The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1857-12-12
COMMUNICATIONS.
For the Central Presbyterian.
Anniversary of the Young Mems
Christian Association.

The anniversary celebration of the Young
Mems Christian Association of this city was
was held at Goddin's Hall on Friday, the
18th instant. In accordance with the re-
quirement of the programme, punctually at
the hour of half past o'clock, the large
hall over the rooms of the Association was
thronged with the beauty and intelligence OF
the city. The speaker stand was decorated
with festoons of eyergreens, and the name
of the Association inscribed in letters of &C.
dar blended with the bright berry of the
holly-tree, was suspended over the head of
the worthy President, like beautiful bow
of promise An amateur band, .udiciously
selected, performed at intervals between the
addresses, the choicest pieces from the most
celebrated operas and oratorios. After an
appropriate. overture from the band, the
proceedings we're opened by prayer from
the Rev. Mr.. Manly, of the Baptist church.
Although this gentleman was called on un-
expectedly, his invocation of the Divine pre-
sence and blessing was peculiarly appropri-
ate. An abstract of the annual report was
then read by DR.. VIM. P. Palmer, the Cor
responding Secretary. The doctor present
ed very interesting account of the opera
tions of the Association in its several
departments during the past year. He
stated that the membership exceeded six
hundred at present and was daily increas-
ing. The usefulness of the Association was
exhibited in the establishment of mission
Sabbath schools, Bible classes, litera-
ry and reading room, a literary society
and a course Of lectures, all of which
were free to the members. There were also
daily meetings in the rooms of the Associa
ton for social prayer, which were well at
tended. He invited the attention of the
community to the endowment fund of So
900, which it was proposed should be raised
by voluntary contributions. Already libe-
raj donations had been made and the fund
would be increased by the subscriptions of
life-members. The report was highly gra-
tifying to all present
The President then introduced to the au-
dience John Randolph Tucker Esq, the
youthful Attorney General of Virginia, as
one, who though comparatively stranger
in our midst, was well known as most
Jealous advocate of the cause of Christian
Associations, and as one who was not asham-
ed of the cross of Christ. Mr.. Tucker ac-
knowledged the justice Of the remarks of
the President, and then addressed himself
atonce to the development of the grand idea
embodied in the organization Of Christian
Associations throughout the world. He Sc
lected as text for his address, the apho-
rism. "The children of this world are wiser
in their genastion than the children of
light" He demonstrated, that the Chris
tan church, while it had foes from without
and from within to contend with, and while
its efficiency was impaired BY the diversity
of sects, resulting from the freedom of opn-
ion peculiar to Professionalism, might derive
an amount of aid from the laity through
these Associations which would be of incalcu-
liable advantage. The elements of strength,
numbers and enthusiasm were to be found
in the young Christians, who were united in
this organization, as jewels on a golden
thread.
His address was distinguished by fervor
Of eloqucncc, felicity of illustration, and
a grace Of elocution worthy the occasion
and the high reputation of the speaker.
His suggestions in regard to the endow-