Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-01-23

|
REV. FRANCIS z. CLARE.
| The first Christian Endeavor Society followed
/ series of revival services and was organized
| February 2, 1881, by Rev. Francis E. Clark,
| then pastor of the Williston Congregational
| Church, Portland, Me. The object was to give
young people an opportunity to engage in sys-
| tematlc Christian work. So successful was this
| society that SIX months later. in response to
many inquiries from other pastors, the founder
| wrote an article for the CO'i9rPJdtiOndtist en-
/ titled How One Church Cares for Its Young
| People" which attracted wide attention. When
| the original society was one year old twelve
| companion societies had been formed. and
from that time forward the growth of the move
| ment was marvellous At the animal conyen-
ton in 1889, which was held in Philadelphia,
| 5000 societies reported membersbip,of 450-
| 600, and recent reports show $4,000 societies
with membership considerably exceeding
| 1000 600
Though there are societies in all civilized
| countries and in the mission fields the strong
hold of Christian Endeavor is In the United
/ States and Canada. In point of numbers the
| banner state is New York, within whose borders
| 2 800 societies exist.
| The Christian Endeavor movement is not
| only international, but Observation-Disclosures
| though strictly nOn-sectarian. The secret of
its success lies largely in its adaptabiity to the
| needs of different evangelical denominations
| and the fact that it emphasizes LOYALTY on the
part OF its members to their individual pastors
and churches. The membership is scattered
| among thirty denominations the Presbyterians
| being in the lead with 1000 societies. Tho Con-
gregationalists second on the list. while the
| Baptists hold third place and the Methodists
| fourth
CHRISTIAN ESDEAvoR AIMS.
The objects of Christian Endeavor are to pro-
mote an earnest Christian life among members
and to make them more useful in the service of
l.c1 h, - Hl.-,.&
! organize the young people OF each church to
work for their church under the direction of
its pastor and officers. The organization thus
induces young Christians to engage In religious
work and trains them to assume active church
duties.
The pledge is an important feature Of
Christian Endeavor. Members in Joining
pledge themselves to endeavor to lead Christian
lives. to systematic Bible study. daily prayer
regular attendance and participation in the
prayer meetings, and they also pledge them
selves to support their own pastor and church
officers in every possible way. Christian En-
deayor has for its motto II or Christ and the
church"
THE UNITED SOCIETY.
The early growth was rapid that it became
| necessary to institute some means Of furnish
ing information concerning the work to
churches and other inqurers. Headquarters
were accordingly established in Boston, and in
1881 the sOcietys founder. Rev. Francis E.
| Clark, was induced to resign his pastorate and
assume the presidency of the United Society of
Christian Endeavor and become editor of its
official paper, the Golden I.ule.
The United Society of Christian Endeavor
exists only bureau OF information. 1t
| issues publications outlining the wock and sug-
| costing methods The only source of income
/ Is from printing. the sale of badges and litera-
| ture. Without levying assessments or exercis-
ing jurisdiction over individual societies it in
| sists that each local society owes no allegiance
| except to its pastor, church and denomination
| Everything Is conducted III the most economi-
cal way, and in probably no other organization
| is so much time and labor gratuitously and
gladly given.
THE COMING CONVENTION.
The 1892 convention will be held in New
York July ITO, and preparations are being
made to accommodate 10000 people. The
meetings Will be held in the Madison Square
| Garden Amphithea;er. which has a seating Ca
| pacity of nearly 1900 and is one Of the finest
| buildings In the world for such a convention
As at previous conventions the speakers will
be men and women of worldwide fame as
| workers in various religious fields. The adj
| dresses are always helpful. many OF them being
\ stirring and eloquent. Great enthusiasm always
| prevails, which Is stimulated by the inspiring
| music from the vast multitude of voices. 1t is
| intended that the music shall be a specially
! prominent feature of the New York convention.
| THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA UNION.
| The first Christian Endeavor Society in the
| District Of Columbia was organized in the Unity
Presbyterian Church, January 2, 1887. Other
societies soon sprang into existence. During
| the summer and fall Of 1889 measures were
| taken toward uniting :he various organizations.
| On November of the same year repres enta-
| tIves of twenty-three societies met in the First
| Congregational Church and organized the Dis
| trict OF Columbia Union. The following officers
we're elected: President, W. IL. H. Smith; wee
presidents, Rev C. II. Butler and Miss Marjorie
| Warner; secretary, E. NJ. Hall, and treasurer,
| +. K. Fenwick.
Since the union was formed the growth Of
| Christian Endeayor in the District of Columbia
has been rapid. until now there are forty-nine
societies with more than 5000 members. Fol-
| lowing is the list OF societies:
| NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. Assembly, Central.
| Covenant. Covenant, jr.; Eastern, Faith Chapel.
First, Gurley Memorial, Metropolitan. New
| York Avenue, North, Sixth, Sixth, jr.; Unity.
Western, Western, jr.; Westminster, West
| minister. ir.
! Congregational-Fir Mt Pleasant, Fifth,
Tabernacle, Plymouth, Plymouth, jr.; Lincoln
/ Memorial
Baptist-Anacostia. Calvary. Calvary, jr; E
| Street. Street, jr., First, Gay Street, Grace,
Kendall, Maryland Avenue Mission, Metropoli-
| tan. Second.
Methods, Episcopal-Mount Vernon Place,
| Ryland, Union, Wesley.
Methodist Prosestant-Central, Congress
Street
Lutheran-Memorial. ST. Paurs.
| ttristIan-Nermont Avenue, Ninth Street.
Army, Navy and Marine Corps
Seven of the above JUNIOR societies for
an flAR fntrTt AaV 49,