The news & observer., 1896-12-30
SANTA CIAUss RECEPTION.
lie Delighted a Large Crowd at the
First Baptist Church

The Sunday School Of the First Baptist
church of Raleigh has for years been
noted for its pleasing Christmas enter
tainments, and Santa Claus's reception,
there last night was one Of its very best
and brought delight and pleasure, not
only to the little folks, but to the big
folks as well. Long before the beginning
Of the interesting programme the
Sunday School room had filled to
overfoWing with the scholars of this
school, their parents and friends, and
for an hour and a half the immense
throng was highly entertained by the
little gifted singers and takers OF the
school.
The exercises were opened with prayer
by the pastor, Rev. DR. Carter. Then
came the opening chorus by the infant
class, Ring Ring the Bells" which was
delightfully."- rendered.
Santa Calus's reception came next with
a solo by the teacher, Miss Pearl Jones,
and a fun chorus by the class.
"I believe" a very catchy little solo
was next, and Master James Thomas
was particularly happy In it's rendition.
The next was a song of the SnOwland,
a charming little trio by Bessie Rogers,
Alice Newcombe and Willow Norris
"Zeno," the messenger of Santa Claus
then appeared and made some happy hits
by announcing how be was going to de-
ceiYe old Santa and attend the reception.
the impersonation was by Master Talcott
Brewer, who played the part to perfec-
ton. Master Charlie Watson sang a
cheer up song that was much enjoyed.
Next came the Indian boys song"
by band Of boys in Indian costume.
Little Mary Ray sang her dolly to sleep
with the pretty little ballad GO to Sleep
My Dolly" and was then wooed to sleep
herself by the little fairy queen Ethel
Lyon in a recitation and song.
The Chinese motion song, by Hattie
Johnson, Ellen Durham, Emma Jones,
Sadie Upchurch, Emma Johnson, Jessie
Wyatt and Jessie Allen was a pleasing
feature of the programme. Little Mat
tie Lumsden, with perfect voice and gcs-
ture led Santa is the fellGw" and was
joined in the chorus by a class Of well
trained voices.
The real hit of the evening was a
recitation by Bessie Rogers, whose elocu-
tion would have done credit to one ten
years her senior.
The old woman in the Shoe" was
impersonated by Miss Lizzie Briggs, and
her own introduction and the chorus of
the twenty five or more little children
that lived in the shoe with her, were
pleasing features OF the entertainment
dot and Dimple' were represented
by Maggie Faucet and Carrie Teachy,
and then Master James Thomas told how
troublesome the word don't" was to a
child 1t was don't" every day in the
week and especially all day on Sunday.
"The song of the boys band" chorus
Longing for Christmas" Santa Claus
Song" and ''children's chorus" were all
well rendered.
Then came Santa Claus, Mr.. G. W.
Newcombe, in n song full Of good cheer
for the children and then n solo and
chorus, led by Miss Ella Dicks. Zona,
again in happy mood" and finally the
closing chorus, Good Night" and an
invitation from Santa Claus for all the
children to follow him and each should
be rewarded.
The orchestra was composed OF piano,
Mr.. Sam Parrish cornet, Mr.. Thomas;
trombone, Master Wilber Royster; first
violin, Miss Maggie Moring; second VIOLIN
Master Charles Watson.
Special commendation is due the pOpu-
lar and efficient superintendent of this
school, Mr. s. w. Brewer, not only for