Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-01-20
President Woodward's Address.

PRESIDENT WoodWard'S ADDRESS.
President Woodward called the assem-
blage to order Immediately after the APP
plause caused by the advent Of the ladies
died away, and said:
I'VE meet tonight to celebrate the fiftieth
anniversary of the Washington Young
Mems Christian Association-our jubilee
nniversary-commemora of the fact
that only few months behind our cities of
Boston and Montreal in establishing work
of young men for young men Washington
also found group of young men imbued
with the idea that Washington ought to
have such an association. 1t Is we'll for us
to pause on occasions like this, to note the
way which we have come, the cause of
failure and to carefully view the difficulties
awaiting US in the future, and as faithful
servants to gather fresh strength to sur
mount and overcome these difficulties,
Business men now recognize that the Young
Mems Christian ASsocia ton is an economic
force in the city's life; fathers and mothers
recognize the value Of association influence
and surroundings by writing to the associa-
TONS officers, and begging them to care for
their boy, who leaves home for the first
time to encounter the temptations of city
life Scores Of such letters are on file in every
association office and not week passes
but that they are received by our associa-
ton in Washington. AS testimony to the
good accomplished, we have here in WASH
ington. on our board of managers. even men
who believe they were saved by the infiu-
ence of our association twenty-five years
ago. -~-
Corporation presidents now freely advise
their boards Of directors to vote appropria-
lions of money to build Y. M. c. A. build
ings on more than half Of the principal
railroads of this country. The secretaries
of the army and navy in their reports to
Congress gladly recognize the value of the
association to the soldiers and sailors, both
| In home and foreign countries. The presi-
dents Of the foremost colleges and universe
ties in our land testify to the value of the
association in the moral and religious life
OF their students. We believe 1t is not
making too strong statement to say that
the Young Mems Christian Association of
today has become one OF the important
factors in the civilization of the twentieth
century.
"Our association has not always been
carried on with ease and in times of re-
5oicing. Three times our buildings have
been destroyed by fire. and our association
life and activity hindered thereby. Four
years ago. after an interruption Of our
work for many months, chain Of fortui-
tous circumstances placed us in possession
Of our present building, fairly we'll equipped
for physical department work and social
occasions, but very poorly equipped for re-.
ligious and educational work. Nevertheless
We have maintained these departments un-
der great disadvantages and with some
measure of success.
Speaking of our religious work: our d.
reetors authorize me to thank you for send
Ing your representatives to us two wears
I ago, and suggesting to us that we take up
the privilege Of supporting a foreign secre-
tary In India to promote the cause of
Christ In Allahaba India. This work we
undertook, and 200 Of our young men es-