Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-27
contests have taken place during the past

contests have taken place during the past
few weeks.
A number of the Protestant Episcopal
churches in the city also have base paii
teams in connection with their work among
young men. Among others represented are
the Pro-Cathedral Church of the Ascension
and st. Stephens Church. The Holy Name
Catholic Church has base ball club and
ST. Peters Catholic Church is represented
by basket ball team. In large number
of churches of all denominations prepara-
lions are under way looking toward the or
ganization of base ball teams and athletic
associations for next season, and 1t Is PROB
able that evidences of the strenuous life
will be noticed quite generally in the re-
ligious societies throughout the city.
The Gymnasium Feature.
At least two churches in the city have es-
tablished gymnasiums in connection with
their work These are the Fourth PreSby-
terrain Church and the Whitney Avenue
Christian Church The Whitney Avenue
Church built it's gymnasium several years
ago. and according to prominent members
of the society it has proved to be uSeful
and profitable. In addition to the provision
for gymnastic exercise in the building, a
reading room has also been estapnsned
there, and the structure has been used Tor
entertainments, etc.
More than two years ago movement
was started by Rev. DR.. Joseph T. Kelly
pastor of the Fourth Presbyterian Church,
for the building of a gymnasium In connec-
ton with the church. and Christmas day,
1901 the sum of 81 500 was contributed to
the project. The congregation purchased
additional ground in the rear or the church
edifice and further contributions were occa-
sionally made to the building fund. 1t was
finally agreed to borrow $500 for the pur-
pose of erecting the gymnasium. May ~
last the new building was formally opened
to the public 1t occupies space about 5O
by 80 feet and is fitted up with the neceS-
sary pymnastic apparatus. In the base
ment baths will be installed and reading
room will be opened up in part of the
structure. Thus far the building has cost
about $4,000, and when completed the total
cost will be in the neighborhood of 49,
The gymnasium will not be opened Tor gem
eral use until next fall, when 1t Is hoped
that classes will be organized by both sexes
of the church and Sunday school.
The project, it is stated, has met with a
great deal of favor among the members OF
the congregation, and 1t is thought II Will
prove a valuable auxiliary to the church
In number of other churches some or the
leading spirits are advocating the erection
of similar buildings, and 1t is beneved tnat
with the stimulus which will result from
the outdoor athletics the gymnasium pro-
jects will meet with increased favor.
Some Of the Results.
When the movement for introducing ath-
letics into the work of the churches, as
an auxiliary to their work among young
men. was first presented, the idea was
confronted, it is stated with considerable
opposition from various members of the
respective religious societies The argu-
ment was advanced that healthful sports,
such as were contemplated, were incom-
patible with religious work, and that the
churches by countenancing the movement
would be lowering their standards to
worldly interests to the great disadvantage
of the churches. Notwithstanding the oppo-