The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1885-01-02

CHRISTMAS FEsTIvALs.-The Sunday Schoo
festival in the Presbyterian Church, Christina.
Eve, was novel and q delightful one Instead
of the usual Christmas tree, with lis branches
filled with gifts for the children, each schoa,
brought gift to be sent TO mission school In
Alaska. After the pastor, Rev. Mr.. Finney, hao
spoken of Alaska, its missions and the school
to which their gifts were to be sent, each scholar
came forward and laid his or her gift upon O
table. The children seemed pleased with the
idea of being givers instead of recipients and Of
sending their gifts to the far-away heathen.-
They are taught thereby not to be selfish but tc
be generous and liberal to others. The gifts OF
the children, with box made up by the
congregation, will be sent to the Presbyterian
Mission School on Prince of Wales Iaand, of
the southern coast of Alaska.
The children were rewarded for their self
denial and generosity by tue presentation to
each of them of u book. This was an agreeable
surprise to them, for they expected nothing
of the kind Before the close of the exercises
MIR. Will P. FinDey delivered pleasant and
appropriate address to the children, telling them
OF the surprise that was in store for them
The exercises Of the evening consisted chiefly
OF the recital of piece entitled "Bethehem's
Manger-Cradle, q King" These words were
beautifully displayed on an arch, star being
below and a crown above them. The super.
intendent of the school, Mr. John T. Spicer
read scripture texts concerning the star in the
East, Bethlehem, the manager, &C., to each OF
which several of the children responded by re.
citing verse of poetry on the same subject. and
at the conclusion of each verse all Joined in
singing. These exercises were very beautiful
and appropriate to the Christmas season. The
children performed their parts well and went
home pleased and satisfied with the books, and
with their pockets filled with candy Mrs.
Martha Hanna was the organist
The annual Christmas tree for Emmanuel
Episcopal Sunday School, Bel Air, was lighted
last Friday night. The church was crowded and
the exercises were interesting. The children
sang Christmas carols, Miss Annie L. Moores,
organst of the Sunday School, having charge OF
the music; an address was delivered by the rec.
tor, Rev. James b. Craighll, nd.presents from
the beautifully decorated and Illuminated tree
were handed to the scholars by the efficient su-
pCIiulcHuCHt, hlCHdIu DhlldIn, ana MS as
sistants.
On Saturday night the Christmas celebration
for the colored Sunday school connected with
Emmanuel Church, Bel Air, took place Ia the
church. The exercises were similar to those of
the preceding night. Carols were sung, pres
ents distributed and an address made by the
Rev. j. B. Craighill. This school contains
about 20 scholars and is in hourishing condi-
ton. The superintendent is Mr.. Richard Dali
lam, and the teachers comprise young ladies OF
the congregation The organist is Miss Annie
l.. Moores.
The Christmas tree celebration at Grace p. Z.
Chapel, Hickory, was one of the most interest
ing ever held in that church. The programme
was announced by the superintendent, Mr.. Mil
lard F. Minnick. Rey. MIR. Craighil delivered
pleasant address and there were Rotations by
soEe the scholars. A n0Cel and picturesque
feature of the occasion was presented during the
singing of one of the carols, when Is little chill
dren cane forward to the chancel, each one bear
ing aloft, on the end of q staff, single letter.
Ranging themselves in order. without the slight,
est confusion, the combined letters formed the
motto, "Good will to men," this being also the
refrain of the carol. Miss Carrie Quinby played
the organ. The church was crowded.