Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1896-12-29
CHRISTMAS AT THE UNIvAasAlisT

OHNIS MAS AZ TIE ONiNHNoSlto
| CHURCH, BETHEL.
At the Universalist church Thursday
evening, was enjoyed the best and larg
est Christmas festival In the recent his
tory Of the church.
In the dining room Of the chapel wa,
given free supper. All the children
were present, with many invited ones
who had no special church home. II
was a joyous sight to look upon, Those
long tables filled with little ones with
faces radiant with gladness. The chat
ter OF their childish voices and their mer
~ laughter resounded throughout the
room. The older ones were there too
Twice were the three tables filled, and
yet the good things remained In sbund-
ance, for the ladies Of the Universalist
society are rich Ia resources. About one
hundred and fifty took supper, and all
were happy and alive to the Christmas
spirit.
After supper all repaired to the church
which up to this time had been strictly
guarded against intruders. Herein were
vast secrets. The children had become
almost uumanageable In their expectant
anxiety to enter into the hidden myster-
les which as vet were behind closed
doors. At last the folding doors be-
tween the ladies' parlor and the audience
room Of the church were thrown open.
and the wondering crowd passed down
the side aisle aud thus scattered through
the church.
The room was dimly lighted. On the
platform in front were some evergreen
trees, but almost nothing was TO be seen
upon them. The people were much sur
prised, and the children gave utterauce
TO words OF disappointment, while they
looked with long faces around them.
There seemed to be no Christmas bright
ness to gladden. their Young hearts.
Reluctantly all were seated and the
choir opened with pretty Christmas
selection. Following this was Scripture
reading and prayer, and a second selec-
ton by the choir.
Then came the surprise. The lights
were turned on until the room was
ablaze. Then il WAS announced that
the next would be the fairy's welcome.
From the distance came soft, dulcet
strains OF music. Slowly the mass OF
evergreen began TO move. Gradually
from the center to each side did the trees
unfold, disclosing in their progress,
branches heavily laden with, as II SEEM
ed, everything beautiful In the universe.
Children's eyes opened wide with
lack surprise.
But look, In the midst OF all this
splendor and light, in this bower OF
evergreens. with her magic wand, her
fairy dress, and wings which seemed
already poised for flight, stands the queen
OF the elves, with golden crown upon
her brow, picture OF loneliness. In
this personstion, Miss Gladys Wiley
babe welcome To all In pretty little
poem, composed especially for the oc-
cssion, after which with fairy step"
and almost living, she disappeared from
view. The whole incident WAS a COM
pie surprise. The transformation OF
what seemed empty trees into those well
loaded had been so sudden, together with
this fairy vision in their midst, that the
audience was dumb with admiration. IL
was most admirably planned and ex-
ecuted.
Then followed the rendition OF the
pretty exercise, "Christmss JOY" with
recitatlons and selections by the chill
dren. and then the distribution OF the
gifts. Never before, does IL seem, were
trees so loaded. There were five trees
and every one must have been thought
OF. 4 most Joyous time II was and long
10 be remembered. All was good, the
supper, the surprise, the concert, the
d.li
RESOLUTIONS
On the death OF Cyrus II. Ripley OF
Mt Mica Lodge, No. Il, |. o. .. r,
south Paris, Maine:
Whereas, IL has pleased the Sovereign
Grand Sire OF the Universe In his infinite
wisdom 10 remove from our midst our
well beloved brother, Cyrus ii. Ripley,
to seat In the Grand Lodge above !;
Therefore be IL
Resolved, That we, the officers and
members OF Mt. Mica Lodge, deeply
mourn the loss Of our oldest and well be-
loved Brother. We
"Think not OF the fearful parting,
For beyond deaths turbid tide
We win some day meet our brother,
Heaven Il on the other side.
AS golden grain In perfect sheaf,
Hls wears are numbered 10 the fun extent:
And rest 10 him Is sweet relief.
Whose whole career was well and nobly spent
Resolved, That we tender 10 the fami-
" OF the departed brother our deepest
sympathy in this their hour OF sorrow
aud affection.
Resolved. That copy OF these resolu-
tons be sent 10 the family OF the deceas-
ed. and that they be placed upon the
records OF this lodge aud copy be pub
lished in the oxford Democrat.
r. MANN,
+. L. BURBANK, Committee.
+. A. SHURTLEFF,
On the death OF Norris keene OF MI.
Mica Lodge, No. Il, |. o. .. F., South
Paris, Maine
Whereas, Ii has pleased the Supreme
Creator and Preseryer OF the Universe
10 call from Us our well beloved Brother,
Norris keene, 10 seat IN the Granu
Lodge above therefore be II
Resolved, That we, the officers and
members OF Mt. Mica Lodge. deeply
mourn the loss or our brother,
For there y hushei on carth
voice OF gladness,
There Il yelled a face
Whose parting leaves n dark and silent place
By the once joyous hearth.
Resolved, That we tender to the family
OF our departed brother our tenderest
sympathy In this their sad bereavement.
Resolved, That copy Of these resolu-
tions be sent to the family OF the de-
ceased, and that they be placed upon the
records OF the lodge, and a copy be
published i'm the Oxford Democrat.
+. L. BURBANK,
FRANK MANN, Committee.
+. 4. SHURTLEFF,