The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
mate and work. there Is an unlimited
field for our best endeavor.
EMMA REEDER
SOUTH SIDE BRANCH Y. W. c. A.

Looking back over the past four years
or more, to the time when this associa-
tion was organized. I cannot but feel
that the Divine Architect had singled
out this field and centered His own
divine skill upon 1t, and has been rear
ing vast structure all jeweled and
| inlaid with gems, which are precious,
glorious and eternal, realizing that no
human hand or mind could fashion lives
like these.
In long. low cottage, with spacious
| porches. protected by lilac bushes and
| strong stone walls, this work began.
1t was dear old place to the score
| of girls who flocked in at the noon hour.
when mills and factories were hushed
| for a spell.
Every moment must be improved.
for in one short half hour all would be
| weaving or reeling. with no time to
rest weary brain or tired feet.
Here. girls found true. sympathizing
| friends. Gospel hymns hoated out
upon the breeze, reaching the most
timid ones upon the wall. Here new
thoughts and aspirations were awak-
ened. and here many a girl found new
life and new hope. But others came at
| other times, and the fire kindled, re-
fused to be put out, and the light has
penetrated to the remOtest recesses of
the South Side.
The good work has never been lin
tied to membership alone, but the
mingling Of the true. earnest and deep
ly spiritual women and girls, who
| formed themselves into this organiza-
| tion with those about them, has had an
influence that can never be estimated.
So we'll attended were the gospel meet
ings, socials and educational classes,
with Bible work, that 1t was soon found
necessary to seek larger home for the
! girls, and the present location was Sc
cured, 1t being a new house and ar
ranged for the association work, giving
new privileges; an assembly room,
reading room and library class rooms,
offices, kitchen. china closet. halls and
baths.
All these were greatly needed and ap-
preciated.
Since then faces have grown brighter,
lives more noble and stone by stone
the Great Architect Is polishing and
placing these parts Of the temple He
rears for eternity. Even the juniors
have carried the sweetness Of the
Christ life into their homes, into the
schools; yes even into foreign lands.
! Though apparently slow. more
marked and beautiful development of
Christian character I have never seen
| IMAM III tue uNeS VI Tluny OF the girls
of this association. and my heart will
always rebound with gratitude to Him
who cast my lot in this field for three
and one-half brief years.
And now may speak Of the needs of
the South Side branch?
| 1t has never been self-supporting,
and perhaps never can be, hence It
needs an endowment: 1t needs to own
its own building; 1t needs a we'll
equipped gymnasium; it needs a great
deal Of thought and prayer and a great
amount of actual personal work.
VIII not some Of you who read this
be glad to supply these to one of the
most promising Of folds, and thus be q
blessing not only to yourself. but to
hundreds Of girls in your midst7
Shed thy mighty influence abroad
On souls that would their Fathers
Image bear:
Make them as holy temples Of their
God.
Where dwells forever, calm. adoring
prayer"
FLORENCE ToMK1NsoN.