Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-12-27

New England, lcois forward with joyful antic-
ipation to the happy reunions of the holidays.
The children more especially, rejoice in its
return. as it brings to them numerous tokens
of love and friendship from near and dear
ones. The ancient custom of gift-making
has not been neglected this year, and our
dealers in holiday goods report very brisk
trade during the past week. Santa Claus
distribution of pretty presents for the little
ones was not in the least stinted at the
chimney corner, in the humble house. on the
brilliantly lighted trees in the parlor, public
hall or church. The morning opened clear
and cold and the sharp, biting air gave elias
ITCHY to the step of pedestrians.
In the afternoon the stores and places OF
business were generally closed, and people
sought out such entertainment as was most
congenial to them. The streets were in a
fine condition for driving, and hundreds of
teams with ladies' and gentlemen closely
mufied and snugly wrapped in warm robes,
skipped from street to street over the smooth
ly trodden snow. The jingle of the merry
bells made emusic in the air." mingled with
the CHEEKY voices of children in their gossip
over Santa Claus and his wonderful presents.
In the evening" entertainments were given
ut The various churches.
NJ. T.. CHURCH.
The exercises were of n very instructive
and interesting character. The opening
singing sold Coronation" by the entire con-
gregation prayer by Rev. Mr.. Sterling the
rendering of the beautiful "Alpha and
Omega" Christmas service, was very inter.
csting. 1t is arranged so that responses from
the pastor, superintendent, the whole school and
sections of the school. all come in, in their
appropriate places. There was large dis
tribution of presents from the tree. Then
followed the supper, a bountiful rcpast in
which all present shared. 1T was pleasant
occasion to the large gathering of children
for whose especial benefit the entertain
ment was instituted
FIRST BAPTIST.
The members of this society assembled in
large numbers. In keeping with the occa-
sion, the children held prominent part.
The first part of the evening was occupied
with supper and social conversation. Several
long tables heavily laden with viands,
abundant in quantity and quality, and desir-
able to the taste, afforded ample accommoda-
ton to hungry and thirsty.
Supper ended, the audience were favored
with an organ duet and singing by the Cross
sisters, whose talent is very well known in
lDls CITY, NV. III. hIthtl, ioiiNi phstoi VI
the church. made q very interesting report of
the history of the church during the past
twelve years. He showed how they had paid
a debt of $40, 900 on the building, IS 900 of
this was paid by the members of the society.
Mr.. Howard Owen, Treasurer of the Organ
Fund, made some remarks, showing how
" wonderfully successful they had been in OBJ
tanning funds and liquidating the debt in
Cured in the purchase of their organ. He
said the first note struck upon the organ was
A note at the Bank for 81 800 which was
speedily cancelled For all these successes
there was reason for great rejoicing.
Miss Annie Pierce gave a fine reading,
The new church organ" which was listened
10 with repeated applause.
The entertainment closed with distribution
IF a large number of beautiful gifts from the
Christmas tree, the children receiving the
largest share.
FREE BAPTIST.
The attendance at the vestry, of members
Of Free Baptist society, was large. The
children furnished a pleasant entertainment
IN reading, declarations, singing &c. There
we're two large trees heavily laden with
choice gifts for the little ones. 1t was an &C.
;asion of happy rejoicing, among the mem
Ders of the church and society, old and young.
Rev. Mr.. Penny pastor of the church was
present and took lively part In the enter
ainment.
AT THE UNITARIAN CHURCH.
The vesper service. Christmas eve, at the
nitarian church, was attended by goodly
number, and the singing was attentively lis
ened to and thoroughly enjoyed. The choir,
consisting of Mrs. Milliken, Mrs. Myrick,
Major Myrick and Mr.. Ward, with Mrs.
Haynes as organist, rendered the various
solos in very effective manner. The rem
lition of the ste Deum" of Kotzchmar, and
Holy Night by Barnby were especially
inc. The acoustic properties of the church
ire very good. The pastor, the Rev. Mr..
rhacher, then preached a fine sermon appro-
)riate to Christmas season. We are pre-
rented from giving synopsis of the sermon
~ press Of other matter.
ST. MARKS CHURCH.
Services were held at St. Marks Church
Christmas morning. Preaching by Rev. Mr..
l piohn, the rector. The communion service
vas also observed Prayers were offered at
he afternoon service.
ABOUT Town.
There was nothing out of the ordinary
curse transpiring on the streets to create any
'pecial excitement during the day or night.
As usual a number of the jublant kind get
elevated, by imbibing too freely of
he 'ardent, and more or less of them found
heir level on the ground, and ere then exalted
% more public station; there seems to be a
disposition of some to get their heads down
md heels up. The records of the Municipal
Court Friday morning show less drunk
,nness on the street, than usual on public
lays. Several tramps and drunken disturb
.rs of the peace were brought before the
court, pied guilty and committed to Jail.
Outside of these little disturbances, the day
was properly obsereved and general harmony
prevailed.