The herald., 1894-06-11
THEIR FIFHETH ANNIVERSARY.
The Great Work Accomplished
by the Y. M. G. A.
Stirring Description of Its Founda-
ton by Rev. E. s. Larkin.
A Special Service Comm EN- erative of
the Jubilee Day in Y. M. O. A.
Hali-Aims and PrIn otpIes
of the Association.

One of the most fourishing associa-
tons in Los Angeles today ia the Young
Mems Christian Association, which now
embraces o membership of $50 in the
the city. Yesterday the local associa-
ton celebrated the fiftieth anniversary
of the birth of the general organization by
special service in their handsome
building on Broadway.
The services consisted of music by the
choir OF the First Presbyterian church
and the Y. NJ. @. A. orchestra, an ad-
dress by Rev. E. s. Larkin, pastor of
the Central NJ. E. church and some
pleasant remarks by Z. s. Field, one of
the directors. There was quite large
audience in attendance who were much
interested in hearing about the magnit-
cent growth and history of che assocla-
ton.
Rev. Larkin spoke in an eloquent
manner and amongst other things said
esteem 1t d privilege to participate
in an active wav, in the Jubilee services
OF the Young Mems Christian associa-
ton; rejoicing in our filtieth anniver-
sary. | was almost ready to say. in our
golden wedding, but | am reminded that
we have never been married. though
often courted, and indeed criticized, be-
cause We have not been susceptible to the
subtle influence of the gentler sex.
But we have preferred to do our counting
individually, and so the association has
continued to be, as at the beginning, an
organization OF young men Tor young
men.
But our persistent example has not
been without results. for though we
have not been beguiled, yet our persist
ency has proved our good wishes unto
love-Rnd good works. and today We
have the Young Woman's Christian
association, an associotion OF young
women for young women.
In our jubilee services we unite with
an army of young men half u million
strong, in over 5000 organizations in the
great cities OF the five continents of the
world. AS we look backward over the
90 wonderful years we devoutly exclaim,
mot unto US, but unto Thy name give
glory. for Thy mercy and Thy TRUTHS
sake" and today we join with thou
sands OF young men, praieing God in the
old Doxologv, translated into % differ
languages for tbs use of the great jubilee
services in London:
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above. ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, son aud Holy Ghost
The origin of the Y. M. G. A. reads
like a chapter in the Acts of the
Apostles. Like every great religious
movement, it had it's origin in revival.
That revival began in the heart of
George Williams, an apprentice in
business house in Bridgewater, Eng
land, when 10 years old.
The manner of his conversion lie told
by himself. He states ia those early
days that he knew nothing OF religion,
though he had been taugnt to go to
church and to say prayers. He OBJ
served that several young men in the
house had Joy and satisfaction in their
lives of which he was ignorant. He
resolved, if possible, to secure it. On
inquiry of his companions how they OBJ
tanned this peace. they told him-they
had confessed their sins to God and
asked for mis- pardon and mercy, and
had obtained it. He determined to ask
and dia so, praying God would give
him His holy spirit.
81 cannot describe to you," Mr.. Will
llama says, 1.-The Joy and peace which
flowed through my soul when I fret
saw and realized Jesus had died for nv
siDs and that they were all forgiven"
His family was greatly disturbed and
thought that be was in come way losing
his mind. Neigh bors said: Poor fell
low, you see. he has gone
mad. He will be no good
for business now. You will have to
keep him sill his llfe.' The family was
so much disturbed upon the subject
that they held council to decide what
was best to be done. One brother, who
had recently lost his wife, counselled
wisely: Do nothing. Let George
alone. Perhaps he may be right and all
the rest OF us wrong
ut WAS the same old experience of
Paul when he stood before Agrippa and
Featus, and they said to him. Paul,
thou art beside thyaelf; much learning
hath made thee mad
1T was the same experience OF the
apostle on the road with the Master, of
whom they afterwards said: Did not
our hearts burn within us while He
talked with us by the way, and while
He opened unto as the scriptures
at was the same experience which
John Wesley had, as no returned from q