The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-07-09
CHRISTIAN ENDEAV0R
TWENTY THOUSAND PEOPLE ARE IN
ATTENDANCE.
The Various Nations of the Earth Join in Spread
ing the ospeI-President Mckinley
Sends Greetings.

San Francisco, CAL, July S.-With the
daylight this morning began the prayer
meetings of the Christian Endeavorers.
Services were held in all the principal
churches, the subject being the same in
each Prayer for the Convention
Long before the hour appeared for the
opening of the convention every seat in
the vast pavilion, which accommodated
over 10000 people, was occupied, women
predominating.
Promptly at 9:30 the great gathering
was called to order by Rev. e. r. Wilke,
of this city, and after a musical welcome
by the choir, brief devotional exercises
were conducted by Rev. Philip f. King,
of Benton, Texas. The welcome of the
committee Of '97 was delivered by Rolla
V. Watt.
After the applause which followed the
remarks of Mr.. Watt had subsided the
welcome of the Golden Gate pastors was
given by Rev. John Hemphill.
DIR. Hemphilrs address was eloquently
delivered and evoked much enthusiasm.
Lieut. Gov. Jeter then ascended the
platform and in a brief but well eX
pressed speech welcomed the delegates
and their friends on behalf of the State
of California. An anthem was rendered
by the choir and in behalf of the visiting
Endeavorers, Rev. Ira Landrith, of Nash
vile, Tenn, responded to the various ad
dresses of welcome.
The annual address of President Clark
was listened to with close attention.
Secretary Baer's address was next on
the program.
During the day and evening meetings
were held at different places, the largest
assembly being at Mechanics pavilion.
Here occurred the presentation of the
badge banner to the country making the
greatest proportionate gain in number of
societies during the last twelve months.
1t has been in possession of Scotland du-
ring the past year. 1t was won by Ire
land and was presented in behalf of the
united society by Rev. Charles A. Dickin
son, of Boston. The junior badge banner,
given for the greatest proportionate in
crease in number of societies during the
last twelve months, was awarded to
Spain. 1t was presented by w. III. Vog-
Ter. of Indianapolis, Ind, in neat ad-
dress. 1t had been in possession of Mex
leo.
The badge banner for the greatest in
crease in number of societies during the
past year, which had been held by Eng
land, was retained and presented to the
same country, the address being deliv-
cred by Rev. w. J. Darby, of Evansville.
Denominational rallies were held in
thirty-two churches this afternoon. All
were largely attended.
During the afternoon the Mechanics
pavilion presented scene of constant
activity, the arrival and registration Of
delegates continuing without intermis-
sion. More than 10000 are now in the
|city and several Thousand more will be
added to the number before the end Of
the week.
An incident Of the Christian Endeavor
meeting at Woodward's pavilion today
which caused the greatest applause was
the reading of the following telegram
from the President:
washington, d. c., July Z.
John Willis Baer, San Francisco:
BEST wishes for the success of the con-
vention. WM. MKINLEY."