Christmas traditions endure at Pine City Church, Grange

For the 15th year, the singing group 'His Song' will open the Christmas season at Pine City with a public performance in the historic stone church Sunday, Dec. 2, beginning at 2 p.m. with refreshments and fellowship following at the Kenova Grange.

It was a tradition at Pine City in the early 1900's to celebrate Christmas as a community. The gathering was generally held on Christmas eve at the community hall, originally the first school building, or at the IOOF hall.

After the gym and auditorium were added to the brick school in the mid 1920s, the festivities were moved there. The Social Improvement Club was in charge of organizing the event.

A Christmas tree was the focal point with entertainment provided by school children, elementary through high school. There was singing, one-act plays and music provided by the rhythm band.

It was always reported as a full house and great success. Kenova Grange had Christmas celebrations even when the grange met in the old Kenova School house on Stephen Road. They continued the tradition when they moved into Pine City, and Santa Claus arrived with gifts for the small children.

Kenova Grange continues the Christmas tradition by opening the Grange Hall after Christmas in the Stone Church, and they continue to have a Christmas party each December.