Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1886-12-31
CmKISlMAs SEKNICEs.
How the Day was Observed in Burlington
Special Services

How the Day was Observed in burlington
Special services
Christmas day was observed i'm this city
as usual 10y the general suspension Of bust
ness in the afternoon and the streets had a
more than usually deserted Appearance,
the biting air tending to cause people to
remain indoors. Although most of the
churches held their Christmas tree services
the previous evening and presents were
well distributed, The receiving of gifts
must have continued until late in the day
Judging from the hundreds of boxes at the
express Office in the forenoon. In fact the
rush was so great that extra help was call
ed in and even then it was after noon be
fore the delivery was completed. The Gus
tomary Christmas services were held at
the Episcopal and Catholic churches sat
urday when the musical programmes al
ready published were rendered. In the
evening Christmas exercises for the little
folks were held at the two Baptist
churches.
AT THE BEREAN BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Christmas exercises at the Berean
church Saturday evening were of an en-
tirely informal character, and fully en
jOyed by those present. Instead of giving
small tokens TO the children they receiv
ed practical lesson in the truth at is
more blessed to give than to receive
Supper was served by the ladies' OF the
church at $50 and Immediately fol
lowing there were some lecltatlOnS by the
little ones. Then came the opening of the
mite boxes and the packing of the mis-
sionarv box, clothing, boots and shoes,
etc. which is to be sent to Dakota The val
ne of the goods contributed and the money
found in the boxes which the children
llst tnN b !
amounts to over SO. The remainder of
the evening was pleasantly spent in social
enjOyments.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
Christmas evening was greatly enjoyed
by the lltele folks and not few of their
elders at the First Baptist church, the
services being held in the chapel. This
had been deliberately decorated for the
occasion with various designs in ever
green the most noticeable of which was Il
harp which had strings of pop corn The
sides of the room also bore various de
Signs and notices. The most noticeable
ornament to the little people, however.
was the Christmas tree which was loaded
with NRrlOuS COlOred bags of pop corn
and candy and the supply was so
great that suspended wire was used
as Christmas tree annex. The
of carols interpreted with rectations and
other exercises. Many of those who took
part were the smallest of sunday school
children, and they bore their part, as in
fact diu all, in admirable manner. At the
conclusion of the musical and literary
programme the work of dismantling the
tree of it, harvest proceeded right merrlY
and supply OF candy and corn was 50 great
that after the children OF the school were
supped all the children in the congregation
received bags Tue services were most
enjoyable throughout.
OTHER SERVICES.
At the Methodist church in the evening
there was "A highly enjoyed Christmas
service by the Sunday school, consisting
of the singing of hymns and carols, re-
sponsive readings and a Christmas ad-
dress by the pastor. Everything passed
OIL very pleasantly and was enjoyed by
the large congregation which was present
in spite of the cold weather
At the First and st. paul'S churches the
musical programmes published Saturday
morning We're rendered in successful
manner. All III all this was one of the
most enjoyable Christmas seasons Observ
ed for years in Burlington.