The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, December 26, 1895, Page 9

CHRISTHAS ATCHURCH, AT HOME ANDABROAD How theGreat Festival Was| Observed in the City. GRAND CHURCHSERVICES Fine Musical Programmes at the Cathedral and Other Places of Worship. TEXTS ON THE CHILD CHRIST. The City Assumes an Air of Gayety and Good Nature—Salient Features of the Day. its and faces fu and smiles as bright, jually sweet— ! these, and all things fair, appear to be tural concomitants of Christmas- The very name of that elad, sacred ason seems to carry with it a mysterious 1 which warms and cheers the hearts the most desolate. The wanderer from ome and friends durine this gladsome time returns in spirit to his childhood’s nts and sees again beloved, familiar s beamir of memory. Among the lowly, auty all its own. on him through the mists Christmas has a In cheerless tenement and humble cotiage home some tinge of oy deprives for a brief season even pov- erty of The overworked, care-burdened mother gathers her group of little ones about her and in simple, mely speech recounts the old, ola story of the infant Savior’s birth. Perhaps ts sharp stir she takes them to some stately church, nd the in some retired corner far moved from the reserved seajs of the pew-holders, they gaze on dazzling ights, on rich dark ereen of intertwined garlands, and on myriad festoons” and tints of co; orions e angel ss flowers. In the sound usic, which brings thoughts | s songs, as they lisp their suort | of th ‘now and give it thee.” to the children. vpe, and, unlike its Edenic | protof has no forbidden fruit upon | its gr 1 oranches. And thus amid high and Jow the en- dearing spell of Christmastide diffuses its mysterious potency, bringing to all some portion of the joy and peace prom- ised by angels when the wotld’s light shone for the first time amid the dark- ness. _Inthe churches yesterday the congrega- tions were large, and their demeanor seemed to show that they had for the | most part come to vpray rather than to see and hear. The altars were laden with | flowers, and some with twinkling lights | as well, while the choirs did their best to | render their part in the services worthy in | some degree of the joyous festival. The | shops were aimost all closed, bui the streets presented an animated appearance, | while, despite a rather sharp wi park was visited by large numbers. San Francisco has always kept Ch mas and this year was no exception to the rule. tern visitors mur\‘(e{ at the genial warmth of the Californian Chrisi- mas, as compared with their own. May it not be that the charm, which t at- tribute to our sunny Christmas skies, is rounded out and perfected by cordial Cali- fornian good nature, which ou Christmas day has never yet failed to come to the iront? —— - ST. JOHN'S MUSIO. A Vested Choir of Forty, Assisted by August Hinrichs' Orchestra, Tie music at St. John’s Episcopal Church yesterd vas magnificently rendered. Gounod’s “Messe Solenelle” was sung by the vested choir of forty boys and men, as- isted by August Hinrichs of the Baldwin Theater and an orchestra of selected mu- ans. The soloists were: Master Arthur Miller, soprano; F. H. Lombard, tenor, and Henry Kirke White J ical director. R. F. ) s barytone and Iton was or- t. The interior of the church was simply and tastefully decorated with evergreens and flo | Dr. Spalding’s sermon was eloquent and { full of Christmas cheer. He spoke on “The friend at midnight.” He told how the Lord, after praying, taught his disci- ples to pray, and this prayer hes voiced the supplications of Christians for nine. teen centuries. The prayer was followed by instructions in which the Lord related the parable of the friend who came at midnight and asked for the three loaves, but the answer came: “Trouble me not; 1 cannot arise “In a high sense Christ was the friend in the midnight of the world. It was midnigit at Bethlehem when the message of the angels came and —_— but beartfelt prayers, it may be that they f dimly realize that He who loved and | blessed earth’s childrea during his brief | stay among men still wishes little ones to | gather round him in the temples raised in | ironor of his name. | The rich are always sure of a certain ma- | terial happiness which cannot be lakcn‘ from them while life, health and money jast. But some of the City’s iavored ones | have discovered that their gold can buy for | them another joy so deep pure that compared with itall other goods procurable | by wealth pale into_insignificance. 