The Church Index Part 3

On Sunday morning, the 23rd of April, some disappointment was felt at this church through the absence of the esteemed Vicar, on rather a prolonged after-Easter holiday. The Rev. Capel Molyneux-formerly of the Lock Chapel, Paddington-is favourably known as a very popular and attractive preacher. He is, also, distinctly Evangelical in his ministry, and anti-Ritualistic in all his services, which are conducted in the plainest style of outward devotion. Yet, out of one of the most aristocratic centres to be met with around London, he has succeeded in building up a very large congregation, upon whom he appears to have impressed that form as the very ideal of Christian wors.h.i.+p. And we cannot refrain from saying that, as far as we could judge, a more lively and earnestly devout congregation is rarely to be met with. The church, which accommodates in all 1,600 persons-inclusive of 600 free sittings-was well filled, to our eye, except in the galleries; but we were informed the congregation was by no means equal to what it is when the Vicar himself is present. His place, however, was very ably and profitably supplied by the Rev. J. F. Sargeant, of St. Luke's, Marylebone, who performed the entire service, and discoursed extempore with much pathos and power on the 23rd Psalm. There is no intoning in the prayers, and no chanting or singing but in the _Jubilate_, the _Te Deum_, the _Gloria Patri_, and the hymns; the latter being Psalms and Hymns based on "The Christian Psalmody" of the late Rev. G. Bickersteth, as compiled by his son, and sold by Dean and Son, Ludgate-hill-one of the very best of all the collections extant. The organist, Mr. Carter, uses an instrument by Bishop to good effect, and is accompanied in the vocal parts of the music by a rather numerous and full-voiced choir in, of course, plain dress. There is one a.s.sistant clergyman-the Rev. T.

Burrows-who was not present on the occasion. On Sundays there are three services-at 11 A.M., 3.30, and 7 P.M.; Holy Communion on the first Sunday in the month after the morning, and on the third after the evening, service, and on the last Tuesday evening in the month. There is a usual week-day service on Thursday evening at seven, and on the first Monday evening in the month, at eight, there is a special service for working men, when all the seats are thrown open. This, we understand, is a most interesting and important service, and usually well attended.

Although St. Paul's was opened by Bishop Blomfield on Christmas Eve, in the year of our Lord 1860, there are no day or Sunday-schools identified with it,-a fact in part resulting from the almost total absence of poor people in the district. The circ.u.mstance is remarkable; but may find some explanation also in the general character of Mr. Molyneux's congregation, and in the direction of its zeal and resources to other Christian objects. We do not know whether, in London or out, any church can be found so distinguished for Christian benevolence, in all its social branches, as St. Paul's, Onslow square. We have been familiar with many grand doings of Christian people, but we have not in our recollection any congregation which, as a whole, must feel it "more blessed to give than to receive" than this one. It is no small pleasure to us to record it as a matter of local Church history. Sometimes it has been said that Church people do not understand the art of giving. If there were any truth in this as a rule, we may point to St. Paul's as a n.o.ble exception. The clergy and the church are maintained solely out of the pew-rents, and the offertory taken at the doors is for other purposes; and the latter, commonly thought not the most effective mode of making collections, yields an average of nearly 100_l._ per Sunday. The offertory at the Communion is in full proportion. In addition to this, the congregation supports a "Church Home for Dest.i.tute Girls," for which about 500_l._ a-year is contributed at sermons preached by the Vicar, and in donations and subscriptions. An annual effort for the Church Missionary Society results in little short of 300_l._ The Irish Church Mission and Church Pastoral Aid Society are yearly united together in an appeal, and the response to the last was taken at the doors, in the morning, 53_l._ 10s. 9d.; and in the evening, 23_l._ 4s. 10d. The London City Mission, we hope, recognizes in St. Paul's one of its strongest supports. The collection after sermon for this object amounted on the last occasion to 108_l._ 18s. 4d., and the regular subscriptions swelled the amount to over 450_l._ The "Jews' Society" has also an annual benefit. The "Consumption Hospital," which is situated within the parish bounds, has its funds replenished every year to a very important and gratifying extent. At the last preaching of sermons on its behalf, there was taken at the doors in the morning 70_l._ 10s., and in the evening 92_l._ 9s. 7d.-162_l._ 19s. 7d. All this is done in a general way; but there are special occasions on which the distinguished charity of this Church has shone forth with even greater l.u.s.tre. We all remember what national sympathy was evoked by the Lancas.h.i.+re Famine in 1862. The Rev.

