St. Thomas Church: Jubilee Services

“About fifty years ago religious life had a great start in our leading American cities, and many of our most important congregations were founded. Among these the church of St. Thomas began December 25, 1823…

The large and beautiful edifice on 53d street and Fifth avenue wore its fairest garments at the jubilee yesterday, and an overflowing congregation thronged to the rich and various services…

In the afternoon a children’s service was held, at which time the Sunday-school scholars received gifts and gave back music…

The music at both services, from the remarkable choir and grand organ, was of the highest excellence, and of much compass, from the florid anthem to the plain melody of the common hymn. The choir has not only ample material and finish, but also delicate and rich expression, and there were passages which rose to such exquisite character that a common-sense critic might so far forget the common terms of music as to say, ‘What eloquence!’ The harp tolls with peculiar effect in certain pieces, and seems like a susceptible, earnest human spirit urging its needs, and pleading for the Supreme grace of itself and all souls.”