'These mien and women, with no flourish of trum- pets, with no publication of their good works, have put their hands deep into their pockets and’ scattered far and wide among the poor that magic golden talis. | man of true bepevolence which alone, humanly speaking, can smooth the thorny pathway of adversity. But perhaps it is among those who are neither puffed up by 'riches and worldly honors nor crushed by the galling heel of poverty that the old-fashioned observance of Christmas day is most faithfully kept. | In countless homes throughout the City scattered members gather by consent | abont the family fireside, or at the table | in_the old home, there to confirm and knit stiil stronger the sacred- ties of blood. The old folks, their Jife-work done and their minds peering with dread inquiry into the mists which veil the approaches to another world, grow young once more as they re- call stories of long-forgotten days before one could send Christmas greetings by telephone or telegraph. Tales of goblins, ghosts and fairies make the young folks | thrill with nervous wonaer, until tlge)r‘ fears of bogies are dispelled by the first | | glimpse of the Christmas tree. It may not be much, but it is a vision of paradis found comfor and holly berries, the chancel | memoration of the be held, and the chiidren merry by a magnificent Christmas tree laden with gifts and presents of all kinds, | the choir has prepared It will be 2 day of charity and good fellow- ship on earth with special attention to | the poor and needy of the parish. | . Such acts are in keeping with the teach- ings of Chris THE FLOW. R - DECKED ALTARS IN THE - CHURCH (Sketched by a “Cali” artist.] =T I RIDIN, (x5 OF SAINT IGNATIUS. sang *Glory to Goa in the highest, peace “on earth good wiil toward men.’ “It was midnight, the darkest, saddest hour, when the Star blazed forth over the spot where the young child lay; when Christ, the son of rightcousness, Tose, and with heaving wings ushered in the coming dav. “It is noticeable that Chri midnight of human history. The world was at its worst and was covered in thick darkness by the clouds of cruelty, ignor- ance and superstition. “Rome ruléed the world with an iron hand and her eagles were set up even in far-off Britain, “Herod slumbered in his splendid resi- dence . hard by Bethlehem, and Cwmsar reigned proudly in his palace of ivory at Rome, but the blackness of sin and un- named vice was over everything. “It was the midnight of human history when the light shone in the Bethlehem stable. = “The friend of mankind came at mid- night, and he was met by the answer, “Trouble me not, I.cannot arise and give unto thee what thou askest.’ “This was the world’s answer. “There was no place for him at Cwmsar’s palace, no place in the house of Herod. He only asked three loaves; 1ove, a home in their hearts and help for their fellow- men. Yet the answer came, ‘Trouble me not.” ““I'he joy of Christmas tide is the tide of humanity. Okristmas green and berries are a mockery without the Jove that the Lord brought is in the heart.” PO O KINDLY PRESBYTERIANS. In Lien of Rervices They Give Their Atten- tion to the Poor. The First Presbyterian Church on Van Ness avenue held no regular services yes- terd the day making up boxes of fruit and pres- ents for the inmates of the City and County Hospital. A bevy of ladies and gentlemen were at work in the Sunday-school room preparing the gifts and arranging the parcelsin such | manner that each layer would be a sur- prise to the recipient. Dr. Mackenzie is in the t, but the parishioners carried out the work with good hearts and willing bands. Donations to the supply of mate- rial were plentiful, and the poor unfortu- nates stricken with distress and disease ind c and happiness in the gifts. The interior of the house of worship was tastefully decorated with evergreens and pulpit g pulp being particularly well arran To-morrow the regular services in com- h of the Savior will vill be made Special music has been arranged for and ome timely songs. » whose birthday has always st came in the but the good communicants spent | been the anniversary of good deeds with the Presbyterians. — A PONTIFICAL MASS. Archbishop Riordan Officiates at Solemn Cer- emonies in St. Mary’s Cathedral. The solemn celebration of Christmas at St. Mary’s Cathedral, on Van Ness avenue, was held on a magnificent scale. It began at 10:30 o’clock in the morning, when there was not even standing room to spare in- side the vestibule doors. Every seat in | the main floor and galleries was occupied, | amd crowds stood in the aisles while the Service lasted, about two hours. Thescene within the sacred edifice was impressive, | with the bright sunshine streaming gener. ously