The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-07-19
lEAGUERS
THEIR MEETING AT SAN FRANCISCO
BEGINS.
THOUSANDS IN ATTENDANCE.
TIE OPENING DAY MOST AUsPI-
CIOUs ONE.

Welcome Given and Every PrOvi-'
sion Made for the Comfort of the
10000 Visitors-Every Seat Taken
mt the Great Mechanics Pavilion.
President Mckinley Sends n Mes
sage.
San Francisco, July 1S.-The Fifth
International Convention of the Ep-
worth League was opened to-day un-
der the most auspicious conditions The
weather was ideal and the attendance
equaled the most sanguine expecta-
tions.
The scene at the Mechanics Pavilion,
where the principal exercises We're held,
was one not soon to be forgotten.
Never in it's history has the spacious
interior of the pavilion presented
more impressive spectacle. Every un-
slightly inch of the wall was hidden by
tasteful decorations.
Great volumes of music from human
throats and the accompaniment of the
Stanford organ inspired feeling OF
reverential admiration and homage.
The railroads had virtually fulfilled
the Eastern delegates here in time for
the Introductory services.
The great army of invasion of 10000
men and women in the rank and file
had been provided for in a manner
most gratifying to all.
The entire city is taking an active
interest in securing the success Of the
gathering.
The first services in connection with
the convention were held this morning
in the First Congregational, the Cen
trail Methodist and the Howard Street
churches, in each of which communion
was celebrated. Bishop Joyce, presi-
dent OF the league, conducted the serv-
ices in the First Congregational
! Church.
At the Central Methodist Church,
Rev. John j. Tigert of Nashville, Tenn,
presided, and Rev. A. c. Grove of To-
| ronto, Canada, led the congregation at
the Howard Street Church.
Message From Mckinley.
BY noon the vast interior of the Me-
/ chanics Pavilion, capable of containing
| over $1,000 people, was filed with a
mass of humanity which moved slowly
and good naturedly along the aisles,
stopping at frequent intervals to exam
inc and partake of California fruit.
For, with lavish hospitality almost
everything has been provided without
cost for the visitors.
| The pavilion is ordinarily big barn
like structure, but for the present oc-
casion 1t has been transformed into a
spacious and comfortable auditorium,
lavishly decorated with flags, ever
greens and flowers and rooted with the
national colors. The acoustics have
been greatly improved and the music
of the grand organ rolls through the
building without an echo. Banners of
the nation, of Canada and of the league
are everywhere in evidence.
A meeting of officers of the league
were welcomed shortly after noon and
considerable time given to a discussion
of work in foreign fields. All the
speakers dwelt on the Importance of
spreading the faith I'm the new posses
sions of the United States. While this
! conference was in progress a Christian
Chinese with his five children. all
wearing the Epworth League badge,
attracted much attention.
When the convention proper was
called to order at 2:30 o'clock, by Rev.
Thomas Filben of Pacific Grove not a
vacant space was to be seen from the
grand organ to the fartherest gallery
tier of chairs. After a service Of song,
led by Robert Husband, and participat-
ed in by the chorus of 1000 voices,
General Secretary j. F. Berry read A
number of congratulatory messages
from prominent men throughout the
Union.
$4,000 mt Mechanics Pavilion.
President Mckinley said:
Il have much pleasure in sending TO
the international Epworth League Con-
vention, assembled at San Francisco,
my hearty congratulations upon the
good work the great body of Christian
men and women, which 1t represents,
has accomplished in the past, and my
earnest wish that even greater success
will crown the future efforts of the
league"
Vice President worded his message
as follows
"Heartiest greetings. and may good
luck attend the Epworth League in It's
efforts for social and civic righteous
ness"
Other communications we're from the
Governors of Tennessee, Iowa, Indiana,
Illinois, Michigan. Missouri, Kansas
and Minnesota All were received with
cheers, those from the President and
Vice President arousing the audience
to great enthusiasm.
Many Addresses Made.
Gov. Henry r. Gage OF California
welcomed the delegates to the state in
an address which was received with
the Chautauqua salute. Mayor Phe-
Ian spoke. delivering an eloquent greet
ing IN behalf OF the city.
Bishop John w. Hamilton OF Cal
ifornia, and Rev. j G. Simmons OF
Woodland. Cal. also delivered ad-
dresses.
Responses we're made as follows:
on behalf OF the Methodist Episcopal
Church, Bishop Joyce. Minneapolis. on
behalf OF the Methodist Episcopal
Church. South. Rev. IL. M. DuBose
Nashville; on behalf OF the Methodist
Episcopal Church OF Canada, Rev.
James Henderson. Toronto.
The concluding address OF the after.
noon was made by Rev. II. A. Garter
OF Atlanta. on behalf OF the coloreo
Methodist Church
Twentieth Century Movement.
The evening exercises al the Me.
chanies' Pavilion we're presided over
by Rollo Watt. The FIRST address WA
: by Rev. Charles Bayard Mitchell. who
, spoke on THE Young Peoples Move
ment IN the Nineteenth Century"
'The Young Peoples Movement ol
the twentieth Century" was discussed
by REV. g. W. Kirby of Montreal, Can
ada.
n. y. Hutchinson Of Napa. Cal. spok'
J on 'Methodism in the Twentieth Cen
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