Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-21
CAROL SINGERS TO Be
HEARD CHRISTMAS EVE
Will Render Hymns Of tho Advent
in Front Of Homes Display
ing Red Cross.
NOT TO USE LIGHTED CANDLES
Director Boykin Tells OF Progress of
Campaign to Raise $4,000 Mem
bers OF Red Cross in Richmond by
Christmas Eve.

berS OF Red Cross in Richmond by
Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve will see groups OF
carol singers abroad in all parts Of
the city. according to reports that
were made yesterday at the h%eadouar-
ters OF tho Richmond Chapter of the
American Red Cross. which is foster
ing the idea of closing its membership
campaign with this pretty ceremony.
Progress OF the most encouraging
description was reported by Mrs.
Sydney Swami. who is in charge of the
organization of groups of singers.
Judging from the enthusiastic man
ner with which the public generally
is entering into the spirit of the Christ
mas Eve song service. there will be
scarcely a single nciS hborhood without
its quota OF singers" Mrs. Swami said.
Naturally it will he impossible for us
to get in touch with every one who is
willing to Join with others in singing
carols. SO we are urging ncighborhood
groups TO so ahead with their own
plans and by all means appear on the
streets in their localities Christmas
Eve"
Campaign Director Boykin made it
clear that the decision not TO place
lighted candles behind Red Cross SER
vice flags displayed in windows Christ
mas Eve would III no way interfere
with the carol singing. On account of
The fire hazard candles will not be
used. as originally planned. Mr.. Boy
KIN pointed out that the flags will be
illuminated sufficiently if shades are
raised and curtains taken down or
ora wn aside. The light from the room
VIII make it easy for those passing in
tho street to see the flags" said the
director.
WILL STOP BEFORE HOMES
WHERE RED CROSS Is SEEN
The carol singers will make their
appearance between 1880 and . O'Clock
christmas Eve, stopping to sing before
the houses where a Red Cross flag is
seen. During these hours church
chimes will be played at frequent in
terHalS. thus adding TO the effective
ness OF the Red Cross song service.
In the W~esthampton section Mrs. Swami
mas Seen promlsed the cooperation of
members of the choir of ST. Stephens
CHURCH and the pupils of Miss Virginia
E.llett's Randolph Country School for
Girls. In the Gintcr Park district. the
boy choir of ST. Thomas's Church is cx-
pecfed to proceed through the streets
OF ina part or the city singing carols.
iublic school children have been en-
listed in large numbers for neighbor-
mood groups in all parts Of the CITY.
members OF the st. Cecilia Chorus. an
organization of which Mrs. Swami is
president, also will help. The assist
ance OF members of the Wednesday
Club Will be sought. and many mem
hers OF the y. w. c. A. already have
volunteered to do their part. The chill
dren in Italian families are being re-
cruited as singers, Mrs. Swami said,
and from the Armstrong School assur-
ances have been received of support.
Numerous groups of colored singers will
De OrC2nlZeI nn6ar tina sr.
Rev. w. 7. Johnson.
SUGGESTS WELL-KNOWS
CHRISTINA CAROLS
No rchearsals are necessary. and
those who take part in the ceremony
need not possess voices suited TO solo
singing said Mrs. Swami. almost
every one can sing, and we are anxious
nat no one shall be backward about
joining or forming a group because
they do not think their voice is good
enough. We are suggesting that y,
Came upon a Midnight Clear Holy
Night! Peaceful Night and % Little
Town OF Bethlehem be chosen as the
carols that are sung. The various
groups, OF course. are AT liberty to
select any carols they prefer. In famI-
lies where there are a large number OF
children we are DESTROYS that the
mother, or some one else. organize
singing group and appear on the
= SCNS vi III III every Sec
ton Of the city voices should be lifted
in song. There cannot be too many
singers. Everybody is asked and
urged to help"
Those desiring to consult with Mrs.
Swami can communicate with her at
Randolph 1881.
Director Boykin yesterday reported
a spirited response to the appeal TO
everybody with a heart and "A dollar"
TO join the Red Cross before Christ
mas. Marines yesterday Joined with
Red Cross workers In promoting the
success OF the short drive. Ar auto
mobile containing Is. L. Jensen.
Sergeant Needham and Corporal
Michael. of the local United States
Marine Corps recruiting station. make
its first appearance on the streets.
hating at busy downtown corners to
enable the marines TO spread the Ped
Cross word.
Fifteen thousand new members by
Christmas Eve is the goal fixed by the
membership committee. AS a result OF
a suggestion contained In a letter re-
ccived at Red Cross headquarters
many h~ouseholders are now obtaining
memberships for their servants.