West Virginia freeman. (Parkersburg, W. Va.) 1881-1886, 1883-01-03
Observation-Disclosures
Christmas in Parkersburg.


visits from that venerable old Jol-
lily, Santa Claus.
AT THE NJ. f. CHURCH,
A Sunday School treat and general
entertainment had been elaborate
ly prepared and thoroughly per-
fccted. Beautiful twin Christmas
trees stood at either side of the
platform, glistening in their gilt
paper ornamentation and laden
with. countless gifts and pleasing
tokens of good will from heart to
heart.
The gift distributions were ac-
companicd by excellent music and
programme of Sunday School ex-
ercises conducted by the Superin-
tendent, Col. Taggart.
The beautiful trees were still in
place last Friday evening, the oc-
casion of the Dime Social and Mu-
steal entertainment, which was
largely attended and richly enjoy
ed
THE NJ. f. CHURCH, SOUTH,
Was also made to ring with merry
voices, with a Christmas tree as the
center of attraction.
Here Il veritable "Kris Kringle,"
in the person of Mr.. l.. n. Taven
ner, delighted the little folks and
amused the big children by his
quaint way of distributing the
lavish bounties with which the
tree was loaded.
Here also, music and other exer-
cises enriched the occasion, and
special Gift presentations to S. S.
Teachers and others, added to the
pleasure of all present.
AT THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
"Santa Claus" reigned supreme.
The ladies of the church, who are
ever on the alert for occasions to
tighten the hearts and brighten
the faces of the little folks, had pre-
pared a most happy surprise, in
having old Kris himself, in full
uniform, with the historical chin
ney, fire place, ringing of bells and
blowing of horns, and all complete.
Every one of the children present
got a cornucopia filled with sweet
things and good. A splendid
Gree" crowned the preparations
here also. and was of course the cen
ter of all the revolving delights.
ZION BAPTIST CHURCH.
Dropping in here early in the
evening, we found our colored
friends stripping another nice tree
of its rich fruits and scattering
them amongst the house full Of
happy little expectants.
The exercises were made lively
with songs such as the colored folks
only know how to sing and enjoy.
The programme here was brief, as
the friends had accepted an invita-
ton to Join with the
AFRICAN NJ. E. CHURCH,
in like celebration and entertain
m~ilt where anothe. Christmas
tree was blooming.'
We were not able to "take I'M
any more trees" on one day, but
take it for granted they had good
and happy time there also.
AT THE BAPTIST CHURCH,
A revival had been in progress for
several weeks, and on Christmas
evening the meeting was of unusu-
al interest. A large number Of the
Sunday School children were seek
ing the "Unspeakable Gift" for
which Paul was so thankful.
The Pastor had arranged an APP
propriate Bible reading, having
reference to Gods gift to mankind,
the Christ child. The singing,
talks and prayers were unusually
spirited and earnest. In response
to the invitation toward the close
of the meeting, number express
ed their desire to be Christians by
rising.
THE ANN STREET NJ. f. CHURCH.
sOur colored friends of this church
also had Christmas tree ard gen
eral treat for the children, with an
enjoyable time all around, though
we were not able to get any partic-
ulars