Without doubt the most impressive religious ceremonies ever held in Paterson were those in commemoration of the semi-centennial anniversary of the dedication of the first building erected by Roman Catholics for church purposes in Paterson—the old St. John's church in Oliver street. The commemorative ceremonies began on Sunday morning, the 18th of November, in the present large and splendid church of St. John Baptist at Main and Grand streets, and ended on Monday morning with a requiem mass for the dead. At all the masses the building was thronged with Catholics, who at the earlier masses pressed forward to the altars in great numbers to receive Holy Communion.

The principal service on Sunday was at half-past ten in the morning, when a solemn high mass was celebrated. The edifice was crowded to its utmost capacity, and although benches in the aisles gave extra accommodation, hundreds stood patiently all through the long service. In the immense throng were many Protestants, attracted by the unusual preparations for elaborate music which had been made by Professor William Davis, the organist of the church, and by the announcement that the renowned Bishop McQuaid, of Rochester, was to preach a historical sermon.

The music was rendered by the church's choir of 36, reinforced by a boys' choir of 30: an orchestra of 20 pieces (including tympani bought for the occasion) and the great organ of the church, and was conducted by Prof. William Davis, with that perfect knowledge of his art and rare taste which equip him so well for his important position. The musical programme was no doubt the most elaborate ever rendered at a religious service in Paterson, and was carried out in a fitting manner. The singing was most creditable in its precision of time and accuracy of intonation, and the orchestral accompaniments left little to be desired. The programme of the morning was: prelude for orchestra and organ, "The Lost Chord," by Sullivan; Asperges Me, chorus with organ, by Werner; Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei from Haydn's second mass; Credo (scored for the occasion by Prof. Davis) from Rossi's mass in D minor; Domine Deus, from same mass, as cornet solo with organ accompaniment; and after mass, a Gregorian Te Deum sung antiphonally by the church choir and sanctuary choir of boys, and for postlude, overture to Auber's "Masaniello," by the orchestra. Rev. Father MacCarthy was the celebrant and his intonation of the mass was most impressive. He was assisted by the missionary priest, Father Walker, as Deacon, and Father Quin as Sub-deacon. Father McNulty was assistant priest, with Fathers Murphy and Van Riel as Deacon and Sub-deacons of Honor. Rev. Dr. Larkin was Master of Ceremonies. The altar boys were arrayed in new royal purple cassocks, scarlet lined, and white gloves, and to each was assigned the care of a portion of the Bishop's vestments.

On Sunday evening the congregation was again limited only by the capacity of the edifice to hold those who came, hundreds being compelled to turn away, unable to obtain even standing room. The services were of deep interest, and the music was remarkably fine. After the prelude, by the orchestra and organ, Rossi's vespers were sung, followed by the "Salve Regina," by Spath; "O Salutaris," Giorza; "Tantum Ergo," Hattersly, and a triumphal march on the organ. The rendition of the "Magnificat," bass solo, by Mr. Anderson, the exceedingly brilliant alto solo, "O Salutaris," by Miss Lawless, and the tenor parts, as sung by Mr. Stafford, were commented upon as among the finest features of the evening service. The Papal blessing was imparted by Bishop McQuaid, to whom the duty was delegated by the missionary priest, Father Walker, who was compelled to absent himself, this prerogative being conferred upon missionary priests by the Holy See. Following came a very able discourse on the progress of the Church by Rev. Father Patrick Corrigan, of Hoboken, after which the usual benediction closed the evening services.

There was a larger attendance of priests at the service on Monday morning than at any time on the previous day, many being prevented by their ecclesiastical duties in their own parishes from coming before. Bishops Wigger and McQuaid were both present, and the service, which consisted of a solemn requiem mass for the dead of the congregation, was beyond description impressive. A portion of Singenberger's Requiem was rendered, Bishop Wigger officiating as celebrant, with Father Kirwan as Deacon and Father Morris as Sub-deacon. Rev. Father Larkin was Master of Ceremonies. The officiating Bishop was robed in black, as usual in saying masses for the dead. The service began with "Prayer for the Dead," by Dressler, after which came "Requiem" and "Dies IrÆ," by Singenberger, "Domine Deus," by Ett, "Sanctus," "Benedictus" and "Agnus Dei," by Singenberger. Bishop Wigger wore a white mitre, instead of the usual golden one, during the services, until, at the close of the mass, the episcopal robes were removed, the incense was brought forward and the "Libera," from Ett's Requiem, was chanted, when absolution was solemnly pronounced by the officiating Bishop, following which came a funeral march by Chopin, and the services of the day were closed. The vocalism at this service was by about sixty children and ten ladies of the regular choir.

The following is a list of the prelates and priests who assisted or were present at the services: