Wichita eagle., 1889-12-25


Christmas Eve--Gifts for the
Children and Parents.
Last evening the busy streets were
thronged with people all anxiously max
ing some provision for theSmorrow. The
stores were filled with purchasers of
Christmas gifts and the good things which
characterize this season of the year. The
Signal service has promised typical
Christmas; frost and snow, but anyhow
old Santa Claus is welcome.
He only comes once year but his visits
are remembered. The little ones who only
find five-cent toy and nickel's worth of
candy In their stocking Will be just as
glad as those who are more fortunately
situated. The early history of St. Nicholas,
Santa Klaus, or Santa Claus. as he is var
lousy called is shrouded in much mystery.
he is first heard of as early as the third
century and was evidently very benevo-
lent old gentlemen even at that early date.
Hew was fond of giving presents to the
boys then, while it was his es-
pee al delight to endow destitute
maidens and perform other charitable and
equally pleasant Offices He is very &C
CAo SSNbeAGAlhi, SOlilSiii
to all tradition and customs. Although
he will only come once year he will come
in any form desired or in any way. 1t
makes 20 difference to him whether he
comes in reindeer chariot and descends
through the chimney, or whether he comes
in the invisible form, he is content so long
as he brings happiness. Santa
Claus has SO much to do in
one night that he has to commence
early and yet he must not be seen. His
plans are all carefully laid out in advance
and followed to the letter. As soon as it
is dark and the little ones are put to bed
he begins to fill their stockings and
as the evening wears away and the older
ones get tired and sleepy he fills their
stockings. 1t is not until very late when
poor papa and mama sink to rest that he
comes to them. Usually in their dreams
ne allows them to hang I'D their stockings
again and fills them from his huge pack.
What does he give them; a long string of
pleasant memories and few pangs, one,
two or three little cherubs that can laugh,
cry, open their eyes even better than that
beautiful doll Santa Claus gave you, a
basket full of hopes and terrible weight
Of responsibilities
A CHRISTMAS TREE.
The First Presbyterian church was
decorated last night with fes-
looms of evergreen and holly and in the
midst gorgeous Christmas tree was hung
with Christmas favors. The children
we're all remembered with little bags of
,andy and they all had good time An
interesting program was rendered and
highly appreciated, which was interspersed
With congregational singing:
defamation. Coral Harris. |
Dialogue. Observation-Disclosures.
Mary McNair and Louise Philleo.
song. ..-.......... Clara Rule. |
Defamation. Matte Smith. !
At this juncture Santa Clause made his
appearance and distributed the presents |
rom the tree.
The pastor, Rev. David Winters.
hen delivered Christmas allie
yory in his characteristic manner. |
[ was verys entertaining and evidently !
prepared with much care carrying with it |
weight of wisdom. The theme was |
where love, hope and faith are there is !
wealth, the fire burns, and the lights
lever grows dim.
AT THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
The church last evening was decorated |
bout the pulpit with eyergreens and q
arge Christmas tree loaded with presents |
or the hundreds of children who with |
heir parents filed the house. 4 large |
ilded star stood above in the center and |
he motto "a Merry Christmas" arched |
he front wall. The evergreen tree was
lighted with sperm candles and
he presents were a tempting sight to the
hildren.
The short program of exercises began
nth the song: open the Windows of
ieaven to Ne" followed with prayer by
ir. Z. f. a. Smith.
Another song, then Harry Hawley gave
he reading Being q Boy" Margaret
'oster recited The Mouse in Muff;''
.mma Frank spoke neat little piece
allied Christmas Wishes"
A presentation of Emersous Essays was
lade to Walter Dyer for his faithfulness
S secretary of the school.
The superintendent then called upon !
colonel NJ Stewart TO tell the children
bout Bethlehem and the birth place of
esus Colonel Stewart then stepped for
ard TO the platform ard told
be children an interesting story
what he saw on his visit to the Holy
md.
At the close of Colonel Stewards excel
mt remarks old Saint Nick came in with
Il the show and buster of the veritable
Id chap and distributed the presents to
be children.
The exercises on Sunday also referred to
le Christmas occasion. Rev. 6. 6. Fergu-
reached to large congregations both
forming and evening. The Yoang Peoples
ible class was visited by Mr.. c. Z. Jones
nd thirty-two members of his class from
lie N. E Sunday school, and the CON-
ined classes, numbering los, conducted
xercises appropriate for the occasion.
The secretary, Mr.. s. D. Lieurance, read
ie excellent though short welcome adj
ress given below, and Mr. Jones on be-
alf of his class replied TO the address in a
cry appropriate and impressive manner
he regular international lesson was con-
ucted by Messrs North and South,
acher and assistant teacher respectively,
, c. F. Jones aud Class No. / OF the NJ. Z. sun
day School; ,
On behalf of the Young Peoples Bible
ass of the First Baptist church / welcome
ou. We are happy 10 meet SO many differ {
1t persons having different hopes and as I