The New York Herald Newspaper, December 26, 1874, Page 6

6 CHRISTMAS. How the Old Holiday Was Ushered In and Kept. , BRIGH! SKIES AND A HAPPY The Day in the Streets, in the Churehes and in the Institations. oon fintaenreens THE POOR REMEMBERED. oe eeenlliciermensins Observance of the Festival Out- side the City. MUSIC AND FEASTING. Santa Claus Visits the Prisons, Hospitals and Schools. When the sun rose, chasing night into the past, o1d-Santa Claus gathered up his skirts and burried to the couch of Time to take his yearly notes. Almost with the sun that was to light the day of the birth of Christ, the myriad voparies of the grizzly king of good cheer jumped trom their beds and rushed to the mysterious stockings to see what the King had sent them. Then such a scene began a8 is rarely seen in apy household more than once yexur—on Christmas Day. ‘The happy owners of the well filled Wockings rushed to display the liberality of the god of gifts, and joy ana laughter, greetings and merriment took possession of many houses. Yes- terday’s sun was in gracefui keeping with the general features of the time, The day was in every sense a gloricus one, All that could be de- aired of the weather it promised aod gave, and all the people who could be away from home Were out to enjoy it. As the morving wore on the streets commenced to show signs of the huli- | day lite that was already retening in such num- bers of homes. The churches were carly filed, and crowds went on, passing to and trom them unril long aiter midday. Closed stores and a genera! cessation from labor gave a Sab- bath sanctity and reserve to the day outside, very diferent irom ihe Christmas echoes of the pre- vious evening. Then BUNDLES AND BASKETS reemed to have proclaimed the beginning of tne | fete throughont the city--in the markets, tne stores, the squares, the streets and the avenues. They were everywhere; on men’s shoulders, on their backs and in their hands; tn shops, in wagons, in coaches, ma carts and in wheetbarrows: women carried them and chiidren struggled beneath the weight of fes- tival toys. They were of every shape and size and quality. They were iong and short, thick ana thin, round and square. They gontained all sorts of things, and ail the things Were Christmas Presents—presents lor boys and girls, presents for youths aud maidens, presents for men and women, and heaps of presents for grandiathers and grandmothers. They were then made up in shops and ovened yesterday in homes. Their con- tents were gatheret by children, lovers, sweet- hearts, husbands, wives and, even batchelors. Scores of people who scarce had time then to look at their own in the general rush tied up bundles or crammed more things into al- ready bursting baskets ior others, Those for whom they were belog tied up and crammea looked un from outside the counters in giad antict- pation of the pieasure they would give to those for ‘whom they were intended. gentie feeling centred in the human heart. Love was bound up in them for fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, wives, sweethearts, /iiends, and relatives. Desires to give delight were woven in with the donkey carts and wagons, with the tam- bourines and fddies, with the humming tops and | drums, with the easy chairs and tables, and with the PICTURES AND PIANOS. they were then enwrapt with gratitude and hope, reverence and joy, affection and esteem, admiration and respect, and opened yesterday with the corresponding sentiments enhauced a | thousand fold in the big hearts of the iittle re- cipieats. Something good natured aad kind and holy and hearty rose out of them when they were undone that piled the air as well as the hearts cf all Who crowded round to investigate their mysteries. Christmas day and Christmas time and Christmas gooduess and Christ. Mas cueer, Was so intense in them thut they were almost runniog through the strings and paper. Unbounded in her delight the cnild Went rouud to show what Was in her parcel toevery ove and make them shareis in her happi- ue! The maiden fiusned and the white-naired lady by the fre went back in memory io the uays when she Was acoiid and maiden. at the last gilt from an evergiving hand the eyes dimming beneath the crasn of years grew vright and moist and they saw beside tt the fist gut of the cima lover and the many others that come with eacn succeeding Christmas, as tumes rolled on with the lives of both, She remem- bered when tne head nuw white as her own was young and black like wany around her, and she thought, too, of @ hundred gifts that had been sent to her, Which were yet tu tne future for them. | ol which each | The trusting love and steady fi Cbristmus brought new provi were present to her mind, and she looked happily on thuse about her who were gifts to him as well as her, and silently blessed the hand that sent them ail. It Wus us pleasant to see and thiok on those who opened the bundles yesterdav—wuhether they were sent by Santa Claus of somebody ese more tangible—as it was to luok on those who sent or bruught them the nighs vere. stanuivg beiore the treasures of a shop window and wondering what he would get, and trying to | oncose between Wuat ue would and what he couid, yells as TRUE A STORY of the time as the head of the family at the head 1 the board and ali the happy young heads arouna it Dervously impatient to attack tue heaped up viands. The turkeys and geese and chickens that nad caused suca @ atuMing of baskets on vbfistmas Eve were yesteraay set out stuied in turn upon the tables, dud soon after lots of litte boys ana girls were in a similar condl- tion with their Christmas dinners, was not confined to the buys und girs eitner, More than one of the easy-coing, satisfied gentlemen who sat with such digoity at the head ol the wbie, whether in dress coats or shirt sleeves, fett obliged to coniess to the old iady shortiy aiter the feast was over that her piuin pudding Was of such exceilent quality that he was | tempted beyona his comiortable capacity. Of course the Old lady suggested a nip of the “sixty- one’ tn the cellar as # settier, anu the old gentle man felt bound to comply with a direction of to excellept @ nature and try the effect of such a timely remedy. But while (he great. fires biazed tn the rich man's bouse, avd the monster decorated rounds of beef Aud turkeys and geese and chicken mase his table groan with their Weight and quantity, and the vsixty-one” fowed abd tae puch bowl steamed, and young and old jaughed and vanced and sang and wives and maidem4 were kissed bene the mistletoe, the poor were. tot They, tuo, were treated to a Christm: man had spared irom nis abundance t the hard breseure of poverty may be for the moment raised {rom the ailicted, and tie toller shared b litte with thei. ‘Those Who were poor by cance, those who were poor by age. those who Were poor by @ superio: will and those who were pour because they are Dot yet able to help themseives, were all proviaed for and cbariiavie hands Geait outto toem the vhings contributed for ther Christmas miner. she Curistmas baskets and the Christmas bundies of Christmas Eve which Were bought aud sold, carrieu and sent by a rash- Ing, pushing, hustling, busy, nowy, laughing, enaMng, eager taroug, were the signal of thi season. They began the carnival