Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-01-16
EICHT YEARS old.
THE YOUNG MEMS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
CELEBRATES ITS ANNIVERSARY.
A Large Asssmblags Gathers at the United Pres
bytsrian Church-SsGetary Lynch
Makes an Admirable Report ~
Remarks Of Other
Speakers

known as the Young men
Christian Association than that large
ossemblage which nearly filed the
United Presbyterian Church last night,
despite the piercing cold that prevailed.
1t was the occasion of the eighth ami
versary OF the organization, and In the
reports and remarks that prevailed the
event was fttingly observed. Mr.. j.
N. Vance, President Of the Association,
presided over the meeting, and In open
ing made a few very interesting re-
marks to the point.
A feature of the service was the ex-
cellent singing by the choir, which was
somewhat augmented In orchestratlon.
The selections were all given with
spirit and expression, and were enjoy
ably listened to. The members of the
choir were Miss Mary Dickey, soprano;
Mrs. w. j. W. Cowden, Miss Ella Nc
Clure, altos; DIR. John Mcclure, tenor,
H. C. Sweeney, Il. c. Darrah. bass; K.
q. B Mcclure, organlst and director.
After the reading of Scripture and
PRAYER by Rev. j. \. Mcclure, d. d.,
Mr.. Vanc announced as the next
feature of the programme the annual
report of the Association work, by
Secretary Lynch, which was In SUBJ
stance as follows
SECRETARY LYNcH's REPORT.
For the eighth time we have the
honor of presenting to our friends a
brief review OF years work.
The Wheeling Association is part OF q
national and international system, and
few suggestive comparisons will give
some impression Of the progress made
at large during the life Of our as
ISOLATION. Eight years ago there were
1881 associations in the world. Now
there are 4,651. Then there were 929
associations on this continent. Now
there are 1923. Then the aggregate
membership OF the American associa-
tions was 1874. Now it is more than
double that number. Then there were
AIS persons at work as general secre-
taries and other paid officers. Now
there are 1892. Then SO associations
owned and occupied buildings valued at
So, 532, s55. Now there are 26S buildings
valued at Sll,9O@,0%O.
Not only in America, but in Europe
and throughout the world our Associa-
tions have made tremendous strides.
Our local Association has always en-
loved the good will and commentator
Of the public, and we believe it has
proved itself worthy Of the confidence
repoSed in it. But we are certain many
who speak well of US would have
more about II. Many OF our citizens,
even some of those who contribute to
the support of the Association, have
never entered our building on the south
east corner OF Market and Twentieth
streets, to see for themselves what is
being done for the moral and spiritual
welfare Of young men.
In addition to the attractions OF the
building and a warm welcome the social
life of the Association is promoted by
frequent social gatherings. Last year we
had II socials and six receptions, Some
of these were merry, Informal gather
ings OF 25 or so young men and others
were much larger, such as the Thanks
giving, New Years and Opening Fail
Receptions. At these % social gather
ines we had total attendance Of 1857
young men.
From 100 to 200 young men come into
the building daily, and good proper
ton make use of the reading room.
During the past year we had three
entertainments with an average attend
ance of 500. Four concerts with an
average attendance of $40. Five lect-
ures with an average attendance OF 537.
We also had two concerts last winter in
the Opera House when the attendance
was larger. The attendance would in
variably be larger II we could accommo-
pate the people. You have probably
heard that we cherish the hope OF en-
larging this rear building. II we sue
coed we will have hall that will seat
twice as many people as this one does.
Let US now return TO the first floor
and 20 to the Gymnasium gallery. This
is where the physical welfare of young
men is looked after. We aim TO promote
bodily health and all-around develop.
ment in an enjoyable way. 4S2 classes
were held last year under the direction
of our Instructor.
That door to your right leads to the
dressing room and the baths. AS near
as We can tell there we're 5000 bath:
taken last year.
Yes, the building fund has been
started. be 1t said 20 the credit OF the
young men. They have already pledged
81, 500. The business men will soon be
asked to contribute to this object. Here
is an opportunity for wise philan'
thropy to bear large results.
The Saturday night meeting IS help
full to those who are not Christians a,
well as a source OF encouragement and
development to Christi91s. 81 meet.
ings were held last year with an
average attendance OF 81. We held a
young mems meeting, up stairs, every
Sunday afternoon during the year.
The average attendance, summer and
winter, was 90. We held total OF Ill
young mems meetings with an aggre-
gate attendance OF 600. In addition
TO these meetings we conducted a
Quiet, helpful Bible class for young
men, and for % weeks had Sunday
School teachers Bible study. Evening
PRAYERS were held for 4 portion OF the
year, and Is special religious services
were conducted.
Our officers and directors give much
time and effort to the work OF the AS
ISOLATION. Last year 1l6 different men
served on our twelve standing commit
tees, and log directors and committee
meetings were held.
No, sir; we have no revenue from our
building. We depend on subscriptions
and membership fees. Last year our
current expenses amounted TO s3,025.S4.
About one half OF this amount was
given by the young men in member
ships, and for the rest we are indebted
to our friends. We note with extreme
satisfaction that we were enabled to