartet and @ violin solo Henry Hess and Donat Muller, and they were joined towards the close by the orchestra, direc! by A. Amend, At the offertory Verdi’s “Die Veriassene” formed P contrast to the luxuriance of the “Gloria” and * do.” It was a clarinetto solo, given by Mr. Loesch ana the orchestra. During the per- formance of the “Et Incarnatus” the effect was very striking. The expression of wonder, amaze- ment and gratitude embodied in the “Ex Maria Vi e”? was echoed soitly through the spacious Nave and aisles, and the inscrutable ben borat of the birth of the Redeemer was announced in the inspired collection of harmonies in the “Et Homo” more graphically than if it were cut in brass, Tn part wag repeated with renewed energy by tl chorus, An overwhelming food of symphonies once more wafted forth the “Et more” and ali was still. At the close of the mass a grand march wound up the musical performance until three o’clock, when Schmidt's Vespers were gung, THE SERMON was preached by Rev. Fr. Wirth, rector of the community of Redemptorists. He took for his theme the Gospel of the first mass of Christmas Day—Luke, 1, 1, 14, His discourse throughout was vehement logical, and, although he did not al- Inde personally to Bismarck or to the Old Catho- lics, he was nevertheless understood to level his shafts at them when speaking of modern would-be reformers. The history of the world, he said, bears on its pages the lives Of many great and wonder- fulmen, Some of these men have exercised so much power and influence that they have made epocha in the world’s history. But there 18 oue man who has exerted more influence and power, who has made a greater epoch, than all the others combined, and tat is Jesus Christ. He is greater than all the statesmen and conquerors and re- formers, because His mission was to reform and to redeem the whole world, and because He is God, while the others were mere mortal men. How He succeeded in reforming the demoralized and cor- rupt empire of the pagans all history attests. He found nations, as well as individuals, governed by passions, He undertook to rejorm them by de- claring ‘ WAR AGAINST THE PASSIONS ofmen, Hence no systemof reform that is identi- fled with the passions, or that is nob in direct opposition to the passions, Can be of Christ, As e took upon Himself the task of retorm He cer- tainly is adequate to that task, and no man has the right to attempt reform without Uhrist, who 16 ever present with his Church, In every age men have undertaken reform, but their systems crum- bled with themselves, because they attempted to do without Christ. Most of the European govern- ments are trying to inaugurate reforms in conso- ance with men’s passions. They will certainly fail as others have failed. Even some of those who were already inthe fold of Jesus Christ, evolving the diyine plan of reiorm, have gone away and ceased to preach against men’s passions. The speaker concluded by exhorting his hearers to re- joice that they possessed the true faitn in whicn ‘alone they could hope to accomplish the will o! the Redeemer, 8T, STEPHEN'S CHURCH. Splendid Decorations —Imposing Ser- vices=The Sermons—Christmas for the Little Ones. The pastor of St. Stephen’s can truly say, with ‘Lord, I have loved the beauty of thy house and the place where thy glory dwell- eth.” The decorations of the church were yester- day on a scale of unusual splendor and magnifi- cence. In the body of the church the pillars and balustrades of the galleries were tastefully festooned with evergreens and adorned with crowns, wreaths and other devices. The sanctuary was resplendent with countless lights, which re- flected the beautiful and varied colors of the flowers which decked the altars. From the loity ceiling hung a neatly designed gas star, emblematic of the star which led the kings and wise men to the stable in Bethlehem in which lay the infant Saviour of the world. At the summit of the slender marble pinnacle of the high altar was @ unique design in flowers, with the word “natus” formed of carnations on a ground of Nlies, From the base of that beautiful floral star fell in gracerul folds a rope of evergreens, with tas- sels of blushing carnations and chaste lilies, A magnificent bouquet of the rarest products of the greenhouse nestled at the foot of the crucifix over the taberpacle, and the table of the altar, with the walls of the “holy of holies,’’ were sumptuously fe tastefully decorated with artistic foral de- signs. ‘rhe altar of the Virgin who placed the infant in the manger-cradle was not forgotten. It was bril- liantly lighted and ornamented with baskets and bouquets of varied-colored towers. But the ob- ject which attractea most attention was the little thatched crib, in which was @ waxen figure of the infant God, on either side of which were viaced richly chased candelabra, with numerous waxen candles, THE CEREMONIES were gone through witha dignity and precision not unworthy oi the occasion. Rev. Father Power sung the high mass, assisted by the