Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-01-23

our work are familiar to this audience
we will not consume time by giving the
customary array Of statistics for the
past year.
In the gymnasium there were some
gratifying features. To boys who are
growing and to young men following
%sedentary occupations the gymnasium
means health and vigor. The bowling
alley was a favorite resort, the baths
were freely used all through the year,
the swimming pool was much enjoyed
and scores of men and boys were taught
to swim.
The social life was well sustained.
Frequent entertainments, receptions
and social events provided healthful
amusement and means for social and
fraternal intercourse.
Members received useful training in
evening educational classes, the read
ing room was popular and the lecture
and entertainment course was unusu-
ally satisfactory.
The ~distinctively religious work was
faithfully conducted. Every Saturday
night a young mems meeting was held
and every Sunday afternoon a clergy
man or prominent stranger, or member
made an address peculiarly directed to
the life and welfare of young men.
Bible studies were conducted and dur
ing the week of prayer for young men
impressive services were held.
The various other phases OF work
were carried on effectively. In the
spring, when the call vas made for
men for active military service, a good
ly number of our members was among
those who eagerly responded Note
worthy comment was made upon the
success with which the young men
trained in our gymnasium passed the
physical examination when they en-
listed. We regret to record the deaths
of two of our members, Mr.. John Ballle
and Mr.. Charles w. Vance.
The expenses for the year amounted
to So, 983 .21. By most persistent effort
this amount was secured, but the deficit
of the year previous remains unpaid.
We received one bequest of 500. I'm
%avoidable obligations have been added
to the association the past two years,
which have made the financial burden
trying to the directors and embarrass-
ing the growth of the work. The sum
needed each year is comparatively
modest when we consider the wealth OF
the city and the work of the organiza-
ton. The association presents a sp.sn-
did opportunity for those seeking to
put money, by gift or legacy, where it
will do much to oppose vice and save
to the community and the church such
elements of power as the young men
of our city. 1t seems to be a reason
able and practical thing for every
Christian man to lend his influence, his
support, the power of his name, the
strength of his identification to this Or
ganization.
On behalf of the association, we ex-
press our appreciation of the sympathy
and support given by our citizens. We
return our thanks to the press for the
unfailing readiness to cooperate, to the
pastors and workers for their unselfish
service and to the ladies for the aid
they rendered. Gratefully acknowledge
ing the divine blessing which has at
tended this work, we turn u faces to
the year before us, hopefully asking
the support of all those men and wo-
men to whose hearts the welfare of the
young men of our city is dear.
At the conclusion Of the report Rev.
M. w. Buck addressed the assemblage
and made a few entertaining and in
structive remarks concerning the well
fare of young men generally and in con-
clusion made a financial statement"
showing that in order to have the good
work of the Y. M. c.. A. continued it
would be necessary to raise the sum of
$1,000, and kindly petitioned those
present to contribute to the fund. At
ter the close of Rev. Bucks address
a collection was taken up and was lib
orally and very generally responded to.
The Fourth Street Church choir then
rendered in an exceedingly pleasing
names the selection, THE Strain Up
raise" by Buck, after which Prof. G. l..
Williams, of Dennison University at
Grandville, Ohio, made an interesting
address, discoursing upon the subject,
Loyalty to Ones Self" During the
course of his talk he said that it was
a good thing for a young man to know
himself in his own faults and that a
nan cannot be true to himself until
he knows his own faults. Another
thing which a man must have" Mr..
Williams maintained, ARE intelligent,
positive and true convictions of him
self" Prof. Williams concluded by tell
ing a number of amusing incidents to
illustrate the subject.
The hymn entitled Onward, Chris
tan Soldiers" was next sung by the
audience and was followed by an adj
dress by Rev. R. R. Bigger, who spoke
briefly, pointing out the disagreeable
results of overwork among young men
and also the moral conditions of the
city. In conclusion Rev. Bigger spoke
concerning the faults of the young
man, such as profanity, intemperance
and a desire to remain out of the
church, saying: "Only one person out
of every thousand comes to Christ af-
ter he is forty years of age. This adj
dress was followed by the rendition, in
a charming way, of the anthem, "The
Golden Threshold" from Lohr, by
Nevin, by the Fourth Street Church
choir. The Rev. l.. w. Doggett then
closed the exercises by pronouncing
prayer and benediction.
The orchestra furnished the accom-
panying music for the vocal selections
throughout the time in a commendable
name