The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1897-12-29
XMAS CELEBRATIONS.
CHRISTMAS PRESENTS DISTRIBUTE
ED no THE CHILDREN.
Turner Hall Was n Merry Place.
Gatherings Mt the Westminster
aud shenrn Churches.

Turner hall was full TO overlooking last
night, the occasion being the Christmas
tree celebration given by the Sunday
schools OF the Annunciation and Sacred
Heart churches
1t was indeed, a pretty sight. The stage
was ablaze with light. and was occupied
| by an immense Christmas tree. which
was loaded with a dazzling collection CT
pretty things for the children.
b. a. Randolph was Santa Claus, and
! the shouts OF approval coming from hum
dreds OF children on his appearance testi-
fled to his pre- crninently proper appear
ance; and the only thing lacking were
the rendeers and the seighs. However
that may be, the grown people as we'll as
the children enjoyed themselves. and all
went home happier for the occasion.
The Sunday school OF the Westminster
Presbyterian church celebrated its first
Christmas last night at the church with
Christmas tree, and an attractive pro-
eramme OF songs and Rotations by the
younger members Of the school.
While the programme was being carried
out, all eyes would occasionally wander to
the Christmas tree. laden with good things
and brilliant with light from the candles
among the pines The distribution of pop
corn balls. candles and apples ended the
exercises.
There was just enough chill In the air
last night to make 1t real Christmas
weather. and all the more favorable on
account OF clear moonlight sky and com
paratively dry state Of the streets, quite
in contrast TO the inclemency OF last
week. The Sunday school children took
advantage of the fact and up to the hour
of commencement of the exercises Of the
evening Shearn church chapel was COM
plctely filled with perhaps the largest
gathering the spacious building had ever
held The children We're there to soc
santa Claus, participate in the singing and
receive a share OF the good things, while
the parents and old folks came to enjoy
themselves In seeing the little ones happy.
mo meeting formally opened at 1880
o'clock By r. S. Tracy one OF the super
bntondents. announcing the opening HYMN.
Joy to the World" aud continued with
the following:
Prayer--W b. Jones
Hymn--'All Hall the Power of Jesus
Name"
Instrumental Soiection-Professo Vim.
MorrisS mandolin club.
Recltation-May Bell Howell
ec.tation-Juanita Baker.
Duet--(banjo and guitar) -Messrs. Nor
rlss and Dake
Recitation Francis Smith.
Recltation-V Smith
Quartette (piano. two viohns and man
doltn) Mrs. Oliver and pupils.
Al the conclusion the superintendent an
Eounrod that on this occasion they had
been favored with distinguished guest.
VINO on appearance would need no intro
ductlon- The statement proved quite true
lot Mt appearance OF venerable friend
IN form of Santa Claus, the EXPLANATIONS of
Joy that arose proved that the children
had heard of him before
IN remembrance of the poor children of
the city who were not so fortunate as those
present, free win Offering was made nv
the children for this purpose and s13 s5
given out ms the sum realized Besides
this, large quantity OF clothing and use
full articles were donated
The Sunday school of Trinity (Eplscopan
Mission will celebrate Christmas tomor-
row evening at 6 O'clock with religious
exercises, at their mission In the Fair
Grounds addition.
Christmas tree will then be offered
the children mt The residence of MIR. Polk
now vacant, and hut a few steps from tho
mission. ''''
The ladies in charge are making consid-
cradle preparations for a good time. in
Guiding the engagement OF Santa Claus
VINO mas promised TO be there.