Rev. Fataer Flynn as deacon and Mr, Youngman as sub-deacon. There was present an immense congregation of worshippers, on whose faces were visibly reflected the feelings of peace and joy which the return of the anniversary ol the birth of Christ usually creates in the hearts of Christians. The services began at hail- past four o’clock A. M., when hign mass was ccle- brated by the Rev. Dr. McGlynn, who delivered a sermon. The church was crowded in every avail- able place. A more imposing spectacle coula searcely be witnessed than the vast congregation, at that early hour of acold winter’s morning, de- voutly kneeling and joming in heartfelt thanks- givings for the priceless boon of redemption from e slavery of Satan and sin. ‘THE MASSES CELEBRATED. As Christmas Day is the only festival in the year on which it is permitted a priest to say three Tuasses, the priests attached to St. Stephen’s availed themselves of the privilege, There were 15 maases celebrated, at each of which were crowds: of worshippers and very many communicants, Masses exclusively for the children were said in the basement. It was a pleasing signt to see thou- sands of children nbeape cee the child God and singing His praises in the beautiiul “adeste Fi- deles,”> During the singing of the “Gloria in Ex- celsis” at the children’s masses it would not re- quire a great stretch of imagination to !ancy the angels of God chanting, unbeard by mortal ears, the great song of joy in unison with the voices of those innocent children. DR. M’GLYNN’S SERMON. At the last high mass, after the first gospel, the Rey. Dr. McGlynn delivered a powerful discourse on the fundamental article of Christianity, Taking as his text the first chapter of the Gospel accord- ing to St, John, he gave a vivid picture of man’s creation to ‘‘the image and likeness of God,” his fall, and the promise made that the seed of the ‘woman would crush the serpent’s head. He then 1eminded his hearers that they were celebrating the anniversary of ransomed humanity, the beam- ing of the light of the iace of an incarnate Goa, the birthday of Him who is the figure and substance of the glory of the Father. The end of the incar- nation was to give men the power to be the sons of God. The Doctor then contrasted, in forcible and fecling language, the ways of God and the ways of men, and spoke of the circumstances of the time, place and manner of the birth of the Man-God, the eternal wisdom of God. He concluded by urging his audience to join heart and soul in the angelic song, “Glory to God on High and Peace on barth to Men oi Good Will,”’ an imted out that true peace can only be found by becoming men of good wil. THE CHOIR. The mass selected by the organist was Mozart's No. 12, which was rendered in a very creditable manner by the choir, An opening march by Wever ‘was an excellent performance. The usual choir ‘was supplemented by 40 additional voices, and an orchestra of 20 pieces added a valuable accompani- ment. The solo “Et Incarnatus” was done ample justice to by the tenor, Herr Bernard. Atthe offer. tory Mme. Bredelli sung the “Adeste Fideles,” The chorus throughout was d. The services were brought to a close by a brilliant performance of Wagner’s “Grand March.” SUNDAY SCHOOL FESTIVAL. In the afternoon, and intimately connected with the services, Was a grand Sunday school festival, held in the basement of the church, Each cuitld was epee supplied with candies, There were about 2,600 children and 260 teachers present. Afler the singing of several Cbristmas hymns the Rey. Dr. McGlynn addressed the children, telling them in his own eloquent Way pleasant things about Christmas, The next speaker was the Rev. Father Tisvot, one of the Lettres gtd dathers of tae late mission, who congratulated them apon the Regent of spending such a very pleasant Christmas, surrounded, as they were, with ali the pice which a nobie Christian pastor could supply for them, and which he trusted they would in their young hearts bear a tender remembrance of. At vespera, in the afternoon, there was an un- usually large congregation, The choir sung Mer- cadante’s vespers and Perego’s ‘‘Tantum Lrgo,.” THE DAY AT THE CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS. Catholic Orphan Asylum. ‘The Christmas anniversary was made delightful to more than 400 children at the Female Vatholic Urphan Asylum, on Madison avenue, by the Sisters of Charity who have the institution in charge, At an early hour long rows of bright, happy faces filed out of the long dormitories, and, having ta- ken breakfast, repaired to the chapel for attend- ance upon mass, The room, always pleasant to the eye, was made doubly so by the wreaths of evergreen hanging against the walls, surmounting the pictures of our Saviour and the Blessed Virgin, and enshrouding 4 beautiful representation of the stable in Betnichem, Which was placed beside the altar, designed to impress:upon the minds of the little ones the higher idea of the Anpiversary, ‘The attar, too, was bounteously decorated with and as