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Newspaper
Lowell Daily Courier
Location
Lowell, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
Dec 26, 1899
Page
5
Storm interrupted many Christmas evening services but morning congregations were unusually large as churches marked Christmastide with holly decor, evergreen pulpits, and joyful music. Reports from numerous churches follow.
The Unitarian church Christmas service described Rev. C. T. Billings sermon on Can We do Without Christ. He argued Jesus as personality guiding followers, with Christ’s life power shaping Paul and Christian history. He urged balancing personal leadership with study of principles and following truth and right.
The St Pauls M E church Christmas service featured simple decorations and a sermon by Rev. W W Staples. He argued the Angel Song proclaims salvation, noting many remain unaware or inactive in faith, and urged personal responsibility to avoid turning the promise into sarcasm.
A historical voice argues that true peace on earth comes from Christ and His grace. The speaker contends humanity blocks God’s gospel, not the divine plan, and envisions a future when harmony with God yields transforming peace and a millennium of good will.
At Centralville Methodist Rev J A Bowler delivered a Christmas sermon with a blackboard sketch. In the evening Sunday school children performed a concert directed by superintendent G W Titus featuring Spread With the News and readings and songs by Alice Jenkins Lillian Dunse Jessie Kellihan Jennie Clement Florence Rowell Marion Bowler Carrie Favor Cora Titus and Rev J A Bowler. Assistant superintendent C F Taplin led a responsive reading and the choir sang an anthem.
John Street Sunday school held a morning children’s service with infant department on the platform amid evergreen and hot house flowers. Helen Jaques and Helen Johnson welcomed the gathering, with poems by Margaret Snow and a duet by Gwendoline Coburn and Hlena Jaques.
Laurel decorations and rare red flowers adorned Kirk Street church with a large morning congregation though evening attendance fell due to a storm. Rev. W A Bartlett preached on The Child and the World Powers, praising humble service, the overthrow of worldly thrones, and the unity of laborers, learners, and kings before God.
The First Trinitarian church held a morning service with a large congregation as the youth program showcased singing and a solo by Nettie Studley and a recitation by Chariena Grant. An evening illustrated Christmas lecture followed with special music from the double quartette and violinist Roland Huxley. Floral displays by Paul R. Burtt adorned the front, and Rev. Huntington preached on unity with brethren as decorations included laurel and red ribbons. An annual tea and Christmas tree are planned for Wednesday evening with supper at 6:50 and gifts for children.
Rev. H. W. O. Millington delivered a morning Christmas sermon titled The World's Great Festival. A simple yet effective decoration set the scene followed by an evening Christmas concert for children led by Sunday school superintendent Roscoe Thomas. The program featured recitations and songs from the quartette and intermediate department, including The First Christmas Night, with primary department performers Paul Sweatt Robert Prescott Gladys Merrill Carl Wilkins Vincent Cotton Laura Thomas Ernest Lyon Roland Watt Harold Wilson Etta Hodge Carrie Holmes Lena Fielding.
Wiling hands trimmed the Pawtucket church as the choir led by organist Sidney Fleet sang Simper's anthem and a carol service by Ryder. Rev. W. D. Leland preached a seasonal sermon while the infant department, directed by Mrs. Leland, delivered recitations. Children including Ina McKinley and Ruth Kenword participated amid weather disruptions to the Sunday school concert.
Highland Congregational church held an unusually engaging service with children and choir singing. Mr Favor and Mrs Willman performed solos. Grace Balch and William Dole led the program as annual reports showed receipts of 35854 and expenses 199.80. Attendance averaged 175 weekly. The play The Birds Christmas Carol will be presented in the vestry tonight with a free admission.
Sunday services at Branch Street church featured a Christmas sermon titled No Room for Christ. An evening concert with participating children followed, and the pastor delivered an address.
Rain dampened attendance at the First Congregational church Christmas vespers Sunday afternoon yet a large congregation enjoyed a rich program directed by the Men's Social club. Apollo Male Quartette, Mrs. George E. Burns, and Roscoe McDaniel led the musical portion while Solon W. Stevens played offertory. A special responsive service and two Christmas poems by Rev. F. A. Warfield were included. The evening Sunday school concert featured recitations, solos, and class performances by many children and the primary section, celebrating Christmas themes.
