Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-02-26

I%,o"' IN which Rev. ]. Wulan, Tonos
, neV. II. w. Battle. OF PETERSBURG and
INSISTS. l.. A. Coulter, Mckee. Townsend
ana others took part. '''0'''
AFTERNOON SESSION
ne AFTERNOON session opened with song
service and prayer offered bv several
Rev Or. schoneld, Of Massachusetts,. dis
cusseu the subject OF "'rhe Uo,v Shirt
ana the Believers Experlence ito sa,d
mat this IS the most vital themes that can
DC talked 10 the Christian believer. ahe
oIue, IS hrst, faith accepting the fact.
60 .he leelng following II is the Holy
ap"lt that has the most intimate rela-
uohshlp with us. Christian experience Is
NuV present possession OF blessings to
"nich Christ has given MS the title.
Mr, =. X Towsend read a paper pre-
pared by Mr. ID. S. Bennett, of Richmond.
Mho was absent on account Of sickness.
ne subject OF the paper was District
Work; How Made Profitable TO Local
state work The paper advocated con-
ierences in the district, conventions, en-
tertalnments OF a religious character. and
sunday afternoon meetings for men.
women. and children.
A request was read by President Alex
ander from a lady in this city. asking the
prayers OF the association for her two
errlhg sons In response earnest prayers
were offered
NIGHT SESSION.
At the night session the annual report
OF the state Executive Committee was
read. It expresses cause for deepest
gratitude that this convention marks the
completion Of twenty-one years of con-
tinuous service for the young men Of
Virginia, and that some of the men who
Inc h.. -r.arN
vigorous leaders and loyal supporters of
to-day's work. The earnest work Of early
years so faithfully persisted in has
proved a foundation broad and substan-
tial for the greater extension marking
more recent times. Even though the year
just closing has been detrimental to
growth in business and religious lines,
especially in material things, yet with an
Increase Of more than 900 in membership
and 5000 additional given for current
support, building movements inaugu-
rated. and a larger number OF young men
attending religious meetings and evening
educational classes; and that reports Of
this year show III men and boys have
confessed Christ, as against 6lS year
ago, are indications that Gods blessing
has been upon our work.
THE STATE COMMITTEE.
mittee. which is composed Of twenty-one
Christian businessmen, the weak asso-
Citations have been strengthened by bring
ing them the results Of the experience
of the strong; by giving aid in special
emergencies; assistance in launching
building movements; help in solving
financial difficulties, and assistance in Sc
curing general secretaries. The State
Committee has acted as bureau of in
formation In the conduct of its work II
employs four principal methodist. Visits
of its members and its State secretary.
2. Correspondence. 3. Publications. 4.
Conference and conventions.
The committee reports: There are in
the State 46 associations-17 in cities and
towns. IS in colleges and schools and 10
AT railroad division points, and l at
army not. OF these, A. report total
of $3.50 members, of which 1926 are ac-
tive. Three associations have been
dropped from the list-Ashland, Wythe-
VILE. and Staunton Military Academy; 2
have been added-Augusta Military Aca-
DENY and Claremont. Eight associa-
lions have gymnasums; % report PIT lee
lures. practical talks, and entertainments;
% report Si3356.97 expended in current ex-
penses q report 1890 volumes in libra
ries: y have reading-rOoms; 80 report
working force of 949 men. The material
equipments Of the associations are good,
and number of improvements have
been projected. The Bluefeld associa-
ton has 5000 as a nucleus for building
fund: Newport News, $3.50. and Radford,
s670-all paid in; Portsmouth has $1,000
pledged. The members OF the faculty
and students Of the Virginia Polytechnic
Institute have pledges of 1870 for an as
ISOLATION building, and this amount is
expected to be increased TO $500. Four
teen associations report buildings and
lots valued at S23iS5O; five associations
report building funds amounting to 21,S70,
which. with $685. invested in furnish
ings. makes a total equipment valued at
$3.50 7O7.
Much attention has been given to dis
trict and railroad work. There has been
a large increase in membership in the
ten railroad associations, which now ag-
eregate 2452 The college associations
have a membership Of $50.
THE Christian women Of the State con-
Time to show marked appreciation of the
work for young men. Regular work Is
-being carried on for boys. Increased at
tention has been given to educational
and spiritual work; six associations re-
mort 81 classes, with total enrolment
Of 2qS members. The committee reports
70 Bible classes, WITH WeShiy
NJ 6s3: Is mems meetings, with attendance
each week Of 3492; n conversions.
In conclusion, the report recommends
that 81 900 be raised for the coming years
work.
STATE TREASURER'S REPORT.
The report Of State-Treasurer r. NJ.
smith was read by him, showing the re-
CENTS of the State Committee to have
been 50. 9O3.97; disbursements @'9oS.ol'
balance on hand. 46 cents.
After a solo by Mr.. Haddon watkins.
Of Richmond. entitled. "Only Remember
rev DR.. Cooper made his address on
"Tbe Watchword OF the Year. Dr.
Cooner commenced by paying q tribute
n rev. George Williams. Of London the
founder of the Young Mems Christian
Aesociation. He spoke Of the number OF
ar,,oniza+ions and their membership on
January / 1897: OF the good done by this
80 ization. and the opportunities OF
rered 10 the young men OF these organl-
,ations 10 resist evil and make men out
az themselves. For this subject he chose
The text. watch and pray, lest we fail
80 termination" To be human is 10
ta temnted said Or. Cooper. God had
t,,t one Son without sin; but He never
IA one son without temptations. Temp
.'tioD is not spiritual coercion-it is the
U,.ti v.,thout appealing TO the evil with
ca is faithful; He will not allow
,,or IN he troubled with more than you
are able to bear. DR.. cooper cloSeu
Win q grand and earnest appeal LOT
strueele for personal righteousness.