The record-union., 1897-02-13
Its Session Was Opened in This City
Yesterday.
interesting Discussions on Subjects of
Importance in Christian
Work.

tendance from all parts Of the coast
The convention was called to order by
Miss Bessie Griswold of the State Uni
versity, the temporary President, and
Miss Clark of Los Angeles acted as tenn
porary Secretary.
After singing Mrs. John Norvell led
the exercises of the Quiet Hour and
said that she had thought that,~at the
beginning of the convention, one OF the
greatest needs for them all was quick
ening of their own hearts so as to make
them more earnest in the work before
them, and read accordingly from the
fourth chapter of the Acts of the ApoS-
ties, the Quickening of the Apostles and
early disciples, on the day of Pente-
cost, and said the work of God was al
ways begun in the right way, While man
always took the wrong way in all re-
vivals. The early disciples were filled
again and again with the grace of God
and boldness to proclaim His word when
they prayed for it.
After prayer by Mrs. Norvell and sing
ing "All Hail the Power of Jesus
Name" number of the members of the
convention and ministers present joined
in prayer.
Miss Martha Teal, General Secretary
of Los Angeles, made remarks on the
Boards of Managers and Committees, y
and said that as the Board of Managers
and Committees SO are the local organ
ization. The Board of Managers should,
at all times, be ready to make such
changes in the committees as they
thought best, as many members of COM
mittees might have been placed in the
wrong place, and do very poor work in
one committee, while they would do eX-
cellent work on another
A great deal of time was wasted fire.
quently by not having parliamentary
rules adopted and having the whole
work properly systematized. One men,
Der should be delegated to do one par
ticular piece of work, and not leave the
question of that piece of work to so
many that it would be done over and
over again in a slipshod manner rather
than have it once we'll done or perhaps
altogether neglected.
It was necessary for the members and
the committees and Boards of Managers
to know intimately not only what was
being done in their own local organiza-
ton, but those of the whole State and of
the United States.
The work of the various committees
was briefly touched on and their duties
outlined Very practical suggestions
were made as to the best methods of
carrying on their special work. Stress
was laid on the need of making the
rooms as attractive as possible, and not
only having the rooms attractive, but
all the meetings equally SO.
All the committee work and all the
individual work should be begun by
prayer.
The paper was discussed by Miss
Reeder. who urged the necessity of
punctuality, and the advisability of fire.
quent changes in the personnel of the
committees even if the particular mem
Der was doing good work, for she might
use up her energies in one class of
work and find rest and fresh energy in
another.
Miss Beazell spoke briefly on the
work in Sacramento and in response to
Miss Reeder Miss Teal said that the
best method of making the educational
classes success was to have a thor
ough organization.
Mrs. Condo Of Sacramento then read
a paper by Miss NJ Dunn. State Sec
retary of Pennsylvania on The Cen
eral Secretary" The responsibility Of
the Secretary was very great and re-
quired special gifts which should be
properly compensate The work was
generally outlined, and the need Of the
constant cheerful help of the members
was emphasized.
The paper was discussed by Miss
Reeder and DR. Cronemiller, the latter
of whom suggested that the General
Secretary should look closely after the
work Of the gymnasium. The General
Secretary should have her one day Of
rest each week, and should keep it,
and should have regular office hours.
Mrs. Norvell said the work of the
General Secretary was very similar to
that of a church pastor as she was
supposed to know everything in the
conduct of the work, but she needed
the constant kindly assistance and in
formation of the other members She
believed in the weekly day of rest for
the Secretary.
Miss Emma Reeder. the Pacific Coast
Secretary, read a paper on The Com
munity" If an association kept with
sn itself the community could have no
knowledge of the work done. and no
opportunity of affording help or full
filling its duties.
The community included all who had
any supervision, either in a ministerial
or business capacity, over young wo-
men. besides the young women them
selves. and she urged that the communi-
" should read the papers that are sent
ont by the association, and the news
Daper notices that appeared from time
to time. II had been found in some
r,laces best to issue a regular weekly
r,aper for the work, but in Sacramento
the regular papers themselves had been
in the habit of relieving the associa-
tion of that burden.
The community should be ready to
contribute to the work. The need OF
III. careful selection of the working
membership was dwelt upon. 1t was
desirable. owing to the wandering hab-
its Of the women on this coast, that all
young women should become members
OF the organization.
The community should pray for the
success of the work. The pastors should
be willing 10 do all in their power to
help along the work. II would be a
very good plan If the local associations
should give the community. or the
young women of any particular estab-
lishrnent, an entertainment, or that the
young women of any store or other es-
tablishment should give one TO the as
sociation.
The paper was full of practical hints,
and gave some examples or the good
work that had been done by the com
munity to the association ana oy the
association to the community In other
cities.