Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-12-25
Christmas Dawn Finds
Countless Children GIeefuI
With Gifts of Santa Claus.
CHURCHES DRAW MANY
FOR BETHLEHEM STORY
Poor Are Remembered Amid Gay
ety-Hospitals Hold Holiday.
Society Ball Is Tonight.


the most of it amid the radiance of
tinseled trees. the aroma of laden
banquet boards and, withal, the
sanctity of seasonal church observ-
| ances.
While the home formed the back
ground for the lighter celebrations
that are traditional with the day, the
Capital was not unmindful of the
deeper meaning of the anniversary
and many of it's leading citizens, in
cluding President and Mrs. Coolidge.
listened anew to the old, old mes
sage of peace and good will.
Turning from the brilliance of the
trio of spruces that graced their
rooms of state, the President and his
family Joined with other prominent
men and women of official life in a
special Christmas u@ion service. at
Foundry NJ. Z. Chur.n
Spread Good Cheer.
The spirit of the occasion moved
those who were more fortunate than
their fellows to minister to their needs
with gifts of necessities and luXuries,
and few were there today who lacked
conviction that there really is a Santa
Claus.
AS family celebrations were running
rife in countless homes, the city IS
missions, Hospitals and other institu-
tions were spreading a goodly mea'
sure of cheer to those under their
supervision.
Ushered in last evening with elabo-
rate ceremonies, marked by history.
making radio chorus of carols and by
~ fx, MI
near the White House grounds, the
Yuletide slipped into town undampen-
ed by adverse weather. 1t was evident
that something more drastic than
threatening skies would be required
to throttle the exuberance inherent in
Christmas.
Capital Astir Early.
Youthful Washington awoke early
today after a night Of fitful slumber.
filled with dreams of the big time that
lay ahead. In thousands of homes
there were enacted similar scenes.
There were the joyful shouts to wax
en- sleepy elders, the headlong rush
downstairs to the living room and the
bedlam of merriment and wonder
ment that accompa the momen-
tous denouement.
There was the reluctant intermis-
sion for breakfast. the resumption of
childish revels. the savory repast,
with trimmin's,' in the afternoon
and, in many instances, the misery of
over-taXed appetites.
The story of Bethlehem was the
topic of tsundry church services to-
day. The National Cathedral and the
Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
held services at intervals throughout
the day, while churches CT many de-
nominations held special devotional
meetings in honor of Him who was
born in a manger
Churches Are Active.
There were celebrations of the holy
communion at 1880 and o'clock this
morning in the Cathedral, followed by
morning prayer at 10, holy COM
munion and sermon at IL and an
even song service at o'clock.
At the National Shrine at Catholic
University there were 7S masses
during the morning, with 10 affairs
being occupied at the same time. The
masses began with midnight mass,
with special music.
Missions and other charitably-in-
clined organizations continued today
~'''N~
TOYS to the needy. The Central Union
Mission, the Gospel Mission. the Sal
vation Army, the Full Gospel Assem-
blv and other religious institutions
sent to the homes of hundreds Of
worthy families large baskets OF food
for their Christmas dinner. In addi-
ton, free dinners will be furnished
homeless men during the day. Spe-
cial religious services also are on the
program.
Social Ball Tonight.
Hospitals observed the day with
ward entertainments, carol screnadeS,
Gift parties and other celebrations.
Veterans at Walter Reed, Naval and
Mount Alto Hospitals received a visit
from Maj. Gen. Charles Z. Summer
all, chief of staff of the Army, In ac-
| cordance with a custom he estab-
| lished while overseas during the
World War. Gen. Summerall Will be
guest of honor at a dinner this after
noon for disabled vets at Walter
Reed.
One hundred deserving boys re-
ceived overcoats free of charge this
morning from Saks & co. isaac
Cans acted as Santa Claus.
| Society took an active part in the
festivities. Members of the Riding
and Hunt Club rode to the hounds
over a course in Rock Creek Park
this morning, with f. G. Montuori as
master of hounds. Tonight the city s
social leaders will attend the annual
Christmas ball for the benefit of the
Children's Country Home.
Police Play Santa.
| Police of several precincts played
Santa for the children of their re-
spectiye neighborhoodS during the day.
| Cant. Peck of No. 8 station staged a
party for about 200 children, with the
aid of Northeast business men, and
Capt. Sanford arranged for Old Kris
to stop at No. S, where a 20-foot
tree had been erecta. 1t took the
entire forces of the stations to mar
| shall the unexpectedly large crowds
of children that thronged to the po-
| lice parties this morning. 1t was
estimated the crowds totaled into the
| thousands and the youngsters were
jammed outside and in. A. G. Herr
mann, president, and Simon D. Tenny.
son, secretary, of the Southeast Citi-
zens' Association, aided Capt. San
| ford and his men.
| Capt. Peak saw to it that the city's
guests at the District Jail enjoyed
the day to the best of their somewhat
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