The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1897-12-29
Christmas at Montpelier.

Christmas at Montpelier.
A General Observance Of the Day-Dscora-
lions of Holly and Cedar usic. sermon
and Song and Christmas Trees 1t the
Churches Celebrate tho Advent Of tho
Worlds Redecmer-The Spirit Of Charity
Brings Happiness to tho Weary and
Heavy Laden.
Christmas morning broke clear and Bit
terly cold. The temperature was twelve
degrees below zero, but Notwithstanding
the inclement weather and the absence Of
sleighing the day was very generally OBJ
served In Montpelier. Although 1t WAS
Saturday, generally the busiest day. OF the
week, business was almost entirely sus-
pended. At tho various churches q wealth
OF gifts on Christmas trees Rladdened the
hearts Of old and young and at the Sunday
services that followed, the story Of the
birth Of q Savior in the lowly manger at
Bethlehem, the glad tidings OF peace on
aiding the advent of worlds redeemer by
angelic choirs was told In eloquent dis
course and triumphant music. The CRATE
full hearts OF many people In Montpelier did
not forget the needy and unfortunate, and,
clothing by Mount Sinai Temple and the
remembrance OF the poor and needy at the
Jail and city farm. told elsewhere, pleasing
accounts have been received which show
that not few destitute families in the COM
munity had cause to bless the day that
Christ was born. Such good deeds may 20
unrecorded in the columns Of the local
press, but sure it is that they have not es-
capped the notice OF the recording angel.
To those ministering spirits who devot-
ed the day to making poor people more
comfortable and happy by distributing
them the "inasmuch as ye did 1t unto the
least OF one OF these my brethren must
have new and comforting significance.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
Two heavily laden Christmas trees and q
real live Santa Claus brought Joy to many
hearts at the Baptist church last Saturday
evening. The exercises were held In the
vestry, which was packed TO its utmost ca
pacity. The decorations were mostly holly
and cedar and the exercises consisted OF
recitations and songs by the little folks and
q presentation Of the cantata The Tables
Turned, or Santa's Christmas." Santa
Claus was personated by Walter Thorpe,
secretary Of the Young Mems Christian AS
ISOLATION, and he created no little merri-
ment for the little folks. Rev. and Mrs.
w. A. Dawson were the recipients of a
handsome illustrated testimonial, substan-
| TALLY framed, which was presented to them
in q happy speech by Mayor George a.
Guernsey. On Sunday morning Rev. Mr..
Dawson preached sermon appropriate to
| the day.
BETHANY CHURCH.
The exercises connected with the Christ.
mas tree at this church occurred in the
main audience room on Saturday evening.
In the distribution OF presents from the
tree no member Of the Sunday-school was
forgotten. A short programme was given
which included an opening address by Jen-
sketch, "Dora and Her Mother" by Misses
Lucy Hutchins and Luella Stone, and sing
| ing by members Of the primary classes. A
dozen or more small boys represented the
Brownies and distributed presents to the
children. On Sunday morning Rev. DR..
Christmas Night in Bethlehem" In the
| evening DR.. Seaver's theme was A Lesson
from the Manger." A double quartette
furnished music for the occasion and the
programme was one OF unusual excellence
CHRIST CHURCH.
THE Christmas exercises connected with
this church were held Saturday afternoon
at four o'clock. The ladies OF the church
| had devoted much time and labor to the
decorations, which were of such an elabor.
ate and beautiful character that they were
the subject OF much favorable comment
! On the Christmas trees hung stockings
| overlooking with presents for each member
/ OF the Sunday school, and the programme
| included carols by the choir and school and
awarding of prizes for the year. Rev. A
N. Lewis the rector made brief address
and the members of the choir were the
recipients of gold badges bearing the caba.
listic letters "C.C." These were presented
by Rev. Mr.. Lewis and members OF the con,
gregation. The recipients OF the rector's
| prizes for excellence in written examina
tons on papers bearing upon the seasons Of
the church year, were Nellie Nichols, first
| Julia Adams, second; Ruby Eaton third
| Mary Mitchell, Ethel Roberts and Henriettt
Richardson also received prizes for excel
lence in this work. Almina Smith and
Henriette Richardson were awarded the
Cottrill prizes. On Sunday morning Rev
Mr.. Lewis preached on "The Nativity" and
an elaborate musical programme was rem
dered by the choir
| CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH.
On Christmas Eve, In the vestry OF the
Church OF the Messiah, the Brownies hello
full sway. They danced fantastic meas
| ures around the Christmas tree, sang quain
songs and distributed gifts to every member
OF the Sunday school. There were no forma
exercises but the children enjoyed a jolly
good time. To Miss Lucy Gould wal
awarded the prize, a handsome bible, fol-
attendance at every session OF the Sunday
school during the past year. At the Sunday
| morning service Rev. j. Edward Wright
the pastor, spoke ON "The Incarnation
Mrs. Hattie #. Willard had charge Of the
musical programme which was elaborate
and was fsultlessly rendered. The Christ
mas concert was held in the church Sunday
evening. The programme included singing
by the different classes, a Christmas story
read by Mrs. Collins Blakely, and recita
tons by several little folks.