Volume 103 Number 43
ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T Benevolence
H E R A L D
★ Humanity
TCGS introduces 2015 legend and symbol ornaments
ISSN —07458800
By Nancy Machu • Lodge 29, Taylor
Texas Czech Genealogical Society (TCGS), with its Czech Veterans Military Museum and Texas Czech Pioneer Room located downstairs at the SPJST Home Office in Temple, is again offering a line of unique Christmas ornaments which are associated with traditions, symbols, and/or legends, many of which are associated with the birth of Christ, His crucifixion, or some other spiritual meaning. We invite you to consider adding one or more of these most interesting ornaments to your tree this year, offering you the opportunity to explain the legend or story to your family. The ornaments also make meaningful gifts for family and friends. Here are the first three ornaments. Look for additional ornaments in the next seven issues of the Vestnik, just in time for Christmas shopping.
The Legend of the Drummer Boy Ornament The legend of the Drummer Boy began after the song, “The Little Drummer Boy,” became popular. Originally titled “Carol of the Drum,” Katherine Kennicott Davis first published the song in 1941. It was based upon a traditional Czech carol. Davis’ interest was in producing material for an amateur girls’ choir. She searched far
and wide for suitable material, but the original Czech composition has never been identified, although the style is comparable with the Czech song, “Rocking Carol,” a lullaby written in the early 20th century by Miss Jacubickova as “Hajej, nynjej” and given English words by Percy Dearmer for the Oxford Book of Carols in 1928. “Carol of the Drum” appealed to the Austrian Trapp Family Singers, who first brought the song to wider prominence when they recorded it for Decca Records in 1955, shortly before they retired. (www.wikipedia.org) “Come,” they told him “to see the newborn King.” But the little drummer boy had no gift to bring so he played his drum – rum pum pum pum - for the Holy Child. The Child smiled at the simple gift, serving to remind us that the best gift of all comes from the heart. This exquisite Little Drummer Boy resin ornament is available in the TCGS Gift Shop for only $20, while supply lasts.
The Symbol of the Star of Bethlehem Ornament When one is in the country, away from the bright lights of the city, or on a lake, fishing during the night, the twinkle of the stars above you brings a sparkle to your inner most parts as nothing else can. Because of its prominence in the Nativity story, the Star of Bethlehem is one of the most powerful symbols of Christianity. On Christmas Eve, the
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Important Dates ...................................3 Readers Write ......................................3 District News........................................4 Lodge Section .....................................6 Reunions ............................................11 In Memoriam ......................................12
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★ Brotherhood
Granddaughter of “Daddy of SPJST” Celebrates 90th Birthday
Happy 90th birthday to Patsy (Kubena) Pflughaupt of Lodge 1, Fayetteville! She celebrated her special day on October 26, 2015, with family members at Lodge 1. Patsy is the granddaughter of J.R. Kubena, who was one of the original founders of SPJST. He is also known as the “Daddy of SPJST.”
SPJST Scholarship Applications Available September through January Applications and all required information must be received by the Home Office on or before February 1, 2016. To receive a General Scholarship Application and/or *Leadership Grant Application, please call the SPJST Home Office Fraternal Department at 800-727-7578 or download an application at www.spjst.org. *Must be an active Youth Club member to apply for the Leadership Grant.
Inside Th is Week’s Vestnik
Youth Section ....................................14 Vestnik Project...................................15 Czech Culture ....................................17 Czech Calendar .................................17 Advertisements .................................21 Lodge Calendar .................................22
November 4, 2015
Page 7
Lodge 35 Elk supports Robinson Rockets Football Team
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Supreme Lodge Vice President Coufal welcomes Baby Clive
“A Language Remembered”
Page 19