Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-05-12
Young Mems Christian Association.

WASHINGTON, D. c., May 9th, 1870.
Few persons in this country are totally
ignorant of the object and workings of
this institution in our land, and yet
doubtless some, perhaps many who read
the HERALD may not be aware of the ex-
tent of the good influence now being ex-
erted by, and in prospect for, this institn-
ton. In the inauguration of this institu-
! ton a gigantic stride has been taken in
the right direction, and way opened in
which all may engage in the common
work of the master, freed from all denomi-
national interests, save that of leading
others to the light. A due regard for our
churches and a constant adherence to
the means established for their material
interests is not only right and proper, but
is the bounden duty of all church men,
bers. But members of the various Or
CARNATIONS representing the head,
viz: Christ sometimes allow their zeal for
their church to exceed their love for the
common cause of the master, forgetting,
or loosing sight of the grand object of
their calling, and in their intercourse or
non-tntercourse with UtlIrt denominations
allow a spirit of bitter sectarianism to
characterize their action; to the world
this often proves big stumbling block
for ignorant as the wording may be upon
theoretical or practical Christianity, he
knows that this comes neither of the
spirit or tho teachings of Christ. The
association in its practical workings is
we'll calculated to, and is to a great ex-
tent, doing away with this vindictive Sec
tartan spirit, by uniting men and women
of all creeds in q common effort for good.
While the work of the association is the
same as that of the church, still by its success
the church is in no way impaired or COM
promised, but on the contrary is indirectly
strengthened, for the association realizing
the Importance of maintaining the true
interests of the church, enjoins upon its
members faithful performance of all the
duties of their respective churches, and
asks but contribution of time and means
as can be given aside from such duties.
To the stranger entering Washington,
one of the most attractive buildings that
meets his eyes is the Young Mems Chris
tan Association building upon the corner
of I'D" and "9th" Streets. He enters by
the broad winding iron stairway and TAX
ing the first door to the left enters the
library, in extent except the Congression-
al Library, the largest in the City, with
the advantage of all of the important
papers in the country, at the other end of
the room are large folding doors connect
ing the library and parlors, so that when
thrown open the library and the parlors
form an immense ball resembling in shape
a carpenters square, with the Presi-
dents stand at the junction of the two.
In the parlors proper are the usual daily
services held and the library is only
thrown open when all cannot be convened
in the parlors.
Passing to the upper floor you enter
Lincoln Hall, Amphitheatre in shape with
upwards of one thousand chairs, the most
spacious, and by all adds the finest hall in
the city.
The services in the parlors consist of
prayer and experience meeting daily
from 10 m., to o'clock, from 6 to p. m,
and from s to 8 p. m. The General Sec
rotary of the Washington Association Rev.
Mr.. Hall, seems to have the entire charge
of the association work, man of great
executive ability and thoroughly alive to
the interest of the work in his charge,
with time to do we'll whatever should be
done at all, he seems to have none to
waste. To the penitent he knows just
what to say and how to say it, word of
encouragement to the disheartened, a
word of welcome to the stranger who may
have come to the meeting, and he is away
about something else.
But my object is to lay before your
readers a more important feature of the
work than this. At the international
Convention, held in Portland, Me, last
year, representing the various Associa-
tions in the United States and the British
Provinces, resolution was passed in
structing Mr.. Hall to take tour through
the Southern States, visiting the most i'm
portant places and such associations as
existed before the war, bearing to them
the "Olive Branch" and inviting them in
the kindest possible spirit to the annual
International Convention. Proceeding
upon this tour, well fortified with Chris
tiQu forhosrunca g. Ho ouffass4Qfad not