The Washington times., 1902-05-14

One OF the marvels OF the nineteenth
century in church history is the Epwortt
League. the official young peoples society
in the Methodist Episcopal Church. This
organization was ushered into existence
May Is, 1889. with a total membership Of
twenty-seven. Today it has over 100000
in the senior league alone, while the jun
for league, which had scarcely been
dreamed OF thirteen years ago, now has a
membership which runs up into the thou
sands. New chapters are being organized
at the rate of about twelve a week.
Fourteen Years of Good Work.
To find the genesis OF this wonderful
organization ii will be necessary to 20
back to 1872, when the first effort was
made TO provide a uniform organization
for the Methodist young people, and the
general conference of that year was me-
morialized to give recognition to the
Church Lyceum, society which had al
ready gained considers BILE influence in
Philadelphia and vicinity. The memorial
was not adopted until the general con-
ference of 1876. when it became part of
the organic life of the Methodist Epis-
copai Church. The lyceum in turn gave
place 10 the Oxford League. In the begin
ming OF 1889 four other Methodist young
peoples societies came into existence.
namely, the Young Peoples Methodist Al
lance, the Young Peoples Christian
League, the Methodist Young People's
Union. and the Methodist EDisnoral ALL
ance. Each Of these societies was quite
active in pushing its respective organiza-
ton. which resulted in opposition and
friction when they began TO operate in
one another's territory.
II was recognized by each one that some
step should be taken TO harmonic and CEN
tralize the work. Finally, the Methodist
Alliance proposed a conference. and DR..
b. r. Dimmick, pastor of Central Church.
Cleveland. Ohio, invited representatives
OF the societies to meet in that church
The invitation was accepted and the lead
ers met May IA. 1889. After a spirited
debate, much prayer, and consultation,
the work was accomplished. and the news
was flashed over the wire next day that
a union had been formed known as the
Epworth League.
Given Its Name.
The name adopted was accidental; sew
eral had been proposed. and one OF the
speakers. in referring to the oxford
League and Epworth Hyrnnal by a slip Of
the tongue. said: oxford Hymnal and
Epworth League" The latter name made
such an Impression that 1t was finally
adopted.
Epworth has from the beginning of
Methodism been a familiar name TO its
adhercnts. Epworth rectory being the
birthplace of its founder. John Wesley
The Epwcrth League became an organic
part OF the Methodist Episcopal Church
during the general conference OF 1892 and
the central Office was located from the
first at Chicago.
''our Youth" paper recognized as the
official organ of the oxford League. was
adopted as the temporary organ OF the
new organization. The founding of the
''Epworth HERALD as the Official ORGAN
of the league marked new epoch in the
publication Of church periodicals Rev.
Joseph +. Berry, ID. D.. was elected editor
and the first issue came from the press in
May. 1890. II has the largest circulation
of any weekly church paper published in
the world. Its subscription list shows
over 100000 subscribers. IL is a twenty
four page illustrated paper, and at even
the small price of 81 per year is pub
lished at financial profit greater than
that OF all other Official papers OF the !
Episcopal Church combined.
More than $4,000 per annum in net |
profits is turned over TO the Conference
Claimants Fund" When Epworthians |
subscribe for this paper they also are
helping 10 support the worn out preachers |
of the church, who have given the best OF /
their lives in the furtherance OF Christ's |
kingdom on earth.
In Foreign Lands.
While the league is overwhelmingly |
American 1t is becoming strongly in
trenched in foreign lands.
True to the instincts OF the gospel.
Wesley cried, THE world is my parish"
the Methodist Church goes the
league follows. The sun never sets on
he Epworth League Its chapters are
ocated in some twenty foreign countries.
angling In latitude from Norway 10 Ma
aysia; Iongitudinally IT belts the globe.
40 $50.