through colored glass windows, brightening and warming the gorgeous walls and the sanctuary gleaming and all aglow with terraced lightsthat contributea a grand effect to the decorations and to the vested participants around the altar. pontifical mass with considerable of the | grandeur accompanying such a service. He was robed in vestments of cloth of gold, | Archbishop Riordan celebrated a solemn | | | | iprincipnl singers were: “Clara_McGown and Mrs. Kelleher, also singers and a chorus. Gounod’s “Messe Solenelle” was rendered with a great deai of feeling and dignified beauty. Adam’s “Noel” as a tenor solo by Mr. Simonson was the interpretation of an artist, and the ““Adeste Fideles” for an offertory piece, also a tenor solo, with a rich accompani- ment, contained the novel and picturesque introduction of a distant choir to repre- sent the angels singing. A choir from the the campanile with a pleasing effect as the sound gunled into the cathedral. The Sopranos, Miss Miss Julia Sullivan; tenors, Messrs. Kelle- her and Sullivan; basso, S. J. Lande; R. J. Harrison, organist. The first mass was sung at 5 A. . by sisted of without intermi services at 10:30 Masses were said until the sion solemn M. —-——— NOTRE DAME DES VICTCIRES. 1'Abbe Gente's Sermon. Standing room was at a premium in ALTAR AT FIRIT (ONGy (G . THE WREATHED AND GARLANDED PULPIT PLATFORM OF THE FIRST | CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. [Sketched by a *“Call’’ artist.] as were the deacons attending on him. Father Byrnes was sub-deacon, Father Hannigan deacon, Fathers Dempsey and Ramon’ assistant deacons, Father Mulli- an master of ceremonies and Very Rev. . J. Prendergast assistant priest. There was quite a large number of altar-boys in white surplices and purple soutanes faced with crimson in attendance. So the sanctuary Eyresemed a really beautiful sight. The pillars and walls were liber- ally cavered with evergreens, which formed an effective background for the wtite- marble altar and the clusters of blazing candles. Far out in front on either side was a massive candelabrum that held a pyramid of flickering flames, and then, deeper set in the sanctuary, were many bunches of evergreens ana candelabra, while the altar itself was outlined with scarlet “fairy’’ lamps, Christmas berries, red blossoms and holly leaves. Rev. Peter C. Yorke preached a sermon on Christmas that was eloquent_and full of the spirit of peace on earth. He said: To-day we celebrate the birth of our Lord in Bethlehem ot Judea. The Savior of the world is cradled in a manger. He is nursed by a simple village maiden. The shepherds from tt{'edfields do honor unto him in his humbie abode. The piety of the Christian world has made this day one of the great festivals of the year. As the household rejoices at the birth of & son 50 the world rejoices now. Unto usa child 1s born—unto us a Son is given. Come, let us praise the Lord with jo; et us joyfully sing unto God, our Savior. us come before his presence 'with thanksgiving—let us be glad unto him in psalms. There is a danger, my dear brethren, that in the domestic joy with which we greet this day we may lose sight of the cause and justifica- tion of it all.” It is no mere thanksgiving day, no mere festival of home. The reason of it'is to be found in the glorious opening words of the Epistle to the Hebrews: “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake of old to'the Father by the prophets, hath In these Jast days spoken unto us by his Son.” This, then, is the reason of Christmas. The child who lies in the manger is God. Light of light, very God of very God, begotten, not made constbstantial with the Father, who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost, of the Virgin Mary, and was made flesh. As we stand round the manger let notour eyes be holden by the things of sense. Never aoes the preface of the mass sing to us a more pressing invitation. ILift up your hearts, To- gether with the beloved disciple let us soar even to the throne of God. St. John’s symbol isthe cagle, and with the eaglelet usscrutinize the very Godhead. Hisgospel tells us who that babe is. