Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1895-12-27
AT THE NJ. e. CHURCH.

AT THE NJ. e. CHURCH.
On Christmas night this church
was taxed to its utmost to accomo-
date the large audience which began
to assemble, an hour before the ap-
pointed time for the excerises to be-
gin While waiting the guests had
ample opportunity to study the de-
corations. On either side of the
platform stood an immense Christ
mas tree just tall enough to touch
the ceiling. The trees were hand
somely decorated, and laden with
toys for the infant class. Along
both sides of the church we're draped
long ropes of evergreen adding not
little beauty to the already attrac-
tive frescoing.
The main feature of interest how
ever centered about the platform.
Here an old fashioned fire place had
been constructed of brick, the Chin
ney running aloft from the mantel
in most realistic manner. The old
brass fire-dogs wanted nothing but
fire to make the whole affair real.
Rugs, chairs, lamps and other de-
corations were arranged about the
platform, giving UIIe wnole so nuIno
like an appearance that the hearts
of many a person must have wand
cred back to the old farm house,
where grand mother used to live.
Above the room hung huge g star
of Bethlehem " in the middle of it
the word Jesus"
Promptly at the time Mrs. Nefi
took her place at the organ, and to
the music of march the school led
by the pastor Rev. w. r. Neff, the
superintendent Mr. Rushing Dewitt
Assestant Supt., Mr.. VIM. Angle,
and Mrs Dunham Gregory, Supt. OF
the infant department, marched uI
the middle aisle of the church and
took the places assigned them. Il
was indeed a pretty sight to see the
bright expectant faces of the child
rem.
All were seated, and the whole as
sembly sang Praise God from
whom all blessing flow," " then
prayer was offered by the pastor
and the school sung :" The star thai
leads them all. Responsive services
, followed conducted by Mr.. r. De
Witt, after which the school sung
, Merry bells of joy, a prominent
feature of which was solo by Mis-
Maude Dewitt, rendered in charm
ing manner. Miss Lily Vantasse
then extended to the audience al
invitation to accompany the schoC
on an imaginary tour of the world
, The journey began with a rousin
song by the school. "Onward Merr
Christmas. " The first stop wa
at Judea. Here Mr.. VIM. Angl
5 conducted the school in responsivel
reading the account of the frs
Christmas, at its close the Who'll
= congregation joined in singin
" Calm on the listening ear of night.
|. The next stop was in England an
! Miss Anna May Watson recited
selection from Tennyson entitleC
' 1.-THE Birth of Christ" The nel
IS stop was In Scotland, and Mastt
u Harry Armstrong representing tht
country recited Sir Walter Scott
8, Christmas. Next Germany WI
/" visited and five little girls, Bess
!. Armstrong, Lily Gourley, Myrt
= Ryder, Lila Ryman and Mabel Va
n Etten sang "Luuher's Cradle Song,
r, and Miss Anna May Watson recitt
u a selection from Luther. From he,
il. they went to Denmark and Mi
n. Annie Kipp recited selection fro
be Helen Hays entitled " The bir
IS Christmas. To represent Austri
n; Miss Alice and master DudlC
IN Ryman sang a song describing t
do customs of the Austrian childr
Ie. that of putting light in the wi
" dow at Christmas time.
or; The next number was a congre
of nations represente by elev