The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1905-12-28

Christmas in SkOwhegAn.
To say that Monday was an ideal day
for Christmas Is blu, to give of it very
tame description. II was superb No
Christmas story writer ever created from
his Imagination fairer holiday. Those
who were up early enough aud were in
terested in the outside temperature may
have found it little below zero but by
the time most people were astir the sun
had warmed the air az much as could
ever be wished for on winter day.
The 'ky N alnost oloudess' the roads
were IN perfect condition, surely nature
did her part To make a merry Christmas
for everybody. business was quite
generally suspended and dinner parties
and family reunions we're everywhere in
evidence In the evening large audi
ences gathered at the churches where
elaborate Christmas programs we're
carried out, some idea of which may
be gained from the following accounts.
FIRST BAPTIST HURCu
The Christmas exercises of the SIM
day School were held this year in the
afternoon, in the ye'try of the church.
There was good attendance and all
present enjoyed the program which was
one of interesting variety consisting of
music and reoitals from the older ones
as well as the younger. Selections from
the photograph under the direction of
MIR. Harry Sedgeley we're received with
special pleasure. Presents were distri-
buted and to each one was given the
usual bag of Christmas candy. One
hundred copies of the Christmas nun
Der were given out, also booklets to the
children "Cinderella's Slipper" An
original Christmas poem was recited by
Mrs. Minnie l.. Murray.
CONGREGATIONAL
The church was filled last Sabbath
evening and all enjoyed the Christmas
cantata rendered by large chorus choir
under the leadership of MI Elmer Z.
Towne, as well as the fine music by the
quartette.
Monday evening there was a Christ
mas tree and entertainment in the ves-
try. The children saug and reoited in
very credtable manner, and the Shadow
Pantomimes under the direction of Mr..
Elijah Alden, and the song of Mr.. FLOYD
Nye in the guise of a dwarf delighted
the large audience A big live santa
Claus with stuffed pockets from which
the children we're allowed to help them.
selves, began the distribution of gifts
which was rapidly accomplished. and
all went home satisfied with the success
AT the occasion.
METHODIST CHURCH
hristmas evening saw the children
and their parents ami friends gathered
III the vestry of the Centenary Metho-
dist Episcopal church to commemorate
the advent and nativity of our Lord the
Christ by participating in the exercises
OF the evening, which were held by the
Sabbath school
The platform was appropriately de.
corated and two large Christmas trees
stood on each side and were we'll laden.
ed with gifts that delighted the hearts
of many recipients. The primary classes,
under the instruction of their teachers,
rendered several pieces very acceptably.
The Junior scholars also took part. The
choruses by the school were led by an
orchestra and were much appreciated
La due time Cd Santa announced his
coming with the jingle Of bells and
made his appearance much to the de-
light of the children distributed his
gifts, made short speech wished all Il
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
and took his departure until another
year. The gifts on the trees were then
distributed by the young people, and
there were many pleasant surprises.
The pastor and his wife were remem-
bered with an envelope, wishing them a
happy and prosperous year and in which
was $50 in gold. The superintendent,
Mr.. j. N. Smi h, was chairman and was
much pleased with the way his scholars
took part as were also the parents and
friends
BETHANY CHURCH