In the evening at St. Anne's the Sunday school assisted the choir in a Christmas carol service. Carols included Little Children While the Shepherds Watch The Great God of Heaven is Come Holy Night and Angels from the Realms of Glory. Mr John Wibberly sang a solo with fine voice and expression. Dr Chambre addressed the children.
Kirk Street and First Street Day Nurseries wowed children with a Christmas tree on Saturday. Luncheons for mothers followed at both nurseries as Miss O Leary and Mrs. Bradbury led efforts amid generous toy and food contributions.
Twenty children at the city farm were made radiantly happy by a Christmas tree and entertainment organized Saturday night by Mrs. Wyman and other charitable women. The Women’s Christian Temperance Union led the effort, distributing toys and candy. The program featured songs and recitations by the children with contributions from Miss Sullivan and Mrs. Callahan. A Christmas dinner is planned for all at the farm today.
Joyous Christmas services filled aisles with white and evergreen decor. A rich flowered altar, special anthems, and high quality music accompanied a holy Communion and baptism. Sunday school festival planned for this evening amid trees and gifts. Santa Claus aided by candy and nuts distributed presents to children as yearend celebrations continued. Centralville Methodist featured trees and gifts for youth though no Santa appeared. program included recitations and songs by Malcomb Peacock Emma Coote Bessie Allock Rose Green William Dennett.
Highland M B church held a well attended Monday evening event with two large trees bearing nearly 200 presents from parents and teachers. Mrs Higgins and church teachers oversaw gifts. Eva Lombard led decoration efforts. Program featured solos and a quartet from different departments.
A large audience gathered at Paige Street Free Baptist Church to hear the cantata Santa Clauses Arrival performed by the church youth. The cast included Maude Alice Kendall June Irma Bock Leia Hope Hathaway Nellie Georgie Libbey Judith Isabella Wiggin Nora Bessie Woodard Tot Ruth Wilson Molly Irene Sottrell Teacher Miss fiat newsboys Chester Bachelder Clayn Kimball Russie Amastrong Harris Lothrop. Fairs brownies esquimes and workmen accompanied the chorus with junior and primary departments singing. Four Christmas trees held gifts for children. Entertainment committees led by Ms. M. O. Bachelder and Miss Belle Wilson, assisted by Mrs. C. P. Saunders, Mrs. W. B. McKeon, and Elmer Brennan, organized the event. Mrs. W. do Hatch oversaw decorations. Miss Mabel Allen was the pianist.
Two large trees laden with gifts lit the Ft. street Baptist church for a Christmas entertainment. Santa Claus was played by Robert Hollingworth with Mrs Santa Claus by Harriet Tate. The children, including Maud Pratt Agnes Bennie and Sadie Ray, performed songs dialogues and chorus. The pastor received a large picture from his class and Mrs. M. J. Shattuck was remembered by the primary department.
A Christmas Eve gathering at the First Trinitarian church attracted about six hundred attendees. The primary and kindergarten departments staged Santa's Surprise with John Collier as Santa. Organizers included Charlies T. Upton and assistants, while contributions by Deacon Brigham and Deacon C. C. Frye honored church and Sunday school leaders.
A notable revival of Birds' Christmas Carol played to a larger audience in the Highland Congregational vestry Monday night after a prior successful Varnum school production. Miss Grace Balch directed, with Miss Bessie Adams introducing the show and a full cast led by Ruggies, Worthley, Hanking, and Saunders. Richard Saunders sang a solo, Ober and McGrath performed a duet, and Grace Batchelder accompanied the choir. Presentations were also made in the afternoon.
A long advertisement proclaims that Dr J L Plunkett of Pennsylvania has opened offices at the Associate Building corner Merrimack and Worthen streets offering free one week treatment for all illnesses if they apply before January 1. It extols his healing power and criticizes other physicians while urging sick readers to seek care promptly.
