The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1889-11-22

Nav I'd to 10Th was spent attending
the National Conference of General
Secretaries held at Orange, N. j., and
the International Convention of the
Association of the United States and the
British Provinces held at Philadelphia,
Pa, to the latter of which l was APP
pointed delegate by the Association.
Much time might be spent in making
report of the facts cleaned at both these
gatherings, but L will not enumerate
them at this time. There is one thought,
however, that l wish to leave with you,
that was brought out very forcibly at
the Orange Conference: while the
spiritual work is by far the most inn
portant part of our work, the others are
not to be counted simply as means to an
end. 1t is the aim of our work to show
young men that We love them and are
deeply interested in all that pertains to
their welfare in the social, intellectual
and physical needs as well as the spirit
ual."
The Secretary was absent from the
city for recreation few days in August,
and attended the State Convention of
Michigan Associations at Coldwater, Oct.
1918.
The work of the Association as it was
last spring and, indeed, as it is yet, viz
an unorganized condition of the men,
bers, is very far from what it should be
to bring the best results. No Associa-
ton will do effective work until the
members find their particular work and
do it. During the whole year this has
been the greatest hindrance We have
had, and this is largely due to the fact
that there are very few trained Chris
tian workers among the young men of
our city, besides the fact that no less
than seven of those who were active
workers eight months ago are now
living in other cities. However, we are
making good advancement in this line,
and soon we hope to have a good corps
of committee men.
Taking up the work by departments,
the report is as follows;
1, Physical. The gymnasium was
opened May 3lst, fairly equipped, but
still lacking in some important particu-
lars. The attendance during the early
part of the summer was very good, but
the heat of summer was not,
and we did not expect it would be. 1t
has not received the attention it should
for some time past. owing to the pressure
of other work. We hope, however, to
make this successful part of the work
during the winter.
II, Social. The social work has con-
sisted chiefly in the following:
1st, Two membership p receptions given
to young men. the first to those en-
ployed in our factories, the second to
clerks and statesmen. Both of these have
been very successful.
I'd, A lawn party given at the resi-
dence of Mrs. A. Gould, which was very
largely attended and highly enjoyed.
3d, In endeavoring to cultivate socia-
bility among the young men visiting the
rooms.
4th, In endeavoring to make our
rooms more attractive and inviting. In
this we have succeeded to fair degree,
and we are indebted to Messrs. Woodard
Bros, Estey Mfg. Co., Mr.. Geo. Welte,
Mr.. G. d. Stewart, Mr.. w. Robbins, Mr..
ID. M. Christian and Mr.. G. L. Shattuck
for liberal assistance.
9Th, In issuing printed invitations to
young men, giving information in re-
gard to our work and inviting them TO
visit our rooms and make our acquaint-
ance.
The results of our work are shown in
part by the large increase in member
ship and in room attendance and in
part will not be known until all things
are revealed.
III, Intellectual. 1st, Owing TO the
fact that last years lecture course closed
previous to the time from which this
report dates it is not included. 1t was,
however, as most of you know, a success
in every particular, and Its effect has
had much bearing on the success that is
assured for this years course. We de-
sire to thank you most heartily for your
tokens of appreciation in this line Of
work, and we believe course of lectures
Of the highest literary merit is an es-
tablished fact in our work for the fu
ture.
I'd, The reading room. Our reading
room has been supplied with goodly
of the leading papers and mag.
azines, and has been open for the use Of
all young men in the city from 8 a. m.
to 10 p. m. each day. We expect soon,
through the assistance of the ladies, to
have good beginning toward a Ii
brary.
Nv, Spiritual. The spiritual work,
which is by far the most important and
to which all others lead, has received
the most earnest attention and labor,
and with as few apparent results. Never
was the saying more true than now,
and in this city, "The harvest truly is
great, but the laborers are few" We
have difficult work before us and we
need many workers. "How shall we
save the boys?" is a question that has
rung out all over our land.
1st. We have held meeting for
young men nearly every Sunday after
noon and Wednesday evening during
the year. These meetings have been
chiefly by Christian young
men. Some requests have been made
for prayers and two have united with
churches. (This does not refer to the
revival meetings held in the winter
when many united with churches.) We
believe, however, much more good has
been accomplished than is apparent.
It is difficult matter to measure spirit
lal results.
I'd. We hold union meeting of the
several young peoples societies Of the
city once each month. These meetings
have been very profitable and are con-
tinually increasing in interest. The
at our last meeting num-
bered 17S.