Birmingham state herald., 1896-10-28

The following is a synopsis of the twelfth annual report of the board of di- rectors of the Young Mems Christian as soc.ation of this city:
 The twelfth year of work of the Young Mems Christian association is now mat ter of record. It is proper and right that the officers of the association should re- port to their friends the distribution of The funds so liberally subscribed and the result of the work towards which the cit izens have so freely contributed.
 We might state that in North America there are 144S associations with a mem- bership of 263, ,299, and 315 buildings, val ued at $16,759,S00.
 A number of changes have taken place in the working force. MT. T. H. John ston, who served us so faithfully and so well for many years as director and for two years as president, left the city, and Mr. w. F. Tyler was elected in his place. Two of our rdirectors-earnest friends and workers-Mr. Peter Zinszer and Mr. w. H. McClintock, have entered into their eternal rest.
 A gospel meeting for young men was held every Sunday afternoon during the year, with a total attendance of 377S The smallest meeting was fifteen, and the largest meeting in our rooms 509.
 The Bible class, in charge of the general secretary, held eighteen sessions, with an average attendance of seven.
 The Birmingham association has sent out from it's membership men who are of strong spiritual power in the communities and colleges where they have gone, and are being greatly used of God in the sal vaton of men.
 Our building was open every week day from 8 a. m. to 10 D. m, and several hours on Sunday. The total attendance was 3S175, or an average daily attendance of H. The membership now numbers 62S divided as follows: Contributors 151; regulars. 360; boys, IT, Of the men 2S0 are members of evangelical churches.
 Our membership on October 1, 1895, was Al, a gain of 1S7. During April and May a membership contest was held, which added 143 new members to the associa- tion. The contest showed what could be done when few made an effort to show forth the advantages of the association, and we trust all who read this report will influence some one to identify themselves with us.
 EDUCATIONAL.
 The educational or night school work was started last October Classes were started in arithmetic, bookkeeping, me- ohanical drawing and penmanship. The figures are: Total in classes, S4; enroll ment, 76; attendance, TAP. Number of diff ferent students, 45.
 The physical department reaches more young men than any other agency em- ployed in the association. Our aim is not to produce athletes, but to develop strong, healthy bodies. To this end examinations are made and exercise prescribed to meet the peculiar need of the individual.
 The association, on August 1st secured MT. Charles Dushan of Newport, Ky, for the physical instructor. Much improve men has been made both in the gymna- sium and in the classes. We can safely say we have the neatest, largest and best gymnasium in the city, and our instruc- tor is well qualified for his work. The figures for the past year are: Number 1lSipU flp Gill nDt in class 14bn. number of gymnasium classes held, 1o1; average at each, 12; total attendance in gymnasium, 3227; visitors to gymnasium, 1864
 shower baths and two tubs are in almost constant use. over 10000 baths were taken during the year, the actual num- Der being 20,236.
 The social side of young mans na- ture has not been overlooked. Monthly soeials and entertainments were given from November to May, with interesting musical and literary programmes, after which our Woman's Auxiliary served re- treatments. On New Years night re- ception was given to the young peoples societies of the Birmingham district, and our rooms were crowded to the very doors. On New Years eve the reception committee entertained large number of young men from to Il with music and refreshments.
 The juniors dads under 16) have not been overlooked. During two afternoons and Saturday morning the gymnasium Is literally turned over to them. They are constantly under the supervision of the instructor One hundred and sixty-nine classes were held, with total attendance of 2515, or an average of sixteen. Two Very good gymnastic exhibitions were given. Five religious meetings were held, with excellent interest. The illustrated lectures by Dr. Dormon on Purity" and the Cigarette Hab bit" will save large number of boys from evil habits. During the year one lecture on China and two entertainments with refreshments were given. This department numbers IF, forty-two of whom are indebted to the kindness of MT. Robert Jemison, who gave them membership in the associa- tion for Christmas gift
 Last year we reported building fund in hand of $1O0. This year $S75 has been added. We trust this fund will grow much larger soon.
 The association is not self-supporting for if the membership fee were placed al a price high enough to cover the necessa- ry expenses young men of limited incomes of whom the membership is for the most