The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-06-15
ISSUE AN ADDRESS
Y. NJ. C. a. Directors Tell Why New
Building Is Needed.

The total amount now subscribed
for the new Y. NJ. G. A. home
amounts to $4,000. A number Of
large subscriptions, at least two OF
$4,000 EACH are expected to be ready
to be announced at the meeting of
the board of Y. NJ c. A. directors to-
night 1t is thought that the contrl-
buttons by tonight will aggregate at
least 100000.
1t appears now as if little difficulty
would be experienced in raising the
money. Among those who are able
to give freely number have an
nounced that they viii help, but wish
to withhold any definite contribution
for several days.
The board of directors met infor-
mally Tuesday afternoon and pre-
pared. the following statement to the
general public on the efforts being
made to secure the building:
The association now has $50 mem
bers, of whom ITO are young men and
$50 are boys under the age of sixteen
years. The present rented quarters
have been occupied for ten years and
have become wholly inadequate and
unsuited for the need of the present
membership. Practically nothing has
been expended for equipment during
the past ten years except $500 gen
erously donated by the Rev. G. NJ.
Sheldon about four years ago. The
floor coverings, bath and toilet rooms
with the gymnasium apparatus and
other fixtures have done good service,
and excellent work has been accom-
plished with them, but they have now
become worn to such an extent that
a considerable outlay is imperatiyely
necessary at an early day. With the
current expenses aggregating S1O,5O0
annually, a large part of which is for
rent and repairs, we are certain that
the expenditure of $4,000 that is re-
CURED for present repairs and reno
vations would not be justifable OF
the $l0,5 annual expenses the mem
bers contribute a least two-thirds or
about $1,000, which is far above the
average. The membership is not in
creaSlng, and we cannot hope to
reach and hold others under present
conditions. It has grown steadily for
ten years from about 200 to the pres
ent membership of $50, and would
continue to grow if we could provide
room with even the present mad
equate accommodations for them. In
a word, the association must either
secure larger quarters and better
equipment or it viii deteriorate in
both members and efficiency: it can
not remain stationary The onIv sat
1sLactory solution of the problem is
a suitable association building. we
unanimously agreed that such a
building can and should be erected
WITHIN the next eighteen months.
me cost, including site, will be
apoul $fo,OOO. This may seem large
sum 10 some persons, but the need mr.
opportunity are large, and surely
there IS enough wealth. ChristianitS
ana public spirit in our city to fur.
nlsh thls sum. which is a Dermanen-
investment not only for this genera.
ton, but for others to come. Man,
other cities of less Importance viii
smaller population and wealth. ant
not nearly so many members in theit
associations, are investing much NOR,
money in this way The annual in
Lerest on $4,000 at per cent il
$5,l5O, which is about one-third of tn,
present current expenses. This SIM
Will be saved every year by rent am
repairs alone, to say nothing of tn
large net income that will be derived
from the dormitories. The universe
experience of other associations ha
been that with a suitable buildinj
properly equipped the membership
would be doubled within two years
Ihls viii undoubtedly be the result il
Topeka. To accommodate such
membership, which will, within tw
years be at least 1900, will require
building not less than 75x125 feet i
dimension, four stories high with base
ment. Such a building would be a
follows:
In the basement-Bowling alley.
natatorium 25x60, boiler room, locke
room, camera club dark room, bicycl
room bath room, wash room an
lavatories.
First Reception hall, secre
tary's Office, business Office, readin
room and parlor, gymnasium 40xS0.
Second 6oOr-Running track c
gymnasium. boys reading and gam
room. religious work secretary's offic,
auditorium for 500 men,
Third fioor-Educational elias