The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-07-14
FROM FATHER ENDEAVOR
PRESIDENT CLARK'S MESSAGE ON
THE Y. p. S. c. z. CONVENTION.
In Some Respects the Greatest in His
tory of the SOciety-1S09 Meet
ing Place Not Settled.

international Christian Endeavor conven-
ton of 1897 will pass into history as in some
respects the greatest and most memorable
of all it's fifteen predecessors. The attend
ance was more than 10000. The registra-
ton was over $4,000 actual Christian En-
deavorers and is equal to an attendance of
$4,000 in any large Eastern city when it is
remembered that half of the delegates and
visitors crossed the Rocky mountains in
order to reach the convention. But better
far than the numbers and more worthy of
note was the spirit of the convention, its
earnestness, it's genuine ring, its high spr-
itual qualities. 1t brought a blessing to
California, it will leave a blessing behind 1t
and all the delegates will take d blessing
home with them as they scatter to the re-
hottest part of the world.
FRANCIS E. CLARK, President"
The above message, written for the As
sociated Press by the founder and leader
of the Christian Endeavor movement, con-
cisely summarizes the work of the conven-
ton. To-day many of the delegates de-
parted for their homes and many more will
depart tomorrow. A large portion of the
strangers, however will visit various points
of interest before returning.
1t is possible to state, tonight, with a
close approach to eXactitude how many DEL
egates actually attended the Christian En-
deavor convention. The registration COM
mittee has made a report by States and
counties of the number of people registered.
The total number of people from other
States, territories and foreign countries in
attendance is Il, 224. From California the
registration is 1854, making a total of 49,
91S From these figures it will be seen that
is surprisingly close to the advance esti-
mates that We're made Outside of Cali
fornia the biggest delegation was from IL
linos, that State sending 1,0S3 Iowa being
next Pennsylvania third, followed by Ohio
New York Missouri and Massachusetts in
the order named.
1t is interesting to note that the women
from all places outside of the State were
almost twice as numerous as the men, the
count showing 7.4n women and 3747 men,
There was council of State Christian
Endeavor presidents at the Palace Hotel
beginning this morning and continuing dur
ing the afternoon President Clark COM
mented favorably on the fact that the con-
vention which adjourned last night was the
largest similar meeting ever held by the
society. This he considered remarkable
considering the great distance most of those
present had to travel in order TO be present
The question of where the convention of
1899 should be held was considered but no
action taken. There are several applica-
tons for the privilege of entertaining the
cities most spoken of, but it was thought
best to await offers from other places be-
fore coming to a conclusion. The matter
therefore remains in allegiance.
1t was decided that during the coming
year action should be taken by the officers
of the organization looking toward a closer
utilization of the Christian EndeaVor So
ciety with kindred associations. The idea
Is to widen the sphere of Christian fellow
ship already existing within the order until
all auxiliary church workers are in har-
mony throughout the world The closing
hours of the meeting were devoted to in
formal talks and the presentation and adop-
ton of the usual complimentary resolu-
stinted praise for the manner in which they
more than kept their promises made in adj
vance.
The committee of 81 held business meet
ing this evening and received the final
statement of its treasurer. 1t is said that
Notwithstanding the liberal expenditures a
surplus will remain. so generous were the
contributions to the fund.
When the congratulatory speeches at the
banquet were concluded President Clark
in a neat speech, presented a jeweled &C.
E. pin to the chairman of the various
local committee to which Rolla v Watts
chairman of committee of No. Z, responded.
The meeting of state presidents then adj
journed.
In the evening there was a vocal and in
churches which had participated in the
meetings of the week The chorus num-
bered 1.S00 and there were 10000 in the
audience. This closed the public exercises
in connection with the great convention.