Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-10-16
OVER 1900 MEMBERS
The Young Peoples Union of the
Universalist Church.
THE ANNUAL CONVENTION OPENED.
An Interesting Gathering at the
Church of Our Father.
THE DELEGATES PRES ENT.
THE DELEGATES PRES ENT,

Four years ago. in the city of Lynn, Mass.
representatives of about fifty various young
peoples societies connected with the Uni
versalist Church met and organized a na-
tional union. which has since. been known as
the Young Peoples Christian Union. From
that small beginning it has grown into a
body with ramifcations in all sections of
the country, numbering in all 253 organiza-
tons. Of which fifteen are state unions and
zSS local societies. 1t has a membership of
over 12,O0O individuals
The fourth annual convention of the ma
uonal union met this morning at the Church
OF Our Father. corner of 18th and l. streets.
several hundred people were present, most
OF whom were young men and women dele
gates from the various societies. The con-
vention lasts today and tomorrow, after
which Will begin the regular general conven-
ton Of the Universalist Church, which will
commence tomorrow evening.
The exercises of the day were opened by
q praise and devotional meeting, subject,
Our Watchword for Today: Co." He
brews. xii. 10. The meeting was led by
Mr. Perry D. Gath Of GAINESVILLE. Ohio, the
president of the Ohio State Union.
This meeting lasted for an hour and was
interspersed with prayer and the singing of
ny mns At its conclusion DR.. Rogers pastor
OF the Church of Our Father, made a few
pleasant remarks. in the course Of which
ne spoke of the assistance which he had re-
ceived In his own labors from the members
or the y. P. u. of his church. Then he in
troduced the president Of the local union,
Mr.. A. 8. Yantis. to deliver the formal ad-
dress of welcome
Mr.. Yantis' Speech of Welcome.
In the course Of his remarks Mr.. Yantis
said:
I'VE greet you in the name Of that higher
and robler culture whose apostles you are.
and to the wider diffusion Of which your
examples are SO helpful. We recognize in
you the lay champions of a beneficent faith
whose ample authority is found in the in
dissoirble ties of fatherhood and brother
hood.
I'VE rejoice that in the onward march of
truth toward a more universal recognition
OF Its rightful sovereignty this church has
furnished In you a contributing force whose
share In the glory Of final achievement
must, indeed, be generous one.
Il can imagine nothing more profoundly
impressive than a combination of forces
and influences consecrated to the work Of
making human life better and sweeter. 1t
symbolizes manliness and womanliness In
their best Interpretation. There is no am
bition more honorable and no activity more
useful. 1t Is the realization Of the best
type Of chivalry.
ITO teach broader humanity. to en-
phasze the spirit of brotherhood. to stand
before the world as the exponents of q
practical Christianity whose precept and ex-
ample contribute to purity and happiness
in this life rather than the avoidance Of
fictitious horrors in the next, Is the asser-
ton Of principles and aims that ennoble
their defenders and in the widespread ac-
ceptance OF which the race will find the
fruitful source of it's noblest impulses.
And as / stand before you deeply touch
ed by all the suggestions that flow from
this occasion, I am greatly honored In being
permitted to occupy position that derives
It's dignity from such exalted sources
For myself and the society which
have the honor to represent, I propose to
extract from this convention something
which i know You will be glad to share
izing energy. and your power to compel
results. We want to profit by your larger
experience. We want our ideas and meth
DDS expanded and broadened by your ac-
YOU and grow upon the food which makes
you strong"
This address was received with applause
and the president of the convention. Mr.
Thomas Moore of Philadelphia to respond
to the welcome. Mr.. Moore Is one of the
most enthusiastic and earnest workers in
the union. of which he has been a member
since its organization. and a member Of
the executive board since the Lynn conven-
tion. Mr.. Moore's address was in the form
OF a grateful expression Of thanks on be-
half Of the members Of the convention for
the hospitable entertainment and the well
come they had received in this city.
A Gavel with a History.
A pleasant incident Of the morning ses-
sion was the presentation of a gavel to the
president Of the National Union by Secre-
tary Tfllinghast on behalf of Mr. w. H.
Luden Of Reading. Pa. This gavel will
ever be memorial of the Unions conven-
tion In Reading last year. The gavel is of
solid oak from the house Of DR.. Geo. De
Benneville at Obey. near Reading, and is
iniaid with wood from the pew benches
from the church built by Thos. Potter at
first promulgated in this country the doc.
trines of Universalism.
The gavel was received by President
brlSgs In a Few well-chosen remarks. in