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.