Wichita eagle., 1888-12-25
SANTA CLAUS ARRESTED.
THE CHILDREN'S FRIEND CAUGHT
BY AN OFFICER AND IN
DURANGO VILE.
Proceedings at Churches = First IL E.,
Central Presbyterian, St. Johns. UNI
tartan. St. Paul N. E. Chapel

Last evening will long be remembered
by the children as one of the happy events
of their lives. Hundreds went to the
various churches to see Santa Claus, the
old man they have been talking about
without cessation for some time. Aside
from the churches many homes were brill
iantly decorated and a fine Christmas tree
uncovered as surprise to the children.
FIRST NJ. E. CHURCH.
A large and interested audience thronged
the First II. E. church last night to enjoy
the annual Christmas entertainment.
After the singing of several appropriate
selections and an eloquent prayer by Rev.
Gates, Superintendent Stanley announced
that the plan adopted by this school several
years ago, of receiving and distributing
donations TO the worthy poor, had worked
SO well that it was thought best to continue
it this year. No attempt had been made
at decoration or entertainment; the school
would give an object lesson in Christian
charity. He was glad that SO much had
already been brought in and hoped that at
the close of the exercises orders for coal,
money, ETC., would be forthcoming
by Miss Sarah E. Davis, then rendered "a
half hours program, which in whole and
in each particular, has not been surpassed
by any entertainment eyer given by the
school.
Miss Wentworth presided at the piano
and the class sang with great effect
Welcome Song" after which Charlie
Jones delivered Charles Sermon" This
was given with such excellent voice and
gesture that great applause was given the
little orator.
y beautiful little song Santa Claus"
was rendered by Susie Houck and Bessie
Allen in very pleasant manner.
The echo Song" was next rendered,
and fine effect was produced by placing
number Of the children in one Of the
class rooms in the rear of the church,
where their voices made beautiful echo
to the song Of the whole class.
Anna MCGEE recited in fine manner a
piece entitled christmas Eve"
The way to spend Christmas was illus
trated by dozen of the little folks. three
of whom held aloft beautiful notices
"Unselfishness, p" Kindness" Love"
The Gift Song" by dozen little folks
greatly pleased the congregation, and no
doubt was the means of inducing many to
give more freely than they otherwise
would.
After this song four little girls recited n
concert with fine spirit and success.
Some of the many beautiful songs sung
were merry Bells" Jack Frost" "The
Shepherd Song" the last of which was
rendered by five boys and five girls, each
bearing a shepherds crook Mrs. Bar
tram, who had charge of the singing, led
this piece with charming effect
The Marching Song" by two dozen
little boys and girls, was worthy of the
loud encore which it received. The little
folks marched and performed many evolu-
tions with ali the skill and effect of trained
soldiers. Nothing finer than this has ever
been witnessed in this school.
Notwithstanding Superintendent Stan
ley had said that the object of the evening
was not entertainment, it was agreed by
all present that no better entertainment
ever was or could be given, The primary
department of the school is in flourish
ing condition, and to them and their zeal
Gus teachers the credit of this excellent
program is due.
Although no elaborate decorations were
undertaken, there was one feature worthy
of special mention. Mr.. c. E. Jones bible
class placed across the front of the room
beautiful and expressive motto: He that
giveth to the poor lendeth unto the Lord
An inspection of the donations received
showed variety of useful articles; -four,
canned fruit, poultry, brOoms, clothing,
orders for coal, and last but not least con-
siderable cash. The vast audience dis
persed well satisfied that this christmas
meeting was in every respect a success.
CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The entertainment at the Presbyterian
church was probably the most varied of
any in the city last evening. The music
was beautiful varied and OF high order,
both old and new, grave and
spirited. \ marked feature was the re-
sponsive reading by the superintendent
and the school chiefly from the Psalms
The exercise was orderly and very i'm
pressive. Especial mention is made of
class exercise by twelve boys and girls
each verse recited containing not only
poetic beauty but moral truth. The chill
dren taking part in this were Celia Parks, |
Lille Zeininger, Daisy Zeininger, Nettie |
Brown, Lillian Lewis, Mabel Stoetmeyer,
Russell Babcock, James Rule Walter Van |
Mugs, Wilbur Thistlewood, Ned Larimer |
and Gala Newman. a stanza recited in !
by all twelve closed this exercise. |
But the most expected and most inter- |
asting event of the evening to the small |
ones certainly and quite probably to the |
larger ones as well. we the sudden and |
advent of Santa Claus in his |
fur-robed sleigh, instead of the tabled !
reindeer he had for his coursers ten little |
maidens dressed in white, wearing green |
turbans with white bands studded with !
silver stars, and four little men with tall /
pointed black hats After making tour !
Of the church these stopped at the plat |
form, where Santa superintendent the dis !
of the gifts prepared This part |
was ushered in by Captain Naylor, who I,
called out TO an unseen sailor behind the /
screen, Mr. Crowley, to hasten with his /
shipload of bounties. The screen !
was drawn aside, and ship laden with !
gifts for and by the children was exposed. /
Its contents were speedily distributed |
among the eagerly waiting children, and /
Santa took his departure drawn as before /
oy fourteen pupils. 1AeIT NAMES were as !
follows; Callie NewmBn, Susie Dickson, |
Helen Shaw, Mamie Combs, Coral Harris, !
Clara johnson. Dottle Wassam, Ada |
Shultz. Eta Clark. Crucie Babcock, Ames !
Burr, Fred Little, Roy Humble and Wal /
Ter VanNuys. After the further distribu- !
lion of some fine Christmas cards the ex-
srcises closed with singing. The church 4
was tastefully though not profusely deco /
rated with notices and everGreens in the
'orn of garlaRds, wreaths and stars, while +
he performance throughout showed /