St. Paul daily globe., 1885-12-03
THE Y. NJ. c. A. WORK.

What is known as the parent aSSOcla
ton of the Young Mems Christian associa-
ton was organized in London in 1914,
through the efforts of GEORGE WILLIAMS,
then junior clerk in a large dry goods
establishment, of which he has since be-
come the head. In addition to seeking the
spiritual benefit of young men, the object OF
the association was declared to be to pro-
mote their intellectual, social and physical
welfare through agencies consistent with
Christian discipleship. To-day there are
2,9O0 associations distributed throughout
the world. The first association in
America was organized in Montreal
in 1851: the first in the United States
in Boston few months later, and
in the following year associations were
established in New York, Buffalo, Wash
ington and Baltimore. In 1854 the first
convention of American associations was
held at Buffalo. The twenty-sixth was
held last May in Atlanta. The eleventh
convention, held in Albany in 1866, marks
an epoch in association history. From that
meeting dates the beginning of interna-
tional wolk, the organization of state con-
ventions and state work, the appointment
of the day and week of prayer for young
men, and an awakening of the association
to more definite work for young men by
young men. The number of associations
reported in the United States and Canada
for the year 1885 was 905 and the net value
of associated property is $4,353, 900. There
are 191 associations in connection with col
leges, and SO railroad branches and associa-
tions. The finest association building in
the United States is in Brooklyn, which
was erected at cost OF $500,000 Boston
and New York come next with buildings
costing almost as much as the Brooklyn ed
ifce. During the convention at Atlanta
last May religious revival occurred, result
ing in the conversion of many of the
young men of the city. In less than a
month SsO,OOO was pledged towards a
building for the association in that city.
Minnesota was among the early states to
organize an association. The initial step
was taken in 1856, when call was issued
and the first organization made in the
Methodist church in st. Paul. on the 18th
day of August, 1856. The original call
was signed by D. d. MERRILL, GEORGE
W. HARRINGTON, H. MALTBY, WILLIAM
CRAWFORD, w. G. FoNsEcA, j. r. MADI-
SON, j. G. RIHELDAFFER, r. MARVIN,
DR.. J. 81. STEWART, NJ. B. PATTERSON
and S. j. r. MCMILLAN. The association,
which began with eleven members, now
numbers 799. Association statistics show
that the attendance at the rooms
= 4bo ohoek
street averages about 200 daily with
an evening attendance of from seventy-five
to one hundred. In the basement are gym
nasium and bath rooms, which are kept
open from 10a. m. to 10 p. IN. Eight even
ing classes have been established and ar
rangements made for course of lectures,
commencing the 10th of this month and to
continue on each alternate Thursday even
ing until the 1st of May. The subjects will
embrace travel, finance, war sketches and
practical talks on scientific subjects Among
those who have been engaged to deliver
lectures are Gems SIBLEY and JOHNSON,
Judge FLANDRAU, Rev. M. n. GILBERT,
D. r. MOVES and others. Monthly social
receptions by the ladies are also
alton. During the last eighteen months the
st. Paul association has furnished stu
ations through its employment bureau for
140 young men, and has secured rooms for
600. AS a rule lodging has been provided
for these young men with families who
would not have received them if they had
not been recommended by the association
During this time the association has raised
about SIS, 600, as against 81, 600 the previous
year.
The twelfth annual convention of the
Minnesota association in conjunction with
the Dakota association will be convened this
evening in the Central Presbyterian church
of this city, and will probably be the most
important convention ever held in this
state. A delegation of Indian young men
from the ''Koska Okoda Kicye' among the
Dakota Indians is expected. And the
Young Women's Christian association is
also expected to take part in the proceed
ings. In view of the immense good that is
being done by these associations in all parts
of the country every community feels an
interest in the work they are doing, and all
the people of whatever sect or denom-
ination or whether they have any religious
opinions, will wish the association hearty
Godspeed for the practical relief it affords
so MANY deserving young men, and for its
efforts to keep the young from straying into
ways of wickedness and evil companion
ship.
APPEALED.