Willmar tribune., 1908-07-22
The STATE C.E.
CONVENTION
Bright and Enthusiastic Younu
Christian EndeaVOrerS Have
Come, Met and Gone,

The Nineteenth Convention of
the Minnesota Christian Endeavor
Union has come and gone. For the
first time since the establishment
of the movement more than a quar-
ter of century ago, Willmar has
had the honor of entertaining with
in its gates Christian Endeavorers
assembled from all parts of the
state. That the honor thus con-
ferred on it was duly appreciated
goes without saying, especially
when it is known that Willmar won
out over St. Peter and Minneapolis,
both of which wanted the conven-
tlon. The convention came here as
a result of the efforts of the local
society aided by the generous and
effective cooperation of the Com
mercial Club, and congratulations
are due to them both for securing
the convention as we'll as for the
splendid manner in which every de-
tail in regard to the entertainment
OF delegates was carried out. The
work was done thru committees, all
of which performed their tasks
gladly and effectively and with gen.
erous support on the part of our
citizens, it is no wonder that the
nineteenth convention proved a sue
cessful and a memorable one.
The meeting did not begin until
Thursday evening, but on Tuesday
Willmar began to prepare for the
occasion. A big "Welcome" arch
tastefully decorated with the C. E.
colors, red and white, was erected
opposite the depot, and everywhere
all thru the city, on business build
ings and private residences, were
placed C. E. banners, flags and pen
nants. Even the bootblacks caught
the spirit and they added their
humble mite to the general gala ap-
pearance of the streets by winding
red and white bunting around their
chairs. To crown all, the weather
proved ideal-summer days with
glorious sunshine and cooling
breezes, and this added a great
deal in making the gathering sue
cess.
The delegates began to arrive on
the afternoon train on Thursday.
They were met at the station by
"pages" and "ladies in waiting" "
who escorted them to the C. E..
Headquarters in the Larson build
ing on Sixth street and Benson ave-
nue.. Here they registered, re-
ceived badges and were assigned to
places of entertainment. Part of
the building had been fitted out as
writing room with stationery,
and here the degates could sit down
and write home "all about it, at
any time of the day.
The largest delegation, number
ing about 100, arrived Thursday af-
ternoon on the special from St.
Paul and Minneapolis, and with
their arrival the Christian En-
deavorers of the State really took
possession Of the city tho the for
NAL transfer did not take place be-
fore at the opening session in the
evening, when Atty. T. O. Gilbert,
in speaking for the Commercial
Club, turned the city over to the
delegates. In doing so, Mr.. Gil
bert said in part:
1T is always a pleasant task tc
welcome convention, especially in
this town, when we can welcome
desirable citizens such as you
are, representing the best citizen
ship. The good Christian is always
good citizen. Your banner reads,
''For Christ and the Church." and
that is the spirit we need today tc
save society from greed and low
ideals. That is the spirit which
by effort and influence you en-.
deavor to impart to those with
whom you come in contact, and
know our citizens will feel it as yor
mingle with them during you1
brief stay here. We are proud o1
our city. We are proud of it's at
mