Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-07-06
Eighteenth Annual Convention Of
Christian EndeaY0r.
BEAUTIFUL
SCENE
Opening Afternoon OF tho PreIimins
nry Day Elegant Welcome on Re.
half OF tho Detroit Pnstors-Presis
dent Mckinley Expresses Hts In
tcreat in Endcavor work-Goa
save tho Queen sung-Response
of Delegates from Foreign Lands.
(By Telegraph to virginlan-pllot.>

Detroit. Mich. July 5.-The afternoon
of the preliminary day of the eighteenth
annual International Convention OF
Christian Endcavor was showery, but
toward evening the sun broke through
the clouds and the travel from all
parts of the city to the Christian En-
deavor grounds began. At sun down
Ions wavering lines of young people,
from various directions. wendell across
the green fields ahnnt the white tented
city. all convcrging toward Tent En-
deavor. beneath whose broad, spread
ing canvass the welcoming rally was
held. The crowds poured in through
tho four entrances on either side and
down the six broad sawdust covered
aisles. until the great tents capacity
of 10000 was filed. After that a crowd
of outsiders obtained sight and hearing
through the dropping OF the tent walls
at either side.
A PRETTY SCENE.
The Christian Endeavor red and
white was suspended in hundreds OF
broad streamers from the lofty roof 10
the caves. Flags of all nations, drapod
with the Stars and Stripes, hung over
head at Intervals The coats OF arms
OF the States Were attached to the tent
poles. The Christian Endeavor Mono
gram shone from large red and white
electric globes over the resonatar sus-
pended above the speakers platform.
| Higher un, the Union Jack and Stars
and Stripes intermingled. a Thousand
whitecapped young men and maids
composed the choir on the big stage.
the front of which was occrried by the
officers and clergy.
ADDRESSES OF WELCOME.
Promptly at 7:3o the comparat!v ST.
lence WAS broken by the swelling >
of The Son OF God Goes Forth 10
War;" followed by There Snail Be
Showers OF Blessings" Onward. Chris
tan Soldiers" etc, in all OF which the
great crowd enthusiastically joined.
Devotional exercises were led b. the
Rev. j. G. Butler, OF Washington.
The welcome OF the local committee
was extended by William II. Strong,
Its chairman.
Rev. Charles d. Newman eloquently
welcomed the convention In behalf OF
Detroit pastors. Mayor Maybury. on
behalf OF the city of Detroit, cordially
welcomed the Endeavorers. In con-
clusiop. he said:
What a marvel of growth has been
yours. Founded and led by one in
whose features there dwells not even
the premonition OF increasing years;
his eye undimmed and his natural
strength Mnabated. he iourneys at the
head OF his numerous and Triumphant
family toward the Holy Land. Late may
come the day when his helpful presence
must be exchanged for a sad but ever
delightful memory. This endeavor is
, more than an institution because il up
lifts and saves. Institutions do not
save. Righteousness alone exalts ma
tions."
PRESIDENT M'lINLEY's GREET
ING.
There was enthusiastic applause
| when Secretary Baer read the following
telegram from the President OF the
| United States:
Rev DR.. Francis E. Clark Detroit.
Mich:
"On the occasion OF the eighteenth in
ternational convention OF your society,
l desire to express my cordial interest
In its work. my best wishes to those as
sembled with you in convention. and
my earnest hope for the continue
ance and Increase of the great results
| which the efforts OF the Christian En-
deayor Society have achieved
WILLIAM M'KINLEY."
Next on the program came responses
In behalf OF Endeavorers from foreign
lands. AS Rev. William Patterson. OF
Toronto, came forward to speak for
Canada, some one struck up God Save
| the Queen" The Canadians on the plat
| form took up the strain and In a mo-
! ment the huge tent was reverberatin
with the swelling chorus OF the British
| Canada and the United States. particu-
| larry with reference to religious mat
Continued on Eleventh Page)
| NrLrn -r,r>~s-.,