The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-03-03

reared: 1t corresponds to the bar, the
tamphng-table, or other focal point OF in
.cISst IN the various demoralzing resorts
Win winch young men are familiar
A, Noucc at the outset what these associa-
lions who possess buildings provide for the
members OF the association.
=. In each one we find the finest GYM
naslum and competent instructor. gem
c.ation ago young man in one OF these
cities desiring bodily training OF this kind
was Obliged to place himself in contact with
some instructor from the sporting commu-
nlly. Today, in most of these association
gyHhasiums the young men receive instruc-
.ioh irom-what would have been deemed
years ago phenomenon, il not a paradox
aOnristian gymnast. These instructors have
co me 10 US i'll answer to PRAYER and effort,
They are in sympathy with the high Chris
tan purpose OF the organization and they
are multiplying as association gymnasiums
are being opened. In this way the Young
mems Christian Associations are throwing
ABOUT physical culture In these cities a
wholesome and attractive atmosphere.
thousands of testimonials from men In
the various walks OF life attest the value of
the gymnasium.
2 Besides gymnasiums these buildings
contain educational or class rooms, where,
IN the evenings, instead of spending their
tlme IN evil resorts, young men receive in
struction in writing, bookkeeping short
hand, free-hand and mechanical drawing,
vocal and instrumental music, English com
position and debate, in the German, French
una spanish languages, and in other useful
branches of knowledge
.. These association buildings contain not
only gymnasiums and class rooms but lee
ture halls and social rooms, where are given,
from time 10 time. lectures and talks on
health and social receptions musicals, etc.
combining instruction and amusement At
some OF the social entertainments refresh
ments are provided. TO some Of the lectures
and sociables the young men are permitted
TO bring their lady friends.
4. Libraries are owned by many associa-
tons. Most OF them are small collections
OF books. Only twenty-sevcn have over
1000 volumes each. But, in proportion TO
the number and value. the volumes are
much more used than other collections,
because they are not isolated in separate
building but are easily accessible TO all the
ireqlcnters OF a large and popular resort.
What makes these collections OF books par
tcularly useful TO young men is the fact
that they arc open during the evening when
many other collections are closed. They
also lie In the path of the young man as he
seeks the gymnasium, the lecture, the edu-
cational class, the rcading-room, the prayer
meeting aud the parlors where he isspending
many of his evenings.
The question Is sometimes asked, as not
the Young Mems Christian Association de-
veloping into a new church or sectgi One
reply TO this Is found In It's recognition of the
priority Of the church. Another answer.
still more convincing to some will occur 10
any one who thoughtfully examines these
association buildings and the varied work
going on in them. Such an observer will
note the entire absence Of any provision for
the family or household II the germ of
church Is here IL must be an impossible
church Of one sex. But the young man on
his way % home OF his own Is found here.
lie can become a controlling member OF the
society only by first joining the church, |
where ample provision Is made for the fam |
ily aud the household, aud whittier the in |
dex finger OF the association, It's principles |
aud It's teachings, is ever pointing him. A |
careful examination OF the structure and |
working Of the association seems 90 disclose |
the fact that II exists less for itself than for |
the church Of Christ.
Shall 80 have a building for Memphis7
Shall our young men receive the same atten-
ton the young men OF other cities are re-
ceiving? Ought we 10 have home for
young men, place where they can meet to-
gcther In the name OF Christi