The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-12-30
Christmas at the Churches.

Christmas at the Churches.
Christmas was day of warm temperature and |
deep mud. but the spirit of the holiday season |
was abroad in all its generous inspiration. and
everywhere elevated thoughts and aspirations of
mankind, in spite of the gloomy face of the |
widow of generations"
The pleasures of Christmas tide found express
sion in the homes of Ravenna. and the house |
holds that did not radiate with the festivities
and good cheer Of this joyous day were few in
number.
In the churches special services and exercises
were held and the various auditoriums were well
filed with reverent worshippers. to whom the
" DID, old story" was fraught with new and abb
ding comforts.
1 At the Congregational Church the program
heretofore published was carried out to the letter.
Bvergreens and flowers formed the decorations.
which were simple.but very pretty and effective.
The bright faces. sparkling eyes and merry coun
tenances communicated the lightsome felicity of
childhood to the older ones. sand not heart there
but responded to the powers of such gracious
influence. The very air seemed pregnant with
Christmas thoughts. and a meaning was conse-
quently attached to each presentation deeper
than the ordinary Interpretation given to such
selections.
About S.. 90 in money and generous donation
in food and clothing were realized for the poor
of our city.
At Grace Church Christmas Festival was held
Monday evening. In addition to the lovely ho
raj decorations that graced the sides and arches
of this beautiful house of worship. tree laden
with the generous bounty of good st. Nick m ade
glad the hearts of the children, and the little
ones cast many an anxious glance at this won
derful arbor vite. The services were of a very
lnIaosiDo oha aracter and the occasion of mu ch
; enjoyment.
FL Although greatly wearied from his long and
protracted journeyings. Santa Claus had no idea
of canceling his engagement at the Disciple
Church last Saturday night. Having descended
q the chimney that looked to him the most spa
# cious and inviting. he suddenly surprised the
f children in the midst of their festivities, by
= emerging from large old fashioned fireplace,
which had been constructed back of the pulpit.
He was laden with large sack and basket. and
= despite his excessive fatigue. made his rounds
among the children with vigor of step that even
rivaled their juv venile shyness The faithful old
Saint did not allow his reputation to suffer, but
distributed his3 bounties with heartiness anC
to good will that fully vindicated the fame of hi
ic generosity, and en4hroned him stronger than ev
is er in the affections of his benefciares. There
re can be no manner of doubt that the genuine st
Of Nick was present at this occasion.
Music, recitations. and remarks by the Pastor
IN completed the program.
. Thursday evening was the time appointed TO
the annual visitation of Santa Claus to the Meth
- odist Episcopals. The interior of the churc
was very ingeniously and attraetively decorated
On either side of the platform two gothi
n towers trimmed with evergreen, and pierced b.
m a brightly illuminated window, the two bein
ne ioiued by high gothic arch. 1t was origina
'S and pleasing.
mt The exercises commenced with organ vol
tary followed with prayer by the Superintendent
ew Then came a well rendered exercise by class {
girls, after which the School united in song. Th
nv next was recitation by Miss Jennie Carother
E. P. Russell then delighted the audience with
:. magnificent bass solo. Misses Eunice Huntle
and Lulu Furry recited two selections, in whic
his they embodied the best points of elocution.
to A duet by Miss Carothers and Mr.. Russell w
rse the last number on the program before the a
nat pearance of the long expected Santa Claus, W
as soon as the last notes had died away, was d
cid scried in the distance approaching the seer
osh where he was wont to be monarch of all he 81
c. veyed. But alas for his hopes for Mrs. Sar
ESQ. Claus followed him that evening. and althou
and she compelled him to bear the burden of carr
son ing the great load of gifts. sooner did he
L. posit them at convenient place for distribute
than she foreibly deposited him under the tab
ana prOCo6u0U u Cldlu d1A INC CIeuII duu AOH
lon by distributing the presents with her best gra
ner and sweetest smiles.
Der, The program was considerably shor; ened
low the absence of several who were to have appe
the ed Int who fell victims to la erippe
wing At the Church of the Immaculate Concept
d as High Mass was celebrated at and 10 o'clo
ugh Low Mass intervening at 8. The Church was
re of splendent in flowers and evergresns, and Chr
'ned mas cheer peryaded throughout.
An extended program had been prepared
,e on Christmas night at the Universalist Church.
stay unfortunately many of the expected particips
to do were detained at home by Sickness thus nece
e all rily abridging the evenings entertainment
cer- ever the exercises were varied and interest
afording much enjoyment to those present.
After the recitations and other exercises.
- - ~ attention of old and young was directed to
p'' familiar figure of old Santa Claus. who appei
drawing a sleigh filled with Christmas gifts.
old fellow distributed his bounties right and
dnes- and soon depleted his stock. It was an eve
Eed ~ of unalloyed pleasure.
Judd Tbo 0ood natured and tireless gift dispe
and had planned to be among merry lot of
m the brants at OakTood Chapel the same night
e Dis was suddenly taken sick with the celestial
and laid up for repairs. He did not disapI
ootoa them altogether, however, for he sent gene
oo,,nt lot of presents to be distributed among t
"a tho with his compliments The exercises were
: ~, than ordinarily we'll rendered.