The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1869-12-28
Christmas Services a, Gorhnm.

Appropriate Christmas services were held at
the Methodist Episcopal church in Gorham
village, on Saturday evening. At an early
hour the seats and aisles were completely fill
ed. Rev. Howard Abbott, the pastor of the
society, opened the exercises by remarks, fol-
lowed by prayer. He said that prayer was eff
fcacous and powerful when all were atten.
tive, and he always desired to offer prayer I'M
der such circumstances. He had noticed that
the eyes, and probably the thoughts of many
were directed to a beautiful chandelier, which
graced the centre of the church for the first
time, and in order TO satisfy an inquiry which he
was sure was quite general, he announced that
the society was indebted to DR.. and Mrs. NJ
H. Cary for the valuable present. After re.
turning to the kind donors appropriate thanks,
Mr.. Abbott offered feivent prayer.
Roscoe G. Harding Esq, the efficient Super
intendent of the Sabbath School, announced
the several parts of a we'll arranged pro-
gramme, which were performed by the mem
bers of the school in very credtable manner.
The decorations, notices and emblems were
tastefully arranged, and the young ladies,
neatly dressed in white, were much admired
on account of their personal appearance.
The exercises were rendered peculiarly at
tractive by the repeated appearance Of Miss
Ada Gary, who, in several musical parts, gave
evidence that with equal training she may be-
come the peer of her sister "Anna" who is
now receiving distinguished attentions on ac-
count of her splendid voice, in the larger cit
les in Europe.
The exercises were interesting, and the au-
satisfaction of the audience was only
equalled by the enthusiasm of the younger
portion Of the assembly during the announce
ment of the names of the recipients of numer-
Gus presents, which were taken from the green
boughs of well -arranged Christmas trees.
ST. STEPHENS CHURCH.-Sunday being ST.
Stephens Day, st. Stephens Parish cele-
brated the festival at their church yesterday.
A Christmas tree was erected in front of the
chancel, on which the Sunday School teachers
hung gifts intended for the pupils of their re-
spective classes, and in the evening the chill
dren assembled, together with their elders, and
a very pleasant affair took place. The edifice
retained its Christmas decorations, which were
very pretty and displayed great taste in their
arrangement, while the tree, glttering with its
many presents, was the centre of attraction
The exercises opened with a service arranged
for the day, after which Rev. DR.. Pratt deliv-
cred very interesting address to the children.
Several carols were very prettily sung by the
children, one of which,, written by a lady Of
the parish we herewith insert:
"Merry Christmas rings out old st. Stephens"
The Church doors stands open and free,
While within stream forth beams OF warm welcome,
From our beautiful, bright "Chrismas Tree"
And the children of dear old "St. Stephens"
God bless them! they long to begin
And the wonderful sold Christmas Story"
Once more in glad carols to sing.
We, waiting, breathe out thanksgiving.
How hath God bles I'd us from year to year,
Scarce hold this full Christmas tides cheer;
Oh, sweetest OF all pleasant labors,
The pains tor the children take!
And, since love tor the Holy Child Jesus,
Makes all children dear, for His sake.
For the Homeless and Christmas ess round u.s.
"St. Stephens would gladly make room,
Draw them in, blessed Lord, by Thy Spirit,
As we go and say to them, "come."
So when next ringeth out '.Merry Christmas
From st. Stephens joy pealing bell,
Hundreds OF new-learned, glad Hosannas,
Our "Chrstmas Tree" chorus shall swell.
The children's voices were accompanied very
charmingly by lady member of the church
upon the organ. After the carols the gifts
were distributed, at the conclusion of which
the children received each Christmas cake
and finally the pastor, Rev. Mr.. Dalton, deliv
cred the benediction.