of Chrisym: jb WAS Jesterday in the people's jaces coming straight up irom their hearts, that was im their voice @nd manner, that was playing parlors, that Was sung of in tucir churches, that was coursing tlirougn tue air. ST. THOMAS’ CHURCH. At St. Thomas’ charch, corner Fitth avenue and Fiity-third street, the arrangements tor the cel- ebration of the matal day of the Redeemer were ale of magnificence and grandetr anusoal even with the well Known liberality of The palplt, the chancel, and, Wivie interior Of the cuurch was proiusely decorated with gariauds of evergreen rand and | juspiring, aitnough naturally of # joyous charac. | the meantog conveyed Im the portentious words, | made upon ibe congregation, nieed, the and natural flowers, ‘Ibe music wi crry. They spoke of every | As she looked | ‘The young map | ‘The enect | in their | NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1874 ver, and the courch was crowded to excess from the beginning of the service until the end. Per- baps curiosity may have had something todo with the larter lact, a3 it Was understood that King | Kalakaua had signified his acceptance o/ an tn- | vitation to attend service, At all events those of the congregation wno went ‘rom | motives of curiosity were not disappointed, as shortly ter eleven o'clock ine | and = party, by Aldermen | Koon and Ki Assistant Giloo, and | aisle, which had beeu reserved tor them. The celebration for the vay was inaagurated with chimes by Mr. Toulmaa at six A. M. There was a rise Service’ at seven O'clock, With couects nd Christmas carols. and the special grand ser- vice ateleveu A.M. The programme of the music at | Une eleven o'clock service, Which Was rigidly carried | out, was us olluws:—lrocessional, “Hark! the | Herald Angels Sing.” Mendelssohn; “Venite,” 8th toue, Gregurian; “Te Deum Laudamus,” anthem f Alfred H. Pease; “Benedictus,” an- in F major, -- " GW, Antroit, trom | them in G major, ren; | (rom an und ed oratorio), Men- Kyrie,’ Seni hyma, * as King,” W. Warren; ription, “Glory to | God in the Highest,’ Mozart; ofertory, “Peace | on Eartn, Good Wit to Men’? Gounod (pas- | torate for soi, quartet, chorus and harp ob- ligato); onte~ rom Realms | ol Glory,” G, an ¢ 1 part jor a cariion of twenty-five bells | papetus,” Beethoven; hvima, “0, Come, Alt Ye | Fasthtui;” traditional, “Gloria m Excelsis,” an- | tiem in G major, vr. Edward Hodges; rece: | sional, “Nativity Hymn,’ Gounod. e mu | Was under the direction of Mr. George | Watren, the organis', who was assisted by Mra. P. | D, Gulager, soio soprano; Miss Louise Fincn, solo coutraitu; Mr. J. BR.) » solo tenor; Mr. I. E. | Morawski, sojo basso; Mr. C. H. Talcott, basso | Second»; Mr. A. &. Toulmin, harpist, aud @ chorus | of Over Sfcy artista. Belore the sacrament of the hor comranuion tne rector, Rev. William F. Mor- gau, V.D., preached a short sermon, taking his | | text trom Psaim 43 1.—'tbhou art fairer than the children of men.” The rector said:— | Tne jestival of the nativiry is attended with imcreased atteation and 18 cresting a nd interest as the agesroiion. Itis range fact, but one Which history besrs out, | Mat W3lie toe plap of redemption met witn the moat determined oppo*ition, and whie the dis | ciple were most Litterly persecuted, it 1s con- | stabtly gaining strength by its adaptability to the | syMpatiies aud necessities and to the wants of | mek. Philosophers may argue, then, that the nar- Tative of Christ's coming upon earth, the mystery | of His birth and-the record ot His life, whie it m | inspire interest, 19 not entitied ro credence, be- | cause it dues bot appeal to the reason, tor tue Gos. | pel was intended to make its appeal to the human | heart anu not ro tne intellect. T'herelore we re- | jotce to-day that what fo the intellect isa mys- | tery to the heart 1s an eternaitruth. Douoters are uot unwilling to admit the existence of God | so long as tuey can confine Him toa beng majes- | tical ana powerful. ‘They admat His being but tuey | scorn His love. A Gud having tor suffering bamanity a helping, interfering, practical love, a | love that studies sorrow and assuages it, a love that even makes sorrow a discipline; this the doubiers can neither eniertain nor comprehend. | We, on the coutrary, as Members of the Christian | Church, accept that love wnich relates to us, that | love which redeems us irom sin, which comforts, guides and elevates us. Yes, we accept a love | lhke tots, for as God ts 1ofnite in all ti § $0 18 He | uuafinite in His tender aifections. This is the secret | of our joy to-day. iiuman reason never could | Rave devised a uay like this, # day combining | Weaven and earth acd God with map. Jv is a di- vine method. It 18 the auswer of God to the | yearnings of the human soul. He has placed Him- | selt wituin our reach, He sends this message, “Ye shall find the babe wrapped iD swaddling clotues und lying ina manger.” There is not an | imuividual m alt this vast assemblage but wno 1s | by ting enabled to say ‘or bimseli, “ Unto usa child 1s born, unto us a son ig given.” This 18 our | God, we have waited for Him, He willcome and | save us, Dr, Morgan then reviewea the character | of Jesus, dwelling especially upon the purity of | His ite and showing that in ail things He was in- | deed “iairer than the children of men” and that He | alone of aii the men whv ever lived on earth was | free from the contagion of sin. ST. PATRICK'S C§{THEDRAL. The services at the Cathedral yesterday were very impressive. The festival of Christmas being | one of the greatest in the Churcn of course every- thing was done that could be done tastetully in the way of decorationto make the interior of the | sacred edifice wear au aspect of more than | usual grandeur. No attempt had been made at | decorating the main body of the building, but | | the grand altar was most beautitully adorned. I Not only was the altar itself ablaze with a thou- sand lights, but the walls of the sanctuary were ; bung with wreaths of evergreens, and irom their | topmost height lighted tapers threw down upon the rica gold clotn wnich bung in glittering folds | trom the stand where the candelabras were | ranged @ flvod of light that was per. |‘ fectly bewildering. Tae side altars, too, | were neatly decorated and = rendered } bright and beautiful by the numerous lighted can- | ales which were piaved in clusters on either side of the statues. | THE MASS. | There was a pontifical mass, the ceiebrant being | Archbishop McCloskey, Key. Fathers Kane and | McNamee acting as deacon ana sub-deacon re- | spectively. The Archbishop and the deacon and | sub-deacon, as well us the Vicar General and the | ots that | Vals, | other priests, were attired in rich vest | are worn only on the veeasion O1 great | ‘The musical part of tne services was superb. | The mass sung was the Messe Solennetle, “St. Cecilia,” by Gounod. Mr. Gustavus Schmitz pre- | sided at tne organ and there was @ chorus of forty voices. The “Veni Creator,” just previous to tue | sermon, Was sung by Mra. Elieazich, and at the | | Gradual the ‘‘Adeste Fideles” was sung with mach | expression by Mrs. Giles, who Siso sand Chera- | heart rejoice and remember that it was certainly | bini’s “VY, Jesu Redemptor.” Mrs. Grosz sang Jesu Mi.’ The mest attractive purts of the | mdS; sung were the ‘Gloria,” soprano solo | with choros accompaniment. The “Et Incarna- | tus” terzetto and chorus was splendidly rendered, | as was the “Agnus Dei’—tevor and soprano | | solos and chorus. From beginuipg to end the | rendering of this mass was magalficent. | THE SERMON, The sermon was delivered by the Rev. Father | | Shea, 5. 4d. The reverend gentleman took ior ; his text, “For God so loved the wurid that He | | gave His oniy begotten Son,” &c. The discourse | was quite brief. Goa, the Father, he said was in- | fluite power, sovereign, indepenaent. He said that | | nothing could in any way eitner add to or take | trom His happiness: for, being infinite, from Him | proceeded every thing tiat.cver was ur ig. Noth. | ing coaid enter into existence witout His per- | {| mission. He then spoke of the creation of man, | | arguing that man was brougnt into the world | througn Gou’s tove for nim, and then pointed out | | how ever a'ter He nad, as an evidence of that | love, tuough man had become 4 rebel | and deserved to be destroyed because of | bis siny, given him His only Son. God, | he said, was iofioite goodness as well Infinite | Justice. His love was a love ut action, no mere love of words, like our OWD Was a8 a gene! | He had not only, been patient with man, but had | Showered biessings a him evea when he ae- | served wrath and destruction; and when He did | send His Son to us aw a teacher as one alter whom | | we might regulate our own lives, He sent Him in | | the most attractive form, in that of | a LITTLE CHILD. He might have sent Him aa wenger, to crush | | out aad annihilate; but His great love tor man | | Made him do otherwise. The reverena gentieman | then showed how ungratefui men were ior ali that | | God in his mercy and goodness had don jor them, aud was daily doing for them, and how | | Necessary it was that we should, in the midst of | the bustie and excitement of the world, think | more than we do o1 His goodne: d_ act accord- | ingiy; tor God gave every one of us the grace we | | stood im need of to save our souls. stood in | | need of Him, but though He dia not need us, He | | was ever ready to help us, to give as courage and | | sirength. [1 we lost our souls it would be through | | our cwn fault and not that of God, who wisned | | that thesinner might be saved rather than lost. = | | | ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH. | The congregation who worship in st. Stephen's | | accepted yesterday with joy and alacrity the | church's Christmas ivitation, “Adeste Fideles” (be present, ye faithful). At hal/-past four o'clock | in the mcrning: solemn high mass was celebrated by the Rev. Dr. Fatner Macauley as deacon, and jhe Rev, Fatuer | Byron as sub-deacon, in presence of more than | 5,000 then and women, assembied to join in “the Song of the Angels,’’ “Gloria in Exceisis Deo," &c., and thus do fitting honor to the birthday of re- | demption. While the high mass was being sung | by Dr. dicGlynn in the cnurch three low masses | were said by the Rev. Father Tissot, 8. J., ia the basement cuapel, at which assisted large congre- | gations. The Rev, Father Byron celehraved, at | half-past nine o'ciock A. M., a misea cantata tor | the children of the parish, of whom about 3,500 | were present. | prated yesterday in this church, at which no tewer than 35,000 assisted, and of these about 4,000 re- | ceived holy communion, ‘The jast high mass wi sang by the Rev, Father McCready, with the Re?. Fathers Byron and Car- rollas deacun and sub-deacon. The entire cere- monial was under the direction of Kev, W. P, Cos- tigan and passed off without the slightest hitch or mishap. sSpattino’s mass was performed in a cari) and aftistic manner. The “Kyrie Eieiun,” A chorus sunject of great merit, was interpre: with due feeling and fase. in the ‘“Gioria’ the “Domine Dens,” a very florid soprano solo, aud the “qat Toilis,’? exquisite trio fur tenor, aito and bass, received excellent treatment at (ne hands of the singers, The “Genttam hon Factum’’ o1 the “Credo,” a tenor solo, very soggestive of King | "Alderman | 2icher of the marbie altars. H. Brucks, were conducted to seats 10 the centre | was well rendered by Mr. Rome! The “Agnus 0 solo, Was done full justice to by The abseuce of the usual orchestra | was compensated for by the Mnished playing of the organist, Mr. Danforth. dt. Stephen's has been called the home of ecciesi- astical art, but never did it show to better ad- vant than yesterday, The sanctuary Was bril- lantly Ulumipated, and the countiess lights dis- piayed to auvautsge the delicate and magnificent tracings o! the beautiful statueties woich fill tse above ine taber- vacle Dung a SLar in gas jets, Which sparkied as aa Wreaths and bouquets of the choicest exotics de- corated the Ligh aitar, OD the Virgin’s altar were, among Other florai devices, two crosses Of carna- tions, reclining oo lambs formed of litive. Wituin the sanctuary rails was a life-like miniature of the scene at Kbethlenem. The pillara o! the coures and balustrades of the galleries were taste!uily deco- Tated with wreaths and evergreens, Alter the singing of the first gospel of the last high mass tue Rev, Dr. McGlynn aeitvered a uis- course of great power and eloquence on Jesus Christ. He based his argument tor the divinity of Christ on the first verses of the Gospel according to st. Joun, and proved from “the Gulden Gospel” that the aivine attrioutes of eteraity, immensity, omnipotence and omniseience were predicated of the Word. The Word, the wisdom of the eternal God, was in the beginning—tuat 1g to say, existed ineternity. ‘be Word was bean 4 equal to the Father 1p nature and attributes, @ Word cane unto His own, and His own knew Him not, This reproach is a3 applicable to the present genera tion as to that of which st. John wrote, The only Way to escape the reproach ia to learn of Him, WhO Was burh 1D & manger, Who, a6 tie Mimsels says, Was eek and hamble of heart, and thus de- serve to be called “sons of God.’* The vesper service in the aiternoon was taken from Asiolt and Mercadante. Donizetti’s “Alma Redemptoris” and Danforth’s *Tantum Ergo’? were given in good style by the soloists, who were admirably supported by @ well-drilled and emcient chorus, The kt Dr. McGlynn, assisted by the Rev. Fathers McCready, Costigan ana Carroll, omciated. TRINITY CHURCH, The attendance at the forenoon services in Trin- tty church was even greater than usual on Curist- mas Day. The tide of peopie, young and o!d, that flowed in the direction of this time-honored and cherished sacred edifice manifested in a potntea manner the increasing reverence and attention in which the festival is neld. The tuneful and merry sound of the bells gatheredjthousands, only asmail portion of whom could find entrance within the wails of the church. ‘The services were conducted on a grand and impressive scate. The body of the cilurca was projusely decorated with evergreens and the altar almost covered with rare and exotic fuwers. The sermon preaciied was listened to witn marked at- teution. ‘Tne words of the reverend speaker were directed principally to the teasons that ought to be derived Irom |e almost inconceivavile sooa- ness OL a is God in giving up nis only bego' ten son to be the Redeemer of mankind. The