Capel Molyneux made a collection for thirteen weeks in succession for this object. On the first day-November 9, 1862-there was taken at the doors in the morning 780_l._, and in the evening 299_l._ 9s. 9d., making for the day 1,079_l._ 9s. 9d. In the twelve following weeks the gross amount collected in the same way was 1,363_l._ 5s., making a grand total for that patriotic object of 2,442_l._ 14s. 9d., which was duly remitted to the Lord Mayor's Committee. So recently as the 26th of February last, a collection was taken up in relief of the Paris distress which reached the figure of 229_l._ 16s. 8d. In the midst of all this we have further to record that for the past five years this congregation and people have contributed 600_l._ a-year towards poor and distressed churches in the east of London. We repeat, we do not know where, with an average congregation of 1,500, or where with any congregation, such figures as these can be paralleled. We confess to a profound admiration of such results. The persons who have contributed to them are known to Omniscience; it is not necessary that they should be known to the world.

Although our architectural correspondent, from a professional point of view, does not appear to think highly of the church, as a material structure, it forms, to our eye, a very pleasing feature in Onslow-square. Even outwardly, it breaks up the monotony of palatial secular dwellings very agreeably; but religiously, morally, and socially, it is a bright and beautiful spot, which we trust will s.h.i.+ne and flourish more and more unto the perfect day.

ST. PETER'S, ONSLOW GARDENS.

THE Church of St. Peter, situate in Onslow-gardens, South Kensington, is a much more important church, on close examination, than a distant view leads the observer to believe. There are not many good points from which the church is seen, and the view from the north is cut up by the vicarage recently erected, which we suppose is to form part of a terrace, but which does not improve the general appearance. The west front, by no means a fine composition, possesses some good details, and the tower and spire, which form a portion of this elevation, do much to a.s.sist in lending a picturesque effect. The spire is of very good design, but the tower is too stunted, and, like St. Paul's, would be improved by an additional ten feet in height. The spire wears the appearance of having been placed on too soon. Entering the church by the west door, the perspective view is very effective and telling; this is mainly attributable to the arcades, which, though of very simple Early English character, are very well-proportioned; and the pointed triplet arcades at the transept form a pleasing variety from the usual monotony of ordinary church nave arrangements. The transverse arch at the transepts rather takes from the perspective, and might with advantage have been less depressed. A very peculiarly corbelled chancel arch-in shape like a bishop's mitre-is, we should think, unique. The arch, as originally built, was too contracted; the chancel pieces have been cut away, and large corbels introduced, suggesting the shape before referred to.

Indeed, if it had been possible to open the apsidal chancel a little more, it would have been an improvement. The good general appearance of the eastern windows, with their excellent stained gla.s.s, by Messrs. Ward and Hughes, of Frith-street, Soho, is still very much obscured and lost.

The nave roof is light and well-designed, but not quite agreeable, being somewhat too late in character. The details of the windows and clerestory are all very simply designed, to accord with the style of the church; the stalls, prayer-desk, and lectern, being somewhat in advance of the chancel arch, are enclosed by a dwarf-stone screen, which separates them from the body of the church. The font is very plain indeed-indicative of the simplicity of baptism, we suppose-possessing no ornamentation on the octagonal bowl save the monogram well cut in relief.

But it is in contemplation further to embellish it. The stone pulpit is octagonal also, and has well-carved figures in relief of the four Evangelists. The floor of the church is well covered with some rather pretty benches, which, together with transept galleries, will contain a congregation of about 1,500. The vestry is on the north-east angle of the church, and the organ, quietly decorated, is placed in the south chancel aisle. This instrument, which is a very superior one, was built by Messrs. Hill and Sons, at a cost of 800_l._ It has three rows of keys and 29 stops.

St. Peter's was consecrated on St. Peter's Day, June 29, 1867, by the Bishop of London, Dr. Tait, now Archbishop of Canterbury. It was build and presented to the district by Chas. J. Freake, Esq., of Cromwell House, who is its patron, and the pulpit was the special gift of Mrs.

