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Newspaper
Boston Post
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
Dec 26, 1889
Page
8
Catholics hold a High Mass at St Patrick's Church while Protestants observe Christmas services. Sermons are delivered at King's Chapel and other churches as communities celebrate the festival.
The hearts of men turn to God on Christmas Day as the ancient festival of Christ’s birth is celebrated. Amid holiday mirth, churches opened their doors yesterday and held appropriate services.
The Church of the Advent held communion at 10 30 a m with Rev Mr Welling celebrant and Rev Mr Spencer assisting. Music featured Kyrie in G by Whitney and several Gou nod pieces with 17 Symphony players and harpist Wolf Fries. Mr H B Whitney was organist and choir master.
Christmas services at Trinity Church were simple and impressive with no extra music. Dr. Brooks delivered a brief address after the regular service, following the communion as his custom on such occasions.
At St. Pauls Church a regular Christmas service was held with morning prayer holy communion and a sermon. The absent rector Rev John S Lindsay D D was replaced by Rev Mr Smith of Trinity Church who preached on the theme of Christmas peace and good will. The chancel displayed spruce boughs pine branches and holly while Warren A Locke directed organ music from the Post printed programme.
At Washington street Cathedral Christmas services drew large congregations. Archbishop Williams officiated at 11 o’clock pontifical high mass with Father Corcoran deacon and Dr. Talbot master of ceremonies. Father Boland preached an instructional sermon. Sanctuary choir, Mr J Frank Donahue organist, rendered a printed music program. About 200 Brighton Seminary members attended.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception on Harrison avenue held large gatherings with a 5 a.m. high mass and a 10:30 a.m. solemn high mass led by Rev. Robert Fulton. The Symphony Orchestra performed Rossini's Messe Solennelle in A, with George E. Whiting as organist and director. Evening vespers featured Mendelssohn, Silas, Whiting, Gounod, Rossini, Haydn pieces sung by seventy five-voice chorus and soloists Charles Lewis, Ita Whelan, William H. Fessenden, and Son Brine.
Christmas services held at Gate of Heaven Church with Rev. P. M. O Connor celebrant, Rev. Nathaniel Merritt deacon, Rev. Michael Murphy sub-deacon. Choir led by Henry Carty performed Haydn's Sixteenth Mass with a 30 voice chorus. A parish Christmas program and stereopticon views are planned for Monday at St Michael's Hall.
Solemn high mass celebrated at St Patrick's Church by Rev Father Murphy assisted by deacon Colman sub-deacon Gallagher and master of ceremonies Lane. Capocchi's mass in A minor sung for first time in this country. Music grand under Mr T F Donnelly. Choir and chorus of forty adults and twenty five boys. Decorations beautful though not elaborate. Large congregation.
King's Chapel was decorated with fir garlands and greens. A morning service featured a sermon by Professor Francis G. Peabody of Cambridge and music from the chapel choir including selections from Bach Handel and Lang. Communion followed the services as worshippers departed Tremont Street.
A union service of First and Second churches was held at the First Church in Boston at 11 am. About fifty people attended. Rev Stopford Wentworth Brooke delivered a sermon on John 1 14, arguing Christ's perfection developed through years rather than being inherent. Simple evergreen decorations adorned organ and pulpit.
The chancel was filled with evergreens and potted palms and walls hung with large holly wreaths. The wall near the pulpit featured a yellow monogram LS in immortelles beside a display of white towers.
The morning service at Emmanuel Church on Newbury Street drew a full attendance led by Rev Leighton Parks and assistants. The Stanford Te Deum and Benedictus were used with anthems including It came upon the midnight clear and The glorious day has shined upon us. The church was festooned with evergreen and Christmas decor. Communion was administered by the rector at the end of the service.
A forenoon Christmas service at Arlington Street Church featured congregational hymns Scripture and responsive readings anthems by a quartet and a soprano solo Rejoice greatly by Mrs J B Walker The Rev Brooke Herford preached from Matthew ix 2 Be of good cheer A large evergreen motto and decorations enhanced the theme throughout the church balconies columns pulpit and organ loft
The South Congregational Church on Newbury and Exeter streets held Christmas services led by Rev. E E Hale and Rev Edward Hale. The sermon centered on Luke Chapter 2 text For there is born to you this day a Saviour Christ the Lord and reflected on Jewish expectations of the Messiah and the Christian mission to teach the lesson of Christianity.
