Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-10-08
ENDEAVOR
rs WORLD WIDE

The following account of recent Christian
Endeavor conventions held In all parts OF
the world Is taken from the last quarterly
report of Rev. Francis E. Clarke, president
of the United Society of Christian En-
deavor:
My report for this quarter may well be
a brief one, so far as my personal connec-,
ton with the cause has been concerned, for
it covers period of illness during which L
have been laid aside almost entirely from
my usual work until within the last two or
three weeks.
But, though I can report but little that
have been able to accomplish. I can record
with joy the recent unexampled progress
of the Christian Endeavor movement
throughout the world
1.-The great convention at Baltimore is one
proof of this. From many eye witnesses
and multitude of correspondents l have
had glowing reports of 1t. Echoes are now
coming back from different parts of the
world, and the enthusiasm, spiritual power.
and uplift of this convention evidently
made deep impression upon all. Better
than all, it told of great growth and prog
ress made in our own land.
Nor has this been the only notable event,
by any means in the recent months of
Christian Endeavor. During these months
the most memorable foreign Christian En-
deavor conventions ever held have assem-
bled, beginning with most excellent con-
yention in Japan, undisturbed by wars
rumors of wars.
This meeting was followed by remark
able all-China convention in Ningpo. In
some respects, we are told. this was the
most notable religious meeting ever held
in China. Something like eighty foreign
missionaries were present and the highest
official dignitaries of the province welcomed
the foreigners, a thing hitherto unheard OF
in Chinese annals. The whole influence of
the meeting was most helpful to the cause
of Christianity and Christian Endeavor.
"A little later came the British national
convention at Birmingham. which equaled
in enthusiasm and numbers the great meet
ings that have gone before ii, and our
British friends are not behind us in their
Christian Endeavor gatherings.
Two most important meetings have been
held in South Africa-one in Durham by the
South African Union, which is largely COM
posed of English societies, and another in
Graaf Reinet by the Dutch Reformed Union,
composed altogether of the Dutch societies.
THE growth OF this last union has been
very remarkable. there having been an in
crease of nearly 100 per cent within less
than twelve months. while the membership
in the 249 societies OF Dutch churches was
found to be nearly 5000 at the last conven-
ton. A field secretary for these societies
has been obtained, and Secretary Stackman
is also doing an admirable work among the
English societies.
1.-The best convention that Brazil has ever
held the one that assembled in the
spring and the work is spreading from that
country to other parts of South America.
Perhaps the most notable convention or
the year, in some respects, the all
European gathering held in Berlin, while
the hosts of America were gathered in Bal
timore.
mo such company of Christian Endeavor-
ers ever came together before on the CONT
nent of Europe, representing every nation
of the continent and 1t Is doubtful IL any
such INSTRUMENTATION and international
religious convention was ever held within
the borders of Europe. Some reports place
the numbers at the great praise service as
high as ten thousand. Emperor William
was represented by his nephew. and, 1t is
said would have been present himself had
he been in Berlin.
THE evangelistic spirit was as warm and
earnest as in Baltimore, and the influence
OF the convention will be vast and wide
spread, and viii prepare the way. doubt
less. for a still greater worlds convention
In Geneva next July.