The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1890-07-08

young folk and an organization was 1ormed
of which the pator knew very little.
The pastor had labored very hard to pre-
pare sermon for the young folk and had
announced that he would deliver 1t on a
certain Sunday evening. The afternoon
of the day arrived and it rained in torrents
without any prospect of its letting up.
The pastor brooded over the discouraging
outlook in his study and even refused the
consolation of his wife, but when the
evening came and he assembled his pulpit,
although the violence or the storm had
not abated, he was surprised to see all of
the young people out in body and one of
the largest congregations that had assem-
bled for long time. The maiden lady ex-
planned after the service that this society
that had been formed was for the proven
ton of cruelty to pastors and that they
deemed it cruel TO make a pastor preach TO
empty seats. The speaker here suggested
that the Epworth League might catch a
good idea from the anecdote.
The best hour of meeting was then dis
cussed, but only suggestions were thrown
out in regard to the matter.
Christian work amongst the young was
another department referred to by the
speaker He said that a great many
felt they were only preparing for
work while in the league and that Oppor-
tunities would present themselves later on.
This he conceived to be an error and felt
that the best opportunities were at hand
right at the present moment. The best
work could be done amongst the young,
their associates, and statistics would show
that few were ever converted after pass
ing the age of twenty-five. All beyond
that age had the chances against them.
Although some would be called upon to
do special work in Gods vineyard there
were opportunities daily that members of
the league would overlook thinking that
better opportunities would be presented
later He recommended the members to
improve every little chance and especially
to reach out and invite the strangers
within the pale of Christianity. He said a
great many came west who were accus-
toned to religious influences at home but
that being strangers in the west they were
apt to drift off into other channels unless
a hand of welcome was extended to them
by the young people of the churches. To
illustrate this point the following was
of the Methodist church, in his country
home, moved 30 Chicago and in few
years was met by one of his old friends
who was very much surprised to find that
both he and his wife, formerly staunch
Methodists, were leaders in the Presbyter-
ian church. When he went to Chicago
stranger, he started for church on Sunday,
not knowing one church from another he
dropped into a Presbyterian church. a
kind gentleman met him at the door, shook
him by the hand and lead him to pleas
ant seat. The doctrine preached seemed
to be all right and at the conclusion OF the
service many members of the congregation
came up and spoke to him and amongst
them the young people, who invited him
to join in their prayer meeting. They
shook hands with him and otherwise lion
lied him which was very pleasant, and
coming to know them, not being stick
err" for principles, cast his lot with them.
The speaker thought the league might
also CLEAN an idea from that bit of history.
The missionary work and open air sery-
ices were also recommended and he fancied
there were lots of places where missionary
work in this department could be done
profitably Above all things he cautioned
the league against feeling that the league
work was all. that was required of them
and in no wise to neglect the public
service. The league should hold
and conduct its affairs
in manner that would not
inconvenience its members in their public
devotional exercises.
The Epworth League today embraces up
wards of $500 chapters representing over
$50. 600 members.
On motion the meeting then considered
the matter of organization. While hymn
was being sung the pastors OF the different
consulted together and at its con-
clusion recommended that the league be
governed an by executive made up as
and nominated the following Off
GERS: On motion the recommendation and
the nominations were confirmed and made
unanimous:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
President-James Allison, of the Dodge
avenue VI. F. church.
Vice-presidents-J G. Rutan, of First NJ.
f.; c. Mueller, of st. Paul's; D. Smythe, of
Emporia avenue; and J. +. Weaver, of the
Dodge avenue.
Secretary-M Belle Stever, of the Empo-
ria avenue.
The pastors of the different churches and
Rev. j. d. Botkin, the presiding elder,
were elected to constitute and complete
the committee.
A general invitation was extended to sub
scribe TO the Herald the official organ
of the league, to which about fifty have re
sponded, and the meeting was dismissed
with the benediction.