Freake. The parsonage is also built on ground given by Mr. Freake. The district is composed of the area between the Fulham and the Brompton-roads, including Elm-place, and in about the centre of which the church stands, being at present only very spa.r.s.ely populated. This church, like many others in the suburbs, was built in antic.i.p.ation of future population, and meanwhile draws its congregation mainly from beyond. It is, however, a large one, there being present at the ordinary Sunday morning service over a thousand persons; but, almost without exception, of the upper cla.s.s. Strictly speaking, there is not a poor person to be seen in it. There are few free sittings to mention; and such as go by that name at the remote end from the chancel appear ready to let as occasion may offer. Not that all the other sittings are taken; for although the body of the church appears tolerably full, there are not 700 sittings really let-scarcely one-half the number provided. We cannot, therefore, understand why the verger guards all that part of the church so jealously, and when a stranger asks for a seat higher up tells him with some peremptoriness that he cannot go. If, however, the Vicar has no poor people within his church walls, the Rev. Gerald Blunt, Vicar of Chelsea, has lately made him a present of 2,300, who border on his district, to care for. This sacred trust the rev. gentleman is setting himself to fulfil with zeal and diligence.

We must confess to some surprise, considering the evident social character of the congregation, that the collections and offertory yield comparatively so little. There are boxes at the doors for offerings towards church expenses, and the highest sum received from this source in one day, in 1870, was 4_l._ 19s. 5d., and that was on Easter-day. But, taking the year through, it does not average one pound per week. There is something in this more than ordinarily sad, for the people that go in and out at those doors count their income not by hundreds, but by thousands. The offertory is a more direct appeal, but it only yielded in the year 184_l._ 16s. 9s. Altogether, including subscriptions (less commission for collecting them), there was only 357_l._ 16s. 6d. raised for church expenses. For the poor of the district, by offertories and private donations, there was raised 144_l._ 1s. 6d. This sum was disbursed in various outlays for the relief and comfort of the needy poor. But how small the amount compared with the ability to do! There is a day-school in Arthur street, connected with the church, for the support of which from all sources, private subscriptions, collection after sermon, &c., there was raised 305_l._ 19s. 11d. Collections in church for other than local purposes amounted to 121_l._ 6s., including 60_l._ 13s. for the Bishop of London's Fund, and for the Chelsea Dispensary and Victoria Hospital for sick children 60_l._ 13s. The whole, therefore, of the visible liberality of this wealthy congregation is at present summed up in the figures 985_l._ 1s. 2d. per annum. We trust that an era of larger heartedness will speedily dawn.

Congregations, as well as individuals, require to learn the art and luxury of giving. It should not be pa.s.sed without notice that Mrs. Byng, a.s.sisted by a few young ladies of the congregation, has established a Sunday-school and mothers' meetings, which are in good working, although as yet in their infancy. There are also an evening sewing cla.s.s, night-school and a clothing club, superintended and directed by Mrs.

Byng.

The Hon. and Rev. Francis E. C. Byng, M.A. (Oxford), was formerly of Twickenham, from whence he was introduced to the new church of St.

Peter's by its patron, Mr. Freake. He is a minister unquestionably Evangelical in doctrine, and the ceremonial he has established in his church is a _medium_ one, being at equal distance from excessive plainness on the one hand, and High Church Ritual on the other. The service is earnest and lively without over much singing; but what there is of the latter is excellently done by a choir in surplices, under the able direction of Mr. Arthur Sullivan, the organist; who, as a composer and conductor in other than church music, has just earned himself no small praise at the opening concert of the International Exhibition. Mr.

Sullivan has conducted the musical part of the service from the first and it is owing to his zeal and talent that it has attained such efficiency.

The prayers and lessons were well read in a clear voice by the Rev. C.

Scholefield, M.A. (Cambridge), curate, the Litany being taken by the Vicar. Both as reader and preacher, the Hon. and Rev. Mr. Byng, gifted with a good voice and having a suitably animated manner, fixes and retains the attention of his audience. His sermon on April 30 was from Deut x.x.xiii., 25th verse, "And as thy days so shall thy strength be." It was the effusion of a devout mind, intelligently comprehending the trials and experiences of our common life, and fully aware of the sole secret of human hope and consolation. Though read there was nothing perfunctory in the delivery, the preacher being sufficiently free from his ma.n.u.script to put himself on a line with the eye, and we cannot but think with the heart of all his hearers in every part of the church; occasionally even turning to look into the galleries and into the chancel, that the occupants of those parts may not think themselves forgotten. If all preachers used their MSS. in the manner of Mr. Byng, and always made them speak such excellent things, much of the current objection to their use in public would vanish. In taking leave for the present of St. Peter's, we cannot but congratulate the people there on their beautiful church, and the religious advantages they enjoy.

ST. LUKE'S CHURCH, SOUTH KENSINGTON.

