Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1895-10-29
TO LARGER FIELDS.
Secretary g. c. Blakslee Of the
Y. NJ. c. A. Resigns.
Is GOING TO HYDE PARK.

Prospered Under His Management r .s-
olutioas Of the Ministers -ArraDgemenfs
For the Successor.
General Secretary George G.
Blakslee, of the Rock Island Y. M.
c. A., at last nights meeting Of the
board Of directors offered his resig-
nation. Mr.. Blakslee has been
called to the general secretary ship
at Hyde Park. u new department of
Chicago association work, and the
opportunities Mr.. Blakslee believes
afforded by such a field are those of
life time, while the inducement in
the way Of salary constitute no small
consideration. The local association
in realization of the situation ac-
cepted the resignation of ills general
secretary, bat did so with great re-
luctance and appointed committee
to draft resolutions expressive of it's
appreciation. This committee is to
report at q future date.
Mr. Bl.kslee's Work.
Mr.. Blakslee came to Rock Island
to accept the general secretaryship
Of the Y. M. G. A. Sept. l, 1891, his
previous work being at Auburn. N.
Y, although six months prior to en-
tering upon his duties here had been
spent in travel in the Holy land.
The prospects of the local associa-
ton were not particularly epcourag-
ing at that time. The association
had just commenced the occupancy of
its new building to be sure, but the
structure was far from complete.
Paving and sidewalk improvements
were coming on and the thoughts
had begun to dawn on some OF the
leading members that perhaps they
had undertaken more than thew were
equal to. Mr.. Blakslee took hold of
the work with a zeal and earnestness
that stimulated existing interest, re-
vived old and awakened new interest
and it was not long before the build
ing was finished in every department
aud made what it is today, one of the
finest AID most complete in the state
OF Illinois. The membership in the
association four years ago was l2I.
Now. Notwithstanding that there is
n much higher fee, there are 1928, q
gain of III per cent. The daily at
tendance at the rooms has increased
from 35 to IS, a gain of ia per cent.
The average attendance at the young
mems meetings increased from rs to
46. gain of 81 per cent. Furniture
and fixtures have been secured 10 the
value Of $1,000. a gain of 81, 100 over
four years ago; while the value of the
building has been increased from
*24. 900 to $4O,300 or deducting the
Indebtedness from $14,9.O to $50, 800,
making a net gain in property in
four years of $4,000, while $40, $50
has been subscribed for current ex-
pcnses during this time. The Ladies'
auxiliary, which has an enrolment
of 81 members and the Junior de-
partment. have proven through the
general secretary's energy strong
sources OF aid in the prosecution Of
the associations work for good.
The Ministers Act.
Mr.. Blakslee has also acted as Sec
rotary of the Rock Island Ministerial
union. and in response to his resigna-
tion presented yesterday, the follow
ing resolutions were adopted:
Whereas. &. c. Blakslee. general
secretary of the Young Mems Chris
tian association, has rendered us his
resignation in view of removing to
another field of labor. therefore
Resolved, That it is with genuine
regret we accept of this resignation
and consent to a severance of the
pleasant relations which have ex-
listed for so many years.
Resolved. That we heartily COM
mend our brother for the prompt.
obliging and faithful discharge of his
duties as secretary of this association
and for the sympathy and help we
have ever received from him in our
labors as pastors in this city.
Resolved. That we rejoice with
him in the substantial gain which
has been made in the Young Mems
Christian association in this CITY
during the four years of his incum-
bency. The gain in property, the
canceling Of debts, the increase OF
membership and income, the en-
larged constituency in the commu-
nifty and the stead y development o.
all branches of the work. attest the
efficiency, conservation and faith
fulness of the secretary. We have
ever found him an earnest and sym.
pathizing helper in all spiritual
things and il il with roorof xya oo,
template his removal. We pray that
the blessing of God may 60 with him,
giving him increased success in win
ming young men to Christ and
building them in Christ.
w. s. MARQUIS.
I. w. GRAFTON,
Committee.
The New Field.
Mr.. Blakslee's new field is to be