Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-03-12
NUMBER 81.
FORT SMELLING.
Impressive Ceremonies Connected with the
Organization of the First Army Young
Mems Christian AsSociatinn

impressive ceremonies Connected with the
Organization of the First Army Young
Mems Christian Association.
Some time last December the Y. M. G. A.
of st. Paul commenced holding religious
services on Sabbath evenings at Fort Shell
ing. From tue first there was GOOD mani
festation of interest among the garrison.
and this interest has increased from Sabbath
to Sabbath until it was finally decided tn
hold special services. Accordingly Law work
ers and choir went up to the Fort every
evening of last week, and a rich spiritual
harvest rewarded their faith and works.
large number of men came out decidedly az
Christians, and it next became a problem
among those interested in the work how best
to promote their growth in grace AS the
men could not we'll attend church regularly,
some organization among themselves seemed
necessary, and it was finally decided to form
a Y. M. G. A. at the Fort.
10 this end delegation representing the
clergy of st. Paul, the directors of the st,
Paul society ana members of the State ex-
ecutive committee living in Minneapolis and
st. Paul, and choir composed of some of
the best singers in the city. went up to the
Fort last evening and succeeded in affecting
an organization with very favorable out
look as regards its strength, permanence and
usefulness.
The assembly met in the large band prac-
tlce room In the old barracks, which was
completely filled, nearly all of the officers
and their families being present The gem
eral secretary of the st. Paul association
took general charge of the services, and the
Following PR gramme was carried out
Opening hymn, " Hold the Fort: - inyoca
ton, Rev. NJ. D. Edwards; singing. "Let
the Lower Lights be Burning - scripture
reading by G. w. Hackett, ESQ, president of
the St. Paul Y. M. G. A.
beautiful and appropriate hymn was then
sung by the choir, after which the matter of
organization was proceeded with. This con-
sisted of careful reading of the constitu-
ton, which was nearly the same as that used
by all the societies, and then those who
wished to become members of the new Or
ganization were invited to rise. In response
to the request, thirty men arose. and their
names were recorded as charter members of
the first M. @. A. ever formed in the army
since the time of the working of the Chris
tan commission during the asst war. Off
GERS were then elected, and upon an earnest
address of welcome to the new society by
Mr.. d. r. Noyes, chairman of the State ex-
ecutive committee, the Rev. Maurice Hull
burd offered all eloquent prayer commencing
the defenders of their country's veal through
out the land to the Lord of Hosts, and ask
ing an especial blessing upon those stationed
at Fort Smelling.
After some notices and the reading of
letter of regret from Rev. E. S. Thomas,
rector of St. Paul's Episcopal church, at not
being able, on account of services at his own
church, to be present, apotheer beautiful
hymn was rendered by the choir, followed
by an address from Rev. D. r. Breed, brist-
ling with good sense and timely suggestions
to those who had thus organized to help
themselves and others toward a better life.
AT the conclusion of his remarks, the Sec
Rotary announced that some of the Christian
ladies of st. Paul had sent a message
through one of their number, which would
now be listened to. Miss Clara Bell, in a
neat speech, then presented to the society
beautiful banner, made of white material,
trimmed with gold fringe and tassels, and
having in the center a Greek cross, while
above and below was the inscription, s.y. M,
G. A.. 7-U. S. A.' The gift was received
and the presentation speech appropriately
responded to by the newly elected president,
Corporal Purcell.
"Stand up, stand up for Jesus" was
then sung with great heartiness, the entire
audience rising to their feet, short prayer
was offered by Mr.. Bradbury, member of
the State committee, from Minneapolis,
the doxology sungSand the benediction pro-
nounced, after which the meeting adjourned.
great deal of enthusiasm characterized
the entire service, and there seemed to be a
general feeling among the officers that the
organization could MOI fail to be productive
of good in making better men and better
soldiers by advancing the cause of religion
and morality among them.