AS another interesting example of how churches spring up in our midst, following or hastening before the population, we have now to notice another new enterprise in South Kensington. St. Luke's is at present a temporary iron church, put up to await the erection of a more enduring one, on what is known as the Redcliffe Estate, in South Kensington, now being covered with dwellings of a superior order, by Messrs. Corbett and M'Clymont. These gentlemen have presented the site for the new church, which is a most eligible one, situate in the yet uncompleted Redcliffe-square. Plans for the new-church are in preparation by Messrs.

G. and D. G.o.dwin, of the Fulham-road, and it is intended to be built in the course of 1872. By the time it is erected, it will show itself to be in one of the best-selected positions to be met with around London. The structure will be in the early decorated style, and is to cost about 10,000_l._, and it is a circ.u.mstance to place the promoters beyond the reach of much anxiety on the subject, that 7,000_l._ of the amount is already deposited. Meanwhile the iron church on the other side of the way is doing good service. It was put up in July last, and opened on the 23rd of that month, just six months ago, by the Rev. Wm. Fraser Handc.o.c.k, M.A. (of Oxford) the vicar (designate), and previously vicar of St.

Luke's, Cheltenham. To this latter church South Kensington has recently given a new minister, in the person of the Rev. J. A. Aston, late vicar of St. Stephen's, and has received in return the Rev. W. F. Handc.o.c.k, but to open entirely new ground. Mr. Handc.o.c.k not only came from Cheltenham, but he brought the material of the church in which he now preaches with him from thence. It was a wooden structure, and consequently before he could commence work in it, occasion was given for some correspondence and trouble with the Metropolitan Board of Works. He unwittingly incurred the Board's disapproval by violating one of its bye-laws, and they compelled him to case it in iron of certain dimensions before it was opened. This caused a further outlay of 400_l._, which was a matter of some consequence to the rev. gentleman, as he had personally undertaken the whole responsibility of the temporary church. The district a.s.signed to St. Luke's is taken out of that of St. Mary's in the Boltons, and includes at present about 3,000 population; but may have double that number four or five years hence. The present building has sittings for 700, and between 100 and 200 are free; the remainder let in the nave at 2_l._ per annum and in aisles at 1_l._ Considering the time it has been opened, the church is very well attended. At the morning service we found about 300 present, a full choir of youths in surplices; who rendered the chants, psalms, and hymns in a creditable manner to Anglican strains. The organ-well played by Mr. Henry P. Keens-is small; but, like the church itself, temporary. The prayers were read, and the whole tone of the service was Evangelical. Hymns in use, "Ancient and Modern."

There is a weekly offertory for the church expenses, which is taken before the sermon.

[Picture: St. Luke's Church, Redcliffe Square, South Kensington]

The Rev. W. Fraser Handc.o.c.k is a minister apparently about forty years of age. He begins his service in rather a low tone of voice, but immediately rises to the compa.s.s of the auditorium, and thoroughly maintains it to the end. The emphasis in his reading is placed with almost faultless accuracy; so that the true sense is never lost to the hearer. The sermon was read, but delivered with very considerable effect. In matter it was most intelligent, instructive, and Evangelical.

Discoursing from John xviii. 38: "Pilate saith unto him, what is truth?"

the preacher considered Pilate as the representative sceptic of his age; and drew a striking parallel between him and modern sceptics, in their affected uncertainty and unbelieving inquiries, as to how the truth was to be determined; and, like Pilate, they found vain excuses for their infidelity in the divided state of Christendom. In France religion was suffering through the recoil from that "sham" of Christianity set up there by Popery; and in England, silently but too certainly, the evil leaven had been at work; in the Universities, in schools, and in literature. When a convert from Rome, as had often happened, first landed on our sh.o.r.es, it was not to be wondered at if, on a superficial survey of the Church as it was, he inquired, doubting, "What is truth?"

