Arizona republican., 1894-12-25
PEACE ON EARTH Celebration of Christ
 mas in Phoenix. How the Anniversary DaWned Last Night. Churches AblaZe With Light
 and Radiant Faces.
Snow and Ice and the Rigorous North Not Necessary Adjuncts
 of the Great Holiday.

It is unnecessary to inform the popu- lace that this is Christmas. The great est anniversary of the anniversaries of all nations has not approached like a thief in the night. The preparations for it's observance have been long and elaborate.
 It is said by those who have spent Christmas tide in the southern hem isphere, or even in the tropical and semi tropical region of the northern hemisphere, that something was lack ing. Maybe it was the snow ard ice of the north, where the festal day was born, for though Christmas is popu- larly supposed to be the anniversary of the Savior's birth, there has been en- grafted upon the beautifulconception an ar rcient custom of the rigorous north.
 Today has not been preceded in Phoe- nix by snow or ice or frost, but for all that Christmss here can never more be regarded as an emigre holiday. Never before were such preparations for it's observance. For weeks the shelves and tables of stores have been laden with holiday goods. For days the mails have been crowded with gifts for eastern and northern friends.
 The children of Phoenix seemed to feel by instinct that this was to be euch a Christmas as they had never seen be- fore. and they looked forward to it with unusual impatience.
 The churches easily f.t. into the same way of thinking. and vied with each other in the completeness of their pre- parations f)r it's celebration.
 At the Presbyterian church probably the largest crowd of all assembled to participate in the Christmas exercises. A program had been prepared which in cluded interesting musical and literary features as we'll as the religious praise offerings appropriate to the celebration of the birth of Christ. The children were very much in evidence and a Christmas tree, with reserve fund of boxes and parcels in the vestry, yield ed crop of useful, ornamental and good tasting gifts to the immense de- light of all.
 An immense crowd of young ard old congregated at the Center street Methodist church. Even more teams were tied outside than is GUS tomary on Sunday. The children sang, read and recited ,and some of the very young ones even squalled. The choir rendered glad music. The parents listened to all in admiring ecstasy, and at last the gifts from gigantic Christmas tree were distributed freely and lavishly to all.
 The windows of the Washington Street NJ. E. church were ablaze with the light thrown not only from the usual sources of illumination, but from the radiance of a blooming Christmas tree reflected from the faces of scores of happy children and SC ores of parents whose happiness was sympathetic but genuine.
 Not less imposing were the arrange ments at the Second Avenue Baptist church. Beside the indispensable Christmas tree there were interesting religious services and an excellent mu- sical program.
 At the other churches there were services commemorative of the ap- preaching day, and in the privacy of many families Christmas eve was made an epoch in the lives of hundreds of children.
 While Santa Claus will bring joy and happiness to the little ones in schools and homes, the "Commemoration of the Birth of Christ" will be duly observed today at the Catholic church. Early mass with an appropriate sermon in Spanish will be celebrated at a. m. by Rev. F. Jouvenceau, For high mass (Christ's mass) a good program has been arranged, "Battmann's mass in F will be rendered by the newly organized choir. Soprano soloists: |: Miss Nellie Walsh, f'Et incarnatus." ]" Miss Johnson, Ave Maria," Miss Cora Brill, alto soloist, Miss Lola Moreno, organist, Miss L. Arriola. Christmas sermon Beauty and ex- cellence of the Mystery of Incarnation" by Rev. M. Vandermaesen. Rosary and benediction at p. m. instead of 6:30 p. m.
 On Wednesday afternoon, 26th, at 4 80, the Sunday school of the Episco- pal church will have their Christmas entertainment. An attractive program will be rendered and the public is cor dially invited.
 Coin and Bullion.
 No1 0