The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1912-12-26
MANY CHURCHES
OBSERVED DAY
SPECIAL SERVICES HELD
YESTERDAY IN FARGO
CHURCHES-NUMeER OF SUM-
DAY SCHOOL PROGRAMMES
GIVEN.

There were interesting services at
many of the churches yesterday morn
ing and afternoon. The most pre-
tentitous services of the day were at
the St. Mary's cathedral and at Geth-
semane cathedral.
At the former there was pontifcal
high mass with several other masses,
and at the 10 o'clock mass Ri. Rev.
Bishop O'Reilly delivered a telling
sermon on the lessons taught by the
season.
For the text of his sermon on
Christmas day Bishop Mann, the
preacher at Gethsemane cathedral,
used the words of the sOng of the
Christ child to the shepherds, Luke ii,
IA, Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace, good will toward men.
First the bishop explained the three
versions of the text and quoting the
difference in the readings, saying that
the version in the Bible of common
use was probably incorrect and he told
why. The bishop said that in the
original Greek the text is found as,
Peace on earth, to men of good will"
He COntended that while that may De
quite different from the English YER
sion yet nothing Of the wonderful mes
sage contained in the words of his text
was lost.
r whom else could there come
peace, but to men of good will. |
am not one who believes that all the
inspiration was given in the earlier
days. l. can well believe that our
rendering of. the angels song is. as
much inspired. as the other versions"
The bishop gave a beautifully word
ed explanation of the angelic saluta-
ton which he said was a lovely and
classic verse" 1t was glorious and
enduring. He asked, what can Christ
mas do for bitter hearts? Gods
Christmas gift is not for hateful
hearts. God loves men and Christmas
is evidence Of that love. Thus comes
peace and only thus. The song echoed
peace n on this the bishop dWelt
with remarked emphasis.
According to the custom of the
Anglican church the cathedral was
beautifully decorated. for the observ-
ance of the festival Of the Nativity
and he service was made brilliant
with hymns and chants. For the Of
fertory Mrs: Stephens gave a beautiful
rendition of There Were Shepherds
Abiding, by Lynes..
There were special Christmas serv-
ices at all of the Lutheran churches
in the city and these were well at
lVliNlCNB Will Z IlliliH lO ~
C~asion. and church decorations that
were pleasing.
Tuesday evening the. children of the
Glad Tidings Mission had their
Christmas. treat and had a delightful
time, and yesterday there were .SerV-
ices in the church, thes revival meet
ings continuing the balance of the
month.
At the Y. W c. A. there was a
pleasant time on Tuesday eve, when
some of the young wOmen hung up
their stockings and were rewarded by
gifts from their friends. The greater
number of the girls of the "Y" were
invited out for dinners on Christmas
day.
One of the most pretentious serv-
ices of the day was that of the child
rem of the First Presbyterian church
which took place last evening, the
church being crowded to it's utmost
capacity by parents and children, who
certainly enjoyed themselves.
A pretty little playlet was produced
which was entitled Surprising Santa
Claus, the principal parts being taken
by Miss Sutherland, Mr.. McNair, and
Master Harry Bachelor, the latter be-
ing Jack Frost. who assisted in giving
out the. presents. There. was q large
tree, we'll decorated. with, different
classes rendering FeCltatlonS and n
very NICELY. Santa arrived and after
he had been made welcome the chill
dren wen through their entertainment
much to his delight. 1t was a very
| pleasing success. During the evening
Rev. r. G. Behner, pastor of the
church, was presented with a beautiful
picture, the subject being of a religious
character, it being a gift from the
Christian Endeavor.
There was Christmas at the police
station. Chief Keefe was presented
with a. beautiful badge of the Eagles
Of which he is a member and Captain
Mcdonald was presented with a paiI
Of gold cuff buttons. while the force
received boxes of cigars from Peter
Elliott former mayor and the Stone
Ordean-Wells Co. The fire depart,
ment was also remembered in a
similar way.
The services at the Salvation Army
yesterday were in keeping with the
day and Captain and Mrs. Bell sue
ceeded in distributing among h poor
people of the two cities baskets of food
and clothing that it is needless to say
were very much appreciated. The
| Christmas tree entertainment for the
| army will take place next Monday
night and those who have presents fol
the tree are asked to send them early
and. they will be. taken care of.