Protestant Pontifical Mass
“PROTESTANT pontifical mass” is a strange-sounding phrase, joining as it does ideas that are contradictory to each other; but it seems to be a fitting one to express the Romeward trend of so-called Protestant bodies at this time. The New York Sun makes use of it as a heading to a description of a recent Episcopal ordination service in that city. A part of the description is as follows: — Yesterday’s service in St. Edward’s was one of the most advanced in point of ritual ever witnessed in an Episcopal church in New York. The full Sarum ritual, in so far as Anglican usage will permit, was employed. There were innumerable altar candles and lights, and a special musical program. . . . A procession from the adjoining parish house began the service. Ahead came a crucifer, and after him censer bearers, acolytes, and the vested choir. Then followed another crucifer, students from the General Seminary, visiting clergymen, and the two whom Bishop Grafton was to ordain. Each of the latter was now robed in a white cassock and black biretta, and each bore a lighted taper. They were accompanied by their presenters, clothed in full vestments of the mass. Then came a third crucifer, followed by the master of ceremonies, the preacher, in his white habit as the superior of the Order of Holy Cross, and other priests in sacrificial vestments. Bishop Grafton came last, preceded by the Revs. Peter Macfarlane and J. G. Hutton, sub-deacon and deacon of the mass respectively. The bishop, over his other vestments, wore a richly embroidered cope, and on his head rested a much jeweled miter. As he was ordained, a rich tunic was thrown over the shoulders of the Rev. Mr. Dawson. A chasuble of heavy material, indicating the priestly office, was placed outside the robes of the Rev. Mr. Fay as he knelt before the bishop. The services ended with the pontifical mass. All such “Protestantism” is plainly to be reckoned in when any estimate is made of the strength of the papacy in this country.