Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1892-12-29
Christmas Exercises at the Universalist
Church.

Christmas eve at O'Clock the children of
the Sunday school and friends met in thieves
try where large tree had been prepared and
beautifully decorated with presents for the
children. Prior to the distribution of the
presents, short program Of songs, recita-
tons, readings and Instrumental music, was
given. After each child had received his re-
spective present of pop corn and candies, Ice
cream and cake were served to all who were
present. The cold weather prevented some
from distance attending and all went home
happy and with merry hearts.
In accordance with the custom for Christ
mas Sunday, the auditorium Of the church
was beautifully decorated for the occasion.
The chancel and space back of the pulpit was
covered with hemlock boughs Hastily arranged
by the committee in charge. Directly over
the pulpit, forming slight curve, was
trimmings behind and on both sides of the
pulpit. A large Christmas bell of evergreen,
from the center of which hung an Easter
lily, was suspended. At each Of the windows
was hung a wreath of evergreen fntertwined
with clusters of bright hued berries. A large
vase of Japanese lilies and white hyacinths
stood at the left of the pulpit. On the same
side was placed fine collection of variegated
pinks and in front of the altar stood num-
Der Of Easter lilies and other blooming plants.
The whole produced a fine effect. Owing to
the inability of the leader of the choir to be
not sung. This part of the mornings wor-
ship could not therefore be fully carried out
but all the music in the beautiful service for
Christmas in the service-book was rendered.
Christmas evening the annual Christmas
concert was given by the Sunday school.
Promptly at 6 O'Clock the procession marched
from the Sunday school room down the main
aisle of the church. This prelude was among
the interesting and beautiful parts OF the con-
cert. The classes were arranged In the order
of their ages and height, led by their respec-
tive teachers. They sang Christmas chorus
| a. they filed into the church. The superin-
tendent then read the Christmas service and
the school responded, after which all sang
| the TIE Deum and the opening exercises
closed with prayer. Miss Hall then recited
''The Bells Of Christmas" followed by Dana
Pierce who spoke the message of the
| singing a Christmas carol. Miss Madaline
Babbitt pleased the congregation In her recf-
tation, "The Old, Old Story" and the eleven
| little girls, each of whom spoke short verse
and all Of whom sung ooh Beautiful Star of
Bethlehem, Shine," the Sunday school sing
| ing the chorus, gave their parts finely. Miss
Cora Bush then read Bishop Brooks sweet
carol, "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" and
| Miss Grace Church sang . solo, "Hark! the
| Angels Singing" and Art. Taggart read a
"Christmas Legend" the school singing with
| fine effect ''The Star in the Sky" Miss Mamie
NiIHs tHeH Ttcitcu Dan OuIisIuas, uuciy
| impersonating the ''Two Beggar Boys" as
| they pondered the meaning of Christmas.
| This exercise was followed by a solo from
Schencker, rendered by Miss Anna Williams,
which was much appreciated. After two
other Rotations and singing by the school,
Miss Nettie Wheeler read "The Little Min
strels," which was among the well received
exercises of the evening. This was followed
by solo "Calvary" from Paul Rodney, the
fine voice of the tenor filling it with life and
emotion. Miss Matte Smith then recited
"The Christ Child" with marked effect, and
general singing by the school and congrega-
| ton and the benediction closed the exercises.