Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1867-12-27

CHRISTMAS IN BURLNGTON.-Chrlstmas
had a very general observance in this city
The children Of the Sabbath school Of St.
Paul's (Episcopal) church, had a - Tree, -
On Christmas eve in the Yestry Of the church,
which was loaded with pretty presents for the
children. They were addressed by Rev. E. r.
Atwin, the rector, and singingand other ezer-
eises lent interest to a pleasant occasion. On
Christmas morning St. Paul's was thrown
open for public service, for the first time
since the enlargement OF the church. As
the new interior is not yet fully completed,
we make no description Of it, further than
to remark that all fears lest its fitness as an
auditorium might be impaired By the en-
largement are set at rest. Il is apparently
as easy to speak and hear in, as the old
church, and is decidedly improved for music.
The music on Christmas day was given
BY double quarsette, Of male and female
voices, under the dictatorship Of Ar. ;. C.
Moore who presided at the organ, and play
ed fnely-the new organ showing to better
advantage than ever, in the enlarged church.
The music was as follows Nenite IN
eight parts, Hodges Gloria in Ezcelsls, :
c. Moore TIE Deum in 6, Thomas Ju-
bilate Dec, Zeuner the Gath Psalm, Han
del the 44th Hymn, arranged by ;. c.
Moore Anthem q" And there were SheT-
herds johnson Trisagion, Hodges ;
Gloria, Gregorian.
The Anthem and Il Dam were espe-
cially fine, and the music generally vas Of
unusual excellence. The Rector NJ. Atwil
offciated, and preached a sermon on the
text, d" Glory to God in the Highest, on
earth peace, good viii to men"
In the Unitarian church, the Christmas
service for tie children was held on Tue-dl =
evening. The children were addressed by
Rev Mr.. Ware, and went through pleasant
/ " their exercise Of reel ting appropriate cz-
tracts of poetry and prose and singing
/ Christmas carols.
Wednesday evening the Unitarian ; -iety
held parish gathering IL Union Hall The
nall was filed with happy faces. o.. aI ages.
a " santa Claus. got " elaJorately, went
round the Hall distributing presents Tables
spread with nice refreshments in Astounding
variety, received due attention throughout
the evening, some e. chsra des were acted
Tor the entertainment Of the company, OF
an extemp5rizc5 stage, and later 10 the eve
ming the moving romance Of &c Bluebcari,
was acted IN pantomine, with gorgeous dis
I play Of oriental costumes, striking -pecta-
eles, as Of the seven queens hanging in a
TOW. and terrific combat and most aston
ishing death scene-all capItally done, ani
received with unblunded merriment. The
whole occasion was an exceedingly pieasan,
one tor all concerned.
Nobody enjoyed their share Of Christmas
more than the children at the Home ilr ces-
titute children. ! handsome tree had been
provided Tor them by their friends, laden
With toys and presents, and az SIX O'Clock
on Wednesday evening It was thrown open
to the children and few invited friends. \
g Santa Claus got up in furs was also
present with a sack full OF giits The su-
Prise and delight Of the children with whom
Christmas trees and presents are not 80 com
mon az with some others, needed TO be seen
to be appreciated and their expressions OF
pleasure, with their modest and becoming
behavior and wholesome and well cared Tor
appearance were delightful to witness. They
sang very nicely some pretty 20 ngs, under
the leadership Of their excellent teacher,
Miss Fisk, and it was an interesting affair
for all present
The Baptist Society held Christmas s.
ciable at the mansion Of Lawrence Barnes
and private trees and private parties were
numerous. So that it may be set down a.
on the whole very merry Christmas in our
city.