Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1873-12-31
CHRrsrmAs EVE.
Christmas Tree nc che Pirrt n. Y. Church
The Baptist Church-Shiloh Pressyte-
rian church, Characterization of Col.
Ored Free Schools. ... ... .#..

was nlleu with young ana ola folks, and
by the time the exercises commenced
many bright eye was directed towards
the Christmas tree. The tree was an arti-
fetal one, built by Messrs. Brown and
Broom, two English carpenters, members
of that church, after design furnished by
we local of the CHRONICLE. 1t consisted
of a center pole, with circles, the largest
at the bottom being Is feet and 10 inches in
circumference, while top was only
about one foot. These circles were covered
with cedar wreaths, and on them the pres
ents, of which there were an abundance,
were placed, as we'll as about $50 wax
candles, which, when all lighted presented
perfect pyramid of fire.
The exercises were opened bya volun
tary on the organ by Mr.. Herbert E. Hodg-
son. His talent for music is so well known,
that il is hardly necessary to say that it
was splendid. 1t was followed by prayer
by the pastor, and exercises bya number Of
Sabbath school children.
After some good singing, the church was
darkened by the cutting off of gas,
and the Christmas tree was lighted,
Prof. Marshall playing a fine volun-
tary upon the organ, when old
Santa Claus suddenly made his appear
ance in the choir room, with a basketful
of toys, and stepping down by step-lad-
der, was greeted in front of the altar by
chorus of applause from the young folks.
After making his bow, the distributions of
presents commenced in earnest, and soon
every little one was supplied with some
thing. If any were missed it was certain
ly an oversight. Many merry laugh was
created by some of the most ridiculous
presents being given to a number of the
young ladies and gentlemen, but every
thing passed off pleasantly, and we hope
no unking feelings were created. We
have heard but one expression, and that
to the effect that the Christmas tree of the
First NJ. L. Church was a grand success.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
A house full of little folks at the Baptist
Church were not disappointed if they
went there to enjoy themselves. a bower
that seemed an importation from fairy
land occupied the space i'll front of the
pulpit.
After a few fresh songs and prayer,
the superintendent, w. w. Woodruff,
made report of the progress Of the school
during the year. The average attendance
had been 175, the maximum $50; collec-
tions from the school more than
$500, which had been used for the
purchase of appliances for the school.
They expected to appropriate something
to Bro. Nortons tract work, during 1874.
Interspersed with singing, the school was
favored with pointed address from Rev.
Mr.. Lloyd and DIR. Mays.
The four scholars who had brought in
the largest number of new scholars receiv-
ed presents. Mr.. Isaiah Ford, who had
brought in the largest number received a
fine copy of Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress,
worth from So to SO.
Mrs. Lloyd received silver pitcher, etc
from the school. The speech of presenta-
To-,
gem. Rev. Mr.. Lloyd stated that he WIS
requested by Mrs. Lloyd to reply, but that
he had learned from IS years observation,
that she was able to speak for herself,
which she did.
DR.. Mays received fine silk hat, the
gift of the young men.
Superintendent Woodruff, as he was
about to announce the distribution of can
dies to the little folks, was interrupted by
the presentation of a costly gold-lined sill
yer cup.
Bags Of candy were conferred on all the
youthful, and on some children of larger
growth.
A mysterious hint that some strange SER
vice would occur in the church tomorrow
at l0l, A. NJ, was the last act. 1t will pay
to go TO see, sure.
SHILOH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, COL
oRED.
The exhibition given by the Sunday
School scholars of the Shiloh Presbyterian
Church, colOred, was of great credit to the
scholars. The church was decorated with
evergreens, and III one corner stood the
good old Christmas Tree, which was laden
with the "good things" for the young
folks.
The exercises were opened with singing
by the school.
Rev. q. w. LeVere made some very APP
propriate remarks to the young people as
well as TO the older ones
Next, Master Boyd Lipseomb recited
defamation on the advantages of religious
education, which was very well done, and
the declalnations by Misses Arabella lie.
We're. Susan Forrest, Alice Mason and 9TH
ers, were excellent. The dialogues and
the singing, with organ accompaniment,
by Miss Bette Mynatt, was also very good.
After the speeches, the presents were de-
livered to the eager children. The whole
was great success. We hope that this
will not be the last occasion OF the kind.
THE FREE SCHOOL EXHIBITIONS.
The exhibition given at HOxsie's Hall,
by the colored children attending the city
schools, was we'll attended by our colored
citizens. The hall was crowded with the
parents and friends of the scholars. The
exercises consisted of singing, speeches
and dialogues. The singing was accom-
panied by the piano by Miss Emma +.
Harris, while the speeches and dialogues
were rendered with credit TO both scholars
and teachers, and the young folks, in en-
deavoring to please their audience, were