Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1878-12-26
CHRISTMAS.
How the Great Anniversary was Cels.
brated In Memphis---Rather Un-
usually Quiet for a City.

lore IN Memphis. since the CHRISTMAS OF
1877 death has visited many household
here, and torn from life the best and dear
est friends, as well as mother and father,
sister and brother, and other kindred.
Sorrow, too, has been visitor here, and
grief is left in the hearts of countless
homes. With the memory of the late
epidemic so fresh in the minds of the
people, and the many forms of mourn
ing womanhood before their eyes
80 constantly, it is not to be won
dered that the people Of Memphis
were less enthusiastic and less faithful in
their observance Of the great anniversary.
No wonder, then, that bright-eyed mirth
and warm-hearted hospitality were not to
be seen with the idle throng in the streets,
or enjoyed at the freside of the home
stead. Christmas was observed in a quiet
manner, yet there was a good deal of real
enjoyment among the people, recalling
the Christmas of old, with all its wealth of
prodigal pleasure and lavish kindness. 1t
is at least consoling to the sorrowing and
encouraging to the happy ones to realize
that there is still left some bright days
even among the chills and glooms of win
ter. Irrespective of the general enjoy
ment and amusement usually attendant
upon Christmas, it should be observed,
not merely as day of Thanksgiving, but of
rejoicing. 1t is well enough to stop
a while and ponder over the past,
and to think somewhat of future ere the
Old Year has closed its record with life
and been committed to the vaults of
Time. II is well to consider what has
been, what may have, and have care and
concern for what may be. 1t has not been
in every age subsequent to the birth Of
Christ, that Christmas has heen observed
even in countries protesting the religion Of
our Divine Master. 1t is well known
probably, though not often accredited, that
the parliament of England drove Christ
mas out of the land, and the ceremonies
Of the church were at that time fercely
assaulted by the Puritans, who believed
in hanging witches and prosecuting here.
tics even with death. Probably there arr
few of our readers who know that tn,
luxury Of plum porridge, roast beef ant
peacocks was prohibited even in Merri,
Old England. However, two centuries hav,
elapsed since the fiery persecution of pool
minee pie in England, when plum por
ridge was denounced as "mere popery,
and roast beef as "ant-C Christian" anC
that Christmas had been, as a well-knowr
writer tells us, brought in again trium
phantly with the merry court Of Kins
Charles at the Restoration. From tn,
Flying Eagle" which Washington
Irving says was a small gazette, published
December "a, 1862, we find that "befor
the house arose they were presented will
a terrible remembrance against Christina
day, grounded upon divine Scripture
2 Cor, V, Is; Cor, ", IA, II
and in honor of the Lords day
grounded upon these Scriptures: John
XXX i Rev. l., 10; Psalm, cxviii, "A
Lev, xiii, 7, IL; Mark, xv., s. Psalm
lxxxiv., 10; in which Christmas is calleC
anti-Christ's masse, and those masse mong
ers and papists who observe it, etc. In con
sequence of which parliament spent som
time in consultation about the abolition 0
Christmas day, passed orders to tha
effect and resolved to sit on the fol
lowing day, called Christmas day.
Thus speaks the Flying Eagle" 70
it seems that parliament was not wei
posted either as to the character or orr
gin of Christmas and that its opponent
had but little understanding of the bible
The Episcopal and Catholic churches OBJ
serve Christmas with great eamestnes'
Upon this occasion their church edifice
are decorated with evergreens, flowers an,
other ornaments appropriate to the festiv
ity they celebrate The Catholic and tn
| Episcopal churches of this city wer
arrayel in robes of floral beauty yesterday
The chancels, affairs, lecturns, ETC., wer
decked with a profusion of flowers, trim
med with evergreen, ivy and box, and 9th
erwise decorated in an artistic manner
St. Peters Catholic church on Adam
street was especially attractive, as wer
also ST. Marys cathedral and Calvary
Fairhands hadgraoefully twined garland
Of evergreens and arranged living plant
and beautiful flowers Floral stars, crosse
and hearts, festoons of evergreen and mot
toes Of beautiful sentiment were to be seel
in most Of the churches. The attendanc
was large and the sermons appropriate
and the mass solemn and impressive. TIL
music, too, was not wanting either in tn
merit Of It's character or in the sweet mel
ody of voice and organ.
At the theater the matinee as well a
evening performance, was largely attended
the Adah Richmond Opera Boufe Troup
appearing to good advantage, fact readi
ly recognized and pleasantly appreciated
by the audience. AT tho matinee Mis-
Richmond took the title role in La Crane
Duchesse, being supported by Miss Jenni
Winston and the troupe most excellently
Last night Girohe-GiroAa was produced
and tonight La Grand Duchesse will b
given.
THE BETHEL DINNER.
AT the Bethel Building, corner of Ad
Sns street and Charleston avenue, tn
usual Christmas entertainment was givei
yesterday to the children Of tho Memphi
Bethel.
The exercises opened with singing, read
ing the Scriptures and prayer, The