The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-11-21
Auuiyer.a,y Of die Reform Gins.

| AnuhFeFsafy OIL Tue REFORM OIub.
The third anniversary of the Portland Re.
form Club was observed at Congress Hall last
evening. There was large attendance of the
members OF the club and their friends, and a
| very interesting meeting was held. The off
GERS OF the club and invited guests occupied
seats upon the platform. After singing by tha
choir the President gave carefully prepared
sketch of the progress of the club since its or
gaoization three years ago.
From the history of the club, delivered by the
president, Geo. 81. Iefavor, we CLEAN the fol-
lowing. The club was organized Nov. 21st,
1874, at Allen Mission chapel, by fourteen per-
sons signing the iron-clad pledge that had been
crawn up by committee appointed the eve.
ming before. Chas. II. Choate was elected
PRESIDENT; John W. Stowell and Geo. A. Ma
son, Vice Presidents; George FL. Lefavor, Sec
rotary; M. j. Sullivan, Treasurer. At the next
meeting Mr.. Choate resigned not feeling quail
med to perform the duties, and j. r. Nickel
Vey was elected President. At the close of the
year the club numbered 80 members One
member had been reported for violation and
mad resigned. Among the honorary members
elected appear the names of NJ. G. Palmer, G.
Il. Taylor, A. Little, j. W. Munger, Rev. 1.
Lace and S. r. Leavitt. The first public meet
ing of the club was held March g. 1876 in the
Y. NJ q. Association Hall, and from this time
meetings were held in the various vestries of
the churches of the city, at Allen Mission and
elsewhere. Durihg the month of April large
number of members were reported fer violation.
On July 9th the Secretary's report showed that
296 had signed the pledge, AZ been expelled, q
lost run of, leaving membership iu good
standing of 100. Chas. Ell Choate was elected
President for the ensuing six months; Chas. M.
Thomas, Simon Elder and Franklin Perry,
Vice Presidents. The condition of the club at
this time was very poor, and it was only
through the exertions of a few members who
had the cause at heart that the meetings were
kept up and the club kept alive Members
continually falling, money that had been con-
trbuted was not accounted for, and changes
occurring in its board of officers at nearly every
meeting. At the close of the term the club
was IN better condition in regard to me mbers
and were holding interesting meetings. On
June Sd, 1876, Chas. M. Thomas was elected
President, and resigned February 18th, when
). +. Pearson was elected President, which DO
s;tlon he held till May, 1877, when Lewis Will
iams acted as President till July Up to Feb.
rs, 1876, the club was supported by contribu-
lions from the citizens. but since that time it
has been carried along by its members and the
contributions received at its public meetings.
From June to September we held no public
meetings. as we were unable to obtain suita-
Ole hall without paying an exorbltant price,
but we are now holding meetings in Preble
Chapel till we can procure permanent place.
Thai the club has done good work cannot be
disputed, for there are large number in this
city who have never connected themselves
with the club or any other organization that
have been brought to see the down ward road
they were travelling and been redeemed through
The efforts of this club. Former members of
this club are scattered all through the country,
who are keeping their pledges One brother
has started and is President of club in Scot.
land which is doing a good work. The club
now numbers 10 paying members. There are
on the general pledge over 5000 names OF the
original members of the Clue i've ara still con-
nected with il, viz : Charles II. Choate Simon
Elder, Geo. Fl. Lef4vor, Chas ID Coffin and
E. L Dyer At every business meetiog addi-
t'oLs to the club are being made and all ara
trying to carry out their motto, CHARITY for
all and malice toward none"
At the close of the reading of the report
short speeches were made by large number of
reformed men. Among Others, vera Charles
Wilmington of Buckfed, John Plunkett of
Yarmouth, Messrs. Qoint and Dow of Dry
Mills, and Messrs. Choate, Merry Murcb,
Elder, Barton, Facey, Coffin and others of the
Portland Club. The remarks were all to the
point and well received
After the meeting the club and their friends
enjoyed spread ia one of the rooms of the
hail. The fare was good and the supper was
much eBjoyed. The anniversary passed off
very pleasantly and will long be rembsmbered
nv all prasant