Saint Ursula Academy - Scroll Yearbook (Toledo, OH)

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As first Tfzey We e Sung. .. T IS Christmas Eve once again. The snow is falling softly outside my win- dow. and down the street carolers are gladdening the air with their fresh young voices. For as long as I can re- member I have loved to wrap myself to the chin, and open the window wide' so that I might drink in the full beauty of the Christmas message these song- sters of the season bring. The history of a number of the hymns I know by heart, for llimi has repeated them to me every year since I was a wee one. VVould you like me to tell you about them? The three little boys you se-e carrying the torches are about to sing HSilent Nightu. What more beautiful selection than this for the opening number! This is truly my favorite, as lym sure it is that of hundreds of others. It was com- pose-d in Obendorf, Austria on the Christmas Eye of 1818. The verses were from the pen of Father Joseph lylohr, pastor of a local church, who wanted a new song to welcome the Christ Child. So it was that he asked Franz Gruber, the organist of the church, to set his poem to music. Unfortunately the bel- lows of the organ broke down that night and a repair man from a nearby village came to fix it. He became so attached to the beauty of the hymn that he took it home with him to his valley, whence it has spread throughout the world. Now I can see lylr. Elton giving the pitches for the next piece. I know from the opening chord that it is to be Adeste Fidelesn. This hymn was used at Bene- diction in France and England during the Christmas season to invite all to come to Bethlehem to worship the New- Born Savior. St. Bonaventure is be- lieved to have written it, although some think that it is of French or German origin. An Englishman, John Reading, who was organist at VVinchester -JEAN ANN SYRING '43 Cathedral in 1675, is said to have com- posed the beautiful melody. O Little Town of Bethleheml' was written especially for school children by the rector of Holy Trinity Church, Philadelphia, in 1868, and the tune was Written by his organist, Lewis H. Red- ner. lVIimi says that although everyone loved this tune, it was not accepted as a hymn until 1892. As you see, lVIimi has taught me well, for I remember even the dates. Little Johnny Elton is singing his favorite, The First Noel . France and England are both given credit for this hymn. A shephe'rd's carol, The First Noel is a medieval hymn, the chorus of which is addressed by the angels to the shepherds. The verse is by no means perfect, but it will always be loved as a hymn having a decidedly universal appeal. They are just starting to sing f'While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Nightf' VVouldn!t it have been ex- citing to be on that hill that night! Woiild you have been frightened too at therdazzling appearance of the angels? Nahum Tate is credited with having written this supplement of the Psalms containing the famous Christmas hymn, published in 1703. One, two, three-'IO Holy Night or Cantique de Noel is heard. This was written by the distinguished French composer, Adolph Adam, and in it he seems to have caught the spirit of the first holy night, when Love Incarnate came to brighten the drab earth. lylimi always forgets that she is not one of the carolers when they strike up f'Hark The Herald Angels Singu. With all her strength she strains her vocal organs to the breaking point at the mere suggestion of the name. The Words are accredited to Charles Wesley, fContinued on page 415 THE SCROLL , 5

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All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God: sing joyfully to God, all the earth. fGradnal of the third mass for Christmas

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A e You Mad? Christmas was only two weeks away, and the feverish anxiety of the coming holidays was rising in Frannie as it was in everyone else. Only two more weeks and then a glorious vacation of two weeks, she kept repeating to herself. The afternoon mail brought an added attraction for the holidays, an invitation to the Country Club Christmas dance. -- PATRICIA CELUSTA '43 smuggle a coke, I won't mind. Now get out so I can work in peace. About five minutes later another loud rap-in poured Susie and Barb from next door. Come on, Fran. By popular request we've been delegated to drag you down- stairs or the party is coming he-ref, Poor Fran was the victim of con- spiracy. Her speech was still a thing Oh, time, you drag! Two whole weeks. Would they ever pass? Now arose the prob- lem-what would she wear? Last year it was the blue formal, so she simply must get a new one. Vacation started on the twenty-fourthg if she left the night of the twenty-third, she would have a whole day to shop. In the meantime there were several assignme-nts due before she left. The most threatening one at present was the speech for the last day. With Hmggga CHRISTMAS GREETINGS To our patrons and advertisers with heart- felt thanks for your co- operation and a sincere wish that peace may be yours at Christmas time. TESTER of the future. The next day could promise little except hard work. By working night and day, and only by that, could she do her speechg and she meant to do it. Immediately after sup- per, with firm resolution, Frannie sat down and began her laborious task. Her pen fairly flew across the pages. The in- troduction was finished. VVhat progress she was making! Then: f'Hey, Fran, there's a dance over in the gym- Santa Claus and all. Going? so many things whirling through he-r mind, how could she give a speech? Time passed faster than Fran realized. Only two days remained and the speech was still uncomposed and unmemorized. Tonight she would write it and the-re would be tomorrow to learn it. With pencil poised, she was at last ready to start when the door opened, admitting her room-mate, Pepper. Hi there, Fran! Why so serious? The dorm is having a party downstairs. Come on and have some fun. Cokes and potato chips for nourishment. No, my dear, your YOOIH-mate is not going to be tempted. I have a speech that must be Written. If you can Not tonight, Barb. I was forced last night but tonight an army won't move me. Too bad! It's going to be a ne-at dance. As long as you're not going, may I borrow your white sweater? Thanks. Bye ! Whatys this dance anyhow? The Country Club affair will make this look like a barn dance. So picking up her pencil she recommenced, only to be in- terrupted by Pepper. Fran, please go to the dance. You can just walk over with me, then come right back. I'll do your Spanish for you. Please, pretty please!!' 4 0 THE SCROLL