Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1881-12-29
Christmas at the Churches.

The Sabbath schools of the churches
INDUCED in their usual Christmas fes-
tivities on Saturday evening, much to
the delight of the children.
In the Presbyterian church there was
a service of song and literary exercises
in the auditorium and in the lecture
room teothsome feast of confections
and good things generally. The little
people were all happy.
The lecture room of the Methodist
Episcopal church was densely packed
with the scholars of their Sabbath
school and their friends to listen to tie
rendition of the cantata, "The Night of
Glory" and to witness the accompanying
tableaux, which were presented with
line effect. At the conclusion of the
cantata, the Superintendent of the
school announced that owing to the alb
sence of snow that Santa Claus had
abandoned his sleigh and reindeers, and
had adopted this season another method
u; travelling, when a curtain about tile
middle of the stage was drawn, reveal
ing three masted vessel with flying
culors, loaded down with bags of candy
and Santa Claus for its Master. The
appearance of the craft was the signal
for 4 noisy manifestation of delight on
the part of the children, which was
heightened when Old Santa landed and
with his crew began to distribute the
Christmas goodies"
No sooner was this feature of the
evenings pleasure ended when Mr.. Geo.
Brown the jeweler, stepped upon the
platform and began the unwrapping of
snuno rliotanipn artialoc and at tho m O
time Prof. Hitchcock called the atten-
ton of the Superintendent, who, wholly
unware of what was in store, was busy
quieting the buOyant children, and ad-
dressed him in the following words:
Mr.. MCKELvEY: understand that
you have been acting in the capacity OF
Superintendent of this Sunday School
for the past four or five years. We, as
teachers and pupils are aware of the
fact that during that time your path of
duty has not been strewn with roses,
but on the other hand, many have been
the trials and discouragementS with
which you have had to contend; but as
the waters of the stream rise above the
impediments in its course and go laugh
ing on to their destination, so have you
surmounted all these difficulties and
carried bravely and pleasantly on the
good work of the Sunday School. When
others have been most careless in their
attendance, you have been most punct-
ual; when they have been most lacking
in their contributions to needed improve
ments, you have been most generous
when they have been most lax and dis
couraged, you have been most energetic
and cheerful.
We know that there are some things
in this life whose value cannot
be estimated in dollars and
cents, one of which is, the val,
ue of words of advice and encourage.
ment when exemplified by a good exam.
pie; and although We cannot estimate
the value of your services in this re.
spect, we can appreciate your cheerful
energetic and persistent effort to lead us
in the high and noble path of him who
travelled over the hills and through the
valleys of Judea, doing good. And ir
token of our appreciation we desire you
to accept this Tea Set as our Christmas
Present.
ton speech was concluded a beautiful
silver Tea Set of five pieces was spread
upon the table in front of the astonisheC
Superintendent, who acknowledged in
| fitting words of thanks the compliment
paid him. The gift was a neat expires
sion of confidence and appreciation o.
the faithful and self-sacrilicing service:
of Mr.. McKelvey to the Sabbath schoo
work. The evenings pleasure CLOSED
with song and prayer.