Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1869-12-31

CHRISTMAS FEsTIvITIEs.-We have
never known so general and pains
taking an observance of the Christmas
anniversary in Delaware as this year.
There was less than usual Of that noisy
demonstration on the streets with
which young America has been accus-
toned to celebrate every holiday,
but great deal more Of that home fes-
tivity which closes the door on the
working world and shuts in a little
paradise with family, friends and fire
side. Business was almost universal
" suspended, and the counting room
and its cares made to yield for the nonce
to the persuasion of the better angels
of the home circle. Many household
had it's Christmas tree richly fruited
with tokens of that tender, humanity
regard so characteristic of Him whose
mission was peace and good will, and
in the warmth of which old hearts are
made young and young hearts have an
age of happiness. There were some of
these private festivities prepared and
conducted with unusual care, and OF
which it would be interesting to make
special mention if it were permissible
las it is not) for the public to intrude
its gaze upon the enjoyments of the
Christmas fireside.
AT several of the churches the Sun
day Schools assembled on Christmas
Eve to enjoy the distribution of good
things prepared by kind friends and
teachers.
The entertainment at William Street
NJ e. Church was one of the finest
which has taken place there for many
years. There was Christmas tree IF
teen feet high, ladened with good
things. There were hanging on it two
hundred and sixty-three little bags,
filled with choice varieties of candy,
and suspended by wires, with as many
oranges, while on the floor were two
hundred more. To give pleasing eff
feet to. the enriched tree, a locomotive
head light had been secured and placed
in the gallery in the south end of the
church, thus flooding the tree and north
part Of the church with a brilliant
light, enhancing the beauty of the
scene. Festoons of pop corn hung
thick from the limbs, that were weight
ed with thin sugar and fruit load
and the entire exhibition brought to
mind the sweet stories that interests
early childhood, in which gracious
fairies, with magical wand, cause to
lash on the sight all the wonders and
beauties for which a little heart can
long and wish. Notwithstanding the
anxious expectancy of each little one
the utmost decorum was observed,
which spoke a volume for the discip-
line of the school, and paid the highest
compliment to the officers and teachers.
The exercises consisted of speaking
and singing. Little Mary CherringtoD
spoke her baby's soliloquy, with much
effectiveness. She was the representa-
tive of the infant class. DR.. L. Barnes
next entertained, with a very happy
little speech, in which he referred to
his infant class, some of whom were
between seventy and eighty years OF
! age. Knowing their impatience to
make an attack on the sweet things, he
/ was very brief. Rev. D. d. Mather, the
pastor in charge, then spoke feelingly
and eloquently, and he was followed
by the Superintendent, Mr.. A. Welsh.
Between each speech there was sing
ing, conducted by Mr.. John w. Dona-
vim, and the little voices appeared as
though they were in unison with the
occasion. At the close of these exer.
cises the distribution was made. All
the call of each class, the teacher ac-
companied by the scholars, walked tc
the front, where each received bag ot
candy and an orange. There was nc
confusion, and the affair passed of
with the utmost satisfaction. Christ.
mas Eve, 1869, will be long remember
ed by the little ones of William STREE
VI. E. Church.
At the Second Presbyterian Churcl
a beautiful Christmas tree was crested
and interesting exercises were held
After the singing Ofseveral appropriate
songs, calculated to stir the heart witt
! true Christmas fsryor, Rev. J. S
Campbell followed in 3 well coneeivel
little address, following which tn
presents were distributed. All wen
merry as Christmas bells and the littl
ones went home as happy as happ.
could be.
At st. Peters (Episcopal) chu-2h tn
services were unusually interesting
The Christmas tree was one of rar
beauty, and was abundantly and taste
fully laden with appropriate present
for old and young. The singing, whicl
consisted of pieces appropriate to tn
occasion, was charmingly done, tn
whole school uniting. One of thes
performances was a beautiful Chris
mas carol, during the singing of whic
the school Joined in a march aroun
the Christmas tree. Some touchin
remarks were made by the Rev. D.
Uford, Rector, after which the pres
ents were distributed. Oue of th
most notable events of the evenin
was the finale, in which Mr.. Aver,
= the Superintendent, was made the sui
; jeet of a most agreeable surprise.
casket containing pleasant note fc