The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-10-28

with the leading periodicals from all
| sections of the country. our library
contains over 600 volumes which mem
bers have the privilege of using, l47
were taken out during the year.
THE evening educational classes,
which were offered to young men at
less than cost, were attended by forty
young men. English, bookkeeping snort
! hand and mechanical drawing were
taught by competent instructors, ana
we know that the wage-earning ca
pacity of many was increased. In ad-
| dition to these classes, a series or three
very helpful talks were given by prom
inent men on law, mechanical engineer
| ing and medicine, with a view OF help-
ing young men find their life work
The average attendance at these talks
was nearly fifty.
UNLESS the association builds up the
| characters of men and leads them 10
Christ and into church membership IL
has missed the purpose of its organlza-
ton. Three religious services a week
have been held; two at the building,
Sunday afternoons and Monday even
ings, and one at the Plant system
shops on Tuesdays, during the noon
hour. The total attendance at these
services was over 1000 men. we know
where three men have been led INTO
church membership as a result or the
work of the association, and we oelleNe
that others were also. Thirty-seVen
have requested prayer. The associa-
ton has taken advantage of the splen-
did opportunity presented to teach
young men how to study the Bible, ana
had four classes, with nearly loo' en-
gagged in this important work. for
three months in the spring eleven
young men were organized into a class
studying missions in foreign fields.
1.-The Young Mems Christian Asso-
Citations throughout the country are
realizing more than ever the import
ance of the work for boys. for the boy
of to-day is the man of tomorrow
Our junior department is for boys pc
| tween the ages of II and 10, ana we
can now report a membership OF 40
1.-The boys have the privileges OF the
association during the day and certain
hours each week to use the gymnasium.
One social was given them which was
attended by fifty. Their gymnasium
classes were largely attended, ana the
boys were greatly benefited. One gym
nastic exhibition was given tnehl'
which was attended by about 200 par
ents and friends. One Gospel meeting
was held which was attended by ABOUT
fifty, and twenty-five were enrolled In
| Bible class.
The membership dues of the young
men now pay more than half the rum
ming expenses of the association, While
| the balance is provided, by contrlou-
| lions from friends of our work VINO
realize the importance of such WORK
| being carried on in this city for young
men.
THE treasurers report for the past
year shows that the net receipts from
all sources was $4,760.56 and that the
expenditures amounted to $4,5516l
| leaving a balance on hand of $2O2.95.
"A review of the years work gives
cause for gratitude to God for the
| measure of success. We are profoundly
| thankful
First. For the work of those who
| have made existing conditions possible.
The city of Savannah owes to the re-
firing president Mr.. C. NJ. Gilbert,
debt of gratitude it can never pay for
the thirteen years of faithful and IN
firing labor expended in re-establish-
ing the Y. NJ. c.. A, and causing it TO
be a factor in the religious forces of
the city. We all feel under deep obi
cations to him and to those who stood
by him, for the opportunities for good
which he has made possible, and for
the influences which have been thrown
around the young men of Savannah.
Second. For efficient secretaries We
should be thankful. J. dare assert that
no association in the United States is
so we'll manned for the money spent,
as is the Savannah association.
Third. For progress made in menl-
bership, in religious work, on educa-
tional lines, and last, but not least, in
the growing appreciation of the work
on the part of the community.
Fourth. For the generous response
of the pastors and churches in permit
ting us to lay the work and its needs
before the several congregations of the
city.
Fifth. To the ladies' auxiliary es-
pecially, for faithful work and great
help rendered, and also to the Morning
News and Savannah Press for the
many notices of our work.
Sixth, For the opportunities that lie
ahead of us, viz. to reach and aid
more young men and boys to the devel-
opment of better bodies, minds and
characters than ever before
"a true sense of gratitude finds its
highest expression in deeds and espe-
cially in supplying the needs of that
by which we have been helped. The
great need of the Y. NJ. c. A. in Sa-
vannah to-day, is a building worthy
of the work and of our opportunities
We are already crowded out. We are
behind many cities in our care for oul
young men. The business community
should realize that every dollar in
vested in this work brings dividends
most valuable in the shape Of better
business men; men who can think bet
ter, work longer. and in whom more
confidence can be reposed. A city rich
in such men, is rich indeed.
THE church should rally to our ai6
in providing such a. building, because
the Young Mems Christian Association
is doing her work of holding young
men in the line of Christian duty, anc
furnishing them seven days anc
nights in the week a place where
body, mind and soul can be developed
free from the temptations which are
. destructive of all that is noble, pure
and lasting in character"