Episco pal and Catholic congregations in Cambridge held festive Christmas day services with elaborate music. St Mary's featured Masses at 5:00 and 10:30 with large choirs, plus 500 children at vespers led by Prof Francis Wilbank. Other churches offered special music, Te Deum for parish anniversary, sermons, and a morning of gifts for 1500 Christian Band children at Prospect Rink.
Christmas was observed in Brookline churches with elaborate decorations in the Roman Catholic Church. A solemn high mass at 10 30 featured celebrant Rev Walter Brown deacon Rev William J Ryan and sub deacon Rev Father Begley. Evening vespers were led by Pastor Rev L J Morris with Rev Ryan and Rev Brown. The choir performed a special program. Prominent local residents attended.
Christmas Day in Somerville was quiet with church events. The Perkins Street Baptist Church held a Sunday school festival in the evening while Park Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church and Presbyterian church hosted trees and children’s programs. Emmanuel Episcopal’s Bow Street Hall festival offered refreshments and a tree, plus ventriloquism and magic by Mr John P Dame and a parish sociable. YMCA kept oven house all day and hosted a nut crack in the evening lecture hall.
J A Munich correspondent reports Henrik Ibsen eats breakfast daily at Café Maximilian and studies journals during the meal. He refuses a seat if his corner is taken and signals with a theatrical glare at intruders. Patrons learn he is the famed poet Josen awaiting his preferred table.
The article describes Christmas scenes across prisons, almshouses, missions, clubs, and church vestries. It notes Santa Claus filling stockings for children and entertaining strangers, with missions and charities hosting feasts, trees delivering gifts to Sunday school scholars, and the almshouse and prison embracing holiday warmth.
The Children Mission on Tre mont street hosted twenty seven children aged five to fifteen from Back Bay. stockings hung Christmas Eve contained gifts including a shotgun and drum for boys and dolls for girls. An elder group performed Cinderella, followed by a turkey dinner. Next week the children will unite with the Sunday school to strip the Christmas tree.
On Christmas Day in Boston 417 of the city’s poor were served a hearty square meal at Faneuil Hall by Mr. G. Parker. The event drew crowds, featured speeches and songs, and concluded with a gospel temperance service signing 3380 pledges and directing 90 men to lodging.
The children of the People's Methodist Church on Columbus Avenue enjoyed a Santa Claus gift stream last evening. The decorated chapel held many youngsters and older members as gifts were distributed from two Christmas trees. Professor O. L. Carter led prayers songs and recitations before the distribution, with young helpers aiding in delivering gifts.
About 165 attendees joined the Meionacn for the Union Temple Christmas dinner for Tremont Temple Sunday school guests. Delays due to influenza pushed seating to 2:30 pm as turkey ice cream cake and coffee were served, with J W Cook presiding and Prof R L Perks giving the blessing. The president welcomed guests and emphasized the gathering as a social contact for strangers, not charity.
The oldest teachers in the Sunday school led by Mr Osborn Parker praised the Sunday school as the backbone of the church and linked public schools to educating citizens. Rev E J Haynes urged widening outreach to include youth and all members, urging outreach to counter temptation and reach lukewarm Christians. Other speakers included Professor Perkins and Rev Eldridge as the gathering dispersed late afternoon.
Ebenezer Baptist Church on West Springfield Street hosted a Christmas festival from 7 to 9 PM. Dozens of boys and girls enjoyed popcorn oranges candy and other treats while families praised the event and hoped for more frequent celebrations, though parents preferred yearly festivities.
At the Baptist Tabernacle on Chardon street two Christmas events were held yesterday. The afternoon featured a gifts distribution from Christmas trees to primary children and an entertainment. Evening programs included manual and ocular skill displays and performances by Mr Georg H Pray with plate and bow spinning Chinese pell playing and light and heavy dancing.
The Boston W C Association reports a Christmas luncheon at the Young Women's Christian Association on Berkeley street. At 12:30 ladies and their invited guests dined in the large dining hall with roast beef turkey escalloped oysters cranberry jelly squash and potatoes English plum pudding and assorted fruit and desserts. An evening entertainment followed the meal.
About seventy five members of the 51 Pauls Baptist Church Sunday school on Joy street attended their Christmas tree festivities last evening. Children gave recitations and after presents were distributed a supper followed. A counterpane valued at about 20 dollars was donated by Mr. Thomas Anson and family of West Newton to the pastor Rev. Peter Smith.
About 160 children from the Twelfth Baptist Church on Phillips Street enjoyed a Christmas tree evening. Recitations and songs filled the program with Miss R. M. Washington on piano and W. H. Pitts serving as master of ceremonies in place of the ill Superintendent Thornton.
