Connecticut western news., 1885-12-30
CHRISTMAS EVE AT SOUTH CANAAN.

 Christmas eve, 1885, will probably be long remembered by the attendants of this Sunday Owing to the in- defatigable efforts of the superintendent the children were afforded an entertain ment which was both interesting at the time and yielded substantial results.
 The church was prettily decorated; large arch of green spanned the western end; under 1t hung decorative piece, ''Glory to God in the Highest, on Earth Peace, Good Will Towards Men," pre- sented by Mrs Sherwood Milliard. Two large Christmas trees came next, pret- tily ornamented and filled with gifts. Notices, "MerrY Christmas and Happy New Year" were hung in conspicuous places, with crosses of evergreen on every pillar.
 The exercises opened with singing "The Star of Bethlehem" Prayer was offered by the Rev MT Moore. The first recitation was very beautiful poem by Mrs H. P. Morse, "What is Christmas?" There were many fine recitations by the scholars. Marshall Deans little ones | brought down the house with Paddle Your Own Canoe" "Bells Across the Snow" was read by Mrs William Mil Hard. The hymn,
 "I think when read that sweet story of old, , was very sweetly sung by the primary class, Miss Hattie Milliard, teacher, led by Miss Olive Wilcox. Among the boys especially applauded by the audience we noticed Willie Page, Ernest Boyds- ton and Henry Whitford. "The Night Before Christmas" and "The Night Af- ter Christmas" were recited by Messrs Decker. The singing by the choir con- sisted of selections appropriate to the occasion "Watchman, Tell Us of the l Night" was sung as duet by Mrs Sil- vernail and Robert Pendleton. Miss Abbie Kellogg presided at the organ. After these exercises the curtain was drawn, and being opened again revealed an old. time fireplace, with large iron andirons, etc., and the family, consist ing of the grandmother, mother and lit tie girl, preparing to hang up the stock ings. The superintendent in few we'll chosen words explained how there came to be Christmas at all, and ended by saying he thought they might look for d visit from Santa Claus. Lottie then proceeded to hang up the baby's stock f ing, "The Baby Who Came Only Year Ago." but not being satisfied with the size appealed to grandma for one of hers: after much deliberation the old lady presented one, sufficiently large, then Lottie begged her mamma to write letter to Santa Claus, explaining the matter. which she proceeded to do, and finished hanging them all, with "God Bless the Little Stockings All Over the Land" Meanwhile the bells outside were growing louder and louder. and finally Santa Claus was heard checking his fiery steeds at the very door, and soon down the chimney came the patron saint of the children, clad in fur from head to foot Ia few close observers rec ognized the genial face of Mir Samuel Bradley). Just then 0 tiny little one, clad in her long night dress, stole out of bed to interview Santa Claus and beg him to fill her stocking 'as full as full could be, for she hadn't been very naughty and he was such 8 dear kind man." He remarked he always looked after good little girls, and after dispens- ing his gifts said he 'had many a mile to go," and soon the bells announced his departure.
 | 1u0 upoIluIeuuouI IneA eaIA Wo would see what Santa Claus had left. All the Sunday were substantial ly remembered. The superintendent re- celved hanging lamp from the daugh- ters of "Father Time" and nice wolf robe from the Sunday-school. MT and Mrs D. M. Moore, the minister and wife, were not forgotten. Oranges and candy were distributed on every side and the needy were not overlooked. So ended the evening of the 24th of December in the old church at South Canaan, which was filled to overfowing by very kind and appreciative audience.