The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1888-01-05
Christmas IN Henderson

but pleasantly. The weather played such
pranks with US during the week previous
to Christmas, that little was done in the
way of festivities and somewhat of
dampcr seemed to be thrown over the ardos
and enthusiasm Of all save the children.
These looked forward to the coming of
Santa Claus with JOY and gladness, aud it
was enough to make Us children Of a
larger growth happy to see the little ones
SO. The various churches celebrated the
occasion in some suitable manner, either
by parties or handsome Christmas trees
loaded down with that peculiar holiday
variety of fruits so dear to the childish
heart, and those branches that annually
bear dolls, engines. tops, bonbons, etc, for
ever remain rare, fairy-like and beautiful
even to the frost-dimmed memories of old
| age; and in seeing the little ones happy
| our sterner hearts and natures felt almost
young again.
Friday night before Christmas the Bap-
list Sunday-school had an entertainment.
/ There was very good crowd present and
the affair was an enjoyable one every way,
! filling the hearts of the little ones with
gladness and making the older ones feel
yosssg again. The programme was success
! fully carried out, and the occasion proved
highly entertaining to all who attended.
| Tuesday afternoon our Presbyterian
friends gave party in the Young Mems
Christian Association hall, for the enjoy
ment of the SabbatlLschoel children, each
Of whom had the privilege of inviting one
little friend. The ladies had prepared an
elegant spread" five tables being we'll
laden with everything to eat, and to say it
was enjoyed by those present but mildly
expresses it. After partaking of bounti-
full repast the little folks enjoyed them
selves after their childish fashion for some
time. That the affair was an entirely sue
cessful and enjoyable one sone could doubt
who was within hearing of the shouts and
unrestrained laughter of the little ones.
joined heartily by their elders, whose
pleasure was scarcely less than theirs.
At night Christmas tree was given to
the children of all the Sunday-schools in
town between the ages of four and ten
years, at the Episcopal school building.
This was done by Col. and Mrs. .Burgwyn,
and notwithsta nding the trouble and ex-
pense these good people had pat them
selves to the GOLD LEAF is safe in saying
no expenditure of time and money for such
a purpose ever repaid a larger dividend
in the pleasure and enjoyment afforded
those for whom this happy idea was con-
ceived. At an early hour the room was
filled with happy, bright faced children,
and many grown persons who had accom-
panied the little ones to see their hearts
made glad over What "Old Santa Claus
should bring them for it had been given
out that the dear old soul would be there
III person to supervise the distribution OF
presents to his little friends, and sure
enough he was. Col. Burgwyn very cheer
fully consented to act as agent for the
childrens Patron Saint in the distribution
of the presents, the old fellow himself &C.
cupying an exalted position near by, and
as each present was taken down the child
whose name was attached thereto was call.
ed out and it was beautiful sight to see the
happy effect of the kindness and generosity
displayed by Col. and Mrs Burgwyn. There
were many glad hearts and smiling faces
there that night. The little ones were de
lighted at the appearance Of veritable
Santa Claus, while the older persons per
haps enjoyed the occasion equally with the
little folks. Col. Burgwyn and his admir-
able wife deserve credit for this thing and
are entitled to the thanks of every person
who delights in the pleasure of others; and
when these are the dear little children
who soon enough will experience the care
and trials and conflicts of life, it should b'
a double pleasure to do all in our powc
to make them happy while they may be.
On the same evening at Burwell Hal
: church celebrated Christmas in a most ap
propriate manner. A large tree upon tin
stage was beautifully illuminated ant
swayed and bent under the heavier ant
: more substantial gifts which, in lieu OF
genuine Santa Claus, were distributed t
the children of the school by several yeun
gentlemen. It was very pleasant ant
successful affair, q large audience bein
present to witness the exercises.
At the Methodist Protestant churcl
a Wednesday evening 4 pretty Christina
, tree was fairly loaded down with present
for the children OF that Sunday-sch0Ol
, | Before the regular exercises commenced
t very pleasant little event not exactly dow
q on the programme took place. 1t was tn
1 presentation Of q beautiful gold watch t
8 Miss Carrie Coghill by the congregatio
and Sunday-school. Miss Carrie Is churc
organist, and this was but fit recognitio
e of her high accomplishments and valuabl
:, services. The presentation speech was mad
!, by Mr.. Andrew J. Harris in an elcgar
j. and appropriate manner. and the gift wa
h accepted by the Young lady with beeomih
: grace and modesty. Then followed tn
: distribution Of presents and Rsany wer
4 the young hearts made glad on this happ
C occasion.
It At the Side-light Warehouse Wednesda
/ evening, the children of the Episcopa
SundaS-seheel had a very enjoyable part
c also, entertaining their little friends in
; most royal manner. Quite crowd c
IA young folks. full OF the holiday spirit, a:
= sembled to do honor to the occasion an
e altogether they had delightful time.
y To the cider persons Of the several COZ
gregations in town much credit Is due fe
e the manner in which they contributed {
the pleasure and en- joyment Of the chi
5 dren, and the GOLD LEAF desires to e,
;. press its satisfaction thereat and to than
them all for doing what they did TO max
i glad and memorable to every young hear
t the blessed Christmas tide of 1887. no'
5 past and gone from the earth forever.