Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-09-06
THE SPEAKERS.


Rev. II. NJ. Wharton. d. D., of Baltimore
Rev. u. I. Sweeney. d. D., Of Richmond
Rev. I. w. Walker, Of Baltimore; Rev
George I. Stewart, Of Harrisburg, Pa.
Rev. William Cumming, OF Baltimore;
Mr.. w. II. II. Smith, OF Washington; DR..
James Lewis Howe, Of Washington, and
Lee University. Lexington.
Mr.. Percy S. Foster, Of Washington, has
kindly consented 10 lead the singing. He
is favorite among Christian Endeayor-
ers, and Is always in demand at the In
ternational Convention.
The practical part Of the convention,
VIII be committee-work papers, open par
liaments, question drawers, and other
means of instruction along the lines OF
every day work. The Juniors Will not
be overlooked. but one session Will be
devoted to them. Bright and interesting
themes will be presented.
LARGE ATTENDANCE EXPECTED.
Railroads and steamship lines have
granted reduced rates. The Endeayorers
Of Alexandria will furnish free entertain
ment in their homes to delegates. Prepa-
rations are being made for large attend
ance. and it is hoped that the societies
throughout the State Will be well repre-
scented. Aside from the spiritual upllft
to be derived from the convention, Alex
andria itself is an interesting town, rich
in colonial associations. The nearness
to Washington and the magnificent pub
lie buildings Of our national capital Will
prove a delightful attraction, and should
be visited by all Endeavorers who nave
never yet done So That in ttself will
prove an educational inspiration.
ORIGIN OF THE WORK.
Christian Endeavors was called into ex-
istence just after a gracious revival OF
religion, as the result Of the earnest
prayers Of a consecrated pastor ana faith
full young converts. Rev. Francis l..
Clark, through whose efforts the move
ment was started was at that time,
pastor of Williston church. in Portland,
NJ He felt that there were possibilities
I'm the lives of young Christians which, il
diverted into the proper channels, would
exercise a powerful influence for good.
The first society was organized in his
church February 2. 1881.
That Christian Endeavor was needed.
through which the latent powers Of young
Christians might find expression, is shown
by the marvellous growth OF the move
ment. From a handful it has increased
until all parts Of the world are blessed by
its presence-Russia so far as known,
being the only country without its Chris
tan EndeaYor society. 1t is accomplish
ing great work in encouraging interde-
fraternal fellowship. there
by promoting the cause Of true Christian
unity. 1t teaches men 10 reach out their
hand to every Christian and greet MIN as
a brother.
FOR CHRIST AND THE CHURCH"
The motto Of the Christian Endeavor
Society. For Christ and the Church
gives the true order OF things-Chrst
first. the church afterwards, loyalty 20
both Christ and the church. being empha-
sized. II thus commends itself 10 All
Becoming a part OF the
church. like the Sunday-school, IT is sub
ect only 10 the officers Of that church.
md TO no outside influence whatever In
his way il becomes truly denomna ton
i. and in the local church may be Bap-
list, Presbyterian, Methodist, or Disciple. |
)ut i'm the large gatherings these lines
ire obliterated and all meet as brothers. !
The societies. I'm order 10 be distinctive /
must have a system OF uniform principles. /
All societies recognized with the title OF /
christian Endeavor should embody the /.
hedge. which enjoins upon its members |
ehnite duties-committee work, wherein |
he various interests OF church enterprise |
re carried forward the covenant meet
ng, in which the soul gets nearer than
yer TO the Saviour.
VIRGINIA ENDEAVORERS.
The Christian Endeavor Union Of Viz
inis was organized in Richmond Janu-
~ 25. 1892, at a convention called 10 meet
n the Seventh-Street Christian church
he President Of the United Society OF
hrishan Endeayor Rev. Francis Il.
lark, d. d., of Boston, was present ana
box part In the meetings. The first
resident of the State Union elected was
lev. Jabez Hall, d. D., pastor Of the
hurch in which the convention was held.
here were very few societies then in the
tate. There are now about 29O societies,
18th more than 10000 members.