Doctor Plunkett's vast experience in treating the sick and his natural gift of healing render him capable of doing many things deemed impossible by other physicians.
Children from a well filled tree were under the care of Miss Pinkerton Ralph Saunders and Walter Hadey. The trio led the group in supervising arborist tasks and coordinating activities for the event.
Assisted by the Butler Relief Corps and Miss Ober of Lowell, the Humane League fed 300 to 400 children at Associate Hall with a Christmas program. The Savoy Theatre offered specialties and a large toy filled stage, while Mr Williams and a special officer kept order. Meals included turkey and ham sandwiches, coffee, animal crackers, fruit, cake and ice cream. Leftover food would aid poor families and the league reports feeding more than 1400 children yesterday in Troy, NYC, Worcester, Lowell and Providence. The group plans Sunshine Aids in public schools and pursues better tenements, boys clubs, nurseries, playgrounds, baths and outings.
A fragment lists inquiries about ailments such as catarrh including deafness and ear ringing. It mentions dyspepsia loss of appetite bloating and stomach inflammation, plus bronchial troubles and coughing. The text appears to advertise a medical remedy or assessment for these conditions.
J. W. Fioridy serves as president BE. S. Bennett is secretary and J. Williams acts as treasurer and supervisor in the league.
The Salvation Army held a Christmas Day meal at Army headquarters feeding about 600 men women and children. Ensign Blackman praised generous gifts from churches individuals merchants and caterers that filled stock and kept the dining hall full with songs by Captain Lasear Ensign Blackman and a string band. An anonymous ten dollar gift arrived without note, inspiring thanks for the unseen benefactors.
On Christmas Day at the city farm 81 inmates received a hearty dinner and a phonographic entertainment followed in the men’s hospital.
A special Christmas dinner was held at the city jail featuring a substantial roast and a variety of luxuries, an unusual meal for inmates.
A physician claims diseases stem from cell disorganization and promises free treatment for one family member due to huge demand. He cites his hundreds of cures and appeals for public confidence, praising his success with testimonials from grateful patients.
Poopcrohn J L Plunkett founder of the Osmo Chemic System operates a permanent office at the corner of Merrimack and Worthen streets with daily hours 9 am to 12 pm 2 pm to 1 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm. Office closed on the Sabbath.
A prison report notes 57 men and 15 women were confined, a small turnout. In the afternoon they gained access to prison corridors and a piano was provided for entertainment, revealing notable musical talent among several inmates and helping them reflect on Christmas Day.
One hundred fifteen boys at the truant school enjoyed a Christmas tree in the evening with presents supplied by the county and additional gifts from friends. The day included a Christmas dinner and afternoon playtime with toys nuts candy and fruit on the tree.
The First Spiritualist Society held tributes for A. P. Plimpton, a longtime local spiritualist leader. Johns I. Jackson, Fred Jordan, and Edward S. Varney offered remarks, with Mrs Nettie Holt Harding delivering the main address on The Immortal Life. Songs and duets by J. S. Jackson and Mrs. W. S. Davis accompanied.
Saturday night the First Spiritualist society held a Christmas tree festival at Old Odd Fellows hall on Merrimack street. A large audience attended. The feature was the presentation of a silver service to Mr and Mrs John Ss Jackson, president and conductor of the lyceum, in recognition of their earnest work. Mr Jackson is also known as a Royal Arcanamite orator.
At a Highland M E church Sunday school board meeting the following officers were elected for the coming year: superintendent W M Wilder assistant superintendent W A Thomas secretary and treasurer EF M Short librarian Charles Stanley assistant secretary H J Maguire chorister J F Slater superintendent primary department Mrs J W Higgins auditor J F P Slater.
All druggists guarantee every bottle of Chamberlains Cough Remedy and will refund the money to anyone who is not satisfied after using two thirds of the contents. This is the best remedy in the world for la grippe coughs colds croup and whooping cough and is pleasant and safe to take. It prevents any tendency of a cold to result in pneumonia. For sale by all druggists.
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