Smyrna times., 1890-12-31
The Christmas Holidavs

ward to and measured from in the past
and size it up all around, it has been
pretty good sort of Christmas. The
business side of Christmas, and it has a
large financial side to merchants and
shopkeepers, had good weather for the
several days of previous preparation.
This feature was admirably filed, it
could not have been better if they had
the choosing, and almost universally the
dealers met their expectations. Christ
mas eve came as near to perfection as
the weather could make it-clOudless
sky, bright, full moon, bracing, invig-
Grating air-there was nothing more to
wish.
The crowd was not so large through
out Wednesday as it sometimes is.
probably because it had been distribu-
ted through the several good proceed
ing days. There was an absence of
that registering also of holiday crowds,
and through the day there was scarcely
a reminder in the persoal conduct of
the people that there was such a
thing as intOxicants, though at night
there were a tew-a very few we think
who became intoxicated, three of
whom got in the lookup.
Christmas morning was heralded by
company of sweet singers-young
ladies-whO started on round of their
friends about FIVE o'clock, in greeting
of Christmas Carols that was both ap-
prOpriate and inspiring. At half past
five the first bell of the Methodist
Church rang out its sOnorous notes on
the silent air, about fifty persons gath
ering at the day-break hour to take up
the song that was first sung on the
plains of Bethlehem of a Saviour born
to the world. The orb of day had not
reached the horizon ere they had fin
ished their proper greetings and were
on their way home. The colored fife
and drum corps were also out before
daylight in the lower part of the
town.
Christmas day was of very different
stamp from the several that had pre-
ceded it. The gray sky became more
leaden as the day advanced with chill
northeast wind, but there was no nre.
cipitatiOn to interfere with the move
ments of the people until the curling
flakes of snow began to fall near nine
o'clock in the evening.
There were no services in the church
es other than that above alluded to.
except in the Episcopal Church. St.
Peters was perhaps never more artisti-
cally decorated, the chief feature being
large arch spanning the chancel front
supported by smaller ones on either
side-a miniature cathedral front.
These were so constructed as to repre-
sent handsome architectural gables
the whole in evergreen. There were
other Ornamentations as taste dictated
in harmony with the chief design.
Rev. G. W. Dame preached a well
prepared sermon, and the choir sang
with good effect a specially prepared
Te Deum and other music.
The Sunday School had their ami
versary in the chapel of this church in
the early part of the evening, attended |
by full house rs usual. Instead of a
tree ship came in ladened with pres
ents for the members of the school, the
rector making 1t the subject of an appro-
pirate address.
The evening was otherwise devoted |
to the drama, entitled Comrades"
finely presented by home talent, and
more partially noted in another col
umn.
1t was hardly to be axpeCted that the
weather should be so continuously on
its good behavior, Friday giving US the |
extreme of variations, about as bad |
on pedestrians as it could be. The
snow that had fallen during the night |
turned to hail before day light and to
rain at eight o'clock. making two or
three inches of slush. The ladies were /
virtually imprisoned at home, and |
though somewhat improved at night
the weather was not fit for the Sunday |
School entertainments at the NJ. E.
Churches, which were deferred until
last night.
The Christmas services proper were
held at the NJ. E. Church Sunday.
After beautiful organ prelude the
choir sang stately anthem in full and
strong chorus, entitled, Come Near
Ye Nations" composed by Michael |
Watson. A second anthem also nicely
rendered, was composed by Arthur
Sullivan, entitled, TT Came Upon the
Midnight Clear" The Obigata in this
was sung in clear, sweet notes by Miss
Hettie Megear. By request of the pas
tor this anthem was repeated at the
evening service.
Rev. w. W. w. Wilson, the pastor,
preached an attentively at listened
Christmas sermon in the morning, Rev.
Harry G. Budd preaching at night,
Monday night the ladies of the B. NJ.
S. K, Club had the town pretty well
in hand in their reception which was
pronounced by the guests one of the
finest social holiday features that has
ever been presented, aud they are uni
Versally extended vote of thanks for
originating and executing it so sue
cessfully.
CHRISTMAS TREATS.
The Christmas treat at the Asbury
M. E. Sunday School last night was
decided success. The basement was
filled to its utmost capacity, many of
the older people turning out to see
their children receive their bag of con-
fectiOns. The chancel contained two
Christmas trees handsomely decorated
Ed. DeFOrd acted as "Old Kriss" while
Sec. VIM. F. Brown called out the
names of the scholars to which they
by going forward and re-
ceiving their gift. It was quite anus
ing to see the happy children of the in
fant department.
The Jerman chanel SUNDAY School