The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-12-26
The SPIRIT OF
CHRISTMAS
Good Cheer and JoyfuIAoss tho
Rule In All Quarters.
DINNERS FOR THE POOR.
Cantatas and Santa Claus at Local
Churches The Day at the Various
Institutions.

The result Of the many days Of hard
work and exposure of the men ana
women OF the Salvation army was shown
Yesterday when fully 800 men enjoyed
the hospitality OF the local corps OF the
Bethel al 9s wickenden street. and Az
they watched the look OF satisfaction
spread over the faces OF the guests they
felt repaid for the tedious work OF stand
Ing on the cold curbing and collecting
the mite from the Christmas shoppers.
These men were not of tho hobo and
free-lunch graft types. but appeared
20 be respectable working men who had
from lack of employment or misfortunes
been reduced 10 poverty.
There was room for about 100 al the
frst table and IL was about 1880 when
they sat down and after singing the
doxology led by Capt. Kingsepp enjoyed
the substantial menue provided
The dinner included roast pork, mashed
potatoes. turnips, bread and butter.
Coffee, tea and fruits and was well
served.
The Swedish String band from the
weybosset street headquarters played Sc
ieofions and Ensign Englestad gave
phonograph concert and II was about
been served.
Singing and brief addresses concluded
the observance OF the day.
UNION GOSPEL MISSION.
There were 100 men treated 10 a
Christmas dinner at the Union Gospel
mission. 260 Eddy street. yesterday, and
through the efforts of Superintendent
Henry F. Kelly and his assistants, had
a pleasant day.
An appetizing meal was served COM
pr1ning n savory beef stew. bread and
butter coffee and doughnuts and the
guests OF the mission ate with every
appearance OF enjoyment. The mission
room could not accommodate all the men
at one time and there were several re-
lays beginning a little before IL and
continuing until after o'clock. when the
whole number had been served.
The Christmas tree distribution Of
gifts TO the children OF the Sunday
school connected with the mission will be
next Friday evening. and Superintendent
Kelly win be glad 10 receive donations
for this occasion at any time during the
next week
VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA.
The Volunteers OF America had a
Christmas service last evening in their
hall on Westminster street. which was
well attended The speakers were John
Fletcher, deacon Of the Roger Williams
Baptist church: William Small and w.
j. Bradley. Fred Hall led the "tesu-
mony'' meeting after the speaking. Mu-
sic was furnished by a mems chorus. The
service was In charge OF Capt. Davy.
ST. JosEPHs HOSPITAL.
Though Christmas came on a weekly
fast day. the festive features OF the holi-
day were given precedence at st. JeSeph's
hospital. and the unfortunates cared for
at that institution by reason OF wounds
or disease were made as cheerful pos
sible by feasting and flowers.
At a. m. Rev. Father Gleason cele-
brated mass in the chapel. where the Sis
ters sang several selections OF sacred mu-
sic, among which were Adestes F1deles
and the Ave Marias.
In the children's ward a gayly bedecked
Christmas tree was the feature, the
branches OF which were laden with gifts
and helped the little ones who occupied
the cots to forget, temporarily their
physical sufferings. The youngsters wore
happy smiles as they tightly hugged the
gifts that had been brought to them from
the tree.
In the railroad ward the men received
from one OF their organiza tons a COM
plete locomotive constructed OF flowers.
At the end OF one OF the halls a crib"
with the Christ-child surrounded by ador-
1ftk SnepnerdS ana the wise men, with
the Star OF Bethlehem" cleaning above
was all beautifully arranged among the
evergreens and miniature trees. The col-
ored lights produced a most pleasing ef-
feet.
The turkey and its savory accompani-
ments was served at II 30 O'Clock being
Followed by ice cream and cake donated
by the Ladies' Sewing Circle A friend
sent In a graphophone. which was
source OF much pleasure 60 the children
In the afternoon. At D. m. the bene-
diction was observed I'm the chapel
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL ORPHAN
ASYLUM
St Vincent De Paul asylum. for or
phans. enjoyed a good Christmas and the
sisters made the day as pleasant as pos
eible for those under their care. The cele-
bration held yesterday morning occupied
the time until nearly noon with the dis
trfbution Of gifts and the exercises. The
children sang Christmas songs and carols
and each one of them received present,
as well as candy and oranges
At noon all were treated to n special
Christmas dinner and then they pro-
ceeded 10 have good time until night
fall.
THE STATE INSTITUTIONS.
As far as practical all work was elimi-
mated at the state institutions yesterday
and the lot Of the prisoners and other
charges Of the state was made as pleasant
ne possible under the circumstances.
AZ the prison early morning mass was
(Contfnued on Page FourD