The Columbus Avenue Presbyterian Church Sunday school held a Christmas festival in the chapel last night. Evergreen decorations filled the space and two large Christmas trees stood on the platform. Mr C W Brown played Santa Claus handing out gifts as the scholars entertained gathered parents and friends.
The building association of the Twelfth Baptist Church on Phillips Street opened a Christmas fair last evening in the church vestry to raise funds. A variety of fairware was on sale and a refreshment table offered treats. The fair continues for three days.
Children from Bromfield Street Methodist Church and the Nickerson Home for Children gathered in the church vestry for a Christmas tree event. The program featured gift distributions, recitations, and music, followed by a brief address from Pastor Mr. Crawford.
At the Home for Little Wanderers on West Newton Street, 100 children aged under fifteen received gifts from holiday donors. Mrs. Miner oversaw stocking pinning and meals, while Rev. W A Cooper read letters from donors and addresses. Gifts were distributed from two decorated trees as Misses Smith and Cook selected items with Rev. Kimball assisting. The scene featured carols by Stella Todd and a playroom finale before Miner, recovering from illness, left early.
The thirty eight patients at the Children's Hospital shared a Christmas meal provided by the Ladies Aid Association. Able patients gathered at a low table in the boys ward while those bedbound received suitable delicacies. Saturday morning brought a continuation of the event.
The Ladies' Aid Association will furnish an entertainment for needy youngsters including a Christmas tree, bringing cheer to the less fortunate.
Friends remembered the inmates at the Consumptives Home on Washington Street Dorchester with a Christmas tree and chapel services on Christmas Eve. The day passed quietly aside from the festive dinner, as residents observed the holiday in subdued mood.
About forty persons shared an excellent Christmas dinner at the North End Mission yesterday afternoon and in the evening everyone joined in a candy pull.
The German Ladies Aid Society entertained 260 poor children at Turn Hall 29 Middlesex street giving each a useful clothing article and serving a Christmas collation. About 200 members support year round charity with gifts to the needy regardless of creed. Officers: Mrs P L Schriftgiesser president Mrs Wohlfarth vice president Mrs M Kallmann secretary Mrs A Schneidt treasurer. Assistants: Mr P L Schriftgiesser Mr M Kallmann Mr Weigmann Mr Swieder.
One hundred fifty invitations for the annual Christmas tree filled the Dorchester Girls Industrial Home on Centre Street as Miss Clark and the twenty seven residents hosted visitors. Santa distributed gifts, meals were served, and old girls returned from Newton, Ashmont, South Boston and nearby towns to celebrate Christmas at the home.
The Girls' Friendly Society at 51 Temple Street spent Christmas quietly with invited guests substituting absentees. The dinner was pleasant with music and an impromptu parlor dance, ending as it began with a calm holiday mood.
The Working Girls' Club hosted a large group of needy children at its headquarters 401 Shawmut Avenue yesterday afternoon. Friends contributed food and clothing, making the gathering a joyful display of benevolence.
At 38 Bennet Street the inmates enjoyed a turkey and cranberry feast at 1 o clock followed by outdoor play and quiet reading. A Christmas tree in the evening distributed shoes stockings caps and bright trinkets to make memories last until next year.
At the harbor institutions Chairman Thomas L. Jenks and board associates organized Christmas events for paupers at Charlestown Rainsford and Long Islands. Inmates enjoyed morning athletic games, a bountiful noon meal with roast meat plum pudding and fruit, plus candy. Music and dancing followed with Grandsire Baldwin's Orchestra at Charlestown and Deer Island Reformatory musicians at Rainsford and Long Islands.
Sailors aboard the receiving ship on the Wabash were granted general leave yesterday. A large portion spent Christmas ashore with relatives and friends while an excellent dinner was served to those remaining on board.
About 20 000 attend the Maritime Fair on Christmas Day as a colossal tree glows with 165 incandescent lights and hundreds of packages. Children receive two or three prizes each from ticketed distributions, while the platform crowds form in orderly lines. Evenings see a steady stream of youngsters marveling at the tree’s splendor.
There were no exercises at the Gwynne Temporary Home on Worcester Street in observance of Christmas Day. Forty children aged four months to fifteen years will have festivities about the tree next Friday at 3 p.m. They enjoyed a turkey dinner and play yesterday with games and dolls given last year.
Inmates at Charles Street Jail were confined for a short period with nothing out of the ordinary occurring. Officials note routine operations continued without incident.
