Connecticut western news., 1892-12-29
HOW CHRISTMAS WAS OBSERVED.

brated Christmas in a very impressive and appropriate manner although ow- ing to the extreme cold weather the attendance at the various services was not quite as large as usual.
 The Pilgrim church was neatly trim med with evergreens while ropes of laurel were festooned from the ceiling and along the walls. On Sunday morn- ing the passor, the Rev Charles D. Mil liken. preached an excellent sermon from the text recorded in Philippians H. 9-10, and the choir very finely rendered the Christmas anthem and the hymns select ed for the occasion. In the evening the services consisted of responsive read ings, recitations by the Sunday school children, anthems and hymns by the choir in which they were ably assisted by the pastor who also read beautiful Christmas story. Rev Dr Eddy made a very happy address to the children. On Monday evening a so called Christ mas sociable was held in the church parlors which were neatly trimmed with evergreens. A very pleasing feature. especially to the children, was "Santa Claus chimney" which had been built in a corner of one of the parlors. In the fireplace of this chimney were stored presents of books, games, dolls, toys aka o1N1o Even the innocent-looking bricks of which the chimney was built proved to be boxes of candy, and every one pres ent, both old and young, received one of those bricks and an orange. If you must "carry brick in your hat" that's the kind of brick to carry. Refresh ments consisting of chocolate and cake were served. By special request the choir and pastor repeated some of the hymns sung the previous evening; then all returned to their homes, well pleas ed with the evenings entertainment.
 The Methodist Episcopal church was elaborately trimmed with evergreens, and evergreen pieces such as crosses, harps, wreaths. stars and other designs. Encircling the arch behind the desk, in large evergreen letters were the words, "GLoRY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST" On one side of the arch were the words ''PEAoE ON EARTH" and on the opposite side "aooD WILL TO MEN" A large ev- ergreen Christmas bell was suspended from the chapde over the centre aisle. Preaching services were held Sunday morning and Sunday evening. The pastor, the Rev T. s. Bond, preach ed able and appropriate sermons. For the morning discourse he selected his text from, Galatians ". A.; and for the evening, from St Matthew xxx. 28. On Monday evening the children's Christ mas services were held in the church. The exercises consisted of responsive readings, recitations by the Sunday school children, and hymns by the choir. Rev T. s. Bond brought his stereopti- con and gave views of many scenes in the life of Christ as we'll of views of the Holy Land. He also gave some dissol- wing and comical views to amuse the children especially. But we must tell you of what occurred before the views were presented. A screen was removed behind the chancel rail when To large hut covered with evergreens appeared. Standing before the open arch doorway of the hut was full size sleigh filled with presents for the Sunday school scholars and their teachers, while pres ents were also hanging on each side of the doorway. In moment Santa Claus (personated by l.. A. Caldwell) appear ed in the hut. He was dressed appro- priately for zero weather, nevertheless he appeared to be almost frozen and the vigorous manner in which he re- peatedly leaped into the air and swung his arms to warm himself proved that he must have driven direct from the North Pole; at all events he said he was glad to reach that hut He soon pro- ceeded to distribute his sleigh load of presents and the eager and happy man. ner in which they were received richly paid Old Santa for his benevolence and for his long and cold ride.
 Christ church was tastefully, but not elaborately, trimmed with evergreens and evergreen wreaths and crosses On Sunday morning the Holy Communion was celebrated and the rector, Rev F. W. Barnett, preached an impressive sermon from the text recorded by St. Luke IT. 10. On Sunday evening the usual service was read. The Christmas celebration for the children took place last evening Wednesday, and it was 8 happy time for the young folks, and for the older ones too. A beautiful Christ mas tree, nicely decorated with tinsel and pop corn and we'll laden with pres ents stood upon long table in the aisle while the heavier presents rested upon the table. The children sang carols, and then listened to an address by the rector, who, as we have often re- marked in previous years, possesses the happy faculty of talking to the children in such manner that he not only in- terests them but the adults It is need less to say that the children greatly en- joyed the presents which. were then distributed to them.
 Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph's church at 7.3O and II a. m., by the Rev Fr. McCartin, formerly stationed on this mission, who also preached short Christmas sermon. The sanctuary and altar were very tastAfullx decorated with