The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1897-03-05

lots. MIS- w. w. WetmOre, OF Ann Ar
Dor, presided. 1t was the largest Auxil-
larry gathering ever held in Michigan,
some coming from as far away as Calu-
met, Miss Ravens gave the address of
welcome, Mrs. A. E. Ferry and Mrs. J..
G. Cromer gave the greetings from the
Methodist and Congregational churches,
respectively. Papers were read on the
work of the auxiliary by Mrs. A. G. Stew
ems, Coldwater, and Mrs. A. w. Newton,
Saginaw.
SATURDAY.
The usual half hour praise and devo-
tional exercises were conducted at 8:45
by Rev. Jenness, of Bay City.
At $50 r. B. Smith, assistant secretary
of Detroit Association, read paper on
the Junior work. Mr.. Smith divided his
theme into three points. The need of the
Junior work, the work being done and
what should be done. The boys work
should begin at the age of twelve, when
he begins to look at other things than
those at home, when he begins to be
drawn into other associations. This is
the year when his physical development
needs looking after. The work laid out
by the association meets his needs in this
line. Now, too, he begins to look for
ward to social pleasures. The association
is well adapted to meet his needs in this
direction, also. He is touched on this
side by Christ, for being in contact with
the social features he is drawn gradually
into the religious meetings. The needs
for the boys branch are few. Much can
be dispensed with, but everything can be
used. All sorts of clubs can be organized
for the pleasure of the boys. Military
companies can be made source of much
pleasure. Glasses along mechanical lines,
where experiments are made, are of un
usual interest to the young. illustrated
talks are very helpful. Assuming an at
titude toward the boys that shows the
true spirit of God holds them firm. In.
terest the boys and you will soon interest
the parents. In the discussion that fol-
lowed it was clearly brought out that the
boys work is a necessity and ought to go
on. In some associations the boys work
has crowded upon the privileges of the
older members. This can not be contin-
ued and the boys should be restricted to
certain days. From some reports it was
learned that the boys branch was sue
cessful and of an excellent character. The
work with them should be of practical
kind, taking the form of object lessons,
illustrated talks, visits to factories, sum-
mer outings, any kind of exercises that
furnishes something for the eye. Special
efforts should be made with the boys from
twelve to sixteen years.
At 10 o'clock, d. S. Switzerland, of De-
troit, division superintendent of the NC
railroad, gave an instructive half hour
address OH "a View of the Railroad
Work" Mr.. Switzerland, himself con-
vert in YIN. @. A. meetings, and being 30
closely in touch with railroad men, was
able to give an interesting talk. He div
ided railroad men into two classes 1st.
Officials, agents, clerks, shopmen, etc.
These are easily reached because of their
residence in one city. I'd. The engin-
GERS, brakemen, conductors, etc, home
now and then, but compelled to pass
much of their time in other cities. This
class is harder to reach. The Y. M. G. A.
duties to these men are to provide places
where suitable lodging places, lunch
counters, reading rooms, ETC., can be pro.
vided.
Mr.. Switzerland said in this country
there are $4,000 railroad men; 81 900 are
members OF associations in 10 points, in
4S buildings. In Michigan there are
"a, 617 railroad men, but in the state there
it but one terminal point covering the as
ISOLATION work, that at West Detroit.
1t has been found that the results of
this work are better husbands and better
fathers, better sons, among men on the
railroad. The M. G. road will, as soon as
returns warrant, build large new build
ing in West Detroit for the benefit of its
railroad employees. Railroad managers
are waking up to the fact.that the associa-
ton work gives them better employees.
If the associations can be convinced that
the Bible, Gods time card, is the best
rule for the railroad men to live by, then
their work has not been in vain. Since
travellers have put their lives in the hands
of trains crew, is it not desirable that
the railroad men be of stalwart christian
character?
At 1880, A E. Flindt, of Bay City
conducted a quiz. Many helpful ideas
were worked out which will prove of
much assistance in Y. M. @. A. work.
The definition of religious work was call
ed for. The answer given was that it was
any kind of work carried on in the spirit
of God which tended to build up the spir-
itual, moral or physical development of
man. Any other phase which crept into
the association should be stopped. Col