The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-07-06
SOCIETIES OF CHRISTIAN ENDEavOR.
Thousands OF Their Representative
Gather In Chicago
What Figures Show Of the Success
Of Rev. Mr.. CIark's Idea.
One hundred and Forty Societies
Right Here In Maine.

CHICAGO, July 5.-The huge interior Of
Battery ID armory was attractive today with
bright colors, flowers and bunting, but, more
than all these, with an assembly Of 1000 peo-
pie. From all parts of the United States
they came by hundreds to attendthe seventh
national convention Of the Societies of Chris
tian Endeavor, which is to continue four
days. A large majority of the delegates are
ladies, CHEEKY, handsome and intelligent.
all Of them, and the prominent leaders Of the
great society or aggregation of societies do
not hesitate to ascribe to the sex all the cred
it they deserve for their noble efforts in
building up the organization and preparing
for this convention. Many Of the delegates
have brought with them many handsome
State banners, which add to the beauty OF
the great hall.
The organization was completely arranged
before hand. Promptly on the appointed
moment the assemblage was called to order
by President w. j. Van Patten Of Burling-
ton, Vt. The following officers were pre-
sented:
scribe-Alexander Mcconnell, Evans vile, Ind.
Assistant scribe-Roger Leavitt, Cedar Rapids,
Timekeeper-A. L. winshlp, Lynn, Mass.
On behalf Of Connecticut w. p. Phinney
OF that delegation, presented to Illinois a
magnificent floral standard. 1t was received
with the heartiest cheers and applause.
disk Of white flowers about
two feet in diameter. A wreath Of green sur
rounds the words "One Cent" picked out In
red. Beneath this representation Of the
smallest American coin Is cross bar inscrib-
ec Connecticut to Illinois," At the Sara
toga convention year ago, subscriptions
were called for 10 carry on the work Of the
united societies and Connecticut pledged her
self to furnish $500. Illinois went her one
BETTER" by subscribing $1,000. The one cent
was plated with gold and sent forward to the
treasury. Now, Connecticut was not to be
outdone by Illinois, and today returned the
cent In grand style.
The morning exercises opened by DEVOTION
al exercises. followed by music and addresses
OF welcome by Rev. f. ID. Burr, representing
the Chicago churches, @. b. Holdridge, rep
resenting the Illinois Union, G. s. French,
representing the Chicago Union, and l., w.
Messer, representing the Young Mems Chris
tian Association. President Van Pallin re-
sponded on behalf Of the convention.
Christian Endeavor throughout America
was the next theme discussed, reports being
given from all parts Of the United States
and the British Provinces. For New Eng
land, Rev. 5. W. Adriance Of Lowell, Mass,
reported there had been great growth In the
societies and membership the past year.
Maine has 142 societies; Massachusetts, 578
New Hampshire, 102; Vermont, no; Connec-
ticut, 20; Rhode Island, 65; total, 1917. The
membership Is 79,100. The British Prov
inces reported &C societies. For the Middle
States. Rev. III. p. Grass Of Pittsburg, gave
the report. Indiana has 90 societies. with
300 members; Michigan, 1S0 societies, with
10,700 members; Ohio, 245 societies. with 49,
800 members; Pennsylvania, 249 societies,
with 16,1o0 members; New Jersey. -17S So
cieties, with 1900 members; New York, 947
societies, with 81. 800 members total for the
United States, 1899 societies, with 10000
members. III Maryland and Delaware be
added the total will be 125, 900.
At the afternoon session among the papers
was sone by Rev. r. w. Brokaw, OF Belle
vile, N. j., which was discussed by w. III.
Pennell, Of Portland. Me. Rev. @. A. Dick
inson spoke upon In opening fresh fields to
young Christian workers." At the evening
session, Rev. +. L. Clark. founder Of the So
ciety, was giuen beautiful floral wreath by
the New York delegation.