LaVERKIN’S FIRST CHRISTMAS
by Sarah Wilson Sanders
The LaVerkin LDS Ward was organized on June 22, 1904 with Morris Wilson, Jr. as bishop. A rock schoolhouse, built in 1905, also served as a recreation hall and church building. A committee composed of Bishop Morris Wilson, Relief Society President, Hattie Woodbury, Primary President Sarah A. Sanders, and MIA President, Minnie Wilson, planned the first LaVerkin Christmas party and program in 1904. Bishop Wilson hauled a cedar tree from the foothills. The butt of the tree was thrust into the hub of a wagon wheel, which served as a stand. The committee decorated the Christmas tree with threaded popcorn, popcorn balls, colorful homemade paper chains, and wax candles. They brought mosquito netting from the Isom store in Virgin City and made bags that were crammed with nuts and candy as presents for the children. They invited Jim Cornelius of Virgin City to ride down and act as old Santa. The people attending the first Christmas party were the families of Bishop Morris Wilson, Joseph Gubler, Henry Gubler, William Sanders, George Jones, William Hardy, Arthur Woodbury, George Judd, and Allen Stout. The eyes of the children sparkled when the candles were lit and the program was presented. Then Santa appeared to distribute the sacks of candy and nuts. His beard caught fire while he was removing the candy from the tree. Mrs. Joseph Gubler began to claw the burning cotton from Old Santa and scratched his face. Although Santa lost his disguise, no serious injury was caused and everyone enjoyed the party like one big happy family.
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