The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-02-01
THE NEW Y. M. c. A. BUILDING.
The Enterprise Further Presented to Num-
Der of the City Churches Yesterday.

The project of erecting new building for the
Young Mems Christian Association of this city
was presented to number of the churches, yes
terday, by representatives of the Association,
following largely the line taken on the previous
Sunday, and of which the Journal presented
full report week ago.
At the English Lutheran Church, after the
sermon, Rev. Mr. Baltzley introduced Mr.. Day,
president of the Association, who, after explain
ing the purposes of the Association and its work,
said: When the disciples were sent out to
preach the gospel. they were directed to begin at
Jerusalem. So, in preaching our gospel of new
building for the Association in indianapolis, we
begin at the Jerusalem of our city-the
churches, not that the burden of the enterprise
should rest upon the churches or upon Chris
tian peoples but while we appeal to
all good citizens inside or outside
OF the church for materia aid, we look to Chris
tian people Cor that moral support and encour-
agement which shall make our effort certain
success We feel that we have right to ex-
pect every Christian man and woman to be an
advocate OF our plans to promote the moral cult
ure or the young men of our city, and to erect
safeguard against the enemy approaching
them on the social side of their nature. Robert
lngersoll has said that if he had been
gwen the management of things he would
nave arraged to have goodness catching instead
OF evil If lngersol had looked deeper
law he recommends is in force on the side of vir-
tue as well as of vice Evil communications
corrupt good manners, but good companions
Will also improve the manners. There is con-
taglon In courage and purity as we'll as in cow
ardice and vice. We desire to establish a resort
for young men where the influences will be good.
and not evil-where the moral atmosphere will
be elevating and refined, and where there may
be hilarity without the spice of vice. We desire
to call forth from the fathers and mothers
of Indianapolis the cry which too late
from the heart of Absaloms father
is the young man safep If you cannot give to
the enterprise literally. give what you can; if
you cannot give anything, don't stop talking
favor. Throw your influence in it's behalf until
a wave of public sentiment shall roll over the
city, awakening those who are now
ipdiffent to practical interest in the
enterprise If any man here doubts the
good policy of erecting such building, he is the
man would beg to keep still; l want to spike
his gun until the building is completed and our
work fully under way; then, after examining the
building and our methods of work. If he contin-
ues to oppose US, / am willing he should talk
At the Friends Church. on North Delaware
street, Mr. Day spoke the same theme and
was accorded patient and kindly hearing.
Col. Samuel Merrill spoke at the North Baptist
Church and at Centralavenue Methodist Church.
The Colonel said the Young Mems Christian AS
ISOLATION had talent. and it was hid in the
eartn-$35, 600 in a good lot That was about all
they had. They we're now looking for help to
take that talent out of the ground and add to 1t
another talent, making it $40 000 90 that they
could go on working with it, doubling it and
treoling it year by year and thus escape coming
into judgment. During the war there were po
sitions of vantage which were at one
time in the hands of the enemy, and then in the
hands of the Union forces, and over which the
fierest struggles were made; yet they were i'm
portant to success. and every effort must be made
to hold them, or to recapture them If taken The
Y. NJ G. Association had a splendid position in
the very heart of the city. At time it had
been in the hands of the enemy-a gambling
house and then variety theater. The associa-
ton had captured it; but the breastwOrkS were
feebiy manned, and there had been much talk
about selling out and moving away That
must not be done. The position must be
held at all hazards We all know what happens
sometimes when church sells ont. A saloon
takes possession. and the enemy must not be
permitted to retake the postso long held by the Y
Al. Z. Association. Every consideration demands
that a new aud commodious building shall be
placed upon the site now owned by the Associa-
ton, and the people of Indianapolis must con-
tribute the money with which it is to be done
The Colonel spoke with great impressiveness
and was earnestly supported by the pastor, Rev
A. ". Lamport, who pledged his church and
congregation to do their full share of the inn
portant and imperative work.
Mr. G. iP. Jacobs spoke at Roberts Park
Church; W. H. Roll at Fletcher-place; j. H.
McNeey, at Seventh street Church: 7. Ell. K.
Enos. at Third-street and w. H Roll at the
Sixth Presbyteria Church All these addresses
were made in the morning. Mr.. E. w. Halford
spoke in the Seventh Presbyterian Church at
night. At ali the churches good hearings were
obtained for the enterprise, great sympathy was
expressed, and hearty cooperation pledged the
Association feels under the greatest obligation
for the kind and courteous manner IN which all
the churches received it's representatives. and
beives that the work of the last two Sabbaths has
done much good in attracting and directing pub
lie attention to the merits of the Association
work and to the absolute necessity of a new
building