the children entered the scene which their eyés Was such a8 was best calculated to ex- cite pleasant aud happy thoughts, in conneo- tion with the religious exercises of the oc casion. The masses over, the children were placed at Hberty to enjoy themselves as they chose, and & general movement was made by them to the rooms Off the parlor, where Santa Claus had erected @ Magnificent tree and covered it with toys and the myriad pleasant things which bis great sack con- tain: olis in gorgeous raiment rather predomi nating—as fitting presents for the recipients shied collected. He was evidently very much deligh: at the state of things he found there, for he bi concluded to remain, and there he stood, as large as life and very complaisant, beside the tree, biandly through his in gray whiskers, and oblivious of the terrified glances of the v little ones, who, cli c He anos of eered around at him w! leh te pen hot overcome. Collected in the various schoolrooms during the morning for the inspection of visitors, they sung a Christmas hymm or childish glee, a8 nt be required of them, pre~ senting @ manner unconstrained and free a could the most petted darling of a household which death had never made desolate, “J bad candy in my stocking,” said a wee thing, too young as Yet ior instruction in the taking the writer confidingly by the hand, an inquiry showed that all of the youngest ones had been allowed to meer in this ‘pleasing illusion of childhood, A bountilul dinner with the usual Christmas concomitants of turkey and mince pie was provided at one o'clock, The afternoon passed in unrestrained enjoyment, and the Superior and her assistant, when the day was ever, could realize the pleasure consequent on making bappy hun- dreds o! children whom death has deprived of their natural protectors. At the Asylum for Boys, on the corner of Fifth avenue and Fiity-second street, which numbers 500 inmates, the usual religious exercises in the morning were followed by the ceremonies of the Christmas tree; after which the cuildren were allowed the liberty of amusing themselves as oe chose for the day, A special dinner was provid at one o’ciock, toward which many friends of the institution contributed. Home of the Friendless. The children of this institution, over which Miss Sarah C. Wilcox presides as matron, found a box of candy awaiting each one as they awoke from their slumbers on Christmas morning. No par- ticular exercises were had, the object being to let the children enjoy themselves as they would at home. The doors were thrown open ior visitors and parents, and the friends of the children and the institution were continually coming in during the day. At the dinner, which took place at one o’clock, 84 children sat down, tue table being fur- nisned by the contributions of the gharitable. ‘There is connected with this institution a1 house for working girls. There are at presen’ from 15 to 20 giris in the house, who have no other home than the one thus supplied, These, too, were provided with a Christmas dinner by the society at the game hour. Visitors from the Home of the Friendiess are constantly going about the city looking up the worthy poor, with a view of render- img them needed assistance. The attention of ‘wealthy ana charitable persons had recently beem directed to several of such, ana resulted in pro- vi for them comiorts suitable to the season. Tne Home also directly provided ior a number of families, to whom Christmas thus became a time of rejoicing rather than of suffering. * New York Juvenile Guardian Societys, The active members of this society and the teachers in its employ were busily engaged during the entire day yesterday in making the Christmas anniversary pleasant to the many children under their charge. The object of the organization, of which Jeremiah E, Cary 1s President and William M. Vermilye Treasurer, is to provide food, clothing, shelter and mstruction for destitute children of this city, and during the past year it has extended charitable aid to 1,623 of such, The exercises of the day commenced by an exhibition of the school in the Orphan Home Buildii No. 101 Eighth street, under charge of Mrs. Tilton. This was opened with prayer by the Rev. Amos wD, after which followed recitations, dhalogues, songs and other performances, 1n which the tidren manifested the good results of their instruc- tion, to the great delight of those present. This over, presents, consisting of — toys, candies, books and articles of clotl were given out. It was calculated that the Lumber in attendance was about 400. In the afternoon similar exercises and presentations of gifts took piace in the scnool at No. 207 Bowery, in charge of Miss Miller. An actual count showed there were 200 children in attendance, and to every one @ gift appropriate to Christmas was given. The exercis-8 of the school being over, some 200 newsboys, Who had been notified by the Secretary, Mr. Robinson, to be in attendance, marched into the room, and a present similar to. those given the scholars