The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1895-03-23
Benevolent Organizations in the Uni
ted States.
For the Democratic Advocate.
BY EDGAR T. READ.

How white are the fair robes OF charity, as she
walketh amid the lowly habitations Of the poor =
BaAioU
To give but 4 passing glance at a few, the
most prominent, of the many societies and
organizations working under charity's ever
waving wand and for the spiritual welfare of
mankind, is the object of the present sketch.
A backward glance over the short lives of
several herein mentioned reveals a record of
good works unsurpassed by kindred associa-
lions of other lands and shows forth to the
world an influence rapidly widening as the
wears increase. Many of these organizations
are native here and to the manner born,
but their popularity is not alone confined amid
home scenes. for they have crossed the ocean,
both east and west, and like the hardy thistle
find resting place in foreign lands, there to
live and multiply. And while we read of their
deeds set forth upon the printed page, the
little acts of kindness and good Will must re-
ceive a thought, such as are done in secret,
for. as the poet would remind Us
Of every noble work the silent part is best;
of all expression, that which cannot be expressed
AMERICAN RIBLE SOCIETY.
This institution, whose charitable labors eX-
tend an influence to all mankind, was founded
in 1916. The sole object sought by the society
is to secure widespread circulation of the
Scriptures. 1t requests the support and CO.
operation of ''all who accept the Bible as their
rule of life and believe that every human being
is entitled to know what it teaches concerning
truth and duty. During the past year
ls93-94l there were distributed |, Az. 659
copies of the Scriptures. the total number of
volumes issued since the establishment being
So 374, 430. which number includes Bibles
printed in many foreign tongues, also several
languages of Indian tribes. The Office of
president is at present occupied by Hon.
Enooh l.. Fancher, and among the twenty
seven yice-presidents are noted such rs Rob
ert c. Winthrop. Gen. Oliver o. Howard.
John W. Foster, DIR. Merrill +. Gates and
James NJ. Hoyt. The society is governed by
thirty-six managers, divided into four divis-
ions according to terms of office. The home
Of the society is the Bible House. Aston Place,
New York City. which was erected in 1898.
at a cost of $500. 900.
BAPTIST YorNG PEOPLE rNInN.
This is an organization holding annual con
ventiOns for the advancement of church inter
ests. The third annual gathering was in
Toronto, Canada, July 1894, upon which occa-
sion 5000 delegates were in attendance as
representatives Of young peoples societies OF
the Baptist church throughout all the United
States and a large part of Canada. The next
convention will assemble in Baltimore during
the summer Of 1898.
SOCIETY or CHRISTIAN ENDEAvoR.
The rapid and successful growth Of this
society Is a part, not only of America church
history. but Of the country's general history.
forming an important and interesting chapter
in the annals of nation One great lesson
such a chapter teaches Is the extensive intiu-
ence and widespread popularity Of this organ
ization. the greatest modern movement IN
religious circles Of the latter half Of the nine
teenth century.
The birth Of the society was in Wiiliston
Church. Portland Maine. where the pastor,
now the well known DR.. Francis +. Clark.
formed little band Of young church workers
to prepare them for fuller membership. This
was on February ,. 1881, and at q recent Gnu
meration October 1894 the membership had
attained the number Of ,. los, 760 There are
societies in every state and territory Alaska
has >, and Oklohoma, considered 10y many
eastern citizens to be the devils own hearth
stone. contains lO7 branch Organization
and among the British provinces and doniu-
ions aud other foreign lands the movement Is
rapidly gaining ground. Annual conventions
are a most prominent feature. The next IN
order will hold session in Boston. the general
headquarters Of the United Society, 20 be- fol
lowed in 1896 by the convention for that wear
gathering within the national capital
The United Society is simply hureau to5
general information. aud regulates all Impor-
tant measures. II has in charge the printing
of all literature. among which Is the official
organ. The Golden Rule. issued weekly. and
thousands Of pamphlets. circulars. cards and
other objects for the societies uses. The sup
port Of this United Society Is derived from
the sale of such literary matter. badges, &c.
Is government Is under a board Of trustees,
comprising in connection with the president,
secretary aad treasurer, Representatives Of tht
great evangelical denominations The fol
lowing well known names appear as member.
of the board DIR. John H. Barrows. john
Wanamaker. Dr. T. $ Hamln. DIR. David ].
Burrill, Rev J. Z. Tyler. Bishop FallowS and
Canon Richardson, London, Ont The trust.
ees hold quarterly sessions for consultation
concerning the best interests Of the society
CHRISTIAN ALLIANCE
This was organized in 1887 aud Is open fol
membership TO all protesting Christians who
will conform 10 the rules of the organization
and subscribe their names The definite oh
jecfs of the Alliance are Wide diffusion
Of the gospel in its fulness. the promotion o.
a deeper and higher Christian life, and tbs
work Of eyangelization, especially among ths
neglected classes, by highway missions aue
any other practicable methods. lts hom'
Is in New York. where board OF manager
0f 8 persons govern It's work. Besides pres
denf and general officers there ART 100 wee
presidents who represent most Of the siate'
In the union and several foreign countries
There is an auxiliary TO the Christian Allianc,
known as the International Missionary Ali
ance. which has up to the present time f0unde,
225 missions in India. Congo Free State. China
Japan and Hayti.
Y0uNG MEMS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.
In the year 1874 few clerks employed 10
London mercantile house met together 10 form
an association for friendly intercourse. Thei
example was shortly afterward followed b,
yosng men Of other British cities. and ia ls5
an association was established IN Montreal
The first organization in the United State
was opened in Boston. The movement spread
through the different eastern states. bui OF
the breaking out and during the prggress o
the civil war its growth was greatly impeded
A new interest was, however. experienced II
1866. since which date the popularity Of th
Christian Association has never waued. Their
are 5, 100 associations distributed over the hv'
continents and the numerous islands o. tn
southern seas. $3.50 Of which are found within
the United States. The membership in tn
several states and territories numbers 2S2, 653
occupying 291 structures, valued Il, SIS, l55,
$50 and controlling 63s libraries, containing
in all 4T6. 572 volumes
YuUNG wONEN' ; CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.
A Christian union for women was iornet
IN New York in 1857, and in Boston 3 year
later the Young Women Christian Associa
ton was organized The work bf the associa
non is considered under four heads Phys
cal-systematie training in the gymnasium
health talks holiday excursions and outIn
clubs; social-receptions and sociais ia home
like rooms, musical and literary entertain
ments, helpful companionships, noon resi
lunch rooms. boarding clubs, employment
bureaus: Observation-Disclosures and reading
rooms. educational classes, lecture courses
concerts, library, musical and art clubs; spin
tual--Bible training classes, evangelistic meei
ings, gospel meetings personal work. Their
are 1,570 associations in America and tn
world, the membership at American branche
being $4,000.
The International Association was forme
in 1886. and the Worlds J. W. c. A. in 1896
An annual convention is held by each state
as also the international gathering biennial,
The Evangel, the association official organ
is one of its greatest aids, while of much col
sequence are the two summer schools, hei
each year, for training in secretarial and Bib
work.
MINIsTERISG CHILDREN' LEAGUE.
This charitable organization, which hs
branches in every country, was founded b
the Countess Of Meath. Children of any az
or belonging TO any denomination may becom