It was towards the end of December 1886. Rev. Father Fisher, Rector of St. Mary's School then known as St. Mary's College graced with his presence the first family Christmas celebration in St. Mary's. It has been recorded in the House diary as follows:
"This evening our boys had a regular Christmas Tree. Father Schafer had made the whole arrangement. A regular tree had been erected in the orphanage refectory. It was most beautifully decorated with many sweets and toys and lights. The boys first got a splendid supper (tea, cakes, fruits, sweets without stint, etc.). Then a raffle was arranged, and all the nice things were impartially distributed as drawn by lot. Christmas hymns were sung. All the Fathers were present, and young and old, Fathers and boys, were highly pleased."
The Diarist further adds: "This should be done every year. The house supplied the cakes and most of the fruit, and should continue to do the same in the future."
"This evening our boys had a regular Christmas Tree. Father Schafer had made the whole arrangement. A regular tree had been erected in the orphanage refectory. It was most beautifully decorated with many sweets and toys and lights. The boys first got a splendid supper (tea, cakes, fruits, sweets without stint, etc.). Then a raffle was arranged, and all the nice things were impartially distributed as drawn by lot. Christmas hymns were sung. All the Fathers were present, and young and old, Fathers and boys, were highly pleased."
The Diarist further adds: "This should be done every year. The house supplied the cakes and most of the fruit, and should continue to do the same in the future."
