The Hawaiian gazette., 1874-12-30
Chrfsrmns in Honolulu.

y
Here, as elsewhere throughout the civilized
world, this anniversary is kept as religious
and festive day, to which the young look for
ward for weeks with eager anticipations, az
almost the only day in the calendar worth
remembering; while the older portion Of the
community strive in a thousand ways to make
it as pleasant as possible to every member of
the household. Christmas Eve was one of the
most charming Of the many charming nights
we are blessed with. The bright full moon
rose over the eastern hills, carrying our
thoughts back TO the shepherds watching their
focks, when they were startled with the bril-
liant star that appeared and proclaimed the
birth of Israel's Redeemer. Not cloud was
to be found from horizon to zenith, while the
thermometer dropped to about sixty, as if to
remind every one Of the chilly nights in colder
ATTITUDES.
The usual midnight service was omitted at
the Roman Catholic Church, on account of the
repairs going on in the interior of the building,
but the early morning services were held and
also at half past ten in the forenoon, His Lord
ship Bishop Maigret performed high mass in
/ the presence Of a large congregation.
At St. Andrews Cathedral on Christmas
Eve, evening prayers were said at half past
seven On Christmas Day the Holy Commu-
Mon was celebrated at half-past six in the
morning in the Hawaiian language, and at half
past seven with choral service in the English,
a sermon being preached by the Bishop. At
eleven o'clock morning-prayers were said in
English, when a Christmas sermon was preach
ed by the Rev. R. Dunno, NJ. A. At MONDAY
celebration of the Holy Communion again
took place. Evensong was said at four o'clock
in Hawaiian, followed by baptisms; and at
half past seven in English, sermon being
preached by the Rev. W Calder
At the Fort Street Church, special effort
was made to entertain the children of the Sab
bath School. At o'clock on Christmas Eve,
the church was filed, the scholars occupying
the front seats. The pastor made a short ad-
dress to the audience, after which seven young
ladies appeared in front of the pulpit, each
wearing a brilliant sash representing one of
the seven colors of the rainbow. After recit-
ing verses of scripture, in which allusion was
made to the color displayed by each, the whole
joined in singing song commencing, ''This is
the way the rainbow comes down."
The audience then adjourned to the vestry
room, the superintendent of the school, Mr..
Hall, stating that while the whole audience
would be welcome below, there might not be
room for ALL But the apology was wholly I'M
necessary, for the vast crowd entered and '.yet
there was ROOM" As soon as the folding doors
were thrown back, magnificent scene burst
to the view of the audience. Two large
Christmas trees, studded with brilliant lights,
occupied the center of the room, their branches
Between and beyond the trees was seen the
motto "Glory to God in the highest" Around
these floral pyramids the army of scholars
eagerly crowded, their eyes sparkling with
wonder and delight, when suddenly loud rap
was heard AT the window, " and such clat-
ter" as if the sash had been broken. In an
instant the Juvenile patron saint rushed in, his
fur robe and capall covered with white, and,
Furnishing a whip in his hand, startled every
one in the room, some of the children showing |
no little alarm. 1t was the original old saint,
- little old driver; so lively and quick,
knew in u it must be old Nick.
He was dressed al in fur from head to his foot,
And his clothes all arnish with ashes and SCOTT
A bundle Of toys he had fung his back,
And he looked like pedler just opening his pack,
His eyes how they twinked! his dimples how meryl |
His cheeks were Ike roses, bis like cherry;
His drolI LITTLE mouth was drawn up like bow
And the beard his chin was as white as the snow
lie had broad face and litte,round belly
That shook when he laughed, like bowl full Of jelly
He was chubby and lunp-a right jolly old elf
And laughed when saw him in spite Of myself
A wink Of his eye, and a twist Of his head.
Soon gave to know had nothing to dread.'
His shrill, Fyfe-like voice soon made friends
of every child in the room, when he scattered
his gifts right and left, accompanying them
with some witty remark that kept the boys and
girls all in good humor. The trees were ele-
yantly decorated, and probably were the most
snowy Christmas trees ever gotten up here in
Honolulu The makai one, on which were the
richer and more elegant gifts of the girls, was
much the more attractive of the two. Over
three hundred presents were distributed among
the children, some receiving quite number.
1t is almost needless to say that every one
went home delighted, while all who witnessed
the scene were richly repaid This is an easy
and pleasant way to render a hundred and fifty
little hearts merry and cheerful, and to fill them
with love and gratitude for the blessings they
enjoy. Those who took part in getting up the
festive scene doubtless have their reward.
During the day and evening there were
many festive gatherings of family circles, and
rom what we saw it is clear that there are
ew places where Christmas brought more IN
llloyed pleasure to old and young than in
Fiji as "A British Colony.
The telegraph announces that Sir Arthur
Hamilton Gordon has been appointed Governor
# FIJI. He was formerly governor of Trinidad
nd mora recentlv of Mauritius II 10 alec a.,