The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-01-25
The First Presbyterian Church.

At tho First Presbyterian Church Rev. Mr.
Haines introduced Mr. d. w. Coffin, warmly
commanding the project of the new building
enterprise. Mr.. Haines said that from his per-
Bonal observation of the good results which have
followed the erection of the Y II. G. A. building
in New York he could heartily recommend this
congregation to assist in the enterprise to their
utmost power. Mr.. Coffin said:
ION last Tuesday evening few gentlemen
met at the rooms of the Y. M. G. A. to devise
some plan by which new and respectable build
ing could be put on the ground now owned by
the Association, on North illinois street. and it
was thought wise for some one representing the
cause to lay it before every congregation in the
city. and by the courtesy of your pastor I am
here for that purpose.
Owe feel that the greatest obstacle in the way
Of effectual work among the young men of our
city is the want of suitable building. The Asso-
citation owns splendid lot in an eligible
location. On it is structure orig
inaly intended for a livery stable It
has been used for that purpose; also,
is gambling-house and variety theater, and for
numper Of years it has been the home of the
Z. M. G. A. Each new occupant altered it to
suit his purpose, aud il has passed through so
many changes that there is but little left fit for
use of any kind. To place on this ground re-
spectacle building, complete In all its depart
ments, is the object Of the present movement.
There are in this city hundreds Of dram-shops,
pool rooms and places OF questionable diversion
open at all times to our young men. They are
brilliantly lighted, comfortably heated, and
made as enticing as possible. There is no build
ing open to them under Christian influences to
contrast this attraction for evil If any of you
have visited the Y. M. 9. A. building
lately, you will agree with me that
there is little to invite any person to seek it
place TO spend an evening, and that structure,
not extPavagant bus substantial, and adapted to
tho physical. social and spiritual wants of our
young men, ought to be provided. In eighty-three
cities and towns of the United States there are
such buildings, varying in cost and elegance
We think we have the worst one of the lot. We
hope to reach the physical wants OK our young
men through thoroughly equipped gymnasium
soon ard bathroom. clean. we'll ventilated
entitled TO use them. We feel confident that
even at the moderate foe that will be charged,
they will be so well patronized as to be source
of considerable revenue to the Association
For their social wants we will have pariors and
reading rooms comfortably furnished, and pro-
vided with papers and periodicals, pure liter
ature games and amusements. For their
spiritual wants we will give them the healthy
companionship Of Christian young men, Bible
classes, medical lectures and prayer-m ceilings,
and occasional short talks and sermons I'VE
want TO save the young men of this city, make
them pious ID deed and thought, and that is all.
1t Is a big job. and we need much help, and we
must give our whole time to it. We expect by
we get hold of worker we
want him tc give us all the time
he can spare from his own church
work. We are going to take new lease on life
aad work on a new line, and don't want any
drones IN the hive After all the young M en-
are saved we will have spare material with
which to furnish teachers for mission Sabbath
schools and iaymen to preach in the hospitals
and iails, but not until then. I do not think
need say word to this congregation urging the
necessity of such work. You will all concede
that new building is needed. We want $500
for that purpose Smaller cities than ours have
done much more. Shortly a systematic appeal
will be made to the eitz of this city for this
money, and from the assurances we al
ready have we believe we can raise 1t.
We want to make home for tine young men of
this city. where they will be surrounded by
Christian influences, where their ideas of the
good. the true, the pure of this life shall be ele
waited, not lowered, and where, by Gods help,
some wandering sheep may be brought safe into
the fold of Him who, when upon EARTH was
homeless. had nowhere to lay his head When
you called on we hope you will give liber-
ally, as God has prospered you"