The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-05-15
Annual State Convention OF the Young
Mems Christian Association.

In the chair.
The scriptures were read by Rev. J. q.
Tyler, Rev. DIR. Preston led in prayer,
and Mr.. w. w. Bentley, OF New York, pre-
sided at the organ, and led the singing.
The following Committee on Permanent
Organization was announced: Major James
w. Newton, Staunton; o. Il. Morgan.
Petersburg; William T. Roberts, Uniyer.
sity Of Virginia; Robert Armstrong, Salem;
William Fix, Greenville; aud j. ID. X.
Sleight, Richmond.
During the absence OF the committee
there were devotiosal exercises, during
which Mr.. Bentley rendered some very
sweet songs, and Mr.. Il. X. Cree, Of New
York, led in prayer.
A letter was read from T. G. Morton,
president OF the StauntoD Association, in
vIting the delegates to attend County Con-
vention to be held there the 2lst Of this
month. The letter states that there are
now six active associations In Augusta
county, with a prospect for the organiza-
ii0n Of other new ones.
A letter from the Association OF Wash
ineton and Lee University was read sug-
gcsting that future conventions be held in
the autumn instead Of in May, inasmuch as
the tinal examinations OF the colleges in
May always prevent a delegation from the
colleges.
The Committee on Permanent Organiza-
ton reported the following nominations,
which were unanimously elected
President; Henry l.. Hoover, Staunton.
Vice-P President j. William Jones, Rich
mond; b. w. Armstrong, Salem; r. NJ.
Saunders, Norfolk.
Secretaries: j. g. McCandlish, Peters
burg; j. +. Rinker, Mount MeridIen.
The Chair announced the standing CON-
mittees. The report Of the State Executive
Committee was then read by Colonel Mum
ford. The report cordially gree,s the Con-
vention and sketches the general work OF
Young Mems Christian Associations both in
the State and in the country at large. There
are now reported over 20, 900 OF these asso-
Citations, and an amount OF work accom-
pllshed both surprising and gratifying.
There are twenty-five associations in the
State, ard in many OF them decided in
crease of interest and activity. The report
gives interesting details OF the work OF many
OF these associations. 1t then speaks OF the
importance Of fostering college associa-
tlons, the value OF "parlor conferences"
the grand work accomplished by the efforts
OF the Young Mems Christian Association
among railroad men, among commercial tra-
vellers, among colored young men in the
South, and among prisoners in our ialls and
penitentlaries.
The report closed with an earnest sugges-
ton that an entirely new committee be
elected, and that it be located at Staunton.
The report was referred to the Committee
on Resolutions.
The topic for discussion next announced
was "Cooperati0n OF Associations with
the Churches"
Rev. DR.. J. L. Edwards, OF Richmond,
opened the topic in an earnest and effective
address. He showed how association work
is not antagonistic to, but in strict harmony
and cooperation with, the work OF the
churches. He dwelt on the influence and
power OF the Young Mems Christian Asso-
citation in bringing the churches close to-
gether. in slenclng bitter dissensions, and
in combining the forces OF the churches In
common work for the glory OF the common
cause OF the common Master.
Rev. j. Il. Tyler cordially endorsed what
| had been said by DR.. Edwards and brought
out the point that this Young Mems Chris
tan Association work is giving the people
| the important idea that there is important
work which can and ought 10 be done out
side Of church organization.
Rev. DR.. Preston warmly endorsed the
address and views Of DR.. Edwards, and
thought he had given tha true relations OF
the Young Mems Christian Association to
the Church.
| The Association had shown that there
was special work outside OF the Church for
them TO do, and had vindcated their night
to place among Christian workers, and he
believed that the discretion shown by
Young Mems Christian Association work
ers in the past was an earnest that In the
future they would show ga zeal according
to knowledge" He gave an interesting H.
lustration OF the power and influence OF
association work in the history OF the mis-
sion chapel of the Washington and Lee
University Association. He thought the
churches ought 10 encourage their young
men to Join the Young Mems Christian As
sociation.
He effectively brought out the fact that
Young Mems Christian Association work.
ers are the advance skirmlshers OF the
churches.
Mr.. Thomas X. Cree brought out tue
point that the Young Mems Christian Asso-
citation, with its large numbers and vast re-
sources, is power for good which should
elicit the warm sympathies and active CO.
operation OF the churches. He thought that
Christian men ought to control the mental.
moral, and social influences OF the cOmmu-
nifty by its library, lecture course, enter
tanments. ETC., and that this can be best
done through the Young Mems Christian
| Association.
Major Robert Stiles insisted that 1t ought
| to be distinctly understood that the Young
Mems Christian Association is not a church,
and that it is cooperation with the Church
which is desired. He most warmly en-.
dorsed the suggestion of DIR. Preston that
the pastors ought TO urge their young men
to Join the Association and join in their
work. He spoke tenderly OF the grand
meetings held here under the auspices OF
the Association, quoted the remark OF "the
sainted Jeter" that he had never witnessed
such a scene in Richmond and insisted that
| the Association was needed as bond be-
tween the churches for Just such services.
| He closed with an earnest appeal TO the
pastors present to adopt the suggestion OF
urging their young men to unite with the
Association.
The Convention then called for reports
from local associations, and responses were
made as follows: Richmond, j. William
Jones; Staunton, w. j.. Nelson; Green
vile, w. II. Fix.
Adjourned with prayer by Rev. j. u.
Tyler.
NIGHT SESSION.
The dev votional exercises were conducted
by Mr.. Thomas y. Cree, Of New York, who
read appropriate Scripture selections, and
made au earnest statement OF the necessity
OF the power and influence OF the Holy
Spirit in the meetings.
Tbe Convention was led in prayer by
Rev. j. II. Tyler and Mr.. Cree.
The following was adopted: