The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1899-06-02
among the volunteers who can do all sorts of

among the volunteers who can do all sorts o.
narveIs.n
1T will probably he comparatively easy,
said one nf those present, "to preserve ordel
in the camp, because We do not want to draw
the lines too tight. Boys will he boys and we
must allow for their lively spirits, hut what
would like to know is how are you going tC
prevent their depredations on surrounding
farms"
The military discipline will probably dc
that" was the reply, land the boys will not
find it easy to get out of camp at wrong
hours and do these things if the Other boys
arc the camp officers aud are watching out
for such things. We will put the boys on
their honor. Weinvited 40 of the most uncon-
trolable newsboys we could find in Balti-
more out to Bel Air to a picnic a couple OF
summers ago. We put them on their honor
ana we were amazed at what thorough little
gentlemen they became. OF course that was
for only one day. But if We found any boys
who really would not be controlled the fire.
quent trains TO Baltimore furnish an easy way
to rid the camp of them and We could supply
their places Immediately from the waiting
list"
"Who would be in charge and entertain the
boys,"
sit would be done by volunteers, men Of
experience and adaptability to the work. We
already have three or four who have offered
| to spend part OF their vacation by staying
| 10 days at camp. We will get the list large
enough to have several men there all the time
| There are number of Eudeavorers who tax 2
their families out in the country TO board
| every summer. These could find board for
! their families near the camp, as we have many
| good places in the neigEborhood, and the
I men could spend the most of their time at
! the camp"
"What would you do If the boys became
| ill.,"
ave would try to plan the menu and sur
rounding SO as to avoid illness, but If they
should be taken sick we will have physician
| at camp who shall be our 'surgeon-general,'
aud there are resident physicians within two
| miles of the proposed camp The sanitary
arrangements would be planned and constant
ly inspected by physician"
History of The Epworth League.
The following paper can be better described
by the accompanying letter which proceeds it:
DEAR SIR.-Enclosed find an excellent paper
on the history of the Epworth League, read by
Church. May ID. 1t is historically correct.
well written, and trust you will not consider
| it too lengthy. l am sure yon would eompli-
ant l,,F-r nj hnr nj
section if YOU would publish it. l want to
thank you personally for past favors ard space
Sincerely.
The first movement toward uniform orga-
nization among the young people in the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church was made in 1872.
Previous to this various church organizations
or lyceums had been formed, following the
plans of Rev. T. Nicely. These organizations,
however, provided only for tine intellectual de-
velopment of the young peop'e. and in time
gave place to the Oxford League, which COM
bincd intellectual culture. with the religious
and social element.
Five societies united to form the Epworth
League, and of these, the Young Peoples
Methodist Alliance was the Oldest. 1t was Or
ganized at the Des PLANES Camp Meeting in
August, 1888. At the time it merged into an
Epworth League it number 41O local societies.
The second of these societies to come into exist
ence was the Oxford League, the principal
mover and promoter being DR.. Vincent, and at
the time of the organization of the Epworth
League it numbered 500 chapters. The third
of these societies was the Young Peoples
Christian League, originated by Rev. j. II.
Twombly in 1887. The Young Peoples Union
originated at the Detroit Conference in 1887.
and the last of the five societies to be organized
was the North Ohio Conference Methodist
Episcopal Alliance. 1t had been in existence
but short time when it merged into an Ep-
worth League.
REPRESENTATIVES of these five societies met al
Cleveland in May. 1850, and after confer
ence of several days formal union was effect
ed on the 18th of that month. The name was
slip in speech by which the names Oxford
League and Epworth Hymnal were confused.
The constitution was the modification of the
Oxford Lesgue. The Maltese Cross, which hao
been the badge of both the Oxford League and
the Young Peoples Christian League, was
adopted with the motto and initial of the Ep-
worth League. The white ribbon with the
scarlet thread running through it were adopt
ed as the colors of the Epworth League. these
being the coiors of the Young Peoples Metho-
dist Alliance. Red was suggestive of the pre-
cious blood of the covenant, in whose crimson
tide our sins are washed away. White is the
color of a bIameless life. Thus they symbolic
what the motto of the Epworth League literally
expresses, visions of the cross and service for
others. Our motto Look UP, Lift Up" was
the motto of the Young Peoples League. We
take as our sentiments the words of John Wes-
ley, II desire to form a league offensive and
defensive with every soldier of Jesus Christ"
and the words of Bishop Simpson. 1--WE live 10
make our church power in the land, while We
live to love every other church that exalts our
Christi
In 1892 the Epworth League received the
formal Endorsement of the General Conference
and became a department of church work.
The central Office which had been in New York
was moved to Chicago and general secretary
elected by the Board of Control.
The number of chapters from the beginning
until now are as follows: