Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1880-12-28
sUNDAY-sCHOOL ANNIVERSARIES.
5t. Johns Free Episcopal and st. John 3
Lutheran.

sUNDAY-sCHOOL ANNIVERSARIES.
St. Johns free E@R,:sops, Episcopal and st. Jo"n''
A very delightful entertainment took
place at st. Johns Free Episco
pal church last evening, the church
being crowded with the patrons, teachers
and children of the Sunday-schoo'. In
addition to the. decorations of the church,
mentioned yesterday, fine Christmas
tree 20 feet high, and filled with orna'
mepts. stood in the centre of the chancei.
The exercises opened with an anniversary
hvmn. which was followed by Christmas
carols by the pupils of the infant and MD
die departments of the school The pIln
cipal feature of the entertainment, how
ever, was grand masonic arch erected by
pupils Immediately in front OF the chancel.
The arch was composed OF fifteen blocks,
each representing one OF the Christian vir-
tues, as Faith. Hope, Charity, Cleanliness,
TEMPERANCE, &C., &c. These blocks were
set in place by children designated for the
purpose, and each of the children made a
brief address, explanatory Of the subject
represented by the block being then placed.
AS the work went on, solos, duets, trios and
choruses were sung. Miss Alice Marshall
sang the solo g Meek and Lowly," will,
fine expression. When the keystone of the
arch, Faith, was placed, the pastor, Rev. L.
B.Barker made brief address explanatory
of the significance of the structure. Then
Mr.. Barker was presented with a basket
of beautiful flowers, and the children Of
the school received their Christmas gifts
each girl being given pretty little
breakfast caster, and each boy a poke t
knife, and each of the pupils, boys and
girls alike, a cOrnucopia filled with con-
fections. The entertainment was greatly
relished both by adults and children.
Especial credit is due to Mr.. J. NJ. W..
Geist, who prepared the blocks OF which
the great archway was composed.
st. Johns Lutheran.
entertainment equal to the above in
attractiveness was furnished to the pupils
Of St. Johns Lutheran church. The excr
cises opened with a responsive service, ca
planatOry of events attending the birth Of
Jesus and was intersparsed with song and
prayer. The principal feature of the en-
tertainment was 4 grand tabieau entitled
the "Changcd Gross. Immediately in
front of the pulpit was erected a large
frame or prOsccniEm arch, covered with
curtains loOpcd back ut the sides. An it,
ner curtain on being raised exposed to
view large white cross. AS the curtain
rose an invisible chorus sang ''Ncarer, my
God to Thee" and the pupils in the body
of the church sang I'm the Cross of
Christ we Glory The curtain then was
dropped, and, on rising again, displayed
the changed cross, clothed in beautiful
flowers. The cross was ut first but dimly
seen, but as the gauZy semi transparent
screens were gradually removed from its
front and bright light thrown upon it. it
sllone forth i'm splcndor, and at its foot lay
O beautiful Tyre and basket OF flowers.
The invisible chorus again sang Nearer
My God to Thee" aud at the same
time brilliant crown, sparkling with
gems, descended and rested just above
the head Of the cross and Il white
dove followed, resting just above the
crown. The effect was beautiful and inn
pressivc. and as the invisible chorus
ended the school children repeated In
the Cross of Christ we Glory.'' The tablcal
remained exposed during the evening.
Recitations, addresses, music and reports
followed. Ethel Perkins very bright
little miss lecited y Bird song whic!,
was much admired, as was also 4 remOm-
strancc by Master Perkins, against the
iconoclasts who attempt to disprovc the
story of VIM. Tell, Washington g little
hatchet," and other traditions cherished
by the young folks. The pastor Rev. Sy,-
vanius Stahl, and the eN- pastor Rev. R.W.
Hufford made pertinent addresses = quar-
tet sang ''Rock of Ages - with fine effect,
and then the distribution OF gifts to the
children took place. These consisted OF
very pretty Christmas cards.
Tho tableau of the Changed Gross,
which was arranged by DR.. ii. ID. Knight,
assisted 10y Mr.. 4. Perkins and 5. Il. Herr,
will he reproduced next Sunday evening.