The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1896-01-22
THE YOUNG MEMS CHRISTIAN
ASSOCIATION.

AT the annual meeting OF the Youag
Mems Christian Association, held last
week, G. H. More, the president, gave an
address, in which he said; I'VE have
already passed our first mile stone, for
while a full year has not yer elapsed since
we secured rooms and engaged general
secretary, yet, in order to keep ourselves
within the limits of our constitution and
by Tvs, and also to establish precedent for
future years, we shall consider our fiscal
year as closing with 1895. That our success
in all respects has been greater than we
even anticipated we believe will be readily
acknowledged. A membership of over 200
in city of this size is certainly a remark
able attainment in itself With such a
strong body of clean young men, what may
we not hope to acco mplish in the future?
1t certainly means much for the Christianity
and morality of our city in th3 years to
come. In spite OF extra expenditures for the
first year, made necessary by the furnishing
of our rooms, including the gymnasium, we
have been able to meet all obligations as
they became due. 1t would not, therefore,
seem to be asking too much of our friends
in the year to come, if, to enable us to
maintain our credit, they gave us rene val
OF all subscriptions made to us during the
past year. Neither would this seem to be
an unreasonable request, for we had moth
ing to offer year ago but future expecta-
tons, whereas now we have a strong Or
ganization, fairly we'll equipped and ready
to do its proper and legitimate work in the
community. For the large place already
accorded us in the hearts of our fellow citi
Zens we are certainly ateful, and II all of the
friends of the organic alton will stand shout.
der TO shoulder with us in it's support
for the year to come, we certainly have
good reason to promise them an ade-
quate return for their most generous sub.
scIiptions. 1t probably would be hard to
find an organization which could give
surer and larger return for the money
in vested than good strong Young Mems
Christian Association, run on Christian
principles and by modern methods. This is
putting 1t on simple business basis, with
out any reference to the religious and moral
considerations involved. The large attend
ance at the Sabbath afternoon meetings,
averaging fifty eight throughout the year,
would certainly warrant us in believing
that much OF Christian influence has been
exerted over the young men of our city,
many OF whom have not had the benefit OF
ovher regular Christian services and intiu-
ences. 1t is undoubtedly the great object Of
our organization to win souls for Christ,
and all plans for the prosecution of our
work should tend toward the accomplish
ment OF this great purpose in every case
AT the same time, the moral and physical
benefits derived from association and exer-
else should have their weight The large
numbers who have Joined the classes in the
gymnasium show conclusvely that the i'm
portance Of this department OF culture is
readily acknowledged by all who give it
proper time and consideration. The only
limit to the benefits to be derived from this
source Is that of space and facilities, and in
this respect, as in all Others, we are all
anxiously looking forward to and longing
for the time when we shall have building
of our own, in which we may exercise to
the fullest extent the religious, social aud
physical resources within the proper do
main OF our organization. 1t Is hoped and
expected that this present year may witness
at least a start in this direction, aud to this
worthy purpose we respectfully solicit the
cordial cooperation of all good people no
may have been blessed in large or small de-
gree by the benehcence OF our Heavenly
Father. Let each and all strive earnestly
and faithfully TO merit this consideration
from all those who appreciate and recognize
the benefcent operations OF our organiza-
ton"