Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1883-12-29
handsomely trimmed Christmas
tree, sparkling with lighted tapers.

most profitable service of praise and
prayer was held in the lecture room.
On Monday evening, before an
audience of excellent size consider
ing the condition of the pavements
and temperature, and the exhaustion
of the people in view of the many en-
tertaipments of the night before, and
of the holiday festivities progressing
elsewhere the same evening, Prof.
s. T. Ford, of Wilmington, Della
ware, gave magnificent entertain
ment in the audience room. 1t con-
sisted of a series of readings and re-
citations. These were given in his
own inimitable style. We have rare
ly listened to such a master in his
line. He should be recalled at some
time in the near future when out
citizens generally may have the OPP
portunity of hearing him. AS init
mated, many who would gladly have
been present were absolutely pre-
vented by the pressure of the festive
season. 1t was, indeed, pity that
any should have failed to hear him.
We exaggerate not a bit when we
say his like is not often in Martins
burg. 1t was a rare treat which the
audience heartily appreciated and
evidenced by round after round of
applause.
The children of the U. B. Sunday
School had a pleasant entertainment
on Christmas night. A large Christ
mas tree, handsomely trimmed with
presents and brilliantly lighted, was
prominent feature. The program
me opened with singing by the school
and prayer by the pastor. A short
address was made to the children by
the pastor. Then present OF box
of sweetmeats and a large orange
were given to each Of the scholars,
much to the delight of the littleones.
A number of presents were given by
scholars to teachers and teachers to
scholars. Among the number who
received presents were Miss Emma
Keiter, Miss Ida Weddle, Miss Ida
Seckman, and Mrs. Shaw. There
WIRE number of others whose
names we failed to learn. The con-
gregation presented the pastor, on
the evening before the entertain
ment, with a fine suit of clothes.
Early services were held in the
Reformed Church, Rev. J. A. Hoff-
heius, pastor, on Christmas morning
al 6o'clock. These services were of
AZ. interesting character, and were
largely attended, the church being
filled with an attentive congrega-
tim. The church Was handsomely
decorated with evergreen aud flow
ers. The music on the occasion was
of high order, and was rendered in
artistic style by the choir, consisting
of Miss Mamie b. Bowman, organ
list; Misses Lola Scheu and Emma
Staley, Soprano; Miss Ditto, Alto;
Mr.. r e. Timberlake, Tenor, and
Mr.. F. ID. Staley, Bass; assisted by
ali orchestra under the direction Of
DR.. S. N. Myers, Violinist; Mr.. Kug-
Ter, Cornetist; Gold Miller, French
Horn. The services opened with the
beautiful anthem: "And there were
shepherds abiding in the Helds," by
Millard, followed with "Mozart's
Gloria, and 'Te Deum. J" by Baum
bach, with scripture readings aud
responses chanted by the Choir. The
pastor made an appropriate address,
and offered suitable prayers for past
mercies and blessings.
The Sunday School held its chill
dren's service at 6 O'Clock, p. M,
which was largely attended, The
services were Of an interesting char
acter, consisting OF singing Christ
mas carols. and a short address to
the children by the pastor. The
children's offering, on this occasion,
for missionary purposes, amounted
to $72. The children received their
baskets, filled with candy and nuts,
and a beautiful Christmas card, with
glad and happy hearts. Services
closed with the doxology and
benediction.
The congregation presented their