Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-11-04
Associations in Churches and the In
auence They Exert.
CONFINED TO NO DETERMINATION
The Christian Endeavof Societies
and Epworth Leagues.
CATHOLIC YOUNG PEOPLE

history as a nation has there been in the
churches of every denomination, whether
Protestant, Catholic or Hebrew, such a
Ct neral movement for and by young people
to participate in the affairs Of the church.
1t is, of course, well known that Young
Mems Christian Associations have been in
existence for nearly half a century, but
never until now has their influence been so
generally conceded; nor has there until
recently been manifested any marked de-
sire on the part of the denominations gen.
orally to cooperate with them in doing good
to men and women, no matter by what
church name they might be known.
This desire TO uplift their fellows is not
confined to even those who are distinctly
known as Christians, for in nearly all the
large cities, Washington among the rest,
societies are being formed among the He
brews for the purpose Ct acting as auxiliary
agents in spreading the work heretofore
CO FRIED on by the officers OF their reSpec-
tive congregations.
Catholic Societies Strong.
Among the denominations which have
provided attractions for the young people
there is none that surpasses the Catholic.
In recent years there have sprung up many
societies, more or less closely connected
with the Catholic Church. such as the Cath
Ollie Young Mems Society, Catholic Wo-
mems Society, Knights of Columbus,
Knights of st. Patrick and others. all of
which have places Of meeting where the
members come together at specified times
and transact the business. pertaining to
their respective societies Out of these
have sprung the many Catholic clubs which
are scattered over the country. The pri-
mary object Of these clubs is to have a
place where the members may gather in a
social and friendly way, and where all can
work for the spread of the principles of
Catholicism.
Almost every church in some of the large
cities has one of these clubs. The club
house is generally attached to the church.
and here the meetings are held Those only
who have proved themselves worthy in con-
duct and moral character are admitted to
membership. AS rule. these clubs hold
weekly meetings, at which there is general
ly debate on subject Of polemical inter-
est or on some topic having direct bear
ing on church affairs. Essays are read and
criticised, and at stated intervals there are
concerts. smokers. lectures and other en-
tertainments. In fact, the club becomes, as
it were, kind of family circle where each
Individual member can raise his voice and
always be sure of a sympathetic ear. Mean
while the main object IS never lost sight
of-the furtherance or the religious princi-
ple-and to this end the great bulk, of the
members belong to soma religious society,
such as the Holy Name Society and St Vim
cent de Paul Society Generally speaking,
there is a library and reading room at
tached to each club. where the members
can resort every evening for the purposes
OF study and reading. OFTEN teachers are
empIoyed during the winter season to give
lectures on the vital rarts OF Catholic edu-
cation The fee of these church clubs is
Int nominal 60 that membership is within
easy reach of all.
It's Main Objects.
The main objects of 1.-THE Catholic Club
are to advance Catholic interests. to pro-
mote the moral improvement OF its mem
bers to foster among them "a true Catholic
spirit, to encourage the study of Catholic
literature and history, and for these pur-
poses to maintain a library, and by fire.
auent social intercourse to bind the MEM
beers together more closely.
1t is the belief of the representative men
of the various denominations in this city
that the result of these effcrts for good
cannot but be beneficial in the highest de-
gree.
An Unprecedentef Movement.
In speaking to a Star reporter of the
movement above outlined, Rev. DR.. Teunis
S. Hamln, pastor Of the Church of the
Covenant, said:
The last fifteen years have witnessed an
unprecedented movement on the part of
young Christians in the way of active en-
listment in Christian service.
1.-The Endeavor societies, which have now
reached all lands where the Gospel is
known, and numbering more than 100000
active members; the Baptist Young Peo-
pies Union. the Epworth Leagues, the
Brotherhoods of st. Andrew and Andrew
tanism. and in multitudes OF congregations
have added new life and courage, and even
revived churches that seemed to be dying.
This army of young men and women is
being trained to think and speak and give
and act for Christ; Is coming into intimate
acquaintance and active sympathy with all
methods of philanthropy and humanitarian
service. as well as with work that is simply
Christian.
This has already resulted in the amelio-
ration Of many evils and the bringing in Of
new forms of beneficent service, and it
seems assured that the next generation
Will be IN all respects more intelligent
broad-minded and efficient than the pres
ent.
There may be. and probably is, less in
terest tnan In some former times in dog
matte theology, but in no age has ever been
seen such widespread and eager study OF
the Bible as prevails today, It's study as
literature in nearly all the high institutions
Isl, al'alrec.iy lnstiliing its moral and spir-
ltUa! precepts into multitudes of minds that
destined Ito shape the thinking end acting
Of the future. - .N '.'"s
mere is every reason for Christians and
an o.ners VINO seek the good of men to be
Power of the League.
Mr.. Fred E. Woodward, president of the
Epworth League of the Me. Church South
fhe great activity among the young
people in the churches of our land. which
began largely with, the ,early labors of
Moody and Sankey, continued in the organ
ization OF the Oxford League. Christian En-
deavor Society and many others of like
scope, and is to have it's elimination in a
denominational union, or league of the
young people of every strong religious BODY.
in the not far away future, which began
In this church about seven years ago.
Its growth has been very rapid and sat-
isfactory. not only in point of numbers, but
in efficient work. renewed church life and
zeal, better organization of church forces
and. best OF all. in large additions to the
ranks of aggressive and. Devoted workers
In the church, and these, Jargely drawn
from the ranks of the yohng people, are
becoming more and more ssuseful to the
church. q
The object of the Epwstth League in
the Methodist Church South is the promo
ton OF piety and loyalty to our church, es-
pecially among young people, their educa-
ton In the Bible and Christian literature
and charity.
evidences of the good Nofk dole and being
done through the actlSttjts of the league.
The pastors assistant ai5d haaper. 1t has