music, as a!wave is the case in Trinity church on ene Jeslivals, Was yesterday of a high stunu- ard. ST. FRANCIS XAVIER'S CHURCH. Solemn high mass was celebrated at St. Francis Xavier's church, Sixteenth street, at nalt-past ten yesterday morning, belore an immense congreza- tion. The altars, gallery, facings, pillars and dome were artistically decorated with bouquets of Southern flowers and festoons of evergreens. Thousands of gas jets burned above the nigh altar, inthe centre of which was formed across, and immediately beneath the dome was a picture of St. Francis Xavier, the great apostle of the Indias. MOZARI’S TWELFTH MASS was ushered in by the organist, Dr. William Berge, with a grand chorus of thirty voices, as the pro- cession of clergymen marched in irom the vestry to the sanctuary. The Rev. F. Hudon, S. J., Presi- dent of St. Francis Xavier's College, oMciatea as celebrant; Rev. F. Perdier, deacon, und Rev. Mr. Pardo as sub-deacon. There were also twenty- four acolytes, whose neat surplices, cassocks and birretams added much to the loveliness of the scene. The “Kyrie” was played and sung with a thrilling effect. Alter its con- clusion followed the magnificent “Gloria,” by a grand chorus.. The ‘Quit tollis” of this beautiful composition was rendered by a quartet and chorus, and the “Quoniamm tu Soiua Sanctus’ by a solo quartet. At the grand iugue “Cum Sancto Spir- Itus,” the congregation appeared electrified by the effect. The “Uredo” openeu with a !ull chorus, the “Incarnatus est” of which was renderea by Mr, Tamaro, tenor solo, while the other voices eo 1, makiDg an absolutely striking effect ‘The “Ressurrexit” was performed in a most joy- ful manner, appropriate to the. words, anu in a ‘Way Which was worthy of a Mozart. Then cawe at the “Offertory” the beautifui Christmas hymn, “Adeste Fideles,” which has been taken from the Gregorian hymn, and arranged Jor four voices, ac- companied by a string quartet in the first verse. The same chorus sung the second verse, the so- prano portion of the choir introducing a variation, ana the well known vocalist, Miss leresa Werieke, Tendering the solo, with violtt) accompaniment. The third verse was @ baritone solo by Signor Ba- celll, with violonce!io obligato, aud a chorus of so- Ptano, alto and tenor. The effect produced by tne rendition o1 this composition was peculiarly graud and entrancing, and eapecially 80 When the Jourth and last verse was suddenly pitcoed a third higher jor the chorus, band, tympan, cvinoals and organ. The “Sanctus,” as the word implies, was solemnly Tendered, aitez which followed the “Pleni sunt | by Rev. C. W. Morrill, the rector. rule. | orations, which were furnished by the ladies of the | 19£:— McGiynD, assisted by the Rev. | | yesterday crowded with immense congregations ' brant bemg Kev. Father Holzer, the deacon | who Is director of this branch of the Order. ; celebrated ts In ali seventeen masses were ceie. | * "8h mass, Celt,” a beauuiul allegro, Then came the “Bene- dictus,” an admirable quarte!, which gave a cnance to the soo quartet to show forth accurately und impressively their vocal power. This was termi- nated by such a joyful “Hosanna” as made every Coristmas. The last part of the mass musically illustrated by ‘tne choir, orchestra and organist, was the “Agnus Dei’—Lamb of God. This ts a composi- tion which stands alone in its excellence even among the compositions of Mozart. ‘Dona novos Ppt us peace—the most solemn part of his appealing ejaculation, was prayeriuliy and artistically given by Miss Mary Werneke, und coi ciuded with atuil chorus, The whole mass wa periormed without omitting a singie note. The Rev. F, Trainor, 8. J., preached the sermon assuring the congregation at its close that Christ our Lord came on earth to make us ail happy, glad | | aud virtuous. Vespers were sung at tive o'clock | ST. ALBAN'S CHURCH. At St. Alban’s church, Forty-seventh street and Lexington avenue yesterday morning the cdnzre- | gation somewhat exceeded in point of numbers | the usual atteadance. The services, whicn were Of the highest ritualistic order, were conducted congregation, were most profuse and had a very pleasing effect. The aitar was decorated with wreaths, stars and crosses wrought in white tube- roses, while trom the roof of the chancel were hung heavy festuons olevergreens which almost cou- ceaied the ceiling, The puipit and read- ing desk were also beautuully decked with colored fowers intermingled with ever- greens. The ont was one muss of variegated flowers, while on the top was mounted an elegant cross composed of volly and laurel leaves and difereut colored flowers. ‘the choral services by se Caoir Were excelientiy rendered and were as oilows:—Vrocessioval—Hymn 42, Firat In- troit, Psalm 98; Second Lutroit, Psaim 8. “Kyrie,” *Giorialibi,”’ Creed, “Sursum Corda,”Agous Dei,"? Benedictus, “Gioria 11 Excelsis,”’ “Mauuscript.’? sequence—Hymn 43. Antnem—“lao tne Beginning was the Word,” Allen. Post Commuanion—Hymn 345. Processional—Nunc Dimittis: Peregrine Tone. ‘the sermon Was appropriate to the day and was delivered by the rector, who chose for tis text the | third chaptey of St. John and the sixteenth verse— “For God so loved the world that le gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeta in bim should not perish, vut have everlasting lie.” THE REDEMPTORIST CHURCH, THIRD STREET. The Redemptorist church, in Third street, was IN at every service. The frst high nmivss was cele- brated shortly ater four o'clock A. M., the ceie- Rev. Father Preis, the sub-deacon Rev. Farher Berger and the master of ceremonies Rev. Father Wirth, The Rev, Father Berger, at the concinsion of the high mass, celebrated three masses successively, this being @ privilege peculiar to the festival. These masses having been ended, the Rev. Futher Preis © Masses successively, the drst being and he was foliowed oy the Rev. Fa- ther Kleinsedam, who also celeyrated two masses. Tous at the principal altar from jour o'clock A, M. | | @ succession Of masses was constantly kept up | untu tne grand high mass, which commenced ata | quarter pastten, At this service a sermon was preached by the Rev. Father Wirth, who took bis text Irom the go@pel of the day. ‘She music at the three high masses was very fine, especial preparation naving been made by the organist lof the Curistmas festival, At the earliest service Weber's masa in G was given with juil orchestra, and tive eect was superb, the tee. ing that this Was the first worship for the great natal day being evidenced in the devotional aspect of the Congregatio | mass the music of ¢ At the eight o'viock high M. Leininger was given, and atthe grand high miass beginning at a quarter embiem of the giad tidings of the day, while | The floral dec- | past ten Mozart’s No. 7 was the selection, the or- ganist, choir and fuli orchestra exerting them- selves to the utmost and achieving a complete success, as Was eagerly attested by most compe- tent judges of good music who were among toe congregation. In tne aitérnoon, at three o'clock vespers were sung, the music being T. A. Schmidt's, with a (uli orchestra; and in the evening, at seven o'clock, “Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament”? closed the Christinas festival, the cnoir rendering favorite