Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1896-12-30

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS. - Last
night was a gala occasion for the little
folks, and for many of the older genera
ton, too, and the Baptist, Second Pres
byterian, Methodist Protestant and nj.
T. Church South were crowded at an
early hour with teachers. scholars and
their friends to celebrate Christmas. In
each church elaborate and tasteful
preparations had been made and every
thing passed off pleasantly and satisfac-
torily.
1t has for years been the GUS
tom of the Sunday-school of the NJ E.
Church South, in this city, to celebrate
the recurrence of the Christmas season
IN some special manner. In pursuance
OF this custom the Washington street
church was the scene of q most enjoy
able entertainment. With the eXcep-
ton of the distribution OF various gifts,
during which the pastor, Rev. ]. T..
Williams, and his associate, Rev. d. H.
Kern, were called on to return thanks
for unexpected offerings, as was also
the superintendent of the school, Mr..
J. E. Alexander, the evening was
devoted to music, the entire school
singing q number of appropriate selec-
tons, in alienation with special solos,
duets, etc. The entertainment was
success throughout, and its accomplish.
ment being confined to members of the
school proved that there is no lack of
excellent musical talent among the
young people, which only ueeds 6evel-
opment Every participant did so
we'll that it were invidious to single out
any one for special mention. The pro-
gramme was rendered under the direc-
ton of the musical director, Mr.. Henry
K. Field. ably assisted by Miss
Alice E. Thomas, organist, Mr..
Mr.. w. II. Starnell pianist, and an or
chestra under the leadership of Prof. E.
r. Dunn, and was as follows: Prelude
by the orchestra; song, "We March to
Victory" by the school; prayer; song,
Gloria Patria," by the school; song,
"Glad Tidings of Great Joy," by the
school, solo, Round the Manger Bell j"
Miss Gertrude Pickin; obligato solo,
-sOf the Fathers Love Begotten," Miss
Rebeccs Pollard, accompanied by the
school, distribution of presents; duet,
"Watchmau, Tell us of the Night"
Misses Mabel Graham and Mallie
Lynch; song, "The Newborn King" by
the school; solo, "Out in the Darkness"
Miss Mary Mays; male octette, "Sa-
y,iour Come H." by the Harmonic Oc-
tette Messrs. Netherland, Crump,
Powell J Adamson, Renner, VIM. and
r. e. Wright and Myers; duet, shout
the Glad ltdings." Misses Flora Dan
iels and Bertha Peake; song, LARK,
the Sound" by the choir; solo WITH
sextette refrain, "The Light of Love-"
Miss Virgie Cogen, with Misses Ger
trude PIckin, Mallie Lynch, Mary
MAYS. Mabel Graham and Mary Pol
lard; song, "Chime Agsin, Sweet
Bells" by the school.
The entertainment at the First Bap-
list Church was the most pleasant
chat has taken place there for years.
The church was filled with the friends
of the school long before 7:SO, and all
seemed to enjoy the entertainment:
The singing under the leadership OF
Mr.. Joseph Rodgers was as line as
any heard in the church on any former
occasion of this kind; and showed quite
plainly the ability of the leader. The
recitations by the children were great
ly enjoyed, as was also the chorus rep
resenting Christmas by eight little girls.
The presents from the scholars to their
teachers and from friends to friends
were numerous and handsome. All the
officers received tokens of esteem, and
MIR. VIM. Rodgers was rewarded hand
.somely, having served the school as
librarian for 20 years. The pastor,
Rev. J. II. Butler, received handsome
rocker. To the efficient superinten-
dent, Mr.. M. F. Robson, more than any,
one else, is due the success of the en-
,>ertainment, as he had been untiring
~ is efforts to make this the greatest
success, of them ali, and how we'll ne
succseda, can be better told by those
who atteno,>d the church last night.
James Tavlor ,'he colored sexton. was
remembered en bv t,,>s various societies OF
the church and rec, lived many useful
presents. a.: &c tha
Second Presbyterian Suno.W sSnoo'
was held in the church last tVen'ag,
and was pronounced by all to b.. o Dar
of the most enjoyable Of its kind eve.
held there. The music was OF hlgL
order and we'll sung under the leader
ship of choir of the young people.
The address was made by Mr.. K. KEN
per. The following is the programme
as arranged by the committee: Carol
<'Joy Bells" by the school; prayer;
carol, "Augols Song" by the school;
responsive scripture reading; solo, by
Miss Nj. E. Tyler; carol. "Starry Sky,
by the choir; solo, by Miss NJ. Moore;
carol, "Childrens' Christmas, by the in
FAINT class; carol, merry Christmas
Bells" by the school; obligato solo, by
Miss NJ. f. Tyler, accompanied by
choir; address; carol, christmas Sleigh.
ride" by the school; distribution OF
gifts; doxology.
The Methodist Protestant Sabbath
school held their Christmas celebration
last night. The church was beautifully
decorated. A large crowd Of children,
together with their parents. filed the
church. The singing by the school was
fue, and all of the recitations were we'll
delivered, rejecting credit on those
having the matter in charge. The pas
tor, Rev. F. T. Benson, was presented
with well-6lled purse by the school,
and its friends.
The children of St. Mary's Sunday
school held their Christmas celebra-
q, finn This exynpino of the T,vce1m Hall,