The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1892-02-18
Y. M. G.. A.
The Virginia Convention.

To see at one time 800 of the best
young men Of a State to see them i'll
a church to see them sit there patiently
from Q in the morning until 10 at night
with short intervals for meals; to see
the fervor and enthusiasm with which
they discuss religious matters; to hear
them sing-all this is a revelation to
one who sees it for the first time.
Such a sight was that in the Second
Baptist church in Richmond, Virginia.
last week at the State Convention of
tho Young Mems Christian Association
1 had the good fortune to be there as
visitor from North Carolina.
The work i'll Virginia was begun
about the same time that it was in this
State. Both held their 10th Conven-
ton this year. 1t seems to be in about
the same condition, too, with nearly
the same number Of members, and
few more Associations But the cities
are so much larger than ours that they
can spend more money, and 33 secre
taries are employed against our Is.
For two years, an ''Encampment'
has been held at Hampton for two
weeks in the summer. Nearly 200 men
were there last summer, and judging
from the reports and speeches before
the Convention they had huge time.
They camped out, tished, bathed, rode,
played ball and other games and ate.
But with all the fun no little time was
given to more seriou. things. Many
spoke in the highest terms Of the Bible
study which was held for an hour every
morning. So strong was the spiritual
| influence that several men date their
conversion from that time. There
will probably be an attempt to make
the encampment permanent thing
and to buy so acres ofground at i1amp-
ton fol that purpose.
There is great interest in the work
for railroad men. The Secretary
having charge of this work at Richmond
and Manchester is hearty, whole
souled fellow WHO has been very success
full. He captured the Convention
with his sarnestness and impressed
every one with the great Importance
of his special line of work. The c. 4
@. r. 4. has increased its appropria-
tons and the Norfolk & Western is
paying the salaries and making further
appropriations for the Associations at
all the divisional points of its line.
some four or five in number. The
statement was made that the companies
are urging the Associations to do more
for their men and stand ready to furnish
the money.
Evangelist NJ. b. Williams, who was
formerly State Secretary of Georgia,
gave Bible Readings at every session.
He is said to remind one somewhat OF
Sam Jones. He has great power
certainly. is witty and quaint. pithy
and pathetic. thrilling and touching.
He made us laugh and made US cry.
He won our respect by his learning,
and our hearts by his tenderness, and
gave US all many new thoughts Of the
Bible. He gave confidential talk Oh
personal purity in Mozart Hall on
Sunday afternoon when there were
1900 men present and 3S requested
prayer. He remains in Richmond this
week to conduct revival services.
One thing that brought sadness te
the delegates. was the resignation O
Assistant State Secretary f. I. Dad
nun. to enter the ministry. lie has
been connected with the work fol-
seven years. though in this position
less than two. and has won thu
affection of men in all parts Of th'
State. His hold on men i. wonderful
to see.
On Friday aftereoon the convention
divided into five sections, and the men
interested in special lines of work me
for more informa! discussion than coult
be given in the Convention. Most
the sections met in private houses. A
six o'clock all gathered at the magnlf
cent Association building. where
choice refreshments were furnished D.
the Ladies' Auxiliary. After supper