When he glanced at the various tenets taught within even their own Church, could any other result be expected! We heard, for instance, from some that a species of magical spiritual power was vested in the ministers of religion, so that the sprinkling of a little water in baptism, or the uttering of a few words over the elements used in celebrating the Lord's Supper, produced necessarily divine effects-teaching against which our finer sense revolted. He went to another extreme, and found others objecting to everything in the world not purely spiritual; even to all kinds of music not sacred in its character and use. Then, perhaps, he took up a book written by some plausible, philosophising author, the fallacies of which he was not able to detect; and it was easy enough for him in all these phases of our intellectual and religious life to find an excuse, and inquire, "What, then, is truth?" But after all, it was out a mere excuse, a vain pretence; for there were the great cardinal truths of Revelation plain enough to be understood: about G.o.d, about eternity, the soul, and G.o.d's way of winning it. But men rejected or quibbled about these Bible truths and things raised upon them, because, in fact, Christianity was not merely a _creed_, but it was a life-a life that men must live both inwardly and outwardly. And this was the grand reason why men evaded it: the Master said, if any man would _do_ G.o.d's will, they should know of the doctrine that it was of him. But it was because they were not inclined humbly to _do_ it, that men remained in such ignorance and confusion about it. This witness is faithful and true, for there can be no doubt that the chief difficulties in the way of the reception of the religion of the Bible are to be sought in the moral rather than the intellectual condition of men. This was the great point clearly and forcibly brought out by the preacher, and if this is an average sermon in purport and aim, we cannot but congratulate the neighbourhood on the advent of Mr. Handc.o.c.k, and on the building of the new church. As yet, as a matter of course, the usual church adjuncts are only in contemplation. A Sunday-school, however, will be opened immediately, and before the permanent edifice is consecrated, all the usual parochial machinery will be at work. The a.s.sistant minister is the Rev. E. J.

Haddock, B.A., Dublin. The churchwardens are Capt. A. Waldy, of 9, Stanhope-gardens, and Dr. Daniell, of Cathcart road, South Kensington.

CLARENCE-PLACE WESLEYAN CHAPEL, KENSINGTON.

THERE is a very old lady still living in Young-street, Kensington, whose recollections of early Methodism in that town are still with her, and who is fond of the opportunity of quietly recounting them. Among her remotest remembrances is a visit of Mr. Wesley, the incidents of whose advent were the talk of the neighbourhood when she first began to notice anything she heard. She tells how the great evangelist preached in a smithy, somewhere in the vicinity of the present Jenning's-buildings, "amidst great opposition." {21} Subsequently preaching services were held in a house-which has long since been taken down-but which stood upon the site 17, Young-street. This was the property of her husband's father-who was one of the earliest Methodists in Kensington-and who suffered much persecution. It was, it appears, the object of his opponents to make him stop the Methodist service altogether; but his devotion to the cause enabled him to brave the taunts and injury to which he was subjected; and to afford larger accommodation he built up a temporary chapel in his own yard, which answered for the service of the Methodists many years. Methodism, however, has never flourished in the Court suburb to the extent to which the self-sacrifice and devotion of its few first members might have seemed to promise. To the first temporary building succeeded another; then followed the present chapel in Clarence-place in the year 1838. A ninety-nine years' lease of the land was obtained at a ground-rent of 10_l._ per annum in 1836, and the foundation-stone was laid by the late Mr. Farmer, of Gunnersbury House, in 1836, and in June, 1838, the Rev. Dr. Bunting and the Rev. Dr.

Beaumont conducted the opening services, when the collections amounted to 42_l._ 5s. 2d., the whole cost being 600_l._ It is a very plain edifice, almost completely hidden from view by the surrounding dwellings, and having no architectural expression. It has no gallery, and will accommodate on the ground-floor 200 persons, the congregation as a rule reaching to about half the number. About twenty sittings only are held as free, although many more must generally be so used. There are between fifty and sixty Church members meeting in cla.s.s. Prior to 1861, when the Bayswater Wesleyan _Circuit_ was formed, this chapel was ministerially supplied from Hammersmith circuit, and from the Theological Inst.i.tution, Richmond. But since that date the services have been attended by the regular ministry of the Bayswater station, to which the chapel was at that period attached. The form of service is that belonging to the Wesleyan Body, which consists of 1, a hymn; 2, a prayer; 3, a lesson; 4, a hymn; 5, sermon; closing with another hymn and benediction. The hymns of the Wesleys are those mainly used; although there are bound up with them some select productions from other well-known hymn-writers, the whole forming, without any controversy, by a long way the best collection of hymns that Christendom has yet produced. Its excellence is attested by the fact that into whatever church or chapel we enter, the collections there in use, under all sorts of t.i.tles and editors.h.i.+ps, are much indebted to its pages. In the present instance the singing is aided by a harmonium, which might very well give place to the more suitable instrument-the organ. Behind the chapel there is a very capital schoolroom, where about sixty children are taught on the Sabbath; and adjoining this a large vestry, both built in 1857, and forming a good reserve for meetings of all kinds connected with the church and congregation. In the Wesleyan circle in Kensington the following names appear to be much revered and honoured as having contributed at successive stages of the work, time, talent and money towards its building up, names for the most part well known in the town-Messrs.

