On the shore, the doctor, the commodore, Paul Kendall, Shuffles, and the ladies, made up a party, and went to the Society's House, which is the name of the principal hotel here, as well as in Åbo and Wyborg, where they endeavored to procure a _commissionaire_ who spoke English; but none was to be had. The elegant Greek church was the first object of interest, and they walked over to the hill on which it is located. As if to follow literally with the words of Christ to Peter, this church "is founded upon a rock." It is built of brick, and, like nearly all Russian churches, is in the form of a Greek cross. At a little distance from the main structure, but connected with it, is the bell tower. As the party approached, the bell began to ring for a service. Its tones were quite different from those heard in other countries, but more melodious, and lacking the sharp qualities. Instead of a wheel and rope to ring it, as most bells are rung, two men were stationed in the belfry, and, by a rope attached to the tongue, were swaying it hack and forth, till it struck the metal on each side. As the tourists entered the building, they were passed by a man with a long, heavy, red beard, clothed in a kind of brown gown, or robe, who, the doctor said, was a priest. The interior of the church was different from any other which most of the party had seen. Opposite the entrance was a screen, or partition, extending to the ceiling, which was covered with pictures of the saints, or other holy persons, of the Greek church. Only the face, and sometimes the hands, of the person represented are shown, the rest of the picture being covered with gold. In the middle of this partition is a lofty archway closed by two doors of gold, or gilt. In front there is a platform, on which the priests stand in performing the service. In various parts of the church are pictures of the Russian saints, before each of which is a candle, or other light. In one corner there was a cenotaph, covered with gold, which represents the tomb of Christ, used at Easter and Christmas in the service. There was no seat, bench, or other convenience for sitting, for no one is allowed to sit in a Russian church. Men were lighting the candles and lamps before the pictures of the holy persons, reverently bowing and crossing themselves as they approached them. The party were deeply interested, but they obtained a better idea of the religion of the Russians in St. Petersburg.