Los Angeles herald., 1891-07-10
Fidelity and Fellowship
GloriOusly Exemplitied.
A Mammoth Religious Gather
ing at Minneapolis.
Annual Convention of the Christian
EndeavOr Society.
Ten Thousand People In Attendance at
the First Session and More Coming.
Wonderful Growth of the
Organization.
Associated Press Dispatches.

AseOclate0 freSs DlspdtCues.
MINNEAPoMs, Mimi, July 9.-Last
nights trains, as we'll as those this
morning, brought thousands of dele
gates for the International Young Peo-
ple's Society OF Christian Endeavor con-
vention, which met today IN the exposi-
tion building. The committee on al
rangements had planned for an attend
ance OF 900, but nearly every delega
ton thus far arriving is larger than an
ticipated, and all are not here yet.
The great convention was called to
order late this afternoon. The address
of welcome was made by Frank R.
Daniels, chairman of the local commit
tee; Rev. R. j. French, on behalf of the
Minneapolis pastors, and Rev. DR.. Rob-
ert Curistte. for the pastors of st. Paul,
and John B. Elliott, local secretary of
the Y. M. @. A.
The convention is the largest ever
held by the Christian Endeavor socie-
ties, and one of the largest religious con-
ventions ever held. Fully ten thousand
persons were in the hall when President
Clark raped for order. The convention
began with a grand mass chorus sing
ing All Hail the Power of Jesus Name.
The addresses OF welcome were re-
sponded to, eloquently, by Rev. DIR.
George H. Wells, of Montreal, who also
extended an invitation to meet next
time in Montreal.
For his annual address President
Clark had chosen the topic: Fidelity
and Fellowship. He spoke first on the
movement and said the two elements
that pre-eminently mark the history of
the society are fidelity to the local
church to which'each society and MEM
ber belongs, and fellowship cemented
by a common name, common vows and
common methods Of service-a fellow
ship that is exempliied by this magni-
fcent assembly. Fidelity and fellow
ship may turn the world for Christ. The
society from its birth had stood unswerv-
ingly for fidelity to the church of God
and the local church. Now, for a mil
lion young hearts in thirsty denomina
tions in every realm on the globe. the
day has come when Christian
fellowship is an inspiring real
ity. The time has come, he thinks,
not to simply accept in an easy-going
way this inheritance, but to stand for
it /; yes, to glory in it as we glory in the
cross of Christ.
He maintained that this is their road,
because every church will be stronger
because of this fellowship. He believed it
impossible to estimate the value of such
a meeting as this; as well try to COM
pute the value Of sunlight or the worth
of dew, or the commercial value OF rain.
This convention will never adjourn.
This fellowship which these days Of
holy communion will cement, shall
flow back in refreshing rills of
spiritual power to the churches in
every state and territory and
province between the two oceans, and
even to the churches across these. AS
the electric thrill of this fellowship will
go, and wherever it goes, it will carry
strength and cheer. The united strength
of the common enemy demands that we
oppose to him the united strength of
our common fellowship. There are no
sects in hell. Let not the children OF
the pit be wiser than the children OF
light.
President Clark deprecated not de-
nominations, but spirit that would
propagate differences and promote rival
ries. In the name Christian En-
deavor, a common bond OF union is
found. He pleaded for inter-denomi-
national and international fellowship of
the societies, because Christ commanded
it and prayed for it.
Secretary Baer's annual report showed
that one year ago the membership rec
ord showed IL ,Ol3 societies, an increase
over the previous year of 3341. There
12 OT1 ,lor II
ported. From across the water 307 are
reported. There are others not yet
heard from. England has twelve socie-
ties; Australia, eighty-two; India,
thirty; Turkey, twelve, and China,
seven. In Canada there are 829. The
banner for the state, territory or prov
ince showing the largest percent
age of gain is awarded to the
territory of Oklahoma, British Col
umbia being second. The banner
for the greatest aggregate gain goes to
Pennsylvania, that state having gained
645 local societies during the year.
Great growth is reported in the junior
organizations, of which 855 societies are
reported. Illinois leading with 1872.
There are four floating societies on
United States men-of-war. Among the
denominations the Presbyterians
have 4O19 societies; Congregation
alists, 3545; Baptiste, 1881; Meth
odists, .205S, and Christians,
[Disciples], SO1. As to the individual
members, the growth is marvellous. At
the convention Of 1888 the report showed
100000 members, in 1889 there were
485, 900, in 1890 there were 100000, and
now the societies have an aggregate
membership of zoos, $50. 1t is known
that 80, 800 members of societies have
become church members within the
year.
DRIED APRICOTS.
Citizens OF Winters Believe the Best