The Republican journal., 1916-12-28
Christmas Observances.

IL was unfortunate That the weather cOndl.
uions were such as prevented the out door ex-
ercises at the municipal Christmas tree. but
the committee had wisely provided for such a
contingency, and they took place in the Opera
House. The trumpeters we're heard at 5.45 as
per program, and at p. m. the Christmas tree
with its dazzling array of red. green and white
lights. and on the top large star. was lighted.
Then the children came focking into the
square they were directed to the Opera House,
which was quickly filed, the little ones making
for the front seats. The exercises planned for
the open air were then carried out. Old Ger.
man and Sicilian carols were rendered by a
chorus of male voices, E. S. Pitcher, Rev. A. E
Wilson. Arthur N. Johnson, Selden and Earl
Hsmmons. A. J. Goodhue and b. l.. Davis, the
assembly joining. Prayer was offered by Rev.
Walter T. Hawthorne of the North Congrega-
tional church, followed by the double quartet
rendering "O Sanctissima" and 10 Faithful
Pine" LIE Roi Green rendered a cornet solo,
and Mayor VIM. K. Keene was then introduced
by Mr.. Morris l. Slugg and made brief ad-
dress appropriate to the occasion, saying
among other things that it the season
others happiness. Away in Manger" was
sung by the quartet and audience. The exer-
cses closed with singing America. Then the
little folks were invited to form a march to the
street door, where a real San.a Claus-in the
person e of Eion 3. Gilchr hrest-assisted by
Charles +. Coombs distributed bags of candy,
nuts and pop corn
In the 9fternoon the children of the city
were given a free matinee by Manager
Thompson to see Mary Pickford. Dinners and
clothing were sent out by the committee all
day Saturday, the Boy Scouts giving splendid
aid in the distribution work.
Christmas in the Churches.
At the Unitarian church last Sunday ever
green trees were arranged on each side and in
rear of the pulpit. A large candelabrum was
on the communion table, with single candle
sticks on each side. Large laurel wreaths
were hung in each window with Christmas
candles on the sls, which were banked in
pine. Rev. Arthur E. Wilson preached a very
helpful sermon on 1.-The Light Of the World"
The regular church choir furnished excellent
music, and little Miss Betty Hanshoe sang
"The Christmas Candle"
At the North Congregational church Rev.
Walter 7. Hawthorne preached Christmas
sermon and several hymns were sung as
part of the regular services. While the col
lection was being taken Mr.. Hawthorne sang,
to the delight of his hearers, "The Three
Kings of the Orient" This church is to have
a chorus in addition to the choir, under the
direction of E. S. Pitcher.
At the Baptist church Rev. j. Wilbor Rich
ardson preached two inspiring sermons. At the
morning service he spoke on The Wonder
Gift" and in the evening on The Christmas
Sign" The regular choir sang Christmas
music in the morning. and in the evening there
was chorus choir with duet by Miss Bertha
! T. Hayes and MIR. Harry H. Upton
At the Universalist church the decorations
Christmas music was rendered by the regular
choir and the pastor, Rev. A. A Blair, preach
ed on Goods Gift to the Worlo.' The church
sent out or 10 potted plants to its members
who were ill at home.
At the Methodist church Rev. Horace B.
Sellers preached on Tine Babe in the Manger"
and the regular choir furnished special Christ
mas selections.
The Sunday Schools.
The Unitarian Sunday school, with number
Christmas party in the church parlcr last Sat-
urday afternoon. Those taking parts in The
Christmas Sprites," arranged by Rev, and Mrs.
Arthur E. Wilson, were Helen Wescott as Mrs
Santa Claus; Hope Dorman, Mother Bunch,
Jennie Spear, the Christmas tree; Helen Bur-
CESS, pop corn; Elizabeth Doak Tinse; Betty
Hanshue, the Christmas Candle, and she also
sang the solo, the Christmas Candle; Elana
Shute, orange; Robert Johnson,a stick OF candy;
Ruth Dinsmore, toys. and Dorothy Spear, fruit.
| Horace Wescott sang Moon Dear" and a Flag
/ Song, accompanied by his mother, and brought
down the house. Julia LittlefieId accompanied
the little children. Mabel Spear recited in the
absence of her sister Mary. who was i'll.
| The members of the Sunday school of the
( North Congregational church gathered around
a well-laden Christmas tree in the vestry last
! Monday afternoon, when Miss Louise W. Rich
ards read the story, His Birthday and Miss
Alice E. Simmons read "The Foolish Fir
! Tree" Then Santa Claus arrived and distrb-
uted the gifts.
The Sunday school children Of the Metho-
dist church had happy time Monday from 8
to p. M, under the direction of the pastor.
! Rev. Horace B. Sellers. Refr eshments were
served, games and Christmas music enjoy
ed, and gifts distributed by Samuel Durost
as Santa Claus.
At the Baptist church Chr istmas afternoon,
from 2.30 to 4.30, the children of the Sunday
school had a pleasant party under the direc-
tion of Supt. and Mrs. Charles E. Rhoades.
Gifts were distributed, refreshments served,
and games played.
At tine Girls Home
| The Christmas tree at the Girls Home Sum
day afternoon under the auspices of the Uni
Sersalist Sunday school was largely attended
by neighbors and friends, All gathered in the
dining room, which was decorated in green
and red, and at p. IN. the following program,
arranged by Bessie Alien and Georgia knight,
was announced by Mr.. VIM. X. MacNei su-
perintendent of the Home farm, and given by
the Home children:
! Song, There's Song in the air.
All the girls
!