In the Episcopal, Lutheran and Roman Catholic churches, “Confirmation
is the sequel of baptism.” Here comes in one of the duties of the
godparents, and should the child become orphaned, or should its parents
by reason of carelessness, or irreligion, neglect this important
matter, the church holds the godparents in a large measure responsible
that these children be brought before the Bishop for confirmation.
Some weeks prior to the arrival of the Bishop, persons desirous of
admission to the church present their names to the clergymen, and
classes are formed of instruction and preparation for the solemn event.
The ceremony of the confirmation service is in accordance with the
forms of the church in which it is observed. The only uniformity being
in the garb of the young candidates. This for the girls is always
gowns of purest white, with gloves and shoes to match. White bound
prayer-books should be carried, and in the Roman Catholic and the
Lutheran churches white veils and wreaths crown the young heads. For
the youths, black suits, black ties and gloves are the proper thing.