CHRISTMAS DAY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19478, 26 December 1925, Page 11

CHRISTMAS DAY

A QUIET CELEBRATION GIFTS FOR YOUNG AND OLD Christmas Day dawned bright and clear and proved a day of relaxation and inspiration for most people in Wanganui, quietness being perhaps the keynote of the observance. 1 hough motor cars were much in evidence the trams were not running and that limited holiday traffic. Special services were held at many of the churches and were well attended. At the hospital the children’s ward was provided with a Christmas tree, which was loaded with many beautiful gifts to delight the hearts of the little patients. At the Wanganui Orphanage on Christmas Eve a visit was paid by members of the Swankers’ Club, who donated the sum of £5 towards the Christmas festivities, -while the Masonic fraternity provided a tennis outlit and erected it for the benefit of the children. The old people at the Jubilee Home were also remembered, receiving gifts yesterday in addition to special Christmas fare. The Christmas festival at St. Mary’s Church commenced with solemn High Mass at midnight on Christmas Eve. The sanctuary of the church was beautifully decorated, the work being done by the Sisters of St. Joseph. The High Altar was a blaze of light, being illuminated by numerous candles. The mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father G. Mahoney, parish priest. St. Mary s choir, under the baton of Mrs. T. Lloyd, with Miss R. McVicar as organist, rendered music appropriate to the occasion. The members of the choir acquitted themselves well and the rendition of the music was impressive and devotional. Rev. Father Mahoney preached and concluded by wishing the large congregation a holy and a happy Christmas. A second mass was celebrated at 7.30 and a third at 10.30 yesterday morning. In the evening the usual devotions were held.