The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-01-21
ANNUAL MEETING HELD
Y. M. c. IA. OF SELMA HAS IN
 TEREsTINd SESSION.
President W. W. Harper Renders His Report and Secretary Will liamson Delivers the Ad-
 dress of the Evening.
Advertiser Bureau, Gelma Ian. 20.

Selma, Jan. 20.
 The Y. M. C. A. of Selma held Its an- nual meeting last night at the f1rst Presbyterian Church A large audlence was present. Some fine music was rem dered by a choir composed of the follow ing we'll known vocalsts. Mrs. Harper, Mrs. Ward, Miss Annie Bill, Miss Con- zaIla Byrne and Messrs Pickcns Wade and A. l.. McGlll.
 President w. w. Harper presided over the meeting and read the following re- port, which was listened to attentively: ITO the Members of the Y. M. c. A:
 Please give prayerful and earnest at tention to the following brief report of your president:
 "As the arm is part of the body, so the '. M. c. A. is most useful adjunct to the church. Its doors arc open at all hours of the day and here men can come and find the most whole some surroundings. The association is a kindergarten for the church for within her walls young men are taught personal Christian work and thus equipped they become our most active and useful church members.
 ''While the religious work has not been all that couIu have been wished. much good has been done and it is gratifying to note the progress that has been made. Formerly the meetings were attended principally by old men and church mem- bers. Now they are composed Of young 7 men and men who seldom darken a church door. These men are interested in their souls salvation, for they are confessing their sins and asking for the prayers of Gods people. Let us pray for these meetings and then let us work to help answer our prayers.
 The physical department has made great strides during the past year and has been the means of bringing many young men to the Association with its normal influence. We have outgrown our accommodations and if we intend doing larger work We must better equip ourselves and with this end in view. your president would make the following recommendations:
 That an up-to-date natatorium with bath rooms be placed in the rear of the building and that the water be furnish ed from an artcsian well on our own lot. Our present water account is $7000 per year which is per cent on $1,2o0 and 1t is estimated that the natatorium can be put in for $1,50O. I would further sug- gest that the gymnasium be moved from the third to the ground floor, and that in addition to our present gymnasium equipment there be added a bowling alley. This can be added at a cempara- lively small cost as the Association has an option on a second hand outfit which is in good repair. I would further sug- gest that the third floor be fitted up as a dormitory for desirable young men. The estimated income from this source is $10O per month. To make these needed improvements will cost about $2,5OO and I wouldn recommend that the dues be raised from s to $7.50 per annum. If we can offer these additional attractions. l believe that we can secure two hundred I lie. fled that no present member would object to paying $2.5O more or 8.
 'The Sick Committee have been faith full to their trusts as many can attest, for by their visits they have cheered the sick and lifted up the fallen.
 Your president desires to especially commend the zeal of the Ladies' Auxilia- ry. With their hands and their purses they have aided much to the attractive ness of the building and to the comfort of it's members.
 Recently the junior work has been reorganized and placed in the hands of the assistant secretary, Mir. II. D. Per rin "a young man called Of God and one whom we believe Is going to do much good for the Masters kingdom.
 Under the able manat~ment of its chairman, MT. Burks and it's excellent secretary, G. B. Warner, the Railroad Department has done a great work during the past year. In fact they so out grew their quarters that there was inaugurated movement for the purchase and re- modelling their home to meet their requirements. The railroad men readily responded and with the assistance of their friends the building was purchased at cost of S2.50O and the first payment of $50 has been made. Let us pray for the continuance of this good and ac- ceptable work.
 ''FOr several years the Y. M. C. A. has had under consideration the feasibili- ty of establishing a work among cotton mill operatives. Until now this work has not seemed practical. but recently much interest has been aroused in this matter and plans are now on foot for the establishment of this branch. Let me urge the early taking up of this work which I believe is to be gloriously bless ed of God and the reflex influence for good upon this Association will be in- calculable
 "The Association is fortunate in hav- ing as it's secretary Mir. T. l.. McGiU q thoroughly consecrated Christian man a man who does not wear his religion upon his coat sleeve" but by his cheer full mien and consistent life yields a won derful power in bringing young men to Christ.
 Tn conclusion, allow me to commend board of directors for their faithfulness and liberalty and to thank the members and our friends for their hearty co- operation and support. Hoping that the New Year will be our most prosnerous one, 1 am
 Very truly your servant,
 w. w. Harper, President"
 At the conclusion of President Harper's address. he introduced Secretary IT F