The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1908-12-26
One Feature Of Christmas In
Barre Yesterday
SALVATION ARMY'S WORK
Day Was Very Quietly spent--Exercises
Were Held in the Various
Churches Thursday and
Friday Nighta

II was quiet Christmas in Barre yes
terday and also the night before, al
though the day was as thoroughly OBJ
served as in former years. The shoppers
kept the merchants busy until q late
hour on Thursday night with a rushing
trade and business Yesterday was light
for any of those who kept their places
Of business open during any part OF the
day. All other business was pretty gem
orally suspended, and in the case Of
the granite plants there win be nothing
doing until Monday morning, and in
many not for another week, the usual
holiday shown being taken.
The streets OF the city were remark
ably quiet all day yesterday and the
seekers for excitement had to take 20
the halls of the moving picture concerns,
for there was nothing else open; the
picture shows had good business.
The day was observed in many fami-
lies, who followed their usual customs
and observed the day with trees at their
homes, in many instances home circles
being gladdened by the presence Of some
relative who but seldom visits the home.
Many Others spent the day with rela-
tives in other towns.
The usual Christmas exercises were
held at the different churches Of the
city, most Of them Thursday evening,
and the Others yesterday afternoon and
last evening. -Four of the churches, the
Presbyterian, Baptist, Episcopal and
Uniyersalist, held their exercises Thurs
day evening, and all were enjoyed by
the children and by their elders, who
gave this annually expected treat to the
little ones.
Long before the hour that the ex-
ercises were scheduled to begin, the little
men and women began coming 10 the
churches and eonversed among them
selves in awed whispers as they eyed
expectantly the trees sparkling with
lights and tinsel and laden with gifts.
None of them was disappointed and,
after listening TO the programs, many
taking part with word or song, the gifts
were distributed and each boy or girl
found that something had been provided
for them. Apparently following the ten
dency of latter years, the trees seemed
more especially for the children and most
of the names that were called were
to by childish voices and up
lifted children's hands
Two trees, one at either corner Of the
yestry, were used at the Uniyersaliss
church. These, filed with tiny electric
lights and laden with bags of candy and
other gifts, formed an attractive picture,
especially for the mind juvenile.
The vestry Of the Church of the Good
Shepherd was well filed st the appoint
ed time, and here also were two trees
laden with gifts, which were distributed
after short but interesting program by
children of the Sunday school.
The Baptist church was well filled and
here the elders came in for share OF the
gifts, as we'll as the younger people.
The pastor and teacher of the Baraca
class, Rev. W. y. Braisted, was presented
4 purse of money by the class. The or
ganist, Miss Eleanor T. Cole, was re-
by the congregation with a
sum of money.
Santa Claus appeared in person at the
Presbyterian church and distributed
presents with a lavish hand at the con-
,lusion of an interesting program OF
songs, recitations and dialogues.
The children Of ST. Monica's church
weer given a treat at Knights of Column
1us hall, the exercises being held yester-
iay afternoon. Each boy ard girl was
and received a gift.
The exercises at the Hedding NJ. E.
,hurch were held in the Epworth league
oom last evening and all the little folks
istened with deep appreciation to the
Program which had been prepared. Here,
Is in the other churches, gifts had been
prepared for all the children.
Salvation Army's Work.
In accordance with the usual custom,
he local branch of the Salvation Army
furnished Christmas dinners to many
,eople in the city who might otherwise
ave been scantiiy fed. Although contri-
ntions were not quite 50 liberal as last
-ear, the officers managed to glake the
mount at their disposal sufficient and
inners were furnished to 15o people.
he officers of the Army wish to ex-
ress their thanks to the people Of the
ity, who by their contributions made
his dinner for che unfortunate possible.
Irthur S. Martin contributed q quantity
( wood and at each place where dinner
ras left, supply of wood was also left.
he annual Christmas exercises and tree
iven by the Salvation Army, will be
eld at the hall next Thursday evening,
Then it is expected that many will be
emembered.