The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-06-10

The Annual Meeting and Election
Of the z. M! c. A. Held Last
Evening. Il
Report Of Secretary Goddard Shows
Rapid Growth and a Bright
Outlook. 81

- -
Outlook. 81
W. j. Dean was again reelected presi-
dent Of the Young Mems Christian ASSOC
citation at Its annual meeting last even
ing. This is Mr.. Deans seventh term In
that office. The other officers We're re-
elected as follows: Vice presidents, Hec-
tor Baxter and E. w. Decker; correspond
ing secretary. G.. "A. Gruman; treasurer,
J. M. Martin. Directors were reelected
for three years as follows: w. J. Dean,
II. Baxter; e. w. Decker, F. W.. Lyman,
l.. w. thinner. e. ]. Copper, J. s. Port-
eous. To fill the term of Frank Nay, A.
4. Rogers was elected.
Secretaries were reappointed: General.
r. p Goddard; physical, DR.. r. L.
Weston; educa tional, E. A. Purdy; bows.
w. G. Cutlfch.
The annual reports showed that the
number OF men and boys using the phys
zeal department had increased Is per cent
over that OF last year. One thousand
lockers are now in use. and there are
nine or ten gymnasium classes a. week
Inc association has been successful in
all lines under the general direction Of
Secretary H. P. Goddard. abIv assisted by
the regular force of secretaries and al.
slstants. Mr.. Goddard's report in part
was a S follows:
Responsibility of Supervision.
The time has come when the responsihi,it7 .,
general supervision of the affairs of an sssocia.
ton like ours are not small. As the possibilities
OF the work In this city become more and more
clear 70 me. am more and more impressed
with feeling of this responsibilities. RI in tho
judgment OF this beard the time has come when
higher order of ability than mine is demanded
Tor the proper development and extension of the
X. i fall H. 1
Membership.
The largest demand is for work for young
men without homes and for those who have
not en5oyed large educational advantages. Our
EFFORTS have been directed very largely toward
reaching this class. High school boys and young
men from the best homes in the city are quite
as much In need of the work as these Mr..
woodward. the membership secretary resigned
Jan. 1. still with less help we were able h,
increase the membership % per cent or from
LOO a year ago to 1888. The largest per
cent OF increase was in the boys department,
ship fees increased from $7,129 last year to
Ss.6l0.40 for the year just closing. We ought
with an energetic man of resources in charge
OF the membership work, to increase the above
number to 1900 this year.
Educational
The growth Of the educational department has
exceeded our expectations. This we consider
due very largely to the educational committee.
especially It's chairman, W. Y. Chute, also to the
fact that Mr.. Purdy, the director, has proven
himself exceptionally well qualified for his posi-
tion. Some seven or eight new classes have
been added, and spring term with class
rollment of eighty-ive inaugurated. The enroll
ment OF different students, senior department
numbered Oil as against 1854 for the previous
year, an increase OF 40 per cent with an in.
crease in receipts from fees of IS per cent or
$1,s11.9o, as against $1,24s for last year. -
Religions
The average attendan nee for the year at the
Sunday afternoon mems meetings, into which
we put special effort was 2o7; an increase Of
IL per cent over last year, and nearly 100 per
cent over three years ago. The increase in
attendance at Bible classes was 80 per cent.
One hundred and FIVE young publicly ex-
pressed q desire to lead Christian lives: this
an increase of 100 per cent. Figures cannot
show the results of the work Of this department
Of our activities, as men do not discuss these
matters with freedom. -
Last year raised by, special pledge for
missions, very largely from the younger members
of the association, an even $500, $3.50 Of which
applied to work among the Sioux Indians,
and $40 for the support of B. A. shuman in
South America.
Social Features.
The social side of the work has not as yet
been developed to point to in any
respond with our conception Of 1t. During the
gatherings of social nature These were at
tended by an aggregate Of 300 persons, or an
average Of nearly 100.
Boys Department.
We now have this department of the asso-
citation fairly unler way. The progress made
equipment, has been all that could be expected.
Membership increased from 800 to 409-37 per
cent; enrolment in working boys department,
last year H. this year IS, and splendid increases
in religious, social and physical work The
crying need Of the department is for separate
building to be used exclusively by boys.
Financial Affairs.
The finances of the association considering
the fact that we have secured the pledges to-
ward the debt fund from practically the same
men who contribute to the current expense fund
are in most excellent condition. Practically all
bills except $500 interest paid. Practically all
not be behind even this amount had we not
paid out Of the general fund some $500 for
debt campaign expenses.
Since Jan. we have taken 127 pledges,
amounting to s4,471; last year 1872 pledges were
year Of 1885,
There is every reason to expect that with
reasonable amount of work we shall be free
not only from mortgage, but all other debt-a
condition unknown by this association for at
least twelve years, by Jan. i.
Building.
Last year we spent some 1900 in repairs
and betterments. Until we come to some def
mite conclusion as to what disposition we shall
make Of the auditorium room 1t would not he
advisable to finish more space In the upper part
Of the building. The gymnasium bath and locker
rooms are In need of extensive repairs. The
rooms in the building occupied by young men
have been cleaned and some repapered and re.
carpeted.
Entertainment Course.
The popular entertainment course seems to
meet a want and need, and has proven a success
each year since introduced under the present
plan.
Committee Service.
The committee service Of the association has
not been what 1t should. The failure is due to
the fact that the other duties devolving upon
the employed force of the association have
been 80 large and pressing that the time and
thought necessary to work out plans and get
them into operation thru committees has been
wanting.
Miscellaneous Work.
The thirty rooms in the building have been
constantly filled. providing an excellent home
for about fifty young men, and bringing hand
some sum into our treasury. Some 500 Young
men, mostly strangers In the city, have been
directed to boarding and rooming places a
limited number of young men have been assisted
in securing employment. and some have been
helped to advance to better positions thru the
agency OF the association. The annual statfstf-
cal and financial statement of the association
giving accurate and complete figures touching
every department OF our work, will be issued
soon.
NOT TAKEN AS a PLEDGE
The Free Church Clears Up the Auqs.
burg Seminary Subscription