Rowland, Tomlinson, Maunder, Poc.o.c.k, Bridgnell, Jarvis, Eyles, Bond, Gush, Rigg, Haine, Trownsan, Farmer, &c. The building of the larger and more beautiful Wesleyan chapel in Warwick-gardens has, however, tended to weaken the society at Clarence-place, by drawing away some of its princ.i.p.al members and supporters, and a small portion of its general congregation.

THE CHURCH OF ST. AUGUSTINE, SOUTH KENSINGTON.

ST. AUGUSTINE'S CHURCH, close to Hereford-Square, South Kensington, is a temporary iron erection, and, like most such buildings, possesses no architectural features or details worthy of notice. The Inc.u.mbent, the Rev. R. R. Chope, B.A., five or six years ago conceived a necessity for a church in that place, and, means failing him to obtain a substantial structure, or to procure a separate site, he made use of a corner of his own private garden, put up the iron building, and called it the "Church of St. Augustine." It is a low, dull, dingy-looking object outside, and as a stranger approaches it-with its roof only just visible above the garden-wall, it is in danger of being pa.s.sed without notice, except one should suppose it a rather large conservatory or garden shed. It must have required some courage in a minister to attempt a church for himself in such a position; and we are not surprised after this that Mr. Chope is now going on to a larger and more promising enterprise. In the Queen's-gate, a new and permanent church is rising, under the same energy which originated the first.

The present "St. Augustine's," in the interior, is a long narrow s.p.a.ce fitted with very plain benches, all being free to all-comers, and capable of containing 700 or 800 persons. They were well filled on Sunday morning, the 7th of May, with a congregation remarkable for its preponderance in the female element. One whole side of the church is reserved entirely for females, and no intrusion of the other s.e.x is allowed. On the other side both s.e.xes are compelled to mingle, and even there two-thirds are of the feminine gender. To say that the service here is High Church is not saying all the truth; it is Ritualistic, and highly so, in its whole spirit and ceremonial. It is, in fact, the nearest approach to Romanism that we have yet witnessed in an Anglican Church in the course of these visitations, if indeed it be not very Popery itself under the thinnest guise of the Protestant name. The communion-table is called an _altar_, and regarded as such in fact, and decorated accordingly. It is covered with a white cloth embroidered with yellow and red flowers and fringe. It has a large gilt cross upon it, two huge gilt candlesticks, and several vases of flowers. Branching candelabra also on its right and left. The ministers are called _priests_, and look very priestly in their garments, with short surplice and long ca.s.sock, and stole of yellowish silk with rich embroidery and fringe. In the absence of the Inc.u.mbent, the Curate, the Rev. A. J.

Foster officiated.

Prior to the beginning of the service, an official in long ca.s.sock with ta.s.sels was busy in arranging the chancel furniture, and adjusting a silk embroidered covering upon the altar over the elements to be used in the celebration of the Eucharist. This work he performed with the minutest punctilio, moving backward and forward and on one side to see its effect, and never failing to bow on pa.s.sing the Cross, and on leaving off moving backward and bowing.

On entering church, the people, before taking their seats, bow one knee in the aisle towards the altar, and some cross themselves precisely in the manner of Roman Catholics. The time of service arrived, the organist takes his seat, having on a surplice and purple hood with white fur tr.i.m.m.i.n.g, and, sending out a few solemn strains, the choir is heard in the vestry at the remote end of the church singing "Amen." It sounds like a distant echo among the mountains. Immediately the people rise, and choristers and clergy walk in procession through the centre aisle to the chancel.

Except the lessons, which were read in a serious and rational manner by a stranger, an aged clergyman, who did not seem quite at home in his priestly apparel, and appeared, amidst all the circ.u.mstances, somewhat to dislike himself, the whole service was intoned and sung. The music was Gregorian, and performed in its most sombre mood. The congregation appeared perfectly trained to bowings and genuflexions. At every mention of the Saviour's name they bent lowly, and during the whole of the first part of the _Gloria Patri_. In one of the hymns, the sacred name occurred in every verse, and in some verses almost every line, and there was a constant bending and rising. It appeared merely a mechanical process, and quite inconsistent with that mental gravity which is essential to true devotion. Amidst all this mechanism of outward wors.h.i.+p, we regret to say there was small visible evidence of spiritual concern. It was the coldest piece of formalism it has been our lot to witness in an English church.

