Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-12-27

They CRY that fashion is modifying the
spOutaneity and WbOlesOmeness OF this
most beautiful of the years festivals.
And while ii must be admitted that the
abnormal proportions TO which the gift
making habit has attained offer some
cause for rebuke, surely the most pessi-
mistic must recognize. aside from any
purely sentimental manner Of regarding
the seasOn-though the dissertation Is 3
trife hard-that a kindlier spirit per
vades the city. This was obvious in
the package-laden crowds that thrOnged
the thOrOughfares. Good nature was
the rule, reflection OF that goodwill
towards men which unhappily when 10
exists at all is covered by mask OF con-
veutiOnality during most OF the year.
The holiday falling on Sunday this
year made the festivities long drawn
out, but emphasized the spiritual side
Of the feast, which was uniutentionally
perhaps a little ObScured by the very
material side.
CHRISTMAS TREES AT CHURCHES.
While there were many Christmas
trees displayed in houses about the city,
there were few specially notable gain
er.ngs 81 some OF the churches. AT the
English Lutheran Church on Sixteenth
street, last night, there was beautiful
Christmas service. ia which q we'll
laden tree Of gifts prominently figured.
The large veStry was packed with peo-
pie clear out % the doors, and chairs
had 20 be placed In the aiSles. The pas
tor, Rev. Dornblaser, took charge OF
the exercises, which consisted OF songs
and recitatiOns, the music all through
the exercises being q noteworthy feat
IRE. IL was bright and inspiring, and
ell present entered into the melody with
heartfelt delight. The vestry was
prettily decorated, different eolored
banners, shields, holly aud mis-
t.etoe figuring at intervals around
the room. Near the platform was
large Christmas tree, decorated Win
tinSel and loaded with many pretty
gifts, which were distributed at the
close Of the musical programme. IL
did ones heart good TO look Ia upon
this picture OF Juvenile delight. a
merr.er Christmas gathering was not
seen in the city.
At the First Baptist Church last
night there was also large assemolage
Of Sunday School scholars, together
with their parents aud teachers IN
point Of decorations, perhaps, TINS
church excelled any in the city. Ihey
W. 2 elaborate and intricate, and were
vieN ID by the children with consldera-
Die wonder. The exercises were held
In the main church, and some
idea OF the extent Of the deeora-
tions may be judged from
the fact that there were 1000 yards OF
evergreen rope used. IN the very CEN
ire Of the church aud depending snort
distance from the ceiling was huge
bell In gold, and radisting from the top
Of this bell TO points all around the 10
terror OF the church were alternate les
to0us OF flowers aud evergreen rope.
The effect was Indeed striking ana
picturesque. Upon the pulpit PLATFORM
was arranged a net work OF evergreen
while all around the front Of the balcony
decorations prevailed. The author OF TINS
pretty and ingenious display was MI
Harry Kssley, Supt Of the Sunday
School. The bell was made OF wire, ana
constructed by Mr.. Charles Strooel.
There was no Christmas tree az tnis
! church, the gifts being distributed oy
Me Superintendent, at the close OF tne