The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-25
CHRISTMAS EVE.
Trees and Cantatas Given by
the Sunday Schools.
ssMiss Christmas Day" at First
Methodist Church.
SANTA CLAUS BUSY.
Appeared at Congregational
Church in an Automobile.
Made a Quick Trip from Bis
marck, n. ID.
SANTA CLAUS BUSY.

marck, n. ID.
If anv cynic is impressed with the idea
that Christmas entertainments are losing
their hold on children and SUNDAY
schools, it is time for him to retract MS
opinion after last night. A few Sunday
schools did not hold exercises last even
ing, but those that did played 70 croMu-
ed houses. Many others VIII nave en-
tertainments tonight. Among these VIII
be the First Baptist church and the
First United Presbyterian.
One of the most pretentiouS entertain
ments was the cantata given by troupe
of tiny girls and boys at the First Me4h-
odist church last evening. 1t was all by
and for the very little people. and COM
menced at o'clock BY all had gone
home to be tucked in bed so their stock
ing might have time to fill before morn
ing. 1t was entitled Miss Christmas
Day" The little play was given in the
church Darlor, where suitable decofa- =
tions had been arranged and large
Christmas tree erected as the center
about which it all revolved. At its
close dainty boxes of candy were award =
ed to the good little boys and girls who
had come out to see Tonight snort
programme arranged by Mrs. Margaret
Hin McCarter will be given in the main
part of the church. to which the deco
rstiOns have been transferred.
About the base of shapely Christmas
tree in the First Pres Dyterian church
stood row of lighted candles last even
ing. There was one for each year since
the church was organized. forty-two in
all. This was only a very pretty part OF
very pretty scheme OF decoration
upon which no pains had been spared
by the people of the Presbyterian Sun
day school OF all the pretty Christmas
tree services given in Topeka this was
probably the most elaborate. As re
ward for the care taken in preparing the
entertainment the church was packed
full The programme commenced at q
quarter past Z O'Clock and lasted for
nearly two hours, closing with the Gus
tomary distribution of candy. The candy
itself was feature. it was so good.
Mrs. Fred Brown gave a harp solo as
part of the programme. Had it not
been against the rules of church ETH
quet to applaud Mrs. Brown would
have received a hearty encore. There
were a number of short Rotations and
songs by children from the Sunday
school and all gave evidence of careful
preparation. AS the children's part of
the entertainment closed the room was
darkened and from one side of the large
church slowly swung an illuminated
star which made its way 10 a place
above the manger, which was a part OF
the Christmas decoration. When it haG
come to STOP Mrs c. F. Mennjnger
began the reading of the story of the
coming of the Christ. This was made
more intensely interesting by the LIANT
raised at one side. The illustrations,
were taken principally from old paint
ings and the lantern worked unusually
well. Its effect was unexpectedly sue
cessful. Things closed with the distri-
button Of candy by a frosty bearded
Santa Claus.
The Santa Claus at the First Congre-
gational church made his appearance in
an automobile after d series of misha ps
with his sleigh and reindeer. Shortly
after the opening of a very interesting
programme a small boy hastened upon
the scenes bearing a dispatch from Bis
mafck n. D., stating that Santa Claus
was on his way. The Saint was uexl
heard from at Lincoln, and a little later
at Hiawatha where he reported that his
sled had broken down. The rest of his
journey to Lawrence was made on fooi
but he there secured an automobile, as
his frequent messages informed the
Sunday school It was in this vehicle
that he made his appearance on tht
church platform from which he CAV.
out candy with a lavish hand The idee
was a success and pleased the children
mlghuly. The decoration in the Con
greSatiOnal church was simple but won.
derfully effective. The loft was draqeC
win ground pine and in midair a large
ghttering white star was supported.
magnificent Santa Claus suuerin.
tended things at the First Christian
church and from the abundance of hi.
pack passed out candy to all Whosl
names appeared on the list of good chill
dren. 1t was long list. The nttl,
celebration took place in the church an
mex which was well filed. AS the name,
We're called pretty girls took the boxes
OF candy and found the proper person
in the audience It was a process re
curing some time and at it's close TIL
audience arose and sung hymn o
Christian fellowship before saying goos
night.
Things went well at the Central Con
gregational church where a very prett,
programme was gone through by the
children Of the Sunday school. From {
tall candle lighted tree small gifts wer,
distributed at the ending of the evening
Following is the programme rendered:
Song by chorus
2.-Recitation. Dorothy Holman.
3.-NOcal Solo. Jov Paxton.
4.-RecitatiOn Master Kuypers.
5--Reading. Prof. Towne
6.-RecitatiOn. Louise Culver.
Song by chorus.
There are few churches in town il
which Christmas or other church en-
tertainment receives more of the unani
nous support of the congregation thai
-@---.--s-a-l----