In intoning the Litany, the clergyman came out of his desk, crossed himself, and knelt with both knees on the lowest step of the chancel in front of the altar, with his back to the people. This motion is quite advanced in Ritualistic practice; and, taken together with the peculiar strain of the intoner's voice, and its rising at the end of every verse of that sublime and all-comprehending prayer, gave the service the stamp of parody rather than of sincere and enlightened Christian devotion. We can only express ourselves in this form, for nothing else will indicate our real sense and conscience of this mode of religious service. The puerilities of Romanism Englishmen we thought had learnt to despise, and yet here are some untalented young gentlemen in the Church of England whose habits would deprave our Protestant religious instincts and lead the young and weaker intellects of our race back into the thraldom of Popish superst.i.tion. After the Litany there was a hymn, and then followed the sermon, differing in this respect from the usual church order, which places the sermon after the Creed in the Communion Service.

After ascending the pulpit and crossing himself, p.r.o.nouncing "To G.o.d the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost," whilst standing erect, the text was taken from John xvi. 7, "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away," &c. As in most cases where excessive attention is lavished on the mere ceremonial, the sermon failed to fulfil the most modest ideal of pulpit work. There appeared to be no intention or effort to give it effect either as an exposition or application of Scripture. In this case, too, it was evident the preacher could not shake off the intoning habit of voice, but carried it in great measure with him from the desk to the pulpit. The princ.i.p.al point of doctrine in the sermon was on the important subject of G.o.d _dwelling_ in believers, and was stated in this way: "As St. Paul said we were the temples of G.o.d by the Holy Ghost dwelling in us; so G.o.d the Son dwelt in us by _means of his holy sacraments_". "For," it was further explained, "by the holy sacraments he gives us spiritual life; for, except we eat the flesh of the Son of G.o.d and drink his blood, we have no part in him,"-a strange confusion of ideas between the outward and visible, and inward and spiritual. Baptismal regeneration, sacramental efficacy, were clearly articles in the preacher's creed. We always thought the teaching of Scripture to be that both G.o.d the Father and G.o.d the Son dwelt in the true believer by one and the same inhabitation of the Holy Ghost. In connection with this sublime principle of spiritual life, there is no place in the Bible where such words as "by means of the holy sacraments"

are to be found. Feeble preaching can diffuse error if it cannot do justice to the truth. After the sermon, during the singing of the hymn, the offertory is taken every Sunday, by which the church is wholly supported, and the minister pa.s.ses to the Communion Service. The collectors bow towards the altar on presenting the offertory bags in the chancel, or on leaving; and in preparing for the celebration the _priest_-with his back to the people-is long engaged, and on one occasion kneels and rises quickly twice or thrice in succession before the consecrated bread. The Rev. R. R. Chope has studied to make his service as ornamental, high, and formalistic as can be under the Anglican name.

He says he believes that "the meanness and costliness of wors.h.i.+p reflects the spirit of the wors.h.i.+ppers," a fundamental error if it be attempted to apply it as a general rule. We take it that there is a medium to be observed, and in all cases the _costliness_ must be regulated by circ.u.mstances.

Every Sunday at 8 A.M. there is Communion, Prayer (choral), with sermon, at 11; second celebration at 12 30. Evening prayer (choral) and sermon at 7 P.M. Thursday, at 8. A.M., Communion. 11 A.M., morning prayer.

Saints' days: Two celebrations and daily prayer, at 8 A.M. and 5 P.M.

There are several small charities, a day-school, and Sunday-school, both in their infancy.

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC ORATORY, BROMPTON.

THE Roman Catholic Oratory stands within an enclosure of high brick walls and gates, above which its plain brick, warehouse-looking south gable is visible, and if it were not that the said gable is surmounted by a plain Latin cross, there is nothing to indicate an ecclesiastical structure.

The interior (in effect reminding one of a large music-hall) is Italian in its style of the simplest kind, painted and gilded. The nave or body of the church is very long, roofed in one span, and covered with a plain panelled ceiling. The northern end is occupied by the high altar, richly decorated with artificial flowers and burdened with candles. The altar stands considerably elevated and enclosed by dwarf bal.u.s.trades, and flanked by rather ornate benches or sedilia. The nave floor is entirely occupied by mean wooden benches, intersected by a centre and two side pa.s.sages, the latter giving entrance and exit also to numerous recesses or bays, which serve as chapels, in which are erected altars to saints; and also to a number of confessionals, by which last we infer that the practice of confession is carried on to a great extent by Oratorians. As to the saints, those represented at the Oratory have their altars all duly supplied with pictures, candles, and flowers, and have their particular admirers and devotees. A large platform kind of pulpit is on the west side, in which the preacher is accommodated with a chair. The font is very plain, close to the main entrance doors in the bay called the Baptistry.

