The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-05-26


shall discuss two leading propositions:
/. That Young Mems Christian Asso-
citation building, centrally located, includ-
ing grand assemby-room, to DO used for
literary, scientific, moral and religious
purposes, is essential TO the full success Of
united Protestant Christianity in Mem
phis.
.. That the Protestant Christians OF this
city are abundantly able to erect build.
ing of this character.
In proof Of the first proposition all
vance upon three lines Of argument.
/. Such building Is demanded by the
proper progress Of the city in literature
and science. This is an age Of lectures
and OF lecturers. Memphis should seek TO
draw TO itself the men most distinguished
in literature and science throughout the
United States. But unless We shall have
larger and more handsome accommoda-
tons for celebrated readers aud speakers
and their audiences, lecture bureaus
among Us will he organized In vain. Even
should one OF these inst men OF The United
States consent to visit us the people of the
surrounding country wonld have hut small
announcement to come 20 the city 10 hear
! him, for they would know by experience
20 what discomfort he aud they would DO
| subjected. II readings and lectures are
part OF the proper educational system Of
people, that people must provide a public
hall commensurate with thoirown dignity.
.. Such abuilding, with It's gymnasiums,
rcading-rooms, thoroughly furnished for
| innocent aud clcyating musical concerts, Is
required in order 10 the conservation of
the moral welfare OF the youth Of this city.
| The buildings OF satan are here In very
conspicuous places. They lack nothing
which money can provide 30 make them
attractive. Now, II We had a building
under tho control OF Chrisiianity-in
which elevaliug and refining recreation
should DO offered 10 the youth Of our city.
the temptations Of thooyil influences about
them would be greatly lesscned. Let any
pious man ask, "IO what place OF rccrca-
lion not thoroughly worldly ean conduct
my children now growing up In this cily2'
and he answer TO that question will reveal
that Christians. rs such, have not awak-
encd to their duty with respect 10 the next
generation. ii YOU wish the young men
OF your household 10 enjoy refining pleas
urcs apart from worldly temptations, you
yourselves must provide those pleasures
.. such a building Is impcrativcly
needed 10 meet the religious wants OF our
people. This necessity flashed out In
blazing light at the recent meeting Of the
Southern Baptist Convention. A noblcr
body OF men, intellectually aud spiritually,
have mover seen. The very basis OF rep
rcscntaiion secured tho presence OF nearly
all the pastors from nearly oil the largest
cities from Washington 10 New Orleans.
and from Charleston tqsOmaha. Many Of
those brethren preached 10 churches
whose actual membership was more than
900. and the convention In session hero
enrolled about SO delegates, to say moth
ing OF visitors or citizens. Now, II occurs
that the very largest Protestant church In
this city has, In its pews, seating capacity
for only $50. and the siitings OF nearly nll
the churches wall run from $50 30 $50.
Premises considered II Is perfectly plain
that three courses are open 10 us. (l)
We must iorcgo the visits OF these grand
bodies, and 10 be deprived OF their moral
aud spiritual power or GU We must invite
I them and be embarrassed aud Inundated
~ 10 their entertainment, or l3) our united
Protestant Christianity must arouse iiselI
aud understand that our growing city
needs. aud must have, this grand central
building. with hall capable Of seating
1000 people, with rooms for the meetings
oil the Protestant Pastors Association aud
, Of all the other bodies In the city cooper
aiing in Christian work. Such q building
would stand among us monument e
the substantial unity Of all evangelical
denominations only add, under ihi'
head, that the statement rs 10 the largest
seating capacity Of any church In this city
0 is made upon authority Of rs pastor.
y OBJECTIONS
. I. II may be said. Can VIC not uqc III,
4 Young Mems Hebrew Association Hall
answer This whole community owe
10 the Israclites Of Memphis a debt o
gratitude, no, only for providing that hall
q but also for most generous extension o
= the use Of H. But surely tho enterprise
u exhibited by them should only incite e
. similar energetic effort 10 DO put forth b.
n us.
2. Il may be objected that we SHOULD
n avail ourselves Of the efforts Of the ANA
n teur Athletic Association. Now, under
slsnd. 1 shall aay nothing bat In praise o
. those young gentlemen. have no sym
n PATTY VITA any extremely harsh or censo