The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1890-12-27
Christmas Tree,

christmas Tree.
Christmas Eve was very pleas
antly passed by the little folks OF
Ketchum, and also by a number OF
the bigger ones. A hundred OF
more assembled at the Union
Church, where, thanks to the efforts
of Mrs. DR.. Richie, a Christmas
tree had been erected and presents
provided for distribution among
the assemblage of bright-faced,
lovely children, whom the hope OF
a coveted Christmas gift" had
called together. Such a scene is
always attractive, mainly because
it is always composed largely of
little children of whom America g
sweetest poet wrote, Rare are the
flowers and the children; but their
subtle suggestion is rarer."
About 7 o'clock P. NJ. the presents
having been delivered at the church,
a committee composed of Mrs.
Huntington, Mrs. Cowley and Miss
Leona Griffin, began the work of
arranging them on the tree which
had been previously decorated with
ribbons and banners, arranged by
the def hands of the lady mana
gers. This task completed, "Joy to
the Lord" was sung by the audi
ence led by Miss Van Wormer and
Mrs. w. H. Greenhow. A recita-
ton followed by Miss Nora Griffin,
who acquitted herself we'll for one
of her age. Next on the programme
was duet by Miss Van Wormer
and Mrs. w. II. Greenhow, superb
performance in every respect. The
Birth of Christ was then read by
Mrs. DR.. Richie, then came a selec-
ton by the choir, appropriate to
the occasion, and last, Miss Josie
Perkins charmingly recited the
poem, here given, written by Rev.
George Richie, when the commit
tee named above removed the pres
ents from the tree, which were
passed to their fortunate recipients
by the fair hands of Josie Perkins.
Fife Cowley, Hannah Mccoy, Nora
Griffin and Esther Richie.
POEM
A Merry Christmas to you all, my friends
The festal tree again before us bends
With fruitful boughs of various products
For little hands and little hearts to share
Of higher gift, and blessings richer far,
How softly speaks our little shining star;
An emblem faint of one that God appointed
To guide the wise men to the Lords
anointed.
OF that great gift above all others high
Lo! angels sang appearing IN the sky
To humble shepherds longing for the morn
Announcing that the Son of God was born
Now grandly on the midnight air burst forth
The chorus sung DER East, West, South
and North.
But never heard by human ears till then
Glory to God on high, good will to men.
Thus learned sage and unlearned shepherd
Divinely taught their Savior now to know
By different ways they at the manger NEE
Adoring at the little strangers feet.
To honor thus divine Of worship paid,
They add the tribute, on their substance
laid
An offering costly, both of spice and gem
Are spread before the babe OF Bethlehem
For highest He of all in heaven above
Thus lowest stoops in pity and in love
| And IN the manager now it was confessed
| That this was God in flesh made manifest.
| And ere since then the simple and the sage
The nigh, the low, the youth and hoary age
| On each return of Jesus natal day
| Unite to sing or else to pray.
At home, at church in merry bands we NEE
| With loving gifts we each the other greet
! The Christmas anthem sWells upon the ear
| Our tables laden with inviting cheer
The many happy Christmas days return
| To each and all, while here on earth, w
learn
That heaven alone can satisfy the heart
With joys from which we never again sinai
part.
At the conclusion Of the evenings
entertainment Gloria was sung anc
all retired to their homes, having
enjoyed one of the pleasantest hours
of the expiring year.