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God ; and the Word was God. was made nothing that was made; and the word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” Christ came on eafth for two purposes—to make atonement to the offended justice of his Father and to show us the way to heaven. The atonement has been made; the personal and peculiar interest for each of us to walk :n God’s way. Nolonger does he force us by his un- sheathed sword; he draws us now by love. Love is stronger than death, more powerful tl hell; and the minmcnnne of this day is it is the proclamati the law of gratitude. For a time terror may keep usin the right way. The only real force which can keep us always with God and make us for God is love, is gratitude. s Eurely we have many reasons for thankful- ness. God has given us aland flowing with milk and lloneg‘i. We are free in civil aud reli- glous affairs, He hasdrawn us into his own church; he has admitted us into the.inner sanctuaty, near the figmd tabe, by whom the virgin mother watches. His hands are lifted up to us appealingly for Jove. We have human hearts in us. We ‘cannot refuse it when this dry we come to adore the Lord and to be glad before him in songs and psalms of joy. The music was made a noteworthy feat- ure of the celebration, and certainiy out- did previous efforts of the singers and musicians for Christmas. The organ was supported by a full orchestra and the on of the law of love— ‘_choir augmented by several good solo All things were made by him and without him. Notre Dame des Victoires at the 11 o’clock mass yesterday morning, and the little manger of ferns and orchids, looked down upon a multitude assembled to commem- orate the birth of the divine reality nearly 2000 years ago. The adornments of the sacred edifice were in the best taste. Alorg the nave each of the chandeliers was wreathed in _holly, smilax and white jessamine, kept in place by bows of white and cardinal red satin ribbon. The creche, or manger of the infant Jesus, occupied the center of St. Joseph’s chapel, to the right of the high altar, and was a veritable dream of beauty, though, to be sure, his- torical accuracy was left out of calcula- tion. In place of a rough, rock-hewn manger, the resting place of the imaged Savior was a dainty cradle, wreathed in feathery ferns and flimy laces, while daz- zling lights and numberless flowers lent their radiance and sweetness to the ex- quisite memorial scene. The high altar was banked with a very tasteful arrangement of white lilies and crysanthemums, around which six tall torches and an infinity of wax lights set in gilt and crystal candelabra shown like stars. Father Loude was celebrant of the solemn mass. He officiated without deacon or sub-deacon, being assisted by a master of ceremonies and four acolytes in crimson cassocks and point duchesse surplices. The celebrants’ vestments were of lustrous cloth of gold, with raised embroideries in gold thread. During the elevation twelve white-robed torch-bearers filed into the chancel and formed a semi-circle in front of the altar with striking effect. After the first gospel M. 1’Abbe Gente made-a brief but masterly address in French, taking as his_subject *“The Bene- fits Which Mankind Has Received From the Coming’of Christ.” The able preacher gave a sad picture of the world’s condition at the time of the Savior's birth, and then proceeded to outline the changed state of affairs since that event. He instanced the improved condition of the poor, of slaves, ms ot children under the Christian dis- pensation. e Regarding woman, M. Gente said that in place of being the menial or the toy of man, accerding to her lord’s ca- prices, she had been raised once more to the sphere for which she was created, the elevation of Mary to the satred dignity of Mother of the world’s Redeemer having iven a glory to her sex which never coul fie taken from it, and which would forever be a bar to the enslavement of woman in all countries where the empire of the Christ extended. Continuing, the gifted orator compared buman happiness to a majestic edifice of which Jesus Christ was the architect and his followers the builders. Each human being had a part to perform in the perfést- ing of the noble monument. Man might be faithless to this noble destiny and neg- lect the work laid out for him by the Master. But the work planned by the Divine Architect would be performed. The unfaithful workman would have to forfeit the recompense promised those who would not weary in well-doing; but the glorious result aimed at by the Savior isdestined to be realized in all its fullness. M. Gente’s peroration was both prilliant and affecting. In substance, he said: “Glory to the Lord of Heaven and earth, who, taking to himself the burden of our fallen nature, raised us poor sinners to the dignity of brotherhood with God. Glory to Jesus Christ, the conqueror, who by his power has set us free from the dread em- pire of satan. Honor, glory and thanks- iving be forever given to our Savior, our ing, our Brother and our God, to wh Young Ladies’ Sodality sang the hywn in | Father Hannigan, when the choir con- | be Magnificent Decorations and Fine Music—M. | sculptured Christ-child, from bis dainty | alone we may look for peace, for pardon, and for salvation.”’ The music, always first class at Notre Dame, was unusually good. Mercadante’s three-voice mass, arranged for a double quartet and chorus, was splendidly rendered with organ accompaniment and a full orchestra. The soloists were as follows: Sopranos— | the Misses Florence Garrissere and Laura | Rouleau; contraltos —the Misses Anna Grozelier and Irene Mull; tenors—Messrs. T. Lane and V. Sallom; bassos—Messrs. McAuliffe and Bournissot. In the orches- | tra Messrs. H. Hoffman, L. Bresse, D. | Gilfeather and A. Bardet did some artistic work. At the offertory Adams’ “*Cantique | de Noel” was sung in French, and as a | | recessionai the ‘“Adeste Fideles” was ren- dered by the soloists and chorus, many of | the congregation joining in the inspiring | refrain, “Venite, fldoremus” at the end of | each verse. { | able and diplomatic ushers, Messrs. Ca- | mille Lahanier and Benjamin Faure, did satisfaction. S | THE ITALIAN CHURCH. | gk, | Lessons of the Nativity at St. Peter and St. Paul's. The Italian Church of St. Peter and | | 8t. Paul was elaborately decorated yester- | day and good musical services were held | there. The high altar, as well as the side ‘ altars, were decorated with holly, fernsand | palms, while long garlands of evergreens | were festooned in the sanctuary and | crowns and wreaths were hung round the | body of the church. 'I‘Ke crib gave an artistic represen- | tation of a bit of mountainous country | with tall .palm trees, oleander ana other | shrubs growing from the rocks. The shee were wandering in the mountains, an the shepherds were represented as coming to worship at the crib. Above the Holy | Family the text “‘Gloria 1n Excelsis” was | written. Above the scene was the Star of Bethelem. ‘The first mass at the Italian church was celebrated at 5 A, M., the choristers being | | the young ladies of the Sadality. After | | that masses were celebrated every hour | | till 9 o'clock, when a choir ot children | | sang Christmas carols. At the Jate mass the musi | by the following vocalists: _Miss Margaret | | Coleman, Miss Lydia Spadina, Miss Beatie Gleason, Miss Lenormand, Miss J. Mathew, Miss W. Spadina, Miss K. Da- neri, Miss Lena Prato; G. Harris, A. Daniel. Professor Spadina was the or- | ganist, and the following music was ren- dered: “Kyrie” and *‘Credo.” by Merca- | dante; “Gloria_Sanctus,” ‘‘Benedictus” | an;il “Agnus Dei”’ from Concone’s mass in | E flat. | Rev. Father Raphael de Carolis, the | celebrant, also preached, his subject being | the nativity. The lessons he drew from his theme were that Christ by his nntivilg had shown nis love for mankind, his wis! to console humanity in its sorrows. He also taught by his nativity contempt for the pleasures and passions of the world, and also set an example of all virtues by practicing them even from the crib. ST PAULIST'S CELEBRATION. A Joyous Commemoration of Christmas in | 8t. Mary's Charch. | The celebration of Christmas began at | 8t. Mary’s at 5 o’clock, with a Missa can- | tata sung by Rev. Father Doherty, and from that time until tae final celebration with solemn high mass at 11 o’clock the church was thronged every hour. Tbe solemn mass was of particular solemnity and every seat was taken, many visitors being obliged to stand. The celebrant of the mass was Rev. Father Arthur M. Clark, with Fathers F. | B. Doherty and M. Otis as ministers of the | mass. The music was of special excel- ence. The sanctuary was profusely de-| corated with flowers and palms,and the altar was aglow with a myraid of lights. So the Paulist fathers had a very joyous celebration of the great feast. The sermon was preached by Father S. B. Hedges, and the following isa brief synopsis of the discourse: “As many as received him, he gave them power to be made the sons of God.” St. John i:12. ‘“He showed the wondrous manner of God's wmanifestation in weakness—an infant; and the strange contrast to the Roman world. The Roman world was the incarnation of ower—pawer of empire, power of intel- ect, power of art. The entire subjugation to her empire of the whole world was brought about. “But in the divine child of Betilehem,” said the speaker, *‘there lay a power which overcame the power of the Roman empire and made it subject to the Christian idea. A power so complete, so victorious, that Bethlehem 1n Judea has become the fane of love, of hope, of eternal life for all ages of men, past and to come. So surely asin | c was rendered | Though the attendance was so large, the | much to preserve order and prevent dis- | that divine child 14y the power for the transformation of the world, this is also the power, by the birth of Christ in our soul, by grace, the power of sainthood. Receive him then with joy into your hearts, that he may be born there by grace, and that you may become the sons jof God.” THE SPANISH CHURCH. Musio and Decorations at Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe. Large numbers of people attended the services at the Spanish church, Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, yesterday. The high altar was decorated with crim« son lilies, red berries, ferns and evergreens. A representation of the infant Christ above the altar was framed in a crimson canopy and surmounted by a white dove. St. Josepn’s altar was decorated with pink and white roses and ferns. Over the crib was a roofing of whiteand blue, dotted with silver stars. A rocky hiliside was | cleverly simulated, with representations of the shepherds watching their sheep, and | the Holy Famaly 1n the stable was an artise tic piece of grouping. Rev. Father James Viladomat was the | celebrant at the 11 o’clock mass, and the music, under the direction of 8. Arrillaga, was a feature of the service. Mozart's Twelfth Mass was swng, the soloists be- ing Miss C. Cooney, Miss E. Jofre, Miss N. O'Rourkeand R. Morrisey and H. Gasford. At the offertory a ‘‘Villancico,” by S. Arrillaga, was sung by Mrs, B. Camarena and C. Arrillaga and Miss F, Cabazos and Miss A. Acosta, with grand chorus and orchestra, At the elevation, “O Salutars,” by 8. Arrillaga, was rendered by Miss L. C. Walter, with_harp and violin obligato by Miss W. L. Kimball and L. Mojica. Rev. Father Santandreu preached on the text, “Gloria in Excelsis, Deo,” saying that it was impossible to separate Christ's mission on earth from his divinity. The idea of Christ having *been merely a phil- osopher and a teacher of ethics was de- cried, and the preacher urged his hearers to take for their example the Master whose work was all divine. ———— MARY THE VIRGIN. Christmas Services of Devotion Without a Sermon, The pretty little church of St. Mary the Virgin, at the corner of Union and Steiner streets, was decorated yesterday with natural flowers and evergeens. Shrubs and palms were massed here and there in the chancel and against the chancel rail- ings were calla Jilies. The altar was deco- rated with masses of white chrysanthe- mums and pale pink roses. The services were those of worship, pure and simple, without any sermon or exhor- tation. There was early celebration of the holy communion at 7 A. M., and a full eucharistic service at 11 A. M., rendered chorallf throughout. The latter services commenced with a solemn procession, headed by the aco- lytes and altar boys, preceded by the thurifer, swinging the censer. The priest, Rev. W. Bolton, wore a gorgeous white cope. The *Kyrie Credo,’” “Benedictus,’’ “Agnus Dei” and “Gloria,” as well as the “Num Dimmitis,” were all sung in an elaborate manner by a choir augmented for the occasion. it GRACE CEURCH SERVICES. Bishop Nichols Delivered the Christmas Sere mon Upon the Divinity of Christ. The Right Rev. Bishop Nichols delivered the Christmas sermon at Grace Episcopal Church yesterday forenoon. The altar of the big brick edifice was aglow with scores of candles twinkling from high, gilded candelabra. Numerous other lights glinted and sparkled in the minia- ture grove formed by small evergreen trees placed here and there behind the first rail. On each side sat the vested choir in full white robes. In the inner space, their long surplices at times partly screened by the branches, were the Rev. Dr. Foute and Bishop Nichols. ; Over all. and above the artificial_lights, long brigh:l{ colored sunbeams sifted in through the big stained glass window that forms nearly the whole wall back of the altar. Yellow, green, red and blue bands radiated down and far back into the audi- torium, addirig a bright effect to the pretty Christmas bonnets, and throwing calcium tints upon the hundreds of worshipers as they sat listening to the lessons of the day and to the Bishop’s words, or more often as they chorused the five responses or joined in the hymns. It was a_distinctly choral service, em- bracing all the chants and hymns peculiar to an Episcopal Christian observance. The Rev. Dr. Foute, rector of Grace Church, conducted the services, and the ST, Continued on Twelfth Page. DC(RATION” ar GRACE — chvacn THE EMBOWERED REREDOS AT GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH, [Sketched by @ “Call” artist.}