The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1895-07-17
AN ENORMOUS GATHERING.
A MIGHTY HOST.
International Convention of the Society
of Christian Endeavor.

noWaunys Is the convention OF the United
Society OF Christian Endeavor. Ii is now In
session at Boston, and so great was the num-
Der oil delegates and visitors expected that the
local committee arranged TO take caro- OF
65,0OO persons without confusion or discom-
fort.
The growth OF the Christian Endeavor
movement has been something stupcndous.
The first society was formed by its present
president, Rev. Francis L. CLARK, at Portland,
Me-, in 1881. In IA years the society has
grown until the membership now numbers
over two and n quarter millions. Beside
those enrolled in the Christian Endeavor So
cieties, the movement has stimulated the
organization OF other and similar leagues in
churches which deemed 1t wise TO make their
young peoples society strictly denomination
al. The Christian Endeavor Society, Is un-
UNCONVENTIONAL. Each society, however is
in some local church. and its object is to
make its members loyal and efficient workers
In the cause
OF the officers OF the United Society but
one, Secretary Baer, draws any salary from
the society, President Clark and Treasurer
Shaw deriving their support from the Golden
Rule, the official organ. This periodical is
not published by the United Society, but by n
private corporation. The Golden Rule is
taken In every country where there are
English-speaking members Of the Christian
Endeavor societies,
The most elaborate preparations were made
to shelter the delegates. Mechanics Hall
was leased in its entirety, The main hall
seats $4,000; tho Exhibition Hall was used as
huge restaurant; Cotilion Hall was used as
Massachusetts headquarters. In addition two
waterproof tents accommo odating 10, 600 each
were leased Large churches in the district
were also used, which gave total seating
capacity OF $4,000.
che chief business TO be considered the
first day was the offer OF II. II. Kohlsaat OF
the Chicago Herald, who had agreed
to pay $4,000 year for three years towards
the maintenance Of the society 8 Headquarters
on condition they be removed from Boston TO
Chicago. After n committee had passed nd.
versely upon the subject and reported the
report OF the committee was unanimously ac-
cepted and the headquarters will not be re-
moved from Boston at present.
On Thursday at the regular opening o the
convention over 5000 enthusiastic Endeav-
orers crowded Tent Endeavor. Crimson and
white streamers waved all over the tent. the
bunting being drapei from the great center
poles. Flags and coors OF all nations inter-
spersed the streamers, and testified by their
variety to the international character Of the
gathering. High above all others the flags
ofthe United Kingdom OF Great Britain and
the Stars and Stripes floated. Upon the
platform at the extreme end the grand
chorus OF 500 and the speakers and promi-
nent members Of the society were seated.
Before the time for the opening OF the SER
vice the chorus and delegates spontaneously
started an Endeavor hymn. Other songs
followed. and the music was almost continu-
Gus until the Rev. J. 4. Beokley, ID. d., OF
New York, opened the meeting according to
the programme by announcing the Arst hymn,
"Onward Christian Soldiers
AT the conclusion OF the hymn Rev. W. II.
Albright, OF Boston, read passage from the
Scripture, and then, asking for the earnest
cooperation Of all the delegates In the open
ing session, called for testimony by delegates.
For 10 minutes from all parts ofthe audience
came the words of praise to the Almighty
and good tidings to the Endeavor Society
Mr.. Beckley was forced to announce the
next number before all who desired had
testified. He called attention to the banner
which hung over his head. inscribed: For
Christ and the Church, Welcome" and ex-
horted his hearers as they raised their voices
TO bear In mind that they should forget to
work for Christ and His church.
The hymn OF welcome, written for the oc-
casion by DIR. L. $. Smith, the author Of
"Amorica," was sung and then Mr.. Beckley
introduced A. j. Crockett, president OF the
Boston Local Union, who welcomed the dele
gates in behalf OF the Endeavorers OF Boston.
The welcome OF the city pastors was extend
ed by NJ ID. Kneeland, ID. D., OF Boston. In
behalf OF the State OF Massachusetts, Lieu
tenant Governor Roger Wolcott then well
coined the delegates. Then the Rev. ]. II.
DurrOWs, ~ H., OIL tulchEO responded tue
welcome OF Massachusetts and Boston In be-
half OF the society and the delegates.
At $3.50 O'Clock Thursday afternoon 20 de-
nominatonal rallies were held in the differ
ent churches OF the city and its suburbs.
These rallies were well attended by the dele
gates, according to their denominational con-
necton.
The trustees decided upon San Francisco
as the place for holding the convention In
1897.
At the night meeting in Mechanics hall the
doors. had to be closed. and not even dele.
gates were admitted after o'clock. An
overflow meeting was held in front OF the
building.
The Williston tent was iammed at the eve
ming meeting, as was tent Endeavor. The
famous evangelist, Rev. Dwight l.. Moody,
spoke In Mechanics hail, on "The Bible and
Its Relation to Christian Endeavor" Rev.
X. II. Conwell, OF Philadelphia. spoke on
"The Reiuvenating Work OF the Christian
Endeavors Throughout the World" in Will.
iston tent and John G. Wooley, OF Chicago,
on "rhe Christian Endeavor VS. the Saloon, "
In tent Endeavor. Rev. W. b. Milligan, OF
Allegheny, read the scriptures in the latter
meeting.
AT Fridays meeting at Tent Endeavor the
crowds were larger than on the previous
day the sides OF the tent being looped up to
allow 5000 unable to obtain admittance to
been augmented, and with the endeavorers
who gathered early, sang hymns until the
meeting opened. Rev. Howard b. Grose, OF
Chicago, presided and Geo. X. Somerby OF
Boston. led the chorus. A praise and prayer
service opened the meeting at $3.50 o'clock,
led by Rev. W. H. Pennel, OF Washington,
ID. c.. 10, 600 voices joined with him in re-
peating the Lords prayer. Goo. B. Graf,
OF Boston, read the Information Committed s
report, which discussed the wonderful ad-
vance OF the endeavor work.
Rev. j. +. Cowan, OF Pittsburg, Pa. con-
Quoted one OF the most interesting parts OF
the service, the presentation OF junior State
banners. one for the greatest absolute gain
In the number OF societies. the other for the
greatest proportionate gain. Pennsylvania
received the first banner and Assinaboine,
Can, the second. The Rev. DIR. McCrory,
president OF the Pennsylvania union, ac-
cepted for his State, and Prof. Andrews for
Assinaooine,
Cardinal Endeavor Principles" was the
subject OF the address OF Rev. J. l.. Lamont.
Of Belfast Ire., who was the next speaker He
was repeatedly appauded.
When the service in Mechanics Hall be-
gan this morning every seat In the hall was
filled and hundreds were standing. As on
yesterday the delegates and chorus united