CHRISTMAS TREE AT KAWAIAHAO

Nearly 1,200 People Went to See.

Nearly 12 hundred People Went to See.

On Friday night last week, the Sunday School students of Kawaiahao were made happy because of the docking of the ship Alameida [Alameda] that evening with a kind, big old man named “Santa Claus.”

Before the time announced that the old man would be arriving, the great room of that church was packed with the Sunday School children and their parents, and in that crowd, the elders were seen:—Mr. and Mrs. Henry Waterhouse, Mother Castle, Rev. H. H. Parker, Mrs. Haalelea, Rev. S. L. Desha, and our other white friends.

Right before the pulpit, an arch [pio] was erected decorated with pine branches, and amongst these branches the light of electric lights could be seen, in the colors of the American flag: white, red and blue. In the middle of the arch was placed a large star made to be like the Star of Bethlehem which guided the wise men of the East to where the Messiah was born. In the Star was placed a picture of Maria with Christ in her loving bosom. It is truly lovely and beautiful for the heart of man to say.—”It is true, a Messiah was indeed born.”

Under this arch lay a table laden with presents that were made ready to give to the students.

Before the arrival of Santa Claus, hymns were sung and short speeches were given by the girls of the Kawaiahao Boarding School [Kula Hanai o Kawaiahao] and the Youth Class [? Papa Pokii] of Mrs. May Wilcox. Their performance was truly beautiful and sincere, and if the One for whom these celebrations were being held was present in His Actual Body, they would not be without His clapping. The Head of the Sunday School of Kawaiahao, Hon. Henry Waterhouse, gave some praising remarks, as did Pastor Parker [Paleka] and the Pastor of Haili, Rev. S. L. Desha, and the people gathered to hear their voices were joyous.

Being that the one much awaited for was a very kind old man, after the singing of some songs called in English, “Christmas Carols,” there was heard the sound of a conch, at which time was seen Santa Claus entering with his Presents, and he circled about the room giving presents to the children.

Here is some of what he said.—”I am happy to be with all of you. This is one of the most amazing lands for me. Where I live, there are many feet of snow now. When I landed with the steamer Almeida this evening, I was shocked that there was no snow here, so I did not bring my sleigh nor my deer, being that you all have street cars [kaa uwila].

The gifts prepared were handed out. Everyone was thrilled.

(Kuokoa, 12/27/1901, p. 5)

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke XXXIX, Helu 26, Aoao 5. Dekemaba 27, 1901.