100 years ago
Christmas Exercises at the Churches
Nearly all the churches of the town will observe the Christmas holiday with some appropriate exercise. While Christmas is a time when all, both old and young, should be happy and joyful, it is regarded as the children's special day and they are always disappointed if something is not planned for them. So the several Sabbath schools have arranged for special services as follows:
The Presbyterian choir will render special Christmas music at the Sunday evening service. They will also have a program by the children and treat for the school Monday or Tuesday evening As several who are interested in the exercises expect to spend Christmas out of town and wish to leave on Tuesday, it is probable that the program will be given Monday night. However, definite notice will be given at the Sunday services.
The Baptist folks will have a service of song at the regular Sunday evening hour, in which the older members of the school will participate. And on Tuesday evening the younger scholars will give a program and there will be a tree and treat.
At the Evangelical church on Tuesday evening an appropriate program consisting of exercises by the little folks and music by the choir will be rendered, and treat given to members of the school.
The German Baptist people will also give a mixed program and treat on Christmas Eve at their church in the west side of town.
The Methodist Episcopal school has prepared no program for Christmas Eve, and the children will receive their treat Sunday morning after the session of the Sabbath school.
The members of the Free Methodist school and church will be given a treat with some suitable exercises at the church on Tuesday evening.
The younger members of the Christian Sabbath school have prepared a good program in the form of a cantata, entitled "'the Lost Reindeer" which will be given at the church Tuesday night.
That these various entertainments will be thoroughly enjoyed by all who attend is certain. The youngest children of the Sunday school are able to realize the sacred nature of this celebration of the birth of the Christ Child, and their loving hearts prompt them to many sweet acts of thoughtfulness at this time. Christmas means more to them than merely a time for selfish fun. They often teach the older ones that giving is better than receiving. All who help them enjoyed the occasion will be the happier for it.
One of the greatest needs of Marion is light for the city. A lighting system that will be adequate for the city's needs, under the control of the city, and not the city under the control of a lighting company. Criminals and thieves do not care to work in the light and although Marion has been remarkably free from depredations, thanks to our efficient officers, we do hear of attempts now and then to "break in and steal." At such times the subject of light for the city is talked good and plenty, then the first thing you know you hear some one, who ought to know better, make a roar about the additional expenses of municipal light. But such is life.
Not Forgotten
The Good Book tells us that "Not a sparrow falleth without the Father's knowledge." That "He remembreth us."
The value of the gift during this glad Christmas time has little to do with the joy of the recipient — -it's being remembered.
* * * *
A portion of Monday night and all day Tuesday "the beautiful" fell to the earth and deposited about three inches. Wednesday morning the thermometer registered 8 above and Thursday morning 10 above.
—
The high school pie social was a big success last Friday night. The mere mention of pie always has and presume always will cause a smile to appear on the face of the lord of creation, and as the ladies are particularly fond of cake and coffee, the high school boys were prepared for the whole family. They also held a contest for the homeliest gentleman present and for the prettiest girl, a pie to the gentleman and a cake to the lady. Prof. St. John was awarded the pie while the cake was divided between Miss Fae Paddock and Miss Clara Frazer. The Masonic lodge was in session the same evening and came in for a good share of the spread.
—
The building on Main street near the post office that for years housed Dockstader's livery, but which has been practically rebuilt, walls raised and plastered, is to be used for a skating rink and will be opened Saturday night. Although the room is not completed in all respects, the floor will be in proper shape, the lighting plant installed and stoves put up so the room can be made comfortable for those who do not care to skate. Messrs V.E. Healea and R. Williams are back of the project and they propose to see that the rink is conducted properly in all respects. They have purchased a good make of skates and on the opening night the band will furnish music. Cloak rooms for ladies and for gentlemen are being constructed and will soon be in readiness. The offices and cloak rooms will occupy the front of the room and above these, seats will be provided, and along one side of the room. For a time the rink will be open each evening, while a portion of afternoons will be given to instructing beginners.
—
At the council meeting Monday night that body went on record in favor of providing for an electric lighting plant. This is the proper thing. It can be successfully and economically handled in connection with the waterworks system and that at no great cost for installation.
