The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1894-07-18
BNDEAVORERS.
Thirteenth Annual Convention Of The Society
Of Christian ERdcaVOr.
Forty Thousand Delegates Assem-
BILE at Cleveland and are We'll
coined by Gov. Mckinley.
Monster Meetings Held in the San
gerfest Hall and the Big Tent
During the Four Days
Session.
Washington Secures the Convention for o.
A Mighty Missionary Extension Move
ment--The Greatest Convention
in the History OF the Society
Closes In Wave of
Christian Enthu-
siasm.

/ CLEVELAND, O., July l2.-Cleveland
was gaily dressed in yellow and white
and red white and blue yesterday morn
ing, when the delegates to the big
] Christian Endeavor convention began
arriving in force. Nearly every store,
shop and other business establishment
in the down town district was profuse-
ly decorated, either upon the outer
walls or in the windows, the effect be-
ing beautiful and inspiring. The
streets, too, were well filed with peo-
pie wearing badges, white caps and
other distinguishing regalia.
The opening meetings of the conven-
ton were held last evening in all the
churches, and consisted of song, prayer
and addresses by prominent speakers.
The scene in Sangerfest hall, at the
opening of the first session, Thursday
morning, was inspiring. Every seat
and every inch of standing room was
occupied by men, women and children,
many of the ladies and young girls
being attired in light, bright costumes,
which together with the beautiful
decorations OF the hall made picture
to be remembered. American flags and
the white-and-gold banners of the En-
dcavor society hung from all parts of
the immense building, and formed a
canopy over the great stage where the
choir, nearly 1000 strong, was located.
After praise service, lasting nearly
an hour, II was announced from the
stage that the big tent at the corner of
Eedarund Wilson avenues, large enough
- accommodate 10000 people, was full
10 overhowing, and that an overflow
meeting was being held in Epworth
Memorial church. This was greeted
by enthusiastic hand-clapping and the
waving of handkerchiefs.
While the praise service was in prog
ress Gov. Mckinley entered the hall
and was given an enthusiastic recep-
zion as he pressed his way down
through a crowded aisle to the stage.
Secretary Baer opened the regular
session by announcing that inasmuch
as il would be impossible for President
Clark TO be present, owing TO severe
illness, the board of trustees had elected
Rev. Charles A. Dickenson, of Boston,
as president pro tenn. After being in
troduced, Mr.. DiclSenson read letter
of regret from President Clark.
When Chairman Tyler, of the COM
mittee OF '94, was introduced he re-
ceived enthusiastic applause. 81 have
just come from the tent" said Chair
man Tyler, "and not only is it full OF
Christian people, but the street from
this hall TO the corner Of Wilson and
Cedar avenues is filed from curb to
curb with Endeavorers, In addition TO
the 10000 people here and 10000 in the
big tent, an overflow meeting is being
held in Epworth Memorial church, and
that, having become over-crowded, we
are now starting another overflow
meeting in the Woodland Avenue Pres
byterian church. We have broken all
previous records. Never before have
we had anything like the present at
tendance at an opening session"
The introduction Of Gov. Mckinley
by the chairman was the signal for "A
great outburst of applause, which con.
:inued for nearly a minute after the
governor had walked TO the front OF
the speakers platform. Gov. Mckinley
said it must be mighty cause that
would bring together such an assem-
blage Of people. II was the cause OF
the Master and the man. lie assured
his hearers that in welcoming them 10
the state of Ohio he could promise free
dom TO all religious denominations in
worShiping after their own manner and
the free exercise Of their religious be-
liefs. lie was especially impressed, he
said. with the name of one Of the com.
mittecs of the Christian Endeavor soci.
ETY., the Lookout committee. Every
member Of the society, the governor
said, should be member of that com.
IHittec and chairman of il. Look out
for pitfalls, look out for temptations,
look out for evil in all its guises. BE
ever upon the observation tower, so
that You may be prepared for the
enemy
The governor'sremarks were followed
by prolonged applause and the singing
of America"
The report OF the secretary was next
in order, and was read by Nr. Baer
himself In opening his address the
secretary referred 10 the fact that the
day commemorated the close OF the 18th
year In the history Of the Endeavor so
ciety, and spoke Of it as field day, and
the hosts on dress parade inviting in
spectiop.
The announcement was made by Rev.
James L. Hill. from the board of trus-
tees, that the convention OF 1898 would
be held in San Francisco II lower rate
Of transportation could be secured than
at present offered, otherwise another
choice would be made by September l..
I The convention for 1896 will be held in
! Washington, d. c.
Presentation Of badge banners was
then made, that for proportionate in
crease Of junior societies going TO Della
ware; for largest proportionate increase
Of young peoples societies TO West
! Virginia; for absolute increase TO En-.
gland; for absolute gain in junior So
cieties TO Pennsylvania, and for the
largest number Of junior societies TO
the same state. The Chinese umbrella
Cf state, sent from the Chinese Chris.
tian Endeavor society, TO be given the
stgip ghavyinu Tho 1orsr,gt ,y,,,b,,. "a