The morning call., 1892-11-11
FOR THE Dive GIRLS.
Practical Religion Begun on
a Large Scale.
GREAT HOPES FOR SUCCESS.
The Old Eijou Theatsr Will Hencsforth Be
Known as the Christian Union
Mission.

The old Bijou Theater is no more. Here
after 1t will be known as the Christian
Union Mission. Last night it was chiistened
and dedicated.
The ceremonies were very simple, and
consisted only of few plain addresses, vet
they were full of meaning, and if the hopes
expressed in these addresses are only half
realized great stride will be made in mis-
siouary and religious work among the
needy classes in this city.
The old theater roof never covered such
an audience rs was assembled within its
walls last night. Every seat was taken.
Standing room was eagerly sought.
The new mission union can be congratu-
lated on having such a gathering at its first
public meeting.
In the audience were many of San Fran
cisco's prominent business men and philan-
thropists, and they showed by their en-
thusaSm that they were heart and soul in
the work. On the platform were score or
more oil elergymen representing the differ
ent religious denominations and congTega-
lions who are in support Of the work.
The president of the board of directors of
the mission, Rev. j. q. Adams, presided,
and In opening the meeting said that the
mission-workers Of the city had united, and
were bound 10 make the new institution q
success in all that it pretended TO do. The
Union Mission was In San Francisco 10
stay. and practical religion was it's motto.
L. ID. Roberts, who has been for many
years SUPERINTENDENT OF the Boston Indus
trial Home. was the first speaker lie said
the object OF the mission was two-foid,
spiritual and industrial. Its aim would be
10 seek out the man or woman who was
down In the world, and by a helping hand
and broadening Influences elevate them 10
higher plane and give them fresh start
in life.
The other speakers were Rev. Charles n.
CrittentoD. Rev. a. Z. Hirst, Rev. +. Il.
Cressey, Rev. w. c. Pond, Rev. NJ. Ri. Glib
son and Rev. DR.. MeClish They were all
strongly in favor Of tie Mission Union. and
could not say too much in favor of the OBJ
jects of the Institution and the way the
good results were to be brought about They
all urged their hearers TO lend their aid In
the undertaking and help rescue the perish
ing.
Said Mr. Gibson:
III San Franeisc ever wanted anything it
wanted practical religion. II wanted some
body or an institution whose business il
was To find better places for people who
were obliged to work III places OF vice be-
cause they had TO do that or starve 1t was
all very we'll 10 talk about closing up the
dives. but what was TO become of the people
in the dives if they were closed. The new
mission would find way out for them"
Mr. Roberts explained tina. already about
twenty women, who were living In the
lowest depths of degradation, had ex-
pressed desire TO become better women,
II they could. ard urged the rapid compile
ti0n of the building so as 10 give them a
helping hand. The mission work of the
union has already commenced, he said,
and more than one man has been assisted
and given positions where they can help
themselves, who would otherwise be walk
ing the streets to-day with no hope in this
life on earth.
Rev. Mr.. Adams made an urgent appeal
hQd
subscribed, OF which over $1,000 had been
paid on, in preliminary work. 1t would re-
quire about $1,000 to put the building In the
necessary condition for the work Intended.
The appeal was not without effect, and
before the meeting closed good sum was
placed at the disposal of the directors.
More Is wanted, and there is no doubt that
all required will be forthcoming.