Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1895-07-14
A BIT OF HISTORY.
Christian EndeavOr Movement the
Marvel Of the Century.

The 18Th century has produced many mar.
vcls III the realms Of discovery, invention
manufacture, etc. In the lines Of mental,
moral and religious movements there stands
ont two great enterprises before the world
bearing the stamp OF original genirls-the
Chautauqua movement and the organization
Of the Christian EndeavOr society.
In the winter Of 1880, Rev. DR.. +. T.. Clark
was the pastor of the Williston Church Of
Portland, Me spirit Of revival was felt in
the congregation. Many of the young men
and women were giving themselves to holy
living and spiritual activities. As the pas
tor surveyed these, his heart was strangely
moved at the prospect OF their future contests
with temptations in II wicked world, and the
thought kept pressing itself on his soul.
GLOW best can turn their thoughts and
sancIilied energies to channels Of loving, loyal
service to their Lord and Master" Inc cx-
isting organizations in the church were all
good, but somehow there seemed to be a still
untitled need, for the young Christians must
lie led to see that conversion is by no means
all of a religious life.
The pastor invited his young people TO
visit him at the parsonage on Feb. 2 1881, for
conversation and prayer. and a goOdly NUN.
ber came. He suggested a young folks soci-
tty, and gave it the name previously pre-
ltllfh. W llllNloh lbNHS tOIlt : FNh'tflN VI
Christian EndeavOr. To all intents and pnr-
poses, the sword which had been forged in
his hot heart at white heat, and which he put
in the bands Of his yoang people, is substan-
tally that known as the Society of Chris
lian EndeavOr" today
To train and guide young people in the
ways OF righteousness and efficient service
is the aim and end OF this organization. The
young folks OF his parish adopted the most
stringent parts OF the constitution, and kept
to it right royalty. This society did its work
silently, and was not known to the general
public for several months, but when the
bushel was taken off this light. it was at once
placed where all could bask in its beauteolls
light, aud it has shone :" more and more
until the present day. The first conference
was held in the very church where the society
had its birth-the Wiliston Society. Port
land, Ne. 1t was held June 2, 1882. Six
societies were then in existence, as recorded,
OF which four were in Portland. one in Bath,
and one in Hampden. Four hundred and
eighty-one members were reported, the
Wllliston having lGS. There are 600 dele
gates present.
Growth is the normal life of all spiritual
being, and the subsequent years showed n
steady and even almost abnormal develop
ment. As mile-stones of record, We will give
the statistics of the Young Peoples Sorctits
Of Christian Endeavor, as reported at the
various natiOna! and International conven-
tions. 1885, Ocean Park, Maine 24s So
cieties, IA. 1902 members, 800 delegates present; !;
1866, Saratoga Springs | 200 delegates pres
ent; 1887, Saratoga Springs, 1000 delegates
present 1888. Chicago, 5000 delegates from
% states and territories; 1889, Philadelphia.
Pa, 1000 delegates, from 81 states and terri
tOrips 1SlO St Duis Mo Oill IgIpVntnl