The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1896-01-22
WORk0F N. GA.
Interesting Report Read by
the Secretary at Last
Nights Meeting.
@
MORE MONEY NEEDED
On the Whole the Organization
Has Been Successful and Of
Real Benefit to The City.

The annual meeting of the Young
Mems Christian Association was held
last night in the rooms en- Wayne street.
William Z. Drake presided. The meeting
was largely attended many young
men who ave not been as active lately
as desired, were present and showed a
lively interest in the proceedings.
The ASSOCIATION is entering upon the
tenth year of its existence and Secretary
w c. Pawley reviewed the history OF
past years. He spoke of the early period
when the work was new, when every
thing was booming and also of this time
when reaction came. He declared that
there has not been the steady growth
hoped for. The difficulties which have
arisen because of the changes in the
executive officers and from the chief Off
GERS to the employees were alluded to
and the secretary insists that in the
work, as Wei as in al branches OF mer-
camille life. the continuity of service is
conducive to growth.
During the past two years of financial
depression the association took downward
steps, not because of bad management,
the secretary declares, but because the
means at hand were not sufficient to
carry the work to the ends desired. The
dark clouds, he thinks, have rolled away
and the prospect that opens seems to be
illuminated by rays of light which he
hopes are indicative Of better times for
the association. He said the association
has done good work and is continuing to
do so.
In the line of education Mr.. Pawley
says there is an abundant field for opera
ton. The aims of young men for social,
physical and spiritual aspirations are
greater than before. Although the pres
ent equipment of the association is in
adequate, the secretary contends that the
organization nissedofng eas much work as
any in the States and Fas much as any
of it's size in the country. What Is need
ed, Mr.. Pawley saXa.aj a comrnodious
and up-te-date building in a proper To-
cation, accessible from all parts of the
city, that h stands as a monument to
the sound judgmenteof the influential
men of the city. He desires to see a
building made so attractive that young
men will be induced to email in the city
and keep away from the greater attrac-
tons in New York.
THE secret of good work. he says,
"and the achievement of the plan where
- AA4OA-A b0t Sdt4 TX 0OllC, LII
hinges upon one thing and that is a
larger financial constituency. Generosity
and public spirit are traits of character
possessed by few rather thar many in
this peculiar, yet vitality important, centre
for Christian and moral efforts"
During the past year the secretary said
things reached a very low ebb The
reason he argued was that many who
had been members lost interest and failed
70 renew their memberships because of
the cutting off of privileges consequent
upon a reduction in the executive force,
caused by the critical condition of affairs.
and for this reason the directors could
not raise Sufficient money to continue at
the rate they were going. The directors.
MIR. Pawley said, had to a man almost
doubled their financial supper to extri-
cate the work from its predicament. The
sistance of the young men, managed to
raise enough money to carry the work
TO the end of this year. with a result that
tne Indebtedness was reduced.
The membership in September was only
~ With IL boys. In December it was 1Sc
and now is 1870. There were seventy-five
70 renew their membership. The edeca-
tionai department Isl growing, as is also
~inesphysical department. The social work
has been good and the religious work
all that could The secre-
tary says $500 is required to enable the
unhampered prosecution. of the work. A
appeal vas IlddG " iOil6 u
keep the association in good shape.
It was promised By everyone present to
endeavor r. bring new blood into the
more liberal supporters. The Membership
Committee, of which Walter j. German is |
chairman, suggested that the educational
department be pushed along as much as
possible The committeeman believe this
branch will attract young men. The edu-l
cational department provides banjo les
hand drawing. In this department there
has been an enrolment of siNty-three |
members. The committee in charge be- |
facilities the department would become a
great success
The, attendance at spiritual meetings
has been much larger thar at other
gatherings. Several young men nave been |
given financial assistance and employment |
has been found for a few. The reading |
room committee reported having procured
eleven magazines, five illustrated |
papers, two scientific and seven religious
weeklies and five daily and weekly news
papers.
The furnishings of the rooms are only
in a fair condition. The committee was
forced to spend considerable money in
ing and refitting the building would make
it more ATTRACTIVE. In conclusion the re-
port says:-HOur building is not adapted
TO our use. An old building like ours is
in need of constant repairs and if things
were kept as they should be our repair
account would take one-ffth of our in I
come. We trust the time will not be
very far hence when we may nave a per-
manent home Of our own with all modern
For st~hirty-fve meetings during the past
year 1880 invitations were distributed. |
These brought about seventeen CONVEX
sions. A more gratifying report is hoped
for next year. The religious committee
wants more money.
The Hudson City branch reported that
the past year has been a trying one. !
IT has a membership of 40. No new at
have been introduced because
of lack of funds. The branch is now To-
Gated at No. 20 Ogden avenue. TT has q
library of 419 svolunnes and IS well sup
piled with games.
The expenses CT the year were 1901. 65
and a building fund of $G38.c2 has been
raised. Ore conversion was made
For the downtown association the fol-
wing directors were nominated for three I
ar terms:-Ws1lian e.. Drake, Scion
briggs, c.. @. Rochat, Earle Insley. I
George M. Geisel. Messrs. J. D. Gcpsill
and e. VI. Doane were reelected for three
year terms. After the meeting d recep-
ton was given Assistant Secretary VIM.
II. Stanton, Jr. He comes from Scranton. |
Pa, and is q hustler.
Refreshments were served and all
wished Mr.. Stanton success in every
thing he undertakes.
UEAPPRECIATED FRIENDSHIP.