The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-12-27
CHRISTMAS.


Christmas morning opened with clear sky,
warm sun, and fresh breeze. AS usual the
places of business and the public offices were
closed and the day was very generally observed.
The sleighng was excellent and the stable men
were happy even if their horses were not.
From ten O'Clock in the morning until late in
the afternoon the streets were made merry by
the jingle of the sleigh bells. The majority of
the driving, however, was done on Congress
street, the others not furnishing such good ia
cilities for fast driving. Some few sporting
men were out with their fast nags and by their
reckless driving compelled many of the more
steady class TO leave the street, From g. % to
to 3.55 p. NJ there were by actual count 527
seighs which passed City Hall. A larger
turnout was never witnessed in fact.
The Sheppard Jubilee Singers drew good
houses at City Hall both afternoon and even
ing, as did Fanny Marshs Theatre company at
Music Hall.
The churches holding services had good con-
gregations and the music was of very high
order. The services at the Cathedral of the
Immaculate Cathedral, although not Of such
an imposing character as on former, occasions,
was still beautiful aud in full accord with the
splendid rtualism of the Catholic church. The
great cathedral was beautifully decked with
evergreen, giving 10 it a fine appearance.
There were three masses celebrated in the
morning, also vespers at five in the afternoon
The most imposing ceremony took place at ten
a. M, Rev. Father Bradley being celebrant. A
very eloquent and instructive discourse was de
livered by Bishop Healy which was listened to
with marked attention by the large congrega-
ton present.. The music was very fine. AT
each mass large numbers partook Of the bless
ed sacrament. Mr.. Brewer deserves much
credit for his mastery rendition of Lincks
mass, which was imported expressly for the oc.
cason from Germany and played for the first
time in this country.
AT st Paul's church handsome evergreen
screen and cross decorated the chancel, and the
windows were embellished with embems, and
trees placed about the church. The music was
very fine. The solos given were excellent
Last evening the Sunday school children en-
Joyed Christmas tree which was unloaded
with interesting exercises Each member of
the school received present. 1t was a very
interesting occasion.
At st. Stephens church the discourse. as
previously announced, was delivered to good
congregation in the morning. The music here
was unusually fine. Last evening the Society
and Sunday school enjoyed their annual Christ
mas. A good number was in attendance and
the children were all made happy when the
we'll loaded tree was relieved of its precious
bur den Several carols were sung including
the new Christmas carol, "Now the Lord Christ
is Born,'' by Miss May Deering. The pastor
Rev. Mr.. Dalton, made brief address to the
children, who were delighted with the charm
ing entertainment
The exercises at Newbury street church con-
sisted of speaking by the children and singing
by qurtette. Then came the distribution of
the richly ladened tree. Many hearts were
gladdened by the useful presents it shook off
for them. AT the conclusion of this part of
the programme the audience were invited to
the vestry where a table spread with tempting
viands greeted the eye, and was appreciated by
the hungry crowd. The affair was an entire
success.