morceaus suitadie to the various parts belonging to the service, | ‘The church was tot especially decorated all over. no evergreen chains connecting the pillars, as 1s sometimes customary on festival occasions, bor Was the sancwuary made apusually pleasing With a proiusion of Mowers. The lights on the high altar, nowever, were numberless, and in toeir excellent arrangement into ciusters bad a Rue effect when seen irom the boty o! the church. The teature o1 the notary was the beautitul ertd, which was to be se@n on the St. Joseph's | altar, This was surrounded with evergreeus and tasteluily placed fr trees and was canopied with an artistic desiga of green leaves. The sym- bols near the crib were the Wise men from the East, kneeling beside the chud, whtie figures of the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph stood watching at the head and Jeet of the iniant Saviour. Thou- sands of persons visited (he church during the day to see the crib and leave a little alms aor the our orphans, in whose behall a receptacle was aid tu Iroot of the altar. ST. IGNATIUS’ CHURCH. of green. Crosses and stars and wreaths were hung in evéry avatiable piace. In tront of the altar were three arches of green, the centre one being surmounted by a large cross. All round the church, in each panel, hung white satin banners, | embroidered with mottoes tn green and gold, Across the end of the church were the words, “Glory to God in the highest; good will toward men,’ aiso embroiaered on white satin in green and gold. The altar was trimmed witn flowers and made bDrt!ltant by the light of many candies, ‘The services were opened by the boy choir. They commenced singing before they were visibie, end entered the church, marching slowly down tne side aisie and up the centre one, to the aitar, stuging as they went, “Let us now go even unto Bethienem.”” They were followed by Dr» Ewer. The musical programme was a fine one, and rendered entirely by the boy choir under the charge of Choir Master James Maciaury. The pro- gramme for the midnignt mass and the hali-past ten o'clock A. M. service was Processional, “Adeste Fidelis ;” litany hymn, ancient and modern. Introit, first celebration, ninety-eightn psalm ; sec- ond celebration, eighth psalm. “Kyrie,” Daikin; sequence, ‘*Brignt, brignt in sliver ligit;”’ “Gloria Tibi,” Cutler; “Uredo,”? Nicene; offertory, ne Marvellous Work,” Hayden; “Sanctus,” enedictus,” Kahian; hymn of udorativn, read of the World; “Agnus Del,” adapted; Gloria in Exceisis,’? Gregoriuu; “Nune Dimitris,” Recesstonal, “Hark! the herald angeis sing.” Dr. Ewer said, after the mauy services held nee lant night, alter the iatigues of the nigbdt, L al wardly able to speak jong to you and wil not impose a sermon on you: furthermore, | am dizin- cined, after tue admirable discourse of Protessur Hall, to say anytaing that might tend to dim tie impression, ou could not heip being struck with many o/ his llustrations; his illustrations of Jesus PASSING bY THE ANGELS and taking our nature Was beautiuul, Suppose he had passed by our nature and tukeu the uatire of @ vrate would we have done as the angels did— anuounced the facto! his birch with haliewujabs ? To-day there 1s one passage that Keeps repeat- ing itself im my recollection, “Sir, we Would see Jesus.’ On Thursday ater Huly Week these words were said; they were said by the Greeks, not the Jews. Jesus was standing in the court of Jarael, and the Greeks standiug alar off said to Pailip, “Sir, we would see Jesus,” and pnilip toid the Lord and the biessed Lora stepped gown out ol the court of Israel into the court v1 tue Gentiles, that they migut sce Jesus. On, this has been the cry of the worid in effect loru thousand years; it wasa aunb yeatning. ihey haa read the book of na- ture, but had not the key to unlock tts mysteries. ‘There were turce great mysteries whicn it was essential that they snould understand—firet, What 1s God? second, What is the moral iaw, what are the laws of God? and third, What of the iuture state? On, we taat are alter Christ cannot realize the darkness they wereiu! Sys- tems of morals and pluiosophy had risen, given hope and vanisued, How were they to know what | Was God? How were they to know what were the Jaws and the juture state unless a man should | tell them? Philip said to the euauen, “Under- | standest thou Wuat thou readest?” and tne eunuch | said, “How can { undersiund unless some mau | shait tell me? Now. indeed, could they know | these mysteries unless some man should tell them? Buttor thousands of years there was no One to tell them, and they groped in darkness, A Man must tell tuern, and that man must be God, | the God man. Ob, impossible this union of the | Mortal and the immortal, the finite and infinite. Man conceives some possible scaeme, but inflnite God makes possivie that which to poor human ature Was impossible. Credibie, tuereiore, is the | Incaruation of GOD IN MAN. “Sir, we would see Jesus,” is still the cry of Christians and wiil be to the end of time, not be- cuuse Christians do not understand the three mysteries, but fur the reason that they do know | they yearo for the luture Iie because they know what Jesus is. ‘hey yearn to benold tue beatific vision in ueaven, Let us catcn the spirit of this | Jestival and make ourseives one with those who | were in Bethieuem eighteen hundred years ago. | ST. MARK'S CHURCH. St. Mai church was crowded yesterday to its utmost capacity oy a fashionable congregation to | Msten to the Christmas sermon by the pastor, | Dr. Rylance. he took hia text trom Micah, v.’ 2—“But thou, Bethelem Ephrata, be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out | of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to ve ruler 1n israel, whose goings forth have been | from of old, from everlasting.” The sermon was & most impressive one in every respect, the sub- ect matter being tue birth of the saviour of the | world, The minister spoke most teclingsy of tue | | birth of the babe in the manyer that one day was o be toe saviour of mankind, of His trials while on us to follow, and the requests He made of us when | He took His departure tu sit at the right nand of | On the significance ol the great Christian festival, | His Heavenly Father. ‘Ine commands He leit us to keep, said the divine, were nut lard to keep, and than man could conceive. On this blessed day, | said the preacher, all should rejoice, because it was | the Datal day ot Him who died on the cross that | We mignt ive, On this day let tae mean man | grow liberal, let the poor man take heart and let | | the contented man grow happier. ‘The cnurch was beautifully decorated with fow- ers and evergreens, ihe chancel and pulpir were trimmed with heavy testoons 01 laurel aud a large and magnificent star of evergreens was pendaot on the Wall at the back of the puipit. The music Was most appropriate and embraced the !oliow- Opentng—‘‘Shout the Glad Tidings’”—Wilson; “Venite,”? chant—Boyce; “Gloria Patri,’ anthemn— Dr. Clare W. Beames; ‘te Deum Festival in D (manuseript)—Dr. Clare W. Beames; Jubilate, Mendessohn, E flat. CHRIST CHURCH. | The congregation of worshippers at this elegant | and spacious Episcopal church, corner of Tnirty- | fifth street and Fifth avenue, yesterday morning wags, if possible, larger and