Norwich bulletin., 1910-12-26
STAFFORD SPRINGS.
Beautiful Mystery Play by Grace Church Young PeopIe-Christmas Day Observance-New Teacher for High School.

The young people of Grace church presented the beautiful mystery play The NatiVity' at their Christmas eve entertainment. This play is the type of the mystery and miracle plays given in mediaeVal times to teach the scrip lures to people who could not read them for themselves.
 The Nativity is divided into four parts-The AnnunciatiOn, The Shep- herds, The Wise Men, and The Cave of Bethlehem. The herald reads the pro- loSue and epilOgue and before each scene the portion of scripture which pertains especially to that part. The first scene shows us the home of the Blessed Virgin at Nazareth. Mary is seen IneeIing at her prayer in the dlI.I-v room after her days work is fin ished While thus praying she is start led by voice which tells her of the wonderful things which were to hap pen. After the angelic voice has ceas- ed speaking she offers herself humbly unto the will of God.
 The second scene shows us the hill side of Bethlehem. Shepherds are ly- ing wearily upon the ground, while one keeps the night watch. Suddenly 8 bright light shown about them and a voice which filled their hearts with fear told 5hGu of the lOWlY birth of their Saviour in a manager at Bethlehem. The third scene brings to view three wise men of vision, who were seeking
 
 to Herod and were now on their way to Bethlehem when a bright star appear ed in the sky and led them to the cave in which the Christ child lay
 The fourth scene is the cave in which Mary and Joseph are standing beside the manager in which the newborn King was lying. The shepherds and the wise men enter and lZneel in reverent awe before their Lord. The wise men present their costly gifts of gold, f4rr. .V--. shepherds offer a still more costly gift their very souls.
 During the play many beautiful hymns were sung by an unseen chorus. The stage was artstically decorated with evergreen and laurel After the play the tree was lighted and the children received their gifts,
 At the Methodist Church.
 The children of the Methodist church gave very pleasing entertainment en- titled ''Dr. Santa Claus Cure' at their Christmas tree Saturday evening. Many carols were sung and some of the children sang appropriate songs present.
 Baptist Exercises.
 The Baptist church held their Christ mas eve entertainment in their chapel Saturday evening.
 StaffordviI!e Festivals.
 The trees at the Congregational and Methodist churches at StaffordviIIe were held Saturday evening.
 Christmas at St. Edwards. The Christmas services at St Ed wards church were noticeable for the beautiful hymns and decorations Rev. George J. DOnahue of1iciated at both masses, while the rector, Rev. Felix j. O'NeilL was engaged at St. ,Foseph's church, StaffOrdViile, and at Waterford As the regular Organist, Miss Frances Mccarthy, has not fully recovered from pneumonia, Miss Agnes O'EeiH of Will hmantc. the pastors niece, acted i'll her stead.
 At Grace Church.
 The services at Grace church were $ follows: Holy Communion at 73O q. m. choral Eucharist and sermon ov the rector, Rev. R. NJ. Adams, at 1045 q m., evening prayer at o'clock At the afternoon service the choir medals were awarded.
 Special Services at W. E. Church, Al the Methodist church both st morning and evening services thera was special music.
 Christmas Day at Congregational
 Church.
 Singing by Quartette and ctor17s marked both services ar the Congreea- tiOnal church. In the morning, the p3s- tor told of The Christmas Joy and How It Came to Be- In the evening the c&ntata The Star of Bethlehem' was rendered.
 To Have Christmas Tree.
 The ChfI9rsn s1f sSt F-duapd'e ,s~iat.