Elizabeth daily monitor. [volume] (Elizabeth, N.J.) 1868-1880, 1868-12-29


We have as yet, made no mention Of
the entertainment given to the children
of the Gross Roads Mission School, on
Thursday evening and even now we
can convey no adequate idea OF the
harmony, and good order which char
ac5erized all the proceedings. Only
those present can appreciate it. AT Z
o'clock the school room was filed with
The German children who compose the
school, and the few friends who could
find space to stow themselves away
many being compelled to stand during
the whole of the exercise. Nearly one
hundred and twenty five scholars were
gathered in the infant room alone, and
a fine spectacle they presented too.
Under the skillful management of Miss
Charity W. Thompson, this has become
one Of the chief features of the institu-
ton; and that heart must be cold in
deed, that was not all aglow at the sight
of those little ones huddled together
like birds in the same nest, their faces
beaming with joy as they thought OF
the good things in store for them. In
the large room were about ninety,
equally happy, but, perhaps not quite
so demohstrative.
A Christmas tree, reaching from the
floor to the ceiling, was placed near the
door which separate the two roows, and
without wishing to fatter those in
charge, we must say it was as tatefully
decorated, as any we ever saw. 1t seem
ed as if every twig was loaded with the
richest Christmas fruit, engrafted upon
it by the loving hands Of those who are
continually sowing the good seed in
the hearts of the dear children, COM
mitted to their care. Just behind was
a semi-circle of evergreens, containing
the words "Merry Christmas" and the
walls were hung all around with appro-
pirate decorations.
Then all was ready, the first hymn
christmas Greeting" was announced,
and sung with will. DR.. Younglove
followed in fervent prayer, suitable
to the occasion, after which, the school
sang the second piece a manger
laid 80 lowly." An address was then
made by Franklin H. Summers, SUPER
intendent Of Lee avenue Sunday School,
Brooklyn, the largest but one in the
United States, and numbering about
1900 scholars It would be unnecessa-
ny to speak of Mr.. Summers as a Sun
day school man, to those who saw him,
even thoRgh he did not utter sound.
His pleasant, cheerful coUntenance, and
manifest interest in all that pertains to
the work, are evidence enough, of his
love and devotion to the cause. But
when he arose to speak, it made one
feel like grasping his hand as if he
were an old friend, and when he sat
down, the impulse to do this was al
most irresistible. He gave some beau
tiful instances of the affection of his
own scholars for their Sunday school,
and closed with an earnest appeal to
the teachers to persevere in their efforts
for the temporal and eternal welfare of
every child in their respective classes.
Then came ''rhe Angels Song" dur
ing the singing OF which the tree was
Illuminated, making the whole scene,
which.was grand before, magnificent
beyond description Then the last
mole Of the splendid chorous, "Glory
be to God ON high, had died away,
the event OF the eyening-distribution
Of presents--took place. Every scholar
received somethin the best behaved,
and most regular in their attendance,
having the preference. the presents
consisted OF handsome books, pen
knives. work boxes, dolls, tea sets,
transparent states, blocks, kaleido-
scopes, and paper dolls, besides corni-
topias Of fine candy. and most deli
cious cakes, the latter being the gifts
OF some fair ladies, not belonging to
the school May they live to make
christmas cakes for many years to
come.
The final event was the singing Il
loud and long .FareMell to the Christ !