New-York tribune., 1896-12-25
MOUNT VERNON.

Special Christmas services are TO be heid ,his
morning In Old ST. Pauls Episcopal Church in
East Chester at 1915 o'clock. The choir VIII he
composed OF Miss Fannie c. Levy. soprano: Miss
Louise Smith. alto: William y. Whitney. tenor;
Arthur Williams. basso and Marion q. Rice or
Ganist. A sermon will be preached by the rector
the Rev. William s. Cofey. The occasion Will be
the l9th anniversary OF the observance of the
Christmas holiday by the congregation The first
Christmas services held in 1902. under the
direction OF the Rev. John Barlow, In the ola
church on the green The decorations were by the
young of the parish. who brought fir and ever
green from the forests. Christmas-tree was
feature not 10 be forgotten. The custom OF
having Christmas tree in the church continued
for many years. In 1851 the Rev. DR.. Corey placed
a Christmas tree In the vestibule OF ST. faul
Church. The tree this occasion was surrounded
by overplus of children. many OF whom were
not connected with the parish After they had re-
ceived their gifts. they took possession OF the
church with drums and horns. and became so rude
that the rector was obliged to drive them away
and establish the rule that Yuetide celebra tons
must be held in the rectory. The Rev Dr. Corey
has among the relies of the church list OF gifts
which have been distributed IN years gone %! 10
the children OF his fold. Many OF these children
have since grown up ana become Weh,knoWn M WE
citizens of Mount Vernon and elsewhere; but the
ay-haired rector says ii seems only short time
since they were surrounding him ,.., .oo,o
The Board OF Managers of the Hospital Associa-
tion. in connection with the announcement that
the hospital VIII he opened on January J. nave Is
sued an appeal for assistance. Ihey urge upon
the citizens to send to the hospital money, provis-
ions. clothing or anything that will be useful
Members of the Westchestcr Womens CLUB nave
received as special token OF esteem letter from
Miss Clara Barton. in which she recounts her eN-
present situation OF the Christian sufferers. The
letter addressed to Mrs. A. q. Ham.
The Cavendsh Social Club is a new organization
formed on Wednesday, at the home OF Mrs Pom
Harry Tuttle, secretary, and James Mlller' treas
urcr.
Fire. caused by a frozen gaspipe exploding and
igniting in the basement. destroyed the home of G.
H. HOuten. No. 90 South Eeventn-ave. YESTERDAY
afternoon. The loss is estimated at over %'o"
While running TO the fire. Clinton Hook ana l.ad,
der Company's new truck was overturned ana
damaged. Firemen Hilbert. Bryant and Schinder
who were on the truck. had narrow eScapr;
The Mount Vernon quartet Club held It's christ
mas festivities in Schuerermann's Hall, last night
Christmas exercises of the SUNDAY ,schoo OF ne
First Presbyterian Church We're held IN me auni-
torium of the church last evening" The exercises
consisted OF recitations and carols ny me cnliul,i
an address by the pastor and other features. one
angel chorus sung by twelve little girls behind
screen. which were pasted large gilt stars; me
head to be put through and the effect OF the lit
tie faces appearing all at once IN the star screen
''Luther's Cradle Song" while rocking in little
chairs and putting their dolls TO sleep The emil
dren brought great many gifts for the poor; Tor
the spirit OF the Sunday-schoo has always been
rather for giving than for receiving at christmas
Christmas exercises in the public schools We're OF
marked interest this year both as Tesards thc
programmes and the attendance. The reception
al the High School the first ever held, ana IL
was perhaps, unfortunate that the building was
too limited in size 10 make advisable more gen
erous sending out Of invitations. The large study
hall and recitation rooms we're prettily decorated
The lighting was. not on so large scale as IN n.
tended because Of the neglect OF the electric ght
company to make good connection that nad Dech
burned out There were piano and violin solos.
but the features Of the evening were the vocal
solos by the Misses Isabel Scudder and Milicent
Phelps and the singing OF the class ode OF the New
Paltz Normal School by five ex-pupls OF the High
school A reception to the pupils was given III
the evening by A. Noel Bakeman. president, and
Jesse IAniz Henry f. Rhoades. 1nH Or : o.
sisted by Principal A. Il. Davis
IN tho same evening the Christmas exercises OF
Grammar School No. : were held under the drec-
lion OF Principal r. A. Preston