The "Oratory of St. Philip Neri," situate next to the South Kensington Museum on the one side and Holy Trinity Church, Brompton, on the other, was dedicated to the "Immaculate Heart of Mary" in the year 1854. It had previously been established in King William-street, Charing-cross, since 1849, in the building now known as the Charing-cross Theatre. But the more eligible site in Brompton offering, it was embraced; and this centre of Roman Catholic propgandism in West London was transferred from amidst the shops, warehouses, and _cafes_ of the Strand, to a scene of retirement, wealth, and fas.h.i.+on. The interior of this church is laid out in the most elaborate style of Roman Catholic art. On entering, the high altar in the distance-north-strikes the eye irresistibly. It has upon it a high cross and six tall candlesticks with candles lit. There are also other candles and suspended burning lamps through the entire vista. The aesthetic effect of the first glance is not soon forgotten. The details are not less effective, considered as mere imagery addressing the outward sense. Including the Baptistry, there are eight side chapels, or altar-recesses, four on each side, all richly and artistically furnished.

On the left, or what is termed the "Gospel side," the first is the "Chapel of the Sacred Heart;" second, the Chapel of St. Eutropius; then that of St. Joseph, and that of St. Philip. On the right, the first recess is the Baptistry; second, "Calvary Chapel," where there are life-size figures of the crucified Saviour with the malefactors, and the mother of Jesus and his brother sitting at the foot of the cross; third, the Chapel of "Our Lady of Dolours" (sorrows); and forth, the Chapel of "Our Lady." The altar here, with a large image of the Virgin and her infant Son upon it, is now profusely decorated with flowers. It is the month of May; and the following notice is attached to the doors of the church: "Offerings of flowers and candles will be thankfully received for the month of Mary." The former part of the appeal appears to have been already liberally responded to. The bouquets are piled up to the very feet of the image, and decorating her brow in all their radiant freshness. The whole reminds one of a certain wax-figure display in Baker-street: only in this instance the kneeling wors.h.i.+ppers around the rails of the chancels suggest that something more is involved. We saw many of them, especially in front of "_Our Lady's Altar_." But they were distributed all through in smaller numbers or in ones. The "Calvary Chapel" is intended as a most literal rendering of the crucifixion. It is a shocking scene to look upon-those carved images of bleeding and mangled forms. To any one who has really in imagination conceived something of what the actual crucifixion was, and dwelt upon its moral import, it is likely to seem an impious mockery. But some appeared to approach it with reverence; and a little girl, who had been kneeling by her mother's side, crossed over the rail, crept up to and kissed the wooden cross on which the central image hung! These scenes are to be witnessed after every public service, matins or vespers, or whenever the church is open, which in fact is at all times when people can attend either by rule or chance.

The usual services at the Oratory are numerous and continuous. On Sunday there is Ma.s.s at 6.30 A.M., at 7, 8, 9, and 10; and at 11 High Ma.s.s and sermon; at half past 2 P.M. "Exposition of the Sacraments," and "Vespers" at half-past 3; occasional courses of lectures at 4 P.M., and service with sermon and the benediction at 7 P.M. At this latter the meetings of the confraternities of "The Precious Blood" and of "St.

Patrick" are held, and the "Intentions of members _given out_." This means that each member confesses to some dominant desire or purpose then in his mind. It may be for the comfort of a sick friend, the repose of a dead one, the conversion of sinners or heretics, or any other matter that may engage his thoughts at the moment. There is also the "Little Oratory," where there is a separate service for "Meditation and Ma.s.s,"

for brothers only, at 7.30 A.M. and 4.15 P.M. On week-days there is Ma.s.s at 6.30, 7, 7.30, 8, 8.30, 9, 10. Sermon every evening at 8, except Sat.u.r.day; and on Thursday and Sat.u.r.day a benediction at 4.30. On holy days, High Ma.s.s, with sermon, at 11 A.M., and vespers at 4.40 P.M. The work of the confessionals appears to be interspersed at all times between these numerous services. The wonder is how such a machinery can be kept always going, how it does not wear out in interest and effect from sheer continuity of motion. We must a.s.sume that it has its flagging moments, and sleepy rests, by which its motive energies are recruited, and that at certain seasons and services the priests have it pretty much to themselves.