Free trader-journal and Ottawa fair dealer. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1920-1927, 1921-12-27
CHURCHATTENDANCE
RECORDS BROKEN
ON CHRISTMAS DAY
LARGE THRoNGS TURN OUT TO
ATTEND PROGRAMS GIVEN SUN.
DAY IN OTTAWA HOUSES OF
WORSHIP.

Attendance records were shatter-
ed Sunday at all services of Ottawa
churches where special programs
were given to mark the Christmas
of 1921 Great throngs poured into
the houses of worship, Joined in
singing carols and enjoyed to the
utmost the particularly fine vocal
and instrumental numbers featured in
cantata, pageant and sketches de-
signed to bring home the importance
Of the day.
"Peace On Earth" Pageant.
Peace on Earth the angelic
chorus heard by the watching shep-
herds on the plains of Bethlehem,
1000 years ago, with the influence on
the world today of the advent Of the
Christ Child, were portrayed in a
most beautiful and impressive man
ner in the pageant given at the Bap-
tist church Sunday night.
The production, which was one of
the most elaborate Christmas enter
tainments ever given in Ottawa was
witnessed by an enraptured audience
which packed the large auditorium
Many people were forced to stand
throughout the performance and 9TH
ers were turned away at the doors.
So great was the interest that it
was announced that the pageant
would be repeated tonight, Tues
day
The author of the pageant is Rev.
George G. Fetter, who composed the
lines especially for this occasion.
TO this fact is largely attributed the
unusual interest that centered in the
story of the nativity was brought to
a unique climax by the author as
the war torn nations of the world,
moved by the spirit of the Christ
Child brought their weapons and
laid them before the manger throne.
This inspiring scene reflected the
proceedings of the disarmament con
ference now in session at Washing
ton as the United States is seeking
to lead the nations of the world in
the paths of peace.
Rev Fetter not only displayed his
ability as a playwright in Peace on
Earth but he assumed the role Of
the pilgrim prophet in the opening
scene with marked distinction. The
plant and prayed Of the prophet was
the outstanding feature of the per-
formance from the standpoint of
director Of the pageant, shared hon
ors with the author. Mr.. IIoff, who
upon many occasions has displayed
his genius in a similar capacity, was
the recipient of many congratulations
for the success Of the beautiful
Christmas drama.
The opening act depicted the des-
potic condition of the world before
the coming of Christ and showed the
court Of Herod. with DR.. Dana NJ.
Palmer taking the chief role. Other
prominent characters in this act were
w. r. Foster, governor Of Judea; Dr.
b. +. La Due, governor of Samaria;
G. w. IIawley, Roman general; GUM
cite Johnson, Roman centurion, and
Daphne IIerrick, a poor Samaritan
woman.
The watching shepherds on the
plains of Bethlehem with the visit of
the wise men 10 Jue udUStI lUlOHb
were shown in the second act. The
of the angel chorus, COM
posed of a large number of children
and young people, robed entirely in
white, was one Of the most beauti-
full parts of the pageant. Leading
roles in this act were taken by Miss
Helen Hof, herald angel; Mrs. Vel
ma Eustis, Mary; Frank Cole, Jo-
seph F. s. Prichard, A. d. Prichard
and J. l.. Hoff, wise men
The closing scene brought repre-
sentatives of the great nations of the
modern world to the Bethlehem man
ger Led by Mrs. Morey Roberts,
who impersonated Columbia, they laid
down their arms and Joined in sing
ing JOY to the World
The singing of the Christmas car
OILS by the church choir gave an un-
derlying beauty and charm to the
performance. The beautiful lighting
effects arranged by Edward Stewart
CONTINUED on page 3, col, 81