Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-10-29
Y.M. o. A. WORKERS.
Second and Closing Day of the Annual
Convention.


| CONVENTION OF the 7. NJ. T.. A. workers of
Maine, at the NJ. E. church in this city. TWAS
another cheerless, drizziing day. The at
tendance was about the same as on FRIDAY.
Among those present who were not in at
tendance on the first day, was C. NJ. Bailey,
Esq, of Winthrop, one of the most earnest.
diligent and energetic workers of the asso-
citation. He was accompanied BY Frank H.
Jones, Portland, of the State canvass. who 10
another most effective worker in the harvest
field. The time from 800 A. NJ
to $50 was occupied with de-
votonal service lead by Frank
II. Jones. Earnest prayers were offered for
the success of associations, which were in
terspersed with hymns of praise.
| At $50 President McConville took the
chair and the convention proceeded to BUSH
| ness.
Fridays minutes were read BY the secretary
and approved.
| II. p. Winter of Portland read paper on
1.-The Best Plan Of Conducting Business
Affairs and Securing Financial Support"
Young mems christian associations need
| money for proper presentation of their " ork
Yet would not advise them in the securing
of the same to pervert scripture so a. to have
it read, money is the principal thing. there
fore get money" While the enemies of re-
ligion will spare no means to ruin young
men, it beheves US to do all we can in ways
legitimate to save the young men,
cost what it may. We have no
doubt that over the grave of many a
defunct association nav be truely
be written, STARVED to Death" Young men
can be easily attracted to pleasant, attractive
apartments, to a reading room well fur
nished with papers and magazines, while
they would shun cheerless, dingy rooms with
paucity of newspapers and current litera
ture. The young man must be rescued, and
we, the Y. NJ. C. A. must accomplish this
work. What hath hindered US is the want
lieve that christian people will not come to
our support. Why have we failed in raising
money to carry on our work. l find that
one cause is lack of system. We must not
conduct our business in a loose, slipshod
manner, but on business principles. Chris
tian people do not appreciate our work as they
ought. The fault is largely our own. An
other reason Why we have failed to gain the
support of our people, is because we have
not given publicity to our work. Let the
fees and dues be faithfully collected of the
members of the association. These dues can
be supplemented by lectures. entertainments.
etc. Another way to raise funds is by sub
scriptiOn.
F. H. Beal, Augusta, read paper
on what has the Public Right
to Expect from the Young Mems
Christian Association The first
thing that the public will expect is a fulfill
ment of all OF its promises. There is an idea
prevalent that Y. NJ. c.. Associations are con-
Quoted for the support of indolent young
men too lazy to earn their own living
As far as my observation goes this is not
founded on fact. Second, especial and per-
sistent work for the boys between 10 and Is
years. If all the associations of our country
| would make especial effort to save the boys
from the billiard hall, card table and the sa-
loon, the great body of the Christian public
would say God bless you" Third. The
public have right to expect the most liberal
spirit of non-sectarianism from us. The
fourth thing it can expect of the Y. NJ.
lC. A. is the cultivation of the social ele-
ments of our nature. We must not stand
in the sunshine of the young
for this will better prepare them
for the CLOUDY DAYS of the future. Our
mission is to lead young men into Christian
life. which will give them happiness now and
in the great eternal future. When we have
saved the last young man in the country, shall
we be able to turn our attention to general
l
| The reports of the associations were then
continued and finished.
Portland, by II. p. Winter. General Secre-
tary. Under God we have been instrumental
in leading five souls to Christ. Two have
Joined the church triumphant. Our
total membership is 1885, 525 of
whom are boys; 1910 adults. About
half of our members belong to the evangeis-
tic churches. Eighty one were received into
our association at the September monthly
meeting; 1874 at the October meeting.
| Thirty names are now on our books for No
vember. We have the cordial support of
the pastors and churches of Portland.
| Moved into our new rooms the first of the
month Our hall will seat 800 people. We
have reading and reception rooms
carpeted with Brussels carpetihg
also have kitchen. Our hall is lighted by
electricity Have had classes in penman-
ship and book keeping. Hold service in the
hail. The generous pecunlary support gwen
to the association by c. NJ. Bailey Esq. of
Winthrop was referred to.
Lewiston, bv J. T. Small. Our room cos
.ists of a reading room and audience room
located up one fight. Since our last State
convention u L., the rooms have been en-
laryed and refitted throughout at an expendi-
ture of $3.50. Our rent is $500 per annum
which is paid by the FRANKLIN
Co. and the Continental corporation
We hold services on Sunday, morning and
afternoon. and Saturday evenings. We have
a large membership on our books, but few
active workers. Have been thinking about
establishing a general secretary since the gen
eral convention was held at Lewiston. At
one time six men guaranteed the salary of a
secretary for six months, butwe could not md
suitable person for the place before the
summer season came on, and 40 we conclud-
ed to wait until this fall before searching
farther, Now we have struck out in earnest,
the association having voted unanimously to
GET one at once. We receiving strong
support from the pastors of the various
churches in our city.
Bowdoin college reported aweekly meet
| ing and one or two conversions. Bates col
lleSe reported weekly meeting and hoped to
do better things in the future.
| In addition to the work OF the Augusta as
ISOLATION which was given in Fridays re-
mort. they carry on a course of lectures,
course of entertainments. course OF medl-
cal talks, special receptions and literary
society. and expect soon to organize bible
class for young men.
]. A. Gauid, Bangor, read an excellent