The herald., 1894-01-01
A NOTEWORTHY ASSOCIATION.
Our Young Mems Christian association.
Its interesting History.


Our Young Mems Ohristian Association.
Its Interesting History.
One of the noteworthy and success
full institutions of the. city is the Young
Mems Christian association which oc-
Gu pies handsome building of it's own
located on Broadway, near Second
street. The Y. M. @. A. and California
bank buildings and the Potomac and
Bicknell blocks. standing side by side
and OF uniform height, constitute one OF
the finest rows OF business property in
the city. The association building and
lot cost $115,000 and is steadily increas-
ing in value. The front of brown sand
stone and pressed bricks is highly orna-
mental. Since it's completion about two
years ago the membership of the 1850
citation has shown a rapid but steady
Increase, having quadrupled in that
time until now it is nearly 800. The
list includes men of nearly every trade
and occupation, business and profeB-
sional men, artisans and laborers.
The triangle, the symbol adopted by
the association, is indicative of the ma
ture and breadth of its work. 1t aims
to develop young men, spiritually, mem
tally and physically.
Besides the religious meetings, Bible
classes and other spiritual agencies,
there are admirable facilities for the
cultivation of mind and body. For the
latter there is q gymnasium equipped
with the best modern appliances for ex-
ercise. This outfit, costing $1,000, was
the gift of one man. Mr.. Bessing, who
has years of experience and study in
this line is physical director. Mem
berH desiring to take q thorough
course in physical training are provided
with an examination by an experienced
physician, careful measurements are
taken, defects pointed out and the prop
or exercises recommended. In many
casee the results of few weeks systemat-
ic work are very marked. The object
eought is to secure sound, vigorous
health rather than supply athletic skill.
The association, however, numbers
among it's members MANY excellent ath-
lefes. On three afternoons in the week
is class especially designed for busi-
ness and professional men. There is
also an especial class for young boys
from IL to l5 years. This work is sup
plemented by series of heslth talks by
prominent physicians.
For development, tbere has been ar
ranged q splendid series of educational
classes and lectures. Modern lanQnsges,
instrumental and voCal musie, drafting,
commercial and English branches are
taught by the best teachers aTsilek BE,
Over 200 young men entat 4ese
classes each year. Lectures iu cbemlsT
try and electricity have recebtig hAsn
arranged. The association resiizss tba
man is social anims, and provlSee re-.
ception, socials, game rooms, and fine
line of entertainments.
Each Monday evening the programme
is tor mixed audiences but on Saturday
nights there is a social for men only, al
| which attractive music and interesting
programmes are presented. During the
coming month aninstructive and unique
series OF Saturday night talks will con
siBt of the presentation of the tenets O
! four political parties by prominent rep
resentatives of each.
juiHIHhe association is not charity, bu
sseeEs togpf0yids means of culture an(
general Development to young men at
low cost, manylof whom would other
wise be unable to avail themselves o
such advantages. 1t combines the ben
efits of aclubl with none of the objec
tionablefeatures of club life. The plat
form is5 extremely liberal, ss mora
character is the only test of eligibility t.
! become a member. The board of con
troll must be members of the churches
but all men of good character may shar
in the advantages of mem bership.
A ladies' auxiliary of 125 members, o
which Mrs. ]. B. Brown is president, i
of much assistance to the work, espec
tally on social occasions.
The officers are as follows: Board O
directors-E. A. Forester, president
NJ. Ii. Merrimsn, f. M. Porter, G. W
Parsons, e. S. Field; trustees of real ei
tate, J. s. Slauson, A. E. Pomeroy
treasurer. A. III. Voigt; general secre
tary, w. d. Ball.