CHRISTMAS DAY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2413, 27 December 1887, Page 2

CHRISTMAS DAY.

As Christmas day fell upon a Sunday this year, the celebration of the festival were of a purely religious nature, the inauguration of the customary round of amusements of the season being deferred till yesterday (Monday). The weather on Sunday was superb throughout the the Waikato ; indeed the heat and dusty state of the roids and streets were so great and unpleasant that no one would have thought a few hours steady rain during the previous night at all unwelcome. Our notice of the day is devoted to the Churches and the services held during the day. St. Peter’s, Hamilton, was plainly but tastefully decorated. Besides the usual ornaments, the altar table was adorned with clusters of evergreens, several banners, and was covered with a very handsome cloth, upon which were the vessels for the administration of the Holy Communion. Erected upon the altar rails, was a row of high gothic arches, constructed of creepers, lycopodium, and ivy, surmounted with a floral cross, which had a chaste appearance. Wreaths of the same plants were curled around the pillars on both sides of the church, and the pulpit and lectern were ornamented with designs of a similar character. The arches of all the main windows were elegantly arranged with wreaths of lycopoliun and ivy. The one near the door was handsomely decorated with a profusion of the same plants. Early communion service was held at S. a.m. by the incumbent Rev. O.C. Biggs at which there was a good attendance. The choral services at 11 a.m. drew a large congregation in addito the Hamilton Tight Infantry wi,o paraded. The whole congregation joined heartily with the choir in singing the chants and hymns, the latter being “Come all ye faithful” and “I am not worthy.” The Rev. O.C. Bigcs, who was assisted by the lay readers, Messrs Seddon and Swarbrick, delivered an excellent sermon, taking his text from II Kings, chapter 7, verse 9, "This day is a day of good tidings.” There was a second administration of the Holy Communion which was partaken by about fifty communicants. The evening service was largely attended. The hymns were “ Hark the herald angels sing,” and “Whilst shepherds watched their flocks by night.” The Rev. Mr Biggs, who was assisted at the lessons by Colonel Forbes, preached an appropriate sermon from Ist. chapter of St. Matthew 3rd verse “Behold a virgin shall be with child and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emanmucl. Attlia conclusion of the service the congregation remained to hear several beautiful carols given by the choir, under the conductorship of Mr Templer. The collections for the day amounted to £l2 4s. Church Parade. There was a very large muster of the Hamilton Light Infantry Volunteers on Sydney Square, for Church Parade at St. Peter’s Church at 11 a.m. The occasion was unusually interesting by the fact of Colonel Forbes and Dr. Kenny, who have just been gazetted respectively honorary Colonel and Surgeon of tho corps, appearing on parade for the first time in full dress uniform. Mr John Knox (late Colonr-Sergeaut of the 4th Waikato Militia) was also present and paraded with the company. Colonel Forbes and Dr. Kenny were received by Capt. Reid, and introduced by him to the officers and men, at the same time congratulating the corps on the fact that these gentlemen had consented to fill the positions they had been invited to accept. Col. Forbes then addressed the company, stating that it afforded him much pleasure to assume tho honorary command of so fine a volunteer corps. He had heard from their commandant that the men had been assiduous in their drill and target practice, and they had been complimented on their progress by their inspecting officer Colonel Shepherd. He trusted they would go on as they had commenced, for they must remember they had a deal to learn yet before their training would be complete. No real progress was ever made by fits and starts, and lie therefore advised them to persevere continuously. They were to be congratulated upon having so efficient a commander as Capt. Reid, to whose energy they were greatly indebted for the progress they had already made. So far as he himself was concerned they might rely upon his support and interest in their well-being as a company, and concluded by wishing the men “A Happy Christmas.” The company then marched to the Church at Hamilton West, headed by the band, and presented a fine steady appearance. St. Mary’s Church. Thislittle church was very neatly decorated. The back of the altar was decked with artistic designs, composed of laurel and ferns, relieved with the bright colours of a variety of flowers, the wliole being surmounted with the text in large letters, “Come Let us Adore.” Flowers and evergreens were arranged around the windows, and the gallery, with it supports, were thickly adorned with laurel streamers and giant ferns presenting a pleasing effect. Oonconi’s High Mass was celebrated at the 11 o’clock service, and the “ Adcsti Fidelis,” was sung very efficiently hy the choir. Father Fox deli vered an impressive address on the Nativity, taking his address from Isaiah XIX, verse (J. In the evening the service of the Rosary was celebrated, the choir singing the “ E thilntaris.” and the solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Father Fox preached from the words of the shepherds, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this tiling,” after the message given them hy tho angels. There was a large congregation both morning and evening, and liberal collections were made. Great credit is due to Miss L. Cassidy, the youthful organist, for the efficient manner in which she performed the difficult mass music.