The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-07-16
CHRISTIAN ENDEANORERS.
Close of the Successful international
Meeting ut Washington.

Washington, July 13.-After one of
the most successful and enthusiastic
gatherings known in the history of the
organization the fifteenth international
Christian Endeavor convention, which
began last Thursday, came to close to-
night The local committee of 1896 has
every reason to feel satisfied with the
result of their work and are congratulate
ing themselves on their splendid achieve
ments. A great deal of hard work was
necessary in making preparations COR
the gathering and it is safe to say that
in no convention of the organization have
these labors been more thoroughly and
conscientionsly, performed. The Chris
tians of Washington entered into the
spirit of the affair with zeal and con-
tributed by money and in others ways to
the success of the convention. The
board of trustees. at meeting, passed
resolutions extending their heartiest
thanks to the city for its hospitality and
to individuals and committees participant
ing in the work that has been brought to
such successful conclusion. OF the
trustees say: "Never was there Il
choir so large, better trained or reader
in various service"
Referring to the song service on the
capitol steps, the trustees say: who
that heard can ever forget the wonderful
sound and scene?"
Notwithstanding the multitudinOus
services which have been held, taxing
the time of the Endeavorers, the at
tendance at all times has been most
gratifying. A spiritual feeling has per-
vaded the city throughout the meeting of
the convention and the greatest good is
anticipated as a result. Although the
registration of delegates and visitors
foots up only 10000, yet there were a
great many in the city who did not
notify the registration committee of their
presence, and the actual attendance was
considerably beyond that number.
The presidents of the various states
and provincial unions have. litter n con-
ference with the trustees, issued pub
lie statement expressing ,he conviction
that generally speaking The conduct of
the Christian Endeavor movement has
been most wise and in obedience to
manifest providential leadings; that it
has been signally blessed in the self
sacrifice and devotion of the service of
officers and trustees; that The latter have
not constituted body assuming legisla
tive questions or the control of the
movement, other than by directing it into
channels of large development and use
fulness as God opened the way. The
statement expresses the opinion that the
religious sincerity of the united societies.
and presidents of state and provincial
unions, and the wisdom gathered from Il
wide outlook and knowledge CLEANED
from an immediate contact with the
problems of the different states and
provinces was Il wise step in the progress
of the movement and that such coun-
Gil might proftably be permanent fea-
ture in connection with succeeding inter-
national conventions.
The big central hall was utilized for
an hour or more this afternoon. when
largely attended meeting took place. 1t
was given by the officers and their
friends of the united society to all the
officials of the states unions now in the
city.
Services in the three tents on the
White lot and in five of the largest
churches of the city brought the cOnven-
ton of '96 to close tonight. Music,
singing, devotional exercises and n SER
mon were the prominent features of these
gatherings, and they were followed, in
each instance, by conservation service
of over half an hour.
of Boston presided Rt. Rev. Maurice
Baldwin of London preached the sermon
Treasurer Shaw of Boston presided at
Tent Williston. Rev. n. Gardner of
East Boston conducted The devotional
exercises and Rev. James |. Vance of
Nashville delivered the sermon
Secretary John WillistOn presided at
the meeting in Tent Endeavor Mr.. r.
o. Excel of Chicago was musical direc-
tor. Devotional exercises were con-
Quoted by Rev. +. Nj. Lanmb of Kenne
bunkport, Maine, and Rev. William Pat
tprSOn Drpa chpl the sermon