was ished to every one. They were profuse in their expressions of gratitude, and, though more noisy than the occa- sion required, no disorder took place. Yhis soctety has for several years been in the habit of. giving warm dinners to those of the especially destitute among the pupils, including the newsboys, during tue mouths of January, February and March, and the same course will be: pursued the coming year. Five Points House of Industry. The Five Points House of Industry entertained some 600 poor children irom tie neighborhood yes- terday. The chapel, where the exercises were held, was prettily decorated with laurel and pine leaves. A huge Christmas tree, 15 feet high and laden with good things, gladdened the eyes of all the children, The tree was wreathed in garlands ot pop corn, which presented a novel appearance. From one till three o’clock in the afternoon there ‘was merry singing of hymns, there were funny recitations by the juvenile orators, gymnastic ex- ercises, calisthenics, and one of the little boys per- sonated Santa Claus in a very amusing and lively manner. At three o’clock occurred the event of the day—the dinner. There was roast. turkey, with cranberry sauce, turnips, potatoe: pickles, baked beans, mince pie and tea. Whe the children returned to the ene every one re- ceived a present, all of which had been contributed by various charitable donors. Every child got a doll, or a work-box, or @ horse, or @ dog, or a toy of some sort, The glee of the happy urchins, as they received these presents, it would be impossi- ble to describe. The remainder of the day was apent in the play rooms, where the noise was as great as the enjoyment had been, which is ng A great dea! ‘he Superintendent, Mr. W. F. Bar- nard, dese! great credit Jor the success of this entertainment, The Old Brewery and Five Points Mission. At the Old Brewery and Five Points Ladies’ Mis- sion about 800 poor, ragged children received presents of every description—books, toys, and a bagful of choice confectionery, raisins and nuts, ‘There were two barrels of oranges and 325 pounds of confectionery used for this purpose. Many of the children were those of poor Italians, who would have probably had to go without any gifts whatever haa it not been for the kind forethought of the managers Of this institution, There was no distinction Whatever in the distribution of these resents; all creeds and all nationalities seemed to e represented! The children sang the Christmas carols with gladness, for the beautiful toys which they had received were to them a very tangible explanation of the importance and significance of the day. Upstairs the infant classes—some 150— Teceived their dolls and toys, and the shouts of pleasure and Cinierd of hands re-eciioed through the entire building. This was real Christmas music emanating from glad hearts. Howard Mission. The scene at the Howard Mission, New Bowery,, Was a lively and gay one. Some 800 poor children received handsome woollen jackets, stockings, dolls, toys anda bag of confectionery each. One of the teachers, Miss Lewis, received a picture 38 & present irom the children, who had put their pen- nies together in order to show her their affection and gratitude. There were two enormous Christ- mas trees, each 16 feet high, and groaning with candies, berries, fishes, turties, balls, dolis, tram- pets, watches, fraits and every imaginable toy. The jackets, comforters and stockings were bought with the money contributed for the occasion by a large number of aay donors, The exercises an at one o’ciock, and opened with the reading of the Christmas Seriptares, singing of Lif carols, followed by short addresses by ‘alte other gentlemen, At about half-past three o’clock each child received a bag of oranges, raisins, nuts and confectionery, and the joy of tne little recipt- ents could be read in their bappy faces, There were not only presents for the children, but also for the teachers, The workers of the institution presented the eMcient Superintendent, Mr. Pease, with a handsome dressing gown, and the Bible class presented Professor Perkins, who has tau he music gratuitously for years, with a purse of iad each girl contributing as many pennies as she could afford. A ciass of 80 young women, most of whom grew v) in the mission, sang with admira- bie spirit, and the day was as merry as it welb could be, The News Boys’ Lodging House. Some 200 newsboys received, on Wednesday night, at the lodging house in Park place, Christ mas presents of the most useful sort, hickory and flannel shirts, warm socks, comforters, &c. Yester- day there were no presents distributed, but at seven o'clock some 600 boys sat down to a good dinner, which the generosity of Mr. William M. Fiiess, wine merchant, of No. 47 Broadway, had pro- vided them, Mr, Flless, who gaye the newsboys thei Christmas dinner last year, had given orders to spare no expenses, and it was a bountiful re past, Lhe boys had turkey, ham, ple, &c,, cream Rha tea, wud they enjoyed Wom) Wugalg iy was 9 4