Editor's note: First of two parts
The days before Christmas are always exciting for children and adults as schools and churches stage special programs and civic groups focus on philanthropy projects benefiting needy neighbors during the holy season of giving. It's true today, and it has always been true, even during the most difficult seasons.
In 1922 Chattanooga was recovering from the intensity of the Great War and beginning to feel the enthusiasm of a bustling economy and expanding business and industrial opportunities. The Christmas spirit was present as downtown stores decorated their windows and the street lights donned boughs of evergreens and ribbons. Families strolled the streets greeting each other as the children gazed at the toys and created their own lists of possibilities.
At Central Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of McCallie and Orchard Knob avenues, the Rev. T.S. McCallie announced a special Christmas Sunday program. His sermon, "The Star in the East," included appropriate Christmas music as a "gift" from the choir. But the highlight of the commemoration would occur that evening when the children of the church staged an outdoor pageant, "The Birth of Christ," featuring more than 30 young actors. Church members and visitors were invited to walk the campus and view a camp of shepherds, the appearance of an angel, the visit of the Magi to King Herod's court and "the presentation of worship and gifts to the infant savior."
At St. Elmo Methodist Church, the Christmas Sunday program began with an instrumental trio from the McDowell Club, featuring Mrs. Kenneth Whitaker, violin, Mrs. Major Harris, cello, and Mrs. Glenn Young, piano. The trio played a prelude including Von Gones' "Romance" and Widor's "Serenade" and then accompanied the choir for an offertory anthem.
Dr. H.H. Pitzer, First Presbyterian Church, shared a special message with his congregation, "The Star of Hope," and announced that the choir and the children would present a program of Christmas music that evening under the direction of Mary Wilson.
The common theme continued with Second Presbyterian Church's Dr. E.A. Elmore and a sermon titled "The Marvelous Sign," accompanied by a double quartet musical program including "The Dawn of Hope" [Shelley] and "Tanhauser March" [Wagner]. Again, performances by the children garnered the congregation's attention. The evening program showcased music and "Their Christmas Party." The play cast included Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Porter, Dorothy Canfield, Phoebe Marchbanks, W.O. Whittaker, Frances Westcott and a "score of children" with a special appearance by Saint Nicholas.
The Chattanooga Rotary Club's 1922 Christmas project served the physically challenged children of the region. The children were guests for a special luncheon where they were told that Santa Claus had asked the members to learn each child's "heart desires" for Christmas. Since the Rotary members were only emissaries for Santa, each child was given an addressed and stamped envelope for their Santa letter. "Almost every child" responded. The club announced that "it is unnecessary to say that not one single wish expressed in those answers will go unfulfilled." More than "sixty little hearts" experienced joy and happiness that Christmas season due, as noted by the Chattanooga Daily Times, to the "generous impulse of the big-hearted men who make up the membership of the Rotary Club."
The Chattanooga News' 1922 Letter Writing Contest was designed for area students to respond to the topic "The Best Christmas Ever." Writers were limited to stories of no more than 200 words [elementary school] and 300 words [high school] and were required to use their best penmanship -- in ink. The winners were Harry O. Northern, Chattanooga High School, and Tyson Allen, Normal Park school. While their stories were featured first, more than 100 stories were printed during the week before Christmas.
The senior class of Chattanooga High School had begun a tradition of entertaining the children of the Vine Street Orphans' Home almost a decade earlier. On the final Friday before Christmas, the children were transported to the school, where "a huge Christmas tree awaited them in the chapel, all beautifully lighted and decorated with presents surrounding the base." Lunch and an afternoon program of music, games and gifts assured that "when good-by time came, each youngster could say thanks with real feeling."
As other schools prepared for the 1922 Christmas break, the final day was given to Christmas celebrations and special events. Next week, we'll revisit those school programs as we reflect on the blessings of joy, peace and love.
Linda Moss Mines, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County historian, wishes everyone a season of blessings and special memories. Visit chattahistoricalassoc.org for local history.