The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-06-23
WORK OF THE Y. M. C. A.
A STATEMENT OF FACTS BY GEN.
ERAL SECRETARY LAUMASTER.
Labors for Young Men-Its Prctical Re-
suiis-Proyress of the Building Pro-
Ject. and Associational Relations with
the Church.

|
"What are some Of the practical results
OF your work."
slow is your building project coming
on?"
docs your association conflict with the
church,"
The foregoing are some Of the many
questions the Secretary Of the Young
Mems Christian Association is called upon
TO answer from time TO time.
In answer to these questions Secretary
Laumaster has prepared the following ar
ticle, with the hope that all who are IN
terested in the success OF the association
may be convinced that its work is Of the
greatest Importance in this city:
The main object OF the assoclation-al-
though at times il may have lost sight OF
1t. and in proportion has been retarded in
its growth-has been the salvation OF
young men through faith in Christ. But
in seeking first the spiritual benefit of
young men, it has also recognized and
sought TO promote their intellectual,
social and physical welfare through agen-
cies consistent with Christian disciple
ship. To what extent these agencies
have benefited young men will perhaps
never be known.
| There seems To be an idea in the minds
OF many people that, unless the Associa-
ton is turning into the hlndsof the church
every month u certain number OF Young
converts. they are achieving no practical
results. and, therefore, are not successful.
Ihls idea is based upon false principles,
aud leads TO erroneous ideas OF the work.
True, our work has for its ultimate aim the
salvation OF young men, and this is OF pri-
mary importance; butt we benefit young
man socially leading him TO seek refining
rather than debasing companionshp, we
are aehleyinggood results. II We strengthen
and build up into more perfect sympathy
and harmony young mans body we are
doing our legitimate work. ana II, through
the association, the young mans mind is
disciplined and trained, aud better fitted for
llle's activities, the Association has accom-
| pilshed the purpose for which ii was or
ganized. In judging Of the efficiency Of the
Association, we must, therefore, survey
the work rs a whole. IL seems 10 have
been legitimate part OF Christ's work of
saving mankind that he should minister 10
the physical aud the temporal wants. as
well rs the spiritual needs Of men. We
do WELL therefore, TO properly estimate
the value OF our secular agencies rs factors
in the extension OF Christs kingdom
among young men.
During the past two years, by the grace
of God, much good has been done for
young men through the membership of
the association, but IL is evident TO every
intelligent man that comparatively little
work can ever be done By the Young
Mems Christian Association in this city i'm
lis present quarters. II is useless 20
expect young men 10 come 10 a plnce nm.
less there arc attractions TO draw them
there, and until the fathers are willing TO
take part in this great work aud put il IN
the front ranks where il belongs, We will
never do our best work, nor can We ex.
expect TO do effective work. We need a
home. u fine building on the best corner
IN town ob,ainablc, which shall be espt-
cially adapted 10 the work OF the nssocia-
ton, and by its attractive exterior and
home-like Inferior. draw TO ih open door
the young men Of this city We want 10
use its best portions for our work. IL
must contnin an attractive reception.
room-the key 10 the whole building
the appearance OF which will speak well
come and charm 10 every young man who
enters. A well-lighted reading and CORE
spondence-foom, with the best OF litera-
tufc and all conveniences for writing;
handsome pnrlors, provided with appii.
anccs Tor recreation, pleasure and music.
neat chapel for religious meetings. and
a larger one for lectures. entertainments,
etc. A room for the bows, with furnishings
.la al uha
room must furnish a coy nook for their
meetings and any other use they may de-
sire. A largc gymnasium with flrst-class
apparatus, and connected with large bath.
rooms must be provided. The intellectual
needs Of young men must be attended 10
In ample classrooms. Tho use and
success OF the whole must DO scantined
and sealed by the prayer.room aud its
power
In short we desire a place where the
physical social. intellectual aud spiritual
needs OF young men may be met properly.
effectively and successfully, and the
damning effects Of saloons and worse
places countcmcted, and we believe the
business men OF Memphis will see tho
wisdom Of Just such provision.
There are thousands OF young men In
our city that ought 10 be IN the church.
and thousands Of restless, bright, nmbi.
tiOus boys are pouring into our city, de-
populating all our country towns. Their
lodgings arc according 10 their means
often the very cheapest. No brightness.
no home, no father, no mother. no sister.
The employer ask no questions about
evenings or churches u they arc NJ work
on Monday. Tuesday. etc. business Is
business" Churches are not open much.
Homes are not open perhaps they can
not be, In the nature OF the cusc; vet II
would bc God-scnd now and then for
young man who IL thus situated 20 Get an
invitation 10 tea somewhere where he
could look into the face Of somebody who
carrs for him. The saloon Is open; the
p00lroom IL open; tho conccrt.hall
Is open; the brothel is open, and
| human spiders are az every corner
to cntrap him. They have woven the
web. This work IL carried on night and
day. "But tho law will protect him"
they say. The law furnishes a saloon 10
get him drunk, aud a policeman 20 arrest
him, and Judge 10 sentence him, and n
| jail 20 lug him. That Is what the law
| furnishes The crop IL npening into a
harvest OF crime and death.
GLOW il our building coming ong'
Well, a COMMITTEES has been appointed 10
formulate plan Of canvass and Il il hoped
that the work will be pushed forward at
once. We certainly need the building. N
ever We are 10 reach our young mon, and
we nocd money TO run the work where We
are now located.
Money Is used In destroying yorng men
thousands Of ~ h employed In our city.
More money Is used in cmbcllishing the
saloons and other evil resorts in Mempbjs.