Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1896-07-09
THE CHRISTIAN ENDEAVoRERs.

The CHRISTIAN ENDEApORERS.
Proceeding the formal opening of the
regular sessions of the convention in
Washington. twenty-five separate
meetings were held last night in that
city's churches, where the delegations
have established their headquarters.
Over these meetings the pastors of the
several churches presided.
Devotional exercises, singing, two
formal addresses and quiet hour of
prayer made up the programme for
each meeting. In all forty addresses
were made, and the list of speakers as
signed therefor, containing the names
of many leading preachers in the
American pulpits, attracted large aud
fences.
The topic, Deepening the spiritual
life," was the same-for each meeting
and the addresses all bore on that sub
ject.
Stereoptican lectures were also given
in two of the churches and these were
well attended. In one the subject was
illustrative of America, conducted by
Rev. G. E. Lovejoy, of Massachusetts,
and the other by Rev. F. S. Dobbins, of
Philadelphia, illustrated, "The land Of
the rising sum-"
During the storm early this morning
Tent Williston, one of the three large
tents erected on the White lot by the
Christian Endeavors, was blown COM
pletely down, and the tent builders say
that it will be impossible to erect it
again on account of its weight. 1t is
water-soaked and torn, and the poles
are torn up from the roots. Tents En-
deavor and Washington were wrecked,
but not destroyed.
At the meeting of the trustees of the
United Society of the Christian Endeav-
or, held LAST night, it was practically
determined to hold the convention of '97
at San Francisco.
All the arrangements for the big
Christian Endeavor bicycle parade are
progressing satisfactorily. Everything
promises a fine display for Saturday
evening, when it is expected that over
5000 bicyclists will appear in line.
WASHINGTON, July 9.-The collapse
of the big white tent "Williston" at one
o'clock this morning, due to the heavy
fall of rain last night and the severe
wind storm that followed, somewhat
disconnected the committee of arrange
ments with regard to the formal open
ing of the Fifteenth Annual Interna-
tional Christian Endeavor Convention,
which occurred at $50 o'clock to-day.
Arrangements were hastily made to
occupy Central Hall until the willis.
ton" can be dried and re.erected. Extra
seats were hurriedly placed in the 9TH
er tents, notices were posted announc-
ing the change in plan, and the work of
the convention proceeded without delay.
The other tents, washington" and
"Endeavor' were packed long before
the hour of opening. Promptly at the
appointed hour the exercises began in
each tent with song and prayer, the
great chorus OF thousand voices lead.
ing. The addresses of President Clarke
and Secretary Baer were then read 81
multaneously in each tent.
The presentation of the prize ban
ners for the greatest growth in the
State societies which followed the adj
dresses in each tent was a scene of
great enthusiasm. For the greatest
proportionate increase in the number
Of societies for the last twelve months
the banner passed from Assiniboia to
Scotland. For the greatest absolute
increase the English societies surrender
ed the banner to Pennsylvania. The
junior banner for greatest absolute in
crease in junior societies goes from AS.
siniboia to Mexico. Following ad-
journment in the big tents came the
noon evangelistic meeting Union Mis-
sion. The afternoon was given up to
UNCONVENTIONAL rallies representing 2S
separate sects. From 6 10 20 speakers
appeared on the programme of each
meeting.
It is now estimated that at least fifty
thousand Christian Endeavorers are
now here. They fill all the public
places, and the streets in all parts of
the city are crowded with them. They
are also visiting all the neighboring
places, thousands going to Arlington,
Alexandria and Mt. Vernon.