The article notes that no special holiday arrangements were made and inmates were allowed to receive food shipments. Friends of many prisoners took advantage of the opportunity to send in meals.
The Charlestown State Prison marked Christmas with chapel masses and a Robinson Concert Company performance featuring John H. McVicker. Inmates enjoyed a furlough in the yard, shared a holiday dinner, and some received visits from friends during the day.
The South Boston House of Correction observed Christmas with chapel exercises and yard time for inmates. Prisoners shared meals including pork and potatoes while women dined in the women’s hall. An afternoon entertainment featured music, readings, and the Temple Quartet under master Ford and others, with performances by Biddy McGinnis and the Serenaders.
Twenty one inmates at the Female Refuge on Rutland street enjoyed a Christmas dinner and a festive tree in the music room. Each inmate received gifts including handkerchiefs, scissors, dresses, aprons, candy, an autograph album and soap. Rev. Dr. Waldron gave a Youth's Companion issue and cards. Miss Marsh organized an evening of tableaux recitations and singing.
The residents enjoyed a fricasseed chicken breakfast followed by woollen dresses stockings and other gifts. A fine turkey dinner and an evening program of music and recitations marked their Christmas, though funds limited the expected new building celebration.
The Magnolia Associates held a Christmas dance at Armory Hall Cambridge and North Russell streets with Professor J Everett in charge. Mr Williams led the orchestra and about fifty to sixty couples danced late into the night.
A Middlesex Superior Court docket list includes cases such as Kennedy v Mahoney Hawkins Parks Fillmore Tufts Brosnahan v Nell i n o Keete v Merritt Walker v Houghton Moynihan v Linehan Murray v Coch Seabury v McDonald Daley v Tolman Coan v Town of Lincoln and related entries dated around December 24 and 26. The record enumerates case numbers and participant names reflecting civil and local disputes awaiting action.
A numbered sequence lists cases in the Barrington docket including Commonwealth vs Moci 1hMavn and multiple v. defendants Hatch Towhey Hook Keegan Kelly O'Brien Rogers Maney McKeon. Other entries include Barrington 2972 and 2309 with similar tags and case styling.
The Long Island ship Great Eastern is described as a costly failure since 1853, with its only notable service the 1866 Atlantic cable laying. It survived thirty years of obscurity before sale for about 200000, being broken up, with salvage values listed for copper gun metals brass and iron parts.
Christmas day at city hotels saw few guests checking in with many staying out of necessity. Souvenir menus showcased at Vendome Brunswick Thorndike and United States houses. A large group of district messenger boys feasted at Crawford while several performers from Austin’s dime museum attended. Notable registrants included A. H. Jenks of Presque Isle and George W. Johnson of Brookfield among many others from New York, London, and Boston hotels.
Miss Florence Howard Fowle and Mr. William Jefferson Parker Jr. wed at the Fowle home with Rev Quint officiating. Best man William Shepard maid of honor Mollie Long, and bridesmaids Mercy Davenport Addie Fowle. The couple will travel south then reside at 16 Everett Avenue.
Officer Small of Station 5 arrested Nellie Brown for larceny of a watch and chain valued at 3150 dollars belonging to Charles Forbes. A block fell on Owen Maguire of the steamer Bavarian, injuring him severely and sending him to City Hospital. Proctor and Mansfield presented the Grand Opera House attachés with turkeys on Tuesday evening. Daniel Durell, struck by a train at Rice's Crossing on the Boston and Albany line last Tuesday, died yesterday at City Hospital.
The Hutchings built organ for Second Church on Copley Square will be dedicated this evening at 8 o clock. The ceremony includes an historical paper on church music in Boston by the Hon F W Lincoln, expected to be a valuable addition to the event.
Bridget Splain and her husband Patrick were on Chelsea street Charlestown about 10 tonight when a pistol in the hands of someone nearby discharged. The bullet struck Mrs. Splain in the left hip. The shooting is considered accidental. She was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital and is not believed to be seriously wounded. No arrests were made.
A kerosene lamp explosion at 197 Sumner Street East Boston caused a bed fire that suffocated George Quinn who could not escape before Engine 11 extinguished the flames. No other injuries reported.
Officers from Station 4 raided a gambling house at 36 Harrison Avenue last evening. Thirty Chinese nationals were arrested for being present. Police seized $5.75 in cash and a quantity of gaming implements.
Cambridge police dragged the Charles River near the River Street Bridge forenoon seeking a unknown man believed drowned Tuesday night. Benjamin Palmer of River Street stables reported hearing cries for help about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday then found no trace of the man. He did not reveal his name.
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