1915-01-01aa

The year, 1914, came to an end in the usual way in the city of Hamilton.

 Despite the tumultuous events in Europe which had caused so much death and destruction since the previous August, New Year’s eve, December 31, 1914, was the occasion of quiet reflection for many Hamiltonians, and an excuse for raucous celebrations for others.

Many of the leading churches in Hamilton held Watch Night services, including St. Giles’ on Main street east:

“St. Giles’ Presbyterian Church was filled to capacity at 11:15 Thursday evening to see the old year old and welcome the new year.

“Rev. J. B. Paulin led the ceremonies, and before commencing his sermon, the chimes rang out beautifully, ‘Abide With Me’ and ‘Nearer My God to Thee.

“Rev. Mr. Paulin pointed out that far greater and better things were in store for all during the coming year, and that the storehouse of God had future investments better than the past – ‘Forget the things past and reach forth for the things in front; reach forth for the prize.’

“A five-minute silent meditation followed, and then the chimes rang out loudly in the still of the night, ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and “Oh, God, Our Help in Ages Past,’ and just before midnight, all lights in the church were dimmed, and suddenly the chimes tolled 12, and the lights all came on, showing the birth of the new year.

“The chimes then played the Oxford changes of the National Anthem, and all sang ‘God Save the King.”¹

¹ “At St. Giles’ : Impressive Watch Night Service Held There”

Hamilton Times.   January 1, 1915.

St. Giles’ was located in a predominately residential area in the east end of the city. In contrast, one of Hamilton’s oldest churches, Christ Church Cathedral, located in Hamilton’s central core on James Street North, held an impressive watch night service, while just outside the walls, James street north was filled with rowdy celebrants.

When the bells of Hamilton City Hall, located just a few blocks south of the cathedral rang out 12 strokes, indicating that the year 1915 had arrived, cheers rang out outside the cathedral, while inside it was a different scene:

“While the bells were ringing out the old year, the congregation joined in silent prayer, and shortly after the rector prayed for the success of the British arms in the present war.”²

² “At Cathedral : Prayers for Success of British Arms at Watch Night”

Hamilton Times.   January 1, 1915.

The reporter for the Hamilton Times began his account of New Year’s Eve, 1914 in Hamilton by quoting a poem:

“ ‘Ring out wild bells to the wild sky,

     The flying cloud, the frosty

  The year is dying in the night,

      Ring out wild bells and let it die.’” ¹

¹ “Noisy Entry : Year 1915 Ushered in With Usual Celebration”

Hamilton Times.   January 1, 1915.

The reporter then went on to summarize what he saw during New Year’s eve. 1914:

“The passing of the year 1914 in Hamilton would have given a philosopher food for retrospection in the way the citizens ushered in the new year.

“Some were for pleasure, others leaned to the more serious side, but in spite of all, a feeling for hopefulness in future prosperity predominated.

“The Savoy theatre, running a midnight show, starting shortly then ew year, was crowded to its capacity, and long before the curtain was scheduled to arise, the ‘S.R.O.’ sign, which is popular with all theatrical managers, had been hung out.

“The various rinks kept open until the new year, and some chose to pass the new year in the healthy Canadian exercise of skating.

“In many homes, the year was ushered in with dancing, and in some more quietly.

“Promptly at 12 o’clock, the whistles and bells sent out the message that another year was dawning. In various parts of the city, firecrackers were let off and people shouted and sang for joy as the new year with its possibilities and opportunities entered.

“Taken on the whole, the evening was noisy but, nevertheless, orderly as the police had no untoward proceedings to report.”¹