New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-05-18
EPVORTH LEAGUES GROWTH
1T HAS MORE THAN A MILLION MEMBERS.
THE CELEBRATION OF ITS SEVENTH ANNIvER-
sARY To-DAY-THE OBJECTS OF THE

sARY To-DAY-THE OBJECTS OF THE
ORGANIZATION.
In 5000 Methodist churches throughout TIE United
States yesterday the seventh anniversary OF the
founding OF me young peoples organization known
as the Epworth League celebrated by more than
100000 members. The rapid growth Of this society
is one OF the most interesting things in the present
history OF the Methodist Church. It's founders. or
ganIzers and members have good reason to mark
the seventh anniversary they did. by special SER
vices in every church in which the League has
found foothold.
In order that the anniversary may be Jointly cele-
bratel by all the chapters OF the League. the secre-
tary. Edwin A. Schell. prepared. by order OF the
Board OF Control. form OF service 10 be used in
every church. The service consists OF sing
irg prayer and addresses on the progress OF the
Epworth League and the spiritual mission OF the
League Copies OF this service were distributed
widely, and there is doubt that the anniversary
was observed by every chapter in this manner.
The rise OF the Epworth League has been so rapid
that It's history has yet 10 be fully written. II orig
mated r joint meeting at Cleveland. Ohio. on May
l5 1880 OF the representatives OF five separate Meth
odlst societies for young people The oldest Of these
founded in 1883 at Chicago. and in 1883
numbered 40 branches and 1900 members. This
was the Young Peoples Methodist Alliance. Then
came TIE oxford League, the Young Peoples Chris
tan League. the Methodist Young Peoples Union
and the North Ohio Conference Methodist Episcopal
Alliance. all younger than the FIRST but all growing
vigorously. Not unnaturally. when the representa-
t!ves OF there societies met there was good-na,
tured struggle for precedence. Each was convinced
that IL the others would out accept its constitution
success would inevitably follow. After much de-
bate. harmony restored and the Epworth
League was constituted as 1t stands today Parts
OF the original societies were retained padse De
ing taken from one, motto from another. pass
word from third. and 20 on AS soon as details ils
arranged the sympathy OF the whole Methodist
Church was enlisted. In twelve months l,s2o chap
tiers had been formed and when the General Gonter
give It's sanction 10 the organization at It's next
mTS S in @ the 9um mn Rad Tsfn 10 has now
reached the enormous total OF 100000. divided into
about 1900 chapters Besides the parent orsaniza-
n Methodist Episcopal Church South League Win
sanzed. but growing with great rapdity; The Ger
man Methodist churches have organized 500 chap
there are 80 chapters. in China and Japan. 36 in
Mexico. 3d. AT rs present rate or growth the Ep-
worth League will roll up a membership equal to
that OF the adult membership OF the Methodist
Church throughout the world.
As indication OF the solid character OF the
membership OF the League and the interest which
each branch takes in the doings OF the whole So
coty, It Is stated that the circulation Of The Ep-
worth Herald" started in June, 1880 has reached
10000: and the four books published last year es
pecialy to supply the needs OF the reading course
reached circulation OF 1900 copies. Last year by
a spontaneous effort unrccosnized by the Board OF
control the Leaguers raised $1,000 for he missions
League. Bishop Fitzgerald. estimates that through
the organization 10000 members were added TO the
church last year. and considers the League one OF
the greatest aids the Methodist Church has to-day
At the beginning OF the Epworth League hand
book for the present year the following stands as
representing the object and purpose of the League:
The object OF the League IL 70 promote intei-
gent and loyal pety in the young members and
friends OF the church; 10 aid them In the attain
ment or purity OF heart and constant growth in
grace. and to train them in works Of mercy and
help"
In It's several developments the League has kept
this purpose well in view Every chapter or branch
has It's spiritual department. which aids the pastor
In revival meetings. street services and the circua-
ton OF devotional books. II has also its department
OF mercy and help. which does good work all over
the country in connection with hospitals local re-
Her bureaus. employment agencies. nurseries for
the children OF working people and sick visiting
At Boston ana Chicago the local chapters have sup
ported Ep"orth houses, similar In purpose 10 the
Ioynbee settlement in the East End OF London and
the HUI House In Chicago. Besides these two there
IL department OF social work for the promotion Of
rational and heahful amusements among the Young
people OF the church. and a department OF finance
.or the announcement OF those who wish TO give 10
the support OF the church and its missions