The Republican journal., 1912-12-26
CHRISTMAS IN THE CHURCHES.

CHRISTMAS IN THE CHURCHES.
The Universalist church was decorated with
small evergreen trees and the pulpit was
draped in white, covered with holly sprays. A
large jardinere of holly and riskus rested on
the communion table and vase OF wnite chry-
santhemums was placed on the altar. The
sermon and music were appropriate 70 Cnf'st-
mas.
At the Unitarian church the decorations
were simple, but appropriate ana eHeceive. A
dozen or more small evergreen trees were ar
ranged about the platform, laurel wreaths
were used in the windows, and beautiful
bunch of chrysanthemums graced the table in
front of the altar. The sermon Dy tne pastor,
Rev. C. B. Ames, and the selections, were as
announced in the last issue of The journal.
Through the generosity of MIR: VIM. R.
Chapman an audience that taxed the capacity
of the First Parish (Unitarian) church enjoy
ed a memorable vesper service last Sunday
afternoon. The artists who were In town for
the concert Saturday evening gave evidence of
the real Christmas spirit, which was as warmly
appreciated as the rare musical treat. With
Mr.. Chapman himself at the organ, Miss Sue
Winchell, cellist, Miss Florence A. Otis, So
prano. and Chevalier Salvatore Giordano, ten
or, all giving generously of their wonderful
talents, the service, which was lmpresslvely
conducted by Rev. Charles B. Ames, pastor,
was one that will long be remembered by
those present.
A. the Baptist church there was no attempt
at Christmas decoration, but the pastor, Rev.
W. F. Sturtevant delivered sermon appro-
pirate to the day. His subject was the Child
and the Home and the discourse showed an in
innate knowledge of and warm love for the
little ones as well as appreciation OF the great
influence for good their innocence exerts. The
regular choir gave several selections of Christ
mas music and large and very attentive au-
dience was present. The evening service also
pertained to Christmas.
The North Congregational church held their
annual Christmas concert in the church at $50
.. M, Sunday. Itwas Missionary Christmas
and the service, entitled "The Light of the
World" was as follows:
Hymn, 80 Little Town OF Bethlehem" !"
Call to Prayer. Supt. H. M. Prentiss.
Musical Response by School,
"As With Gladness Men of Old"
Prayer, Supt. Prentiss.
Recitation, "Christmas Everywhere"
Lillian Davis.
Christmas Carol, "Holy Night"
Exercise. "America, and the Worlds Chill
dren,' Miss Katherine D. Kittredge, four
girls and four boys in costume, introducing
"North." South" East" and "West,"
"China," India" africa" and Turkey"
Brief Address, Rev. D. L. Wilson.
Offering.
Chorus, at Came Upon the Midnight Clear"
Prayer and Benediction.
As has been the custom for several years,
gifts of toys books. games and clothing, etc.,
were received at this concert to be distributed
among the children of the city whose Christ
mas joys are few, and the money offering was
this year divided between the local work and
the A. B. C. F. NJ, for two hospitals to be
built in the newest republic, China. One hos
pital is the only medical relief of three mil
lion people; while the other reaches eight hum
dred thousand, and every dollar received by
the Board for this purpose will treat ten per-
sons.
At the Methodist church Linvill F. Whit
more planned and worked out the decorations.
The altar and rail were draped with white
bunting and covered with spr; US of pine. The
pastor, Rev. D. B. Phelan, preached Christ
mas sermon in the morning and Mrs. B. N
Pendleton sang solos at both morning and
evening services At the evening service
Miss Alice E. Simmons read Christmas Sc
lection and a. double quartette furnished
Christmas music.
The Unitarian Sunday school had Christ
mas tree in the church parlor Tuesday after
noon Santa Claus appeared with bag OF
gifts and made things interesting a little
while for the children and then hastenec
away to gladden. other hearts with Christmas
cheer. The gifts were distributed by the pas.
tor, Rev. G. B. Ames, and the exercises were
all in song. Helen Wescott sang solo ane
Betty Hanshue and Grace Hazeltne duet.
The Baptist Sunday school had Christmas
tree and entertainment in the vestry Tuesday
evening The entertainment consisted of {
little Christmas play, in which the various
classes brought gifts to be distributed amor
the less fortunate people of the city, ant
Christmas songs by the children. After thu
entertainment the gifts on two large Christ
mas trees were distributed by Santa Claus.
MAINE LEGISLATURE OPENS JAN. 1st
| This winter at the Maine Capital is likely tt
be one of the most eventful and intere sting ir
the States history. With the Legislature di
vided as it is politically and important legisla
tion to be urged and demanded, it behooves al
of US to follow developments closely.
This can best be done beyond the limits o1
the Capital City by careful reading Of the ole
reliable and modern equipped Kennebec Jour
nal, Maine daily that is commanding atten
tion and respect among the country's bes
newspapers.
This winter the Kennebec Journal will moi
only publish daily the entire stenographic re-
ports of the Legislative proceedings, but will
maintain a staff of trained newspaper men al