more fashionable than ever. in the decorations, but the simple arrangement of evergreens, which were gracefully festooned [rom arch to arch, Wound around the massive pillars, and disposed like the rays of a pencilof light above the chancel, gave the church a very pleasing appearauce, ‘ The only flowers visible were in bouquets upon the aitar, and directly above these was suspended @ large iiuminated star. Christmas trees were placed along the sides of the church. | The sermon was very appropriate tothe occa- sion, and had Jor its subject ‘The Birth of Christ. The World instinctively celebrates this great birt: day, the reverend speaker began, and thie in- stinct always asserts itself, Ever since the world #an ve great discoverers and men who have ve- come great in particular ways have had the days of their birth remembered by their country. But ¥, Dotoniv one mation, buvall the Christian eiebrating the birth of the great- great Deliverer. Ol ai the birtidays We keep there are none Iike this. Go to Bethiehem and you shall find a bave Wrapped In swaading Ciotnes, lying in a manger.” tie manger was Open to the sky above and buund around by anenciosure. After Josepnand Mary had made their way to the ancestrai city every adicove i the inn Was occupied, and the Olly pace | Jett tor them was in that open space among the cattle, Wecan conceive 0. nothing more abject. Without any helpor sympatny to the maideu mother Crrist Was born tuco the world, And yet on the piaing outside tle neavens were opened to men watching by tueir flocks, and when they came to Betalelem heaven's adgels were s.ng- iow. and) there Was the euild in cae cattle sned, Ii we would keep tie birtndas thereiore, We Must go where they Weat—to the manger, Only tot sye iumined by Goa's light did the lighturom heaven shine, No wonder they thought 1b @ strange veginuing for §v grand an Wedo Ho! argue im this day, but we stand J the Manger and avcept the reality aud uot nbiance. esse Of the manger was A sign tous and all the world o! Wat is sacred. Me Was the cntid ov sorroW, 'oll wid pam. Poverty and ion ness are Not (ie puoishment of God, What seems loveliness and shame are not always so in the eyes ot Gud, There is no little wand in tue street, | no oureast child to the city but bas a aivine guard and shield over it, ‘There is not acradie in any St. Ignatius’ church yesterday was one mass | peace on earth,. though thon | There was no reckless profusion displayed | ‘arth, of the good He did, the Example He set for | the reward We should reap hereafter was greater | | beautjul, and was conducted with un household but it ts blessed by groups of angels and God's love. It is childhood made divine and motherhood sanctified. God’ st upon every cradle, sanctily! ali family ties and rela- tons, This is the children’s day especta’ each child has the light of Christmas wu face, and that light comes from that bumble cra- die :n Bethlehem, CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH. This church was beautifully decorated for the Ghristmas services and the attenaance was large. The new pastor, Dr. Alger, took his text from Luke t., M4. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Christ came on earth, @aid the preacher, to show men type way to heaven, and He did so not so mucn by what he aatd but by what He did. His exemple was ‘rom His advent peace and good will aud it Lenvoved men to pattern alter it, lt was the great foundation of ail Caristiaoity, and those who walked in the road We pointed out would surely meet Him in the kingdom. Ue had gone to Be pare jor those who sought atter Him with a jowly and contrite heart. This is te birthday of the only and wed beloved son of Him from wnom all good and perfect gilts come, and though men maxe it a day of feasting let us Make itaday ol prayer. Let us thank God that we have ilved tu see another birthvay of His biessed son, Tne music rendered on the occasion was the Edward Anthem Juwilate by the organist, sir. Howe, Christmas Anthem, ‘And there wei herds," David Buck; solu, by M Wells, in Excelsis’”? Mozart's twelith maes, and the Lord’s Prayer, &c¢., chauted sotto voce. TRINITY CHAPEL. Trinity Chapel yesterday morning was exceed- ingly well attended, in fact it was with diMcuity that seats could be furnisned to those who entered aiter the commencement of the services, The floral decorat.ons were simple but effective. The prayer Was read by Dr. O:mstead and the lessons vy Bishop Tozer. The chuir sang the Jollowiug programme in excellent style:— Processional, “Shout the glad tidtngs;’”’ Venite, Evatcn ; Psuims, To Trinity psaiter; service, Givert, in b; Anthem, “For unto us @ child is bora,’ Handel; Niceue cient; Hymn, ‘Hark! the herald angels 33 “Nunc Cj; Kecessjonal, *itcame upon a midnight cleur.” The anthem, “For unto usa child ia born,’? was rendered particularly e!- fective manner, 1s Was aisu the Nicene Creed, Tue se mon Was delivered by Rev. Dr. Swope, who chose tor tis text I. Corinthians, tv., 9, 1U—'*Perse- cuted, but not jorsaken; cast down, out not de- stroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying oj the Lord Jesus, that the life wlso 0; Jesus might be made maniest in our mortal nesh.”” At the close ol the discourse the sacrament was par- takep oj Dy the majority of the congregation, and a collection made lor the benefit of the poor. | ST, ANN’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. Dachauer’s Taird Mass, written especially for | the dedication of St. Ann’s church five years ago, | Was the musical feature there yesterday. Itis a | very dramatic and effective work, exceedingly ingenious in its treatment and contrasts of color and Jull of those impressive ensembles that lend such 4 grandeur to the opera ‘The soloists were Mile. Henrietta Corradi, prano, whose sioging of vhe highly descriptive “Agnus Dei” was cnar- acterized by @ thoroughly Gnished and artistic Spirit; Mile. Octavie Gomien, contralto, who dis- tinguished herself in singing Nava’s “Vent Cre- | ator,” and Mr, Blum, bi a very bdeautiful solo, enedictus,’? to which he did ample justice. here Was also ® weil selected chorus, under tae direction of the eminent organist Mr. Louis Dachaver, at the offertory the well known ‘Ave Maria” py tne or- ganist was given in superb styic. ‘he musical services at st. Anna’s church have long since ac- quired & bigh reputation, and nuthing was Tucking yesterday to do fitting honor to the gear Jestival. ‘he skill of the organist, the ac- nowledged talents of 016 s0i0 Vucailsts and tue . tO whom was allotted higa traning of bis chorus gave effect to every | musical work perlormed. High mass was ceie- bratea by Rey. Father Lynch, with Rev. Fatier Poole acting as deacon, ‘The church was hand- somely decorated and the altars were all abiaze with ‘tight. Rey. Father Preston, the pastor, preached an eloquent sermon ut the gospel on tne | wreat event of Christianity, the birth of our Sa- viour, Irom which he drew many iustructive les- sons and exuortations. CHURCH OF THE ATONEMENT. This church, on Madison avenue, was decorated in @ very protuse and tasteful magner yesterday, Evergreens depended from the centre and hung gracetully over on each side of the edifice, forming | a series of wreaths of great beauty and effect. The altar was also decorated