The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1915-12-30
MUNICIPAL TREE 4
GREAT SUCCESS

GREAl SUCCESS
Johnson City's first municipal cell
ebration of Christmas occurred Mon
day night, under the auspices of the
Monday Club, around the big cedar
tree placed on the square in front of
The Comet Office and Windsor Hotel.
The tree was an unusually pretty
one and was decorated with many
electric lights. The large star near
the top of the tree was lighted and
was almost a blaze of glory. The
star represented the Star of Bethle-
hem. The exercises had been post
poned from Friday because of the
very bad weather. Hundreds of pe07
pie thronged the square. The exer-
cises were simple but very Impress
i've and perfect order was maintained
by the many children present. The
interest shown by all the classes
composing the throng assures its
repetition next year.
The celebration began with the
singing of the Christmas hymn, Joy
to the World" After the rendering
OF this hymn Rev. Dayton R. Dobbs
read a scripture selection. The
children were present and with spen-
did voices sang Holy Night"
The acceptance of the tree was by
Mayor S. E. Miller in the eloquent
address which follows:
Mayor Millcr's Address.
This is the first time in the his
Gory Of johnson City that we have
met under similar circumstances.
We have been accustomed to meet in
annual reunion about the family cir
Gle, and there observe the greatest
of all events in the history of our
civilization. by feasting, by exchang-
ing gifts, and rejoicing with one an
other. We have heretofore assem-
bled in our respective churches and
here, by appropriate exercises have
rendered observance of the day in
song end in praise and hallelujahs.
But never before have we come to-
gether as one community to give
united expression of our feelings. for
III the blessings which we have en-
ioyed, as a result of the unparalleled
event which we celebrate.
II rejoice with you in the spirit
lmong our people which has made
this occasion possible. | thank God
tor home in a community where
all the people can come together on
an occasion like this, as an evidence
If their desire to comply with the
ldmonition, 'Inasmuch, as We have
lone it unto one of the least of these,
my brethren, ye have done 1t unto
Me-; and while our hearts are over
ioyed on account of the presence of
so many people, representing so
many walks of life, ii is nothing less
than inspiring to reflect that similar
exercises varying in form but with
the same purpose in view, are being
held all over our own country; and
not only that but by peoples occupy
ing lands encirclng the globe, and
remote islands of the seas-all intent
upon 0ne predominant idea, namely
chat of giving praise to Him OF
whose birth the heavenly hosts sang.
Glory to God in the highest, and or
earth, Peace, good will toward meni'
There never has been time in
the history of our country when
there was greater reason for Gel
ebration like this, tina nthe year of
our Lord, 1916 We are al peace
with all the world. We have pros
pered this year perhaps as no other
nation has prospered. We have res
trained, under proyocation, from en-
gaging in conflict with other coun
tries, and we are enabled to thank
God that in the evolution of public
Christian sentiment in this country,
we have been spared the awful con-
sequences of participating in that
great conflict involving so many
countries now going on in Europe
iii comparison with which all other
struggles, of all the times, sink into
utter insignificance. And while We
are duly thankful that we have not
been drawn into that struggle, we
realize that il has brought to us un-
expected and unparalleled responsi-
bilities, in demands to feed the hun
CRY, clothe the naked, succor the
fallen, help the downtrodden, and in
a thousand ways to minister to those
in need. Our future greatness de-
pends upon how we shall discharge
these responsibilities. Let us be
faithful to our trust, and be guided
by Him who said, I am the way, the
truth and the light
Il would not be faithful to the
feelings of my heart if | did not take
advantage of this opportunity to say
word more. This Christmas tree,
with it's beautiful decorations, was
planned by the Monday Club, an or
ganization composed of thoughtful
women, who are constantly at work
for the betterment of the communi-
ty. and | trust and believe that the
purpose which these good women
had in view has been stIbserved; that
of having the people. come together
to celebrate the day in prayer and
song and expression of mutual good
will, and thereby to give evidence of
that community spirit which prompts
those who have abundance to con-
tribute to those less favorably situa-
ted, and in needy circumstances. 1t
was not thought practicable, this
year, to distribute gifts from the tree
to any class. That has been done.
however. by the churches, by the
lodges. by the schools and the asso-
ciated charities, and various other
organizations, so that it is believed
no one in need has been neglected.
In fact there is an abundance for all.