The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-07-19
Over Fifteen Thousand People Packed
in the Lavishly Decorated Barn
Like Structure.
MANY MESSAGES FROM AFFAIR
CONGRATULATIONS FROM PRESIDENT
M'kINLEY AT CANTON,
Vice President Roosevelt, Governor
Durbin and Others-An Impress
i've Spectacle.

SAN FRANCISCO, July 1s.-The fifth
international convention of the Epworth
League was opened to-day under most
auspicious conditions. The weather was
ideal and the attendance equaled the most
sanguine expectations. The scene at the
Mechanics Pavilion, where the principal
exercises of the day were held, was one
not soon to be forgotten. Never in its his
tory has the capacious interior of the pa
vilion presented more impressive spec
tacle. Every vantage place in the audi
torium and galleries was covered by
thusiastic delegates, and every unsightly
inch of wall was hidden by tasteful deco
rations. Thunderous volumes of harmoni-
Gus tones from human throats and the
vibratory accompaniment of the monster
Stanford organ inspired a feeling of rev.
erential admiration and homage that en-
tered into full possession of participant
and onlooker. With it came the compre-
hension that the assemblage stood not only
for the practical work of the church found
ed by Wesley. but for the growing unity
of the three branches of the denomina-
tion.
The railroads had virtually fulfilled their
promise, and despite the annoying delays.
landed the Eastern delegates here in time
for the Introductory ceremonies. The rear
guard came by water from the Pacific
Northwest and numbered about 500 Wash
ington and British Columbia leaguers. The
great army of invasion, with $4,000 men
and women in the rank and file, had been
provided for without the least trouble. and
in a manner most gratifying to ALL
This morning communion was served in
three of the largest of the churches in
the city. which, however, were entirely too
small to accommodate the throng which
sought admission BY noon the vast in
terror OF the Mechanics Pavilion, capable
of containing over fifteen thousand people,
was filled with a mass of humanity, which
moved slowly and good naturedly along the
aisles, stopping at frequent intervals TO ex-
anime and partake of some choice product
Of California orchard. For, with lavish
hospitality. almost everything had been
provided without cost for the visitors from
distant States.
The pavilion is ordinarily big. barn-like
structure, but for the present occasion it
has been transformed into a spacious and
comfortable auditorium. lavshly decorated
with flags, evergreens and flowers and
rooted with the national colors The ac-
cousticS have been greatly improved and
the music OF the grand organ rolls through
the building without an answering echo.
Banners of the Nation, Canada and of the
League are everywhere in evidence and
the galleries, with their characteristic Cali
fornian display, is a veritable bower of
beauty.
A meeting of the officers of the league
was held shortly after noon in the art gall
lery and considera BILE time was devoted to
a discussion of work in foreign fields. All
of the speakers dwet on the Importance
of spreading the faith in the new possess
Sons Of the United States While this con-
ference was in progress Christian Chi
nese, with his five children. all wearing
the Epworth League badge, attracted much
attention.
Long before the assembly of the conven-
tion proper, at 2:30 p. m, every seat in the
great hall was occupied. The waiting audi
ence occupied the time by singing, old
fashioned tunes being given with vim in
dicative of religious enthusiasm. When the
convention proper was called TO order by
Rev. Thomas Filben. of Pacific Grove, not
a vacant space was to be seen from the
grand organ TO the farthest gallery tier of
chairs. DR.. Filbens voice failed TO fill the
auditorium and many. OF his announcements
dience.
After a service of song. led by Robert
Husband, and participated in by the chorus
OF 1900 and the audience. organ. cornet and
piano accompaniment, General Secretary
Rev. Joseph +. Berry. read a number Of
congratulatory messages received from
IL.
President Mckinley said Il have much
pleasure in sending TO the International
Epworth convention, assembled at San
Francisco, my hearty congratulations upon
the good work the great body of Christian
men and women which it represents, has
accomplished in the past, and my earnest
wish that even greater success will crown
the future efforts of the league"
Vice President Roosevelt worded his mes
sage as follows: "Heartiest greetings and
may good luck attend the Epworth League
in riQ
ness" Other communications were received
from Governors McMillin, of Tennessee;
Shay. Of !oya; Durbin, dTioS, Of Indiana; Yates:
Missouri; Stanley, Of Kansas, and Van
SAINT, of Minnesota. All Were received
with cheers. those from Mckinley and
enthusiasm.
The remarks of Governor Gage. Mayor
Phelan, Bishop Hamilton, Bishop Joyce
and the other speakers of the day also
evoked constant applause II is already
assured that the convention is destined to
be one Of the most successful In the an
nails of the Epworth League.
The evening ceremonies at the Mechanics
Pavilion were presided over by Role Watt.
]. ]. Norris was musical director. Rev. II.
NJ Mcknight. of Los Angeles. Cal. led in
prayer The first address was by Rev. Chas.
Bayard Mitchell, who spoke on The Young
Peoples Movement in the Nineteenth Cen
the Twentieth Century was discussed by
Rev. G. W. Kirby. OF Montreal. Canada
I. Is. hutchinson OF Ndpd, Odl., spoke on
"Methodism in the Twentieth Century" AT
the Alhambra Theater tonight Rev A C
Crews, OF Toronto. Canada, presided, and
C w Stadtfell was musical director. Rev.
P. A Coul. OF Spokane. Wash. led the de-
discussed by Rev. Alonzo Monk of Knox
vile, Tenn. and Rev. NJ. 5. Hughes. of
Kansas City. No Rev. n, =. Scott, Of Van
couver. b. c.. spoke on "Methodists in the
Twentieth Century.
Rev. T. n. Covey, OF Raleigh. n. c.. was
cha atr Of the MerrOpOlifan TemDle. I
E. Blake was musical director and prayer
was offered by Rev. G.. Cobbledick of
Bothwel Ont. Addresses were delivered by
Rev. c. w. Millard. OF Yonkers. ~. Y.