THE WAUPACA REPUBLICAN

December 31, 1880

 

A Methodist Christmas

 

            The people of the M. E. Church of this city, had an unusually pleasant gathering in their church on Christmas Eve.  The gathering was originally intended especially for the Sunday School children, but the opportunity for a good time for all was too favorable to be allowed to pass unimproved, and the presents came in until it seemed as if everybody was going in have something.  A large and beautiful tree, well loaded, was placed upon the pulpit platform, and parcels in large numbers were lying around upon platform and tables.  The folding doors were raised, thus throwing the lecture room into the main auditorium, and brilliantly lighted and a large and happy audience present, the scene was a pleasing one.  The exercises began at 8 o’clock with singing “joy to the world, the Lord is come”, and prayer by Rev. J. M. McArthur.  After another hymn came an appropriate recitation by Miss Meta Constance, followed by music and an illustrated concert recitation by three girls and three boys, each in turn uncovering a letter upon a screen until the work “Jesus” appeared encircling a star, all of which was very pretty.  Soon after this bells were heard and some confusion at the front door, and down the aisle came Santa Claus in full rig, drawing a well loaded sled, and after a short speech in a squeaky voice, proceeded to unload the tree and distribute the presents, many of which were valuable, some quite amusing and all appropriate, except perhaps Elder McCormick’s beef-pounder, John Martin’s mitten and Henry Beadleston’s stockings. Mr. Stockton, principal of the High School, made an excellent Santa Claus.  After the distribution there was a social, with coffee and refreshments, and all that remained had a pleasant time.  The whole affair was happily arranged and it was in every respect a success.