Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1888-12-27
CHRISTMAS EXERCISES.
How the Day of Peace and Merriment
Was Celebrated BY the Churches.

How the Day of Peace and Merriment
Was Celebrated by the Churches.
There has been no lack of Christmas
entertainment at the sanctuaries Of the
city during the past forty-eight hours.
In nearly every church was some
special exercise calculated to impress
upon the MEMBERSHIP younger por-
ton more particularly-the lesson of
the day. For weeks the Sunday school
scholars and teachers have been busy
preparing for the occasion and the re-
suits were all that could be wished.
The throngs that gathered were album
dainty entertained and those who par
took in the services were equally well
pleased. In all the recurring Christmas
days which have been celebrated in
Abilene none were more appropriately
ushered in and welcomed than was the
one just past.
METHODIST CHURCH.
Notwithstanding the dark clouds and
the drops of rain pattering on the side
walks, which, as well as an admission
fee of 10 cents at the door, would tend
to have an effect on the attendance,
the auditorium including the aisles of
the NJ. E. church was crowded Tues
day evening, even to standing room.7.
a large stage had been erected across
the front part of the church and cur
tains hid the interior from the view of
the audience. Decorations were feS-
TONED here and there and a really
gala-day appearance was given to the
place. The Manger of Bethlehem was
depicted at the rear Of the stage over
the front of which read: GLORY to God
in the Highest"
The exercises began with music and
were interesting and unique. Especi-
ally pleasing were the alto solo, tRock
OF Ages" sung with tender effect by
Miss Sarah Bonell, and the Lords
Prayer in concert by the ten infant
class pupils. After the Rotations,
songs. responsive readings, ETC., and
while the little fNiks were merrily reG-
derlng hymn in honor of Kris kringle,
Santa Claus appeared loaded down with
candies, which were distributed to the
members of the school. All hearts
were gladdened as well by the material
sweets as by the choice things of the
program.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH..
1t seemed as though everybody
wanted to attend the Presbyterian
church Tuesday evening. Arrange
ments had been made for celebrating
Christ's birth in royal style at that
building. Everyone wore a pleasant
smile and had a good word for those
around, The little folks were in an
ecstacy of delight and crowded the
front seats to their fullest capacity.
Curtains had been placed across the
front of the church and made the exer-
cises very attractive. Several fine
tableaux were given. one, 1.-The Sea-
sons" being particularly admired. In
this Father Time appeared as real as
life. A series of tableaux accompany
ing a Christmas tale related by Willie
Coulson was very much admired, the
dreams that followed a christmas din
ner being portrayed Eiyidly. Songs,
solos, Rotations, ETC., followed and
made the evening pass off pleasantly.
At the close candy was distributed
among thepupils. The superintendent,
G. F. Worley was given by the school
"Kitto's Cyclopedia of the Bible" 2
volumes; the chorister, Mrs. Lou
Wortbington and organist, Miss Mini
Parent, both received handsome teach
ers' Bibles.
t1HAN Wv fkHt
Fhe BRICK edifce efthis organization
was well filed Christmas eve by the
Sunday school and others. No tree or
extensive arrangements had been pro-
vided but still all enjoyed the occasion
and had probably just as realizing a
sense of the glory of the day as those
of more deliberately prepared church
homes,
An entertainment In the nature of
concert appropriate to the season was
given under the management of the
superintendent, Mr.. J. r. Davis.
Those taking part entered fully into
the spirit of the time and did splen-
didly. At the end of the speaking,
songs, etc., presents of candies, nuts,