St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1900-05-16
The Y. M. G. A.
An Appeal by Rev. G. #. Morse.

An Appeal by Rev. G. #, Morse.
travel in Vermont and New Hamp
shire and visit all the Associations.
fully believe there is no influence so deer
broad and vital to the welfare of the
community and to the churches and the
saving OF our young men as the influence
of these Associations. They reach our
young men, the hope of the world, as no
other influence can. Most of the associa-
tions are prosperous. Formerly l was
proud to report the condition of our as.
sociation, but now blush to be asked
in regard to it. Our position is highly
injurious. Opposers of religion scoff, the
friends of the cause in other places are
disheartened. If the Christian people of
the cultivated and wealthy St. Johnsbury
cannot support an association. why
should we struggle to maintain one.
Ours ought to be the most fourishing as
sociation in the state. We have an un-
usual number of promising young men
besides large number of students. We
have an excellent building placed at our
tree use while most have to pay a large
rent. We have an able business.like man.
agement. No one need fear that his
money will not be economically and Judi
ciousy expended. The doors of the AS
sociation should be opened Immediately,
Let the money for the summers work
and the pledges for the future be for
warded at once to Rev. G. w. Hunt. |
appeal to every citizen and to the men,
bers OF all our churches to respond at
once to this important work. According
to the giving will be the blessing.
c. IN.
A STATEMENT FROM MR.. HUNT.
Some weeks ago, after being much
urged so to do by several citizens, l con-
sented to take the presidency of the Y.
M. c. A. In so consenting l acted con.
trary to the wisdom of some of my best
friends. My only reason for accepting
the position was my desire to be useful,
especially in helping young men.
| have not met with very hearty en-
couragement from some of the citizens
in my attempt to resuscitate a local in
stitution. l have heard many things
said about the past Of the Association,
and those things stated as a reason for
keeping it closed. But the same line of
reasoning would long since doubtless
have closed our churches, and have kept
them closed For without unjust judg-
riaent we may say that doubtless perfect
management has not always character
lied our church work.
The question today is not, what mis-
takes have been made in the management
of our local Y. M. c. A. but what may
we make it in the future.
l have no desire to even seem as at
tempting to force an organization upon
you as citizens of the town. l am only
your co-worker. l am ready to serve
you as best may, but do not expect me
to answer for, or explain, or atone for all
the mistakes OF the past. In the name of
our Common Lord and Master, in the |
name of hundreds of homeless young men.
in the name of the Christian church |
ask for one more trial for our local Y.
M. c. A. Let the past be buried and re-
main forever buried.
l am now able to report that 500
more will insure the opening cftbe rooms
June 1st. And that we have an encour-
aging amount subscribed toward the en-
gaging Of General Secretary, which will
doubtless be done just as soon as the
amount needed is in sight. cannot an
swer all your criticisms concerning our
plans in a public article, but
call and see me, and let us reason to-
gether. Remembering that in all things
righteous we are workers together with
God.
Yours for Service,
GEO. w. HUNT, Pres. Y. M. c. A.