The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1911-12-26
SANTA DIDN'T
SKIP BARRE
And Barre Welcomed Him With
Arms Wide Open.
MANY CELEBRATIONS HELD
Churches Took the Lead in Carrying Out
Programs Which Were Appropriate
to the Day--More Exercises to
Be Held Tonight.

Barre didn't follow the fashion set by
Bellefontaine, o., where even the churches
turned their backs ON Santa Claus; but
the old gentleman, with all that ae
represents, was invited with wide-open
arms, the churches taking the lead IN
exercises which were appropriate to the
spirit of the day. Beginning Saturday
night, the round OF celebration of Christ
mas began, most Of the programs being
held yesterday. But tonight the exer-
cises will be continued with festivities
at the First Universalist church and the
Swedish mission, while Thursday night
the Church of the Good Shepherd will
have its celebration.
There were many other Indications Of
the holiday season about town, with
business in all branches suspended and
the time being given over TO various fes
tivities. Incoming and outgoing travel
on the railroad lines was, as usual. heavy
with people going a-visiting. Saturday
night, the last chance to make Christmas
purchases. found the streets crowded
with people. At the services and exer-
cises in the churches there were also
large crowds in attendance.
Over 500 Children Attended.
Christmas at st. Monica's church this
year was observed with special services,
extra music and a Christmas tree for
the young people of the Sunday school,
Midnight mass was celebrated by the
curate, Rev. A. c. Griffin, and on Christ
mas morning the pastor, Rev p. Nj. Nc
Kenna, said mass at o'clock and gave
the Christmas sermon High mass was
conducted at l0:30 O'Clock by Rev. Fs.
ther Griffin.
Yesterday afternoon In the Knights OF
Columbus hall an elaborate Christmas
tree and exercises were attended by over
500 children and a good.sizcd delegation
of the older people of the parish. The
exercises were opened by Father Me-
Kenna, who gave an interesting little
talk to the children on the spirit of
Christmas. John I. CaIlaghan related
some Christmas stories especially under
standable by the younger element Of the
church and three small girls, Rosamond
Mackie, Beatrice Papin and Mildred Nc
Cue, sang charming little trio, accom-.
panied on the piano by Miss Vivian Mar
rion. 3 recitation BY Aubrey Marion
was followed by a vocal solo by Miss
Rose Cook. Edward Kerwin added not
a little to the enjoyment Of the after
noon by contributing a humorous song
and dance. Following a recitation by
Daniel Sullivan. the program came to a
close with chorus song by the children
]. 7. CalIaghan, acting as Santa Claus,
and Daniel Sullivan, who personifed
Santa's wife, then appeared on the scene
and proceeded to relieve the heavily
laden tree of its burden.
This feature of the parish observance
of Christmas was perhaps the most sue
cessful ever held. The children mani-
tested commendable degree of interest
and enthusiasm in preparing for the
event, and Father Griffin worked untir-
ingly to make the occasion one of real
Christmas Joy for all who attended.
Through The Times, the committee in
charge wishes to thank Charles A. vii.
kie, who so kindly extended the loan OF
many much needed chairs for the affair.