Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-24
Riddles of Kennebec
CONTINUED from Pace One)

the work Of the State Board of Chari-
ties and Corrections in it's mission to
the State wards were explained in "a
very interesting program of exercises
carried out. The audience which filed
the Senate Chamber included, in addi-
ton to the children. heads of several
State departments and other depart
ment employees and many citizens of
Augusta demonstrating their interest
in the project.
The exercises were opened with
prayer offered by Rev. Carl n. Gar
land, pastor of the Green Street Meth
odist church, following which the au-
dience Joined in singing familiar
Christmas carols, led by Col. Keith
Ryan. governor of the National Sol
diers' Home, with Miss Mildred STAR
bird. chief clerk in the charities de-
partment. at the piano.
Secretary CRUDE B. Cornish of the
charities board, who presided over the
exercises, told of the growth of the
Christmas project in the department
from the time when funds were solicit
ed through personal visitation to the
present day when scores Of people in
Augusta and other parts of Kennebec
county have made contributions. Never
has there been such general response
on the part of citizens Of Augusta and
the county as this season.,
Through the subscriptions from peo-
pie all over the State each of the chill
dren in the custody of the charities
board will receive this Christmas some
useful gift. one out of three gifts that
each child was asked to name as his
or her selection. Secretary Cornish
called attention to the value Of the
publicity given the enterprise by the
Kennebec Journal and the Portland
Press Herald. stating that without
this the undertaking would have been
impossible. The Christmas project or
the department also includes a tree
held in Houlton last Wednesday eve>
ming and a tree in Lewiston today for
the state wards in those sections. and
gifts are being sent by the board to
the children in other parts Of Maine.
Mr.. Cornish expressed the gratitude
of the board to all who have assisted
in the undertaking.
Address by Melvin E. Sawtelle
Hon. Melvin E. Sawtelle Of Au.
gusta, member Of the Charities
Board, gave the Christmas message.
telling the children that wonderful
story or the coming of the Saviour,
the event proclaimed by the guiding
star and the singing of the angels.
lie stated that Christmas day
coming near the end OF the year
brings with 1t something Of the spir-
IL or other holidays-the reveren-
tlal spirit OF Memorial day and the
gratitude OF Thanksgiving-and yet
with Its background 1000 years ago
N the town of Bethlehem the spirit
or Christmas is different from any
other holiday.
What Is the true spirit of Christ
mas? It is the spirit Of helpfulness
1rst exemplified in the life of the
great gift to the |
World. With the advent of the first
christmas the world was PROSTATE
IND groaning under the Roman
'oke; 1t was world of license and
'rueity. without charity and love.
What sort of soil was that IN
which to plant the seeds of good |
VIII? But from it has grown mod |
I'm civilization with its churches
nd schools to make life kind. sweet |
nd hopeful.
In conclusion. Mr.. Sawtelle told !
ne children that they owe nothing i
0 the State of Maine except that
hey develop the highest Character
ossiple. Tor the State of Maine is not
Is forests and rivers. but is essen
lally It's men and women,
Following Mr.. Sawtelle's address.
reetlngs were extended to the gath
ring by little Miss Charlotte Tur.
otte OF Augusta. who recited an.