Birmingham state herald., 1896-02-25
RELIGION AND EDUCATION Meeting of Ten Local Christian
 Endeavor Societies. DR. KELLEY ON WASHINGTON Eloquent Pastor of the First Methodist Deliv- CTS an Instructive Address-0ther Re-
 Igious and Educational Work.

The Christian Endeavor folks have | been having a pleasant and edifying time
 Quite a large and enthusiastic audience of young people were assembled at the First Presbyterian church on Friday evening, February 21 at 7:30 o'clock, the occasion being meeting of the Birming- ham local union of the Christian Endeav- or There were some ten societies repre- sented Twenty minutes were spent in very enjoyable song and prayer service, led by MT. Marvin. Then MT. Barber, the president of the local union, took charge of the meeting and reports were read from various societies, showing good attendance and faithful work and enthu- siasm in the cause.
 The society from the South Highland Presbyterian church was again awarded the banner for the largest percentage of membership in attendance at the meet ing. Dr. Gilbert c. Kelley of the First Methodist church then delivered an ad- dress to the union on the subject of Christian Endeavor and Christian Citi- zenship." He was greeted with the Chau- tauqua salute, which he appreciated as a very high compliment, stating that this was the first occasion on which he had ever received it. He is a trustee of the United society and is very enthusiastic in the cause.
 He began his address by referring to that being the eve of the anniversary of Washington's birthday, which gave rise to the selection of this very appropriate subject. He, in very impressive and forceful language, drew a picture of the vast changes that have happened in this great republic since the day when Wash ington gave his life work in it's behalf. In his day with a population of 5000, 900, and now 70,O00000 very greatly en- larged area of territory and changes not only of a physical but moral character, he asked the question, Would the father of our great country recognize us now were his body reanimated?"
 He seemed to think that the new words, "bosses," ward healers" and storm centers" were unknown by Washington and the patriots of his day, and the conflict between labor and capi- tai and power of the rum traffic and all most universal greed for money would fill him with pain and amaZement He then referred to the virtues and the great and noble traits of Washingtons character that so call for our honor and reverence, and to his noble and unselfish life and service for his country. It IS not creed nor association, but patriotism, that makes the highest class of man hood and citizenship. Of the great many things that Christian Endeavor empha- sizes there were none that it does so to g.
 
 ship. Christian EndeaVor makes no dis tinction between secular and sacred life, but considers all life sacred and that everything should be done as unto the Lord, voting as we pray. Christ was the highest and most perfect example of pa triotsm, and 1t was his life which Washington sought to emulate, and which should be the aim of all the young people today in their wish to preserve our national purity, inspired by this illus trious patriot.
 Christian Endeavor is unalterably ar rayed against the rum traffic, and is the only religious organization that is unan- imous on this subject It is not commit ted to any political party. but is against the saloon, and will fight the battle until it Is banished. Christian Endeavor is also opposed to the spoil system in mu- ncpal politics. If city governments were purer, then the country would be safe. Christian Endeavor also empha- sizes the observance of the Sabbath day. and claims that 1t is an American as well as religious institution. AlongFthis line Christian Endeavor has a powerful and elevating effect, and a tendency to promote universal Christian citizenship.
 pr. Kellys address was listened to with rapt attention and admiration and thoroughly enjoyed After another song and ten minutes of testimonies by those present. the meeting was closed by standing and singing the national hymn and voluntary prayers.
 After adjournment the society of the First Presbyterian church entertained those present with delicious refresh ments, and very pleasant. entertain ing and instructive meeting was brought to close.