with simple ever- greens, which hid the woodwork almost entirely. The general effect was charming. The attendance was good, Dr. Titfany preached the Christmas sermon and took for bis subject “I'he Incarnation of Christ,’ and aliuded to the goodness of the God who would do this great act to save man from the effects of bis christ’s Ife ou earch, and expatiated on tue re. demption which was’ wrought for us in this wa: ‘The holiness aud sanctity Whick surround the day | upon which this great act of the incarnation was Wrought 18 avove computation. ‘The music auriug the service was very fi Si and al SK, The jollowing was anthem. Chappel: Venite, J, Ficrle, “Gloria,” Flagier; “fe flat), Thomas; ‘Jubiiate,” Thomas, “«jorla Tibi,” MS; hymn 18; Antuem; ‘And T were Shepherds,” Chappel; “Trisagion and Sanctus,” Taylor; “Gloria in Exceisis,” oid, The service was a very long one, und was, on the whole, very beautiful. GRACE CHURCH. The services at this popular and fashionable church yesterday were iu the usual elaborate style always sbown on Cifristmas Day. The attendance was, in great part, made up of strangers, the regular pew holders not being on hand in their usual force. Through ineMciency of the attend- ants @ great many people who might have been provided with seats were Kept uneasily standing throughout the service. ‘The decorations of the church were in very good | taste. Evergreens im profusion were hung all | ambitious attempts were made, | managed with thorough skill. | ro, While the strains ut or over the edifice. Along each pillar depended mas- He went over briefly the ntstory of | sive rolls of these irom the ceiling to the floor, | Bunches and brancnes of leaves were placed at | | cranberry sauce, poultry, plum pudding, mashed equal distances along the side walls. The most striking pvimt. however, was the decoration of the altar, which was literally buried beneath the evergreens, with here and there a rosette, formed of & huge bouquet, brightening up the effect of the whole, Here and there these souquets were placed all abuut the altar and puipit. ‘Tne music Was consistent with the good reputa- | tion of tne church in this rezard, though the choir 18 anything but # stroug one just now, Some very The organ was The musical por- tion of the service began with an opening anthem from Luke, 1i., 10, 1l—*Benold, { uring you good tidings,” & composition of J. Goss. The remainder the Pealms 19, 45, 85; “Glorias,”” Berihoid ‘Yours; “fe Deam,” in B fat, Dud ley Buck; ‘Juotlate Deo,” in C, Dudley Buck; Hymn 17, Mendeissonn; “Gloria Tiol;’’ Anthem, recitative and aria irom “Messiah,” Handel, Isaiah, Vil, 14; Xl, 9; Matthew, enold, & virgin shall conceive.” And after the sermon the “Oflertory’ was sung, With more taste than any- thing else on the programme. A short sermon, or rather address, was detv- ered by the rector, Rev. Dr. Hen ‘otter, Who spoke of the importance of tho Cnristinas tn the Christian tajth and the beautiul significance ot ine pubsequentiy a communion service Was eld, ST. PAUL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. The services at this church, in 1iith street, gps. terday, at hali-past ten A. M., were of a soiemo and impressive character, the altar being beauti- tully decorated with fowers and evergreens. Rev. Father O'Keefe acted as celebrant and Rey. Father McGuire delivered an eloquent ser- mon on the gospel of the day, and also @ stirring appeai in vehail of the orphans, The muste consisted of Generatil's Mass, in G, with Haydo’s “Sanctus” and “Agnus” exe. cuted iu the most artistic manuer by & oO; the church—Mrs, Charles hamilton, sopranc: Miss Aghes Dowdall, a.to; Mr. M. Douovan, teuor; Mr. Phuip F, suiltvan, baritone—under the atrec- tion Of the urgauist, Mr. He. Maru, CHURCH OF ST. VINCENT FERRER. The Dominican church, Sixty-f1th etreet and Lexington aveaue, presented a brilliant appear- ance at high mass y@terday. ihe body of the charch was crowded the altar, which bazed with light, richly mantied ministers and attendant acolytes moved to and in and choir awakened the devotion of the congregation. prograinme was as follows:—‘Venite,” | tu BF, | appropriately yesterday. how many of those wno read the gospel and wet horrined ‘at the condust of the Jews, did. spiritu: ally speaking, the same thing themseiv Toey had—many of thein—resisted the importunities oi the Church to come and make the acquaintance of Christ, not as the tofant God of Bethlenem, but as the universal Saviour, who had om the cross at Calvary expiated the sins of Maukind from the beginning of the world. ‘They had been called upon to contemplate Ais giorioun birth, deat and resurrection; thoge three wonders of mercy and ombipotence which had combined to complete the grand tragedy o! the God Mau’s visit to the footstool, That visit, the object of whica was the +edemption of a lost race, a uegenerate race who did pot receive or seem to know their God. The occasion, the preacher said, was one on which the modern prototypes of the Jews ol old woul! Go well to put aside their indifference, and, like the wise men of the £ast, come to the stable at Bethlehem and praise tue new born King. The conclusion of the sermon was an eloquent exhortation to an exuiting jubilee at the advent of the Saviour, the practice of whose teacnings was the keystone of true earcnly iappiness. CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY. A vast multitude availed themselves of the op. portunity to hear the really excellent music ren dered at the Church of tne Holy Trinity yesterday morving. Not a seat remained unoccupied, and many people were compelled to stand in the aisies during the entire service, which was ex- ceedingly lengthy, but highly imteresting withal. ‘The church was magnificently decorated with evergreens and rare flowers, and presented a pie ture in every way pleasing. Besides a full and well-trained chorus there were present tue following well-known soloist Signora Maria Salvitu. soprano; Mrs, J. M. David. son, eontralto; Jonn J. D. trenor, tenor, anc Adoipho Sohst. basso, all under the conductorshiy of Mr. 5. P. Warren. The services began with Handel's “Hallelujah Chorus” and was followed by “Venite Exulte- mus,’ Warren? “Gloria Patri,” King; “Te Deum Laudamus.” Warren; “Jubilate Deo,” Mozart; “Hark! the Heraid Angels sing,” Mendelssohn; ‘oria Tibi,” Warren; “Portuguese Hymn,” and an offertory anthem by Handei. ‘The sermon was by the rector, Rev. Dr, Tyng, the entire service concluding with the hoiy com mugion, ST.. BARTHOLOMEW'S CHURCH. St. Bartholomew's church, corner of Madison avenue ana Forty-fourth street, contained a large congregation at the services in the forenoon. The interior of the church was very sparingly dressed with “Christmas favors,” & few embiems and Mevices around the chancel comprising the only stock and store, but in lieu thereof @ very fine programme of music was givep.. Rey. Dr. Cook, the rector, preached irom Luke i., 15:—"And it came to pass as the angels were gone away irom them into heaven, the shepherds said oue to another, let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing whicn 1s come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us,” The arrival of the Messiah, he vegar, had long been tie hope of the Jews. But it ts seldom that expec'ations are tully realized. He came to His own and they received Him net, ‘At the time of His birth shepherds were keep- ing watch over their flocks, When they were vis- itea by a troop of angels, The heavenly visitants told them of the infant Messiah, and tae men de- termined to verily their declarauon, We will consider the means employed tu carry out this resolution, and also its effect on the whole of Christendom, ‘The shepherds’ faith, before they saw how ecacn part of the promise of the angels was fuldiled, may have been smult; but when they beueld every particle reaitzed they were con- vinced of the babe’s divine origin, So itis with us. Onr rengion is a religion of facts, The hu. man mind was never more hemmed tn by evidence taan it is by the truths of Christianity. Carisi’s coming brougit joy both to angels and to men, aud has ever since jinked time to eternity. CHURCH OF ST. MARY, THE VIRGIN. ‘The festivities at the EpisCopal Church of St, Mary the Virgin, in Forty-fifth street, between Broadway and Eighth avenue, were commenced with the high celeoration at midnight, the mass being sung by Rev. Father Noyes. In the morn- ing there was a low celebration and prayers. At hall-past tem, at the high celebration, the edifice was crowded toexcess. The aitar was tastelully decorated with floral designs and the service most sdlemp and impressive. Rey. Father Brown was the celebrant, the mass performed veing Haydn’s Imperial Mass No. 3. Professor George H. Pren- luce presided at the organ, and wds supported by | full chorus and an orchestral accotnpaniment. ‘rhe mass was per‘ormed entire, not a single note being omitted, Rev, Fatner Noyes preached & short sermon on “Christ in you, the hope of' glory. CHURCH OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS. At the Church of the Holy Innocents, corner of Toirty-seventh street and Broadway, services were held at various times during the morning. At hall-past ten solemn high mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Larken, assisted by Rev. Father Galligan. The high altar was brilianuy Ulumi nated and decorated with offerings of choice ex- otica. A scene representing the infant Saviour in Hit manger at Bethlehem, with miniature angel hovering over it, the whole surmounted by an an- tique thatched roof, had been artistically prepared aud was viewed by the congregation as they passed by in procession. ; Rev. Father Keynolds preached an effective sermon on Jesus, the King of Kings, the Saviour and Redeemer vi the world. THE DAY IN THE INSTITUTIONS. ST. VINCENT'S HOME FOR Boys. Christmas was kept bright and early at the St, Vincent's Home for Boys, at No. 53 Warren street, About 250 boys are cared for by this institation, under the direction of Father Dramgoole. The boys who had slept m the institution entered the chapel at four m the morning, the sacrament oj baptism was administered at a quarter past four and the first mass was celebrated at hali!-past Jour, A sermon was preached at this masa, and most o! the large boys approacned holy communion. Two masses followed up to six o’clock, and breakfast was partuken of at seven o'clock. There was a distribution of clothing to the sinaller children at eight; and at half-past one was the great and priucipal feature of the day—nameiy, the Curist mas dinner—which consisted of turkey, celery, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, pies, coffee and cakes, A supper ut hal'-past seven finished the Christas celebration aud terminated = @ aay luvg to be remembered by tue boys. dhe Christmas dinner Was iuruisaed at the ex. peuse of Mr, Dennis O'Dououue, broker, No, 102 chamvers — street. About tnirty or forty ladies and gentiemen, most of the latcer memoers ol di. Vincent de Paui’s con. Jerences, Waited vn the children and attended to their Wats. Ciotning is very much needed for the voys of this tome, and cast-ou clothing will be thankiuily ucccpted. The tarl of Roseberry’s “tuttie buotulack’’ was inquired alter by tne HERALD reporier, and was found to be pursuing his studies very sulisiactorily 46 St. Krancw Xavier's College, SiXtecdul street. THE NEWSBOYS’ LODGING HOUSE. ‘The Newsboys’ Lodging House, in New Cham bers street, one of the institutions of the Chik dren's Ald Society, and whicn is under the direc- tion of Mr. O'Connor, celebrated Christmas very The boys dined at the aristocratic hour of halfpast six o'clock in the evening, iu their large dining room, an apart ment a8 spacious #8 Deimonico’s oanquer ting hall in Fitth avenue, it was deco rated with evergreens, bannerets and ne tuna, = fags. Avout 600 boys sat down to tue very substantial repast under the prest- gency 0! Mr. Fleiss, Wine mercuant, No, 46 Broad- way, Wuo kindiy deirayed the expense of the dine ner. Gu the withufawal of the cloth and the im troduction oi dessert and cofee Senator Couk- ling, Commissioner Builey, Frank Howe, Col- Jector Artuur and other prominent gentiemen ae- livered very appropriate addresses. In the tuter- Vies of (he S)eecues toe company indulged tn musical exercises, indeed, the dimer was tn al) respects aster tue manner of a Deimonico banquet. Evening dress did hut generally prevail, and wine Was vo! patronized very much; but in many othe, essential resp the boys did the best tney conic to imitate the “swels,? as they cail the gentie men to Wiom they seligewspapers up town. To day the boys Wao ure regulary connected with the howe will each receive @ pair of shoes, wara sucks and two slurte. One of the arrangement ol the institution iciades &@ “wash day” ou rburs day, and the bo: on tuat day can have then Washing done ivee of charge. As an tilastra uon of the prevaienee Of prudent habits among | the buys, 1 may be stated tat the savings oapd of the lustitution will need enlargement. Tuere with earnest devotees, On | Haydn's Imperial Mass was rendered im good | siyie by the choir unaer tne direction ot the organist, Mr. Hansel Miss Louise Morrison Fiset sang the hynin 0 Salutaris tostra’ to an aria by Verdl Lambilotie’s Cnrisimus Anthem, Pastoris, in G, Was also reudered with uch eftect. Mads Was celebrated Vy Palher Mekeuua, adsisted vy Fathers stinger ana Deinehan, as deacon aud sub deacon respectively, The sermon Was prem by Facher Duey, who enose tor pter of St, Jonn, first aud tench verses, ending, M came unto as own and his own received hin not.” ‘This wea Was the prowiment one ot the dis- course, aod on it the preacher hinged all his ex- hortations, paimttng tu lis Usveners in plato colors Hid TeAt tne frst | Ji0 compartments in the sare jor the boys savings, but the Bumoer f ‘lepositurs 18 increas: Ing so fast that the cr talents are not ade quate, ihe savings aver avout $200 a month. When the mouey ts withdrawu by tae boys it ia either jor the purchase of clothing or jor depesit inoue of the ¢ ' Savings banka, Or to assists them when they “go West? THE HOWARD MISSION. The Home for Little Wanderers, known as tue Howard Mission, No, 40 New Bowery, was, trom early 1b (lie jorning unt the shades of eveuin, yesterday, a scene of exquisite enjoyment ior the little children of both sexes, Daring the-day about 600 chilaren were entertained, partaking of # luncheon at nali-past eleven o'clock, Each chud also received toys, & package Of candy, and tue) little «ones & =pulr Of warm