As was noted Friday, those wishing for a white Christmas in Newton 125 years ago were not disappointed when a blizzard raged in the city’s general vicinity for two days within a week of the holiday. But, the holiday season was much more subdued than it had been the year before.

The Methodists had been holding a series of revival meetings during the holiday season. These services were still in progress on account of “increasing interest.” The Methodist Episcopal Church was located where First Lutheran Church is now. 

This church’s new edifice, built by James Eastman and others, had been dedicated in November 1886.  Rev. Ira O. Kemble was appointed to the Newton charge at the conference held in Newton Sept. 7-12.