Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1906-03-15

Seminary New York. has said: 'If were asked ~ go,
agency that within the last few years has been most hen
full the Church OF Christ and successful in wnnny
men the Christian life without hesitation would saw the
Young Mems Christian Association Bv its able system ~
Bible study by the visible hopeful and tone Of its
meetings for by the wisdom of methods of
work. by its cosmopolitan brotherness it has reached the
highest level of efficiency attained by the moral and spiritual
forces of our time"
This is the simple statement of what the Y NJ G. A has
attained eastern and central cities 1t has not reached
this high point of efficiency in city because of the in
difference and lukewarmness the spiritual leaders and
workers in evangelical churches
In order to have status in the international conventions
the active controlling membership of the Y NJ c. A. must
be identified with some evangelical church, and there be
any rivalry or jealousy how house divided stand! But
there is also an associate membership composed
good moral character The associations have all been
formed tor the promotion OF the physical social and
spiritual welfare of their members
brief Of the history of the movement will be
necessary for clear understanding of Association as it
exists today-in the east of course
In 184l George Williams, newly converted and now an
earnest personal Christian worker left his country
the south of England London and entered the large
dry goods establishment of Hitchcock Co. By personal
work among the employees there three years later he
uaded twelve of them to form themselves into federation
Christian workers with the Young Mems Christian
Association. Thus the origin of the Y NJ c. A. was dis.
nctly and entirely spiritual But it that the
association could also minister to the intellectual needs both
worthy end in ITSELF and also helpful the
promotion of spiritual betterment further widening
in the introduction of social features then physical
ing and gymnasum Thus grew and developed the
fundamental factors in the Y NJ c. A. of today That the
religion of Jesus Christ is intended save redeem and deve
ope the whole body soul and spirit idea which is
slowly but surely taking hold and becoming dominant the
modern church, which, however, admit, found
first expression in the Y NJ. G. A.
Never there clearer illustration of the old adage
mighty oaks from little grow" AS those little
springs away up northwestern wy.
omng those the Black Forest of Germany widen and
deepen in their downward flow and accumuatons until the
Danube the Rhine the Columbia the Mississippi they
able bear the of states and nations So little
sparks Christian love gned the hearts of that little band
during their prayer meetings in the of the great
of Hitchcock Co., have and increased stature
and in wisdom, in favor with God and with until
President Hall has sad they have reached the highest level
of efficiency attained by the moral and spiritual forces of
age"
The number its members has increased and the value
of its property away up in the millions firm
y established every country Europe in lnda in China
and in Japan in South Africa, in Australia and South Amer
ca in country where Sat the name OF Christ every
knee doth bow"
In 1881 the Association crossed Atlantic and formed
first Montreal then Boston, rapidly spreading south to
New Orleans San Francisco and Victoria and today
its total membership the half million mark with 800
worth of property and 100000 tor current
penses yearly Enough of its history and growth Now as
its methods and line of work. which shall be treated in the
order of their historical Development viz: Religious; e.
intellectually Social 4, Physical; s. Special classes formed
of Y M. c. A. workers work the outside, down town
l. Religious. The distinctly religious element already
stated is Of first Importance not because was hrst deve
oped and origin of the association but because OF its
intrinsic value fuel feed the fire of aith-fath the
foundation of good works and noble deeds prmar,
tor betterment men tnat the aSSocd
tons exist chief the attainment of this
is dstnctvely a religious effort Its other work may bt
done with the greater success but the religious element
also developed and deepened and purified the ASSOCIATION
has absolutely rason etre without any JUST
caton whatsoever for its existence becomes club only
not Christian association -
"The Young Mems Christian Association is differentiated
from merely recreave ethical movement by it
pervading spiritual and its aggressive religious activity
The establishment of righteousness through complete esu
render to the principles and faith Jesus Christ Savior
Lord and Master This fundamental and controlling
actor The line of religious activity important must
subdvded: (a) Bible study order to get compehensv
knowledge of the Scriptures time Of writing authorship
purpose for training in public work as foun
in church and Sunday school, CO. Devotional tor the pur
pose of promoting the spiritual fe this ought also to
evangelical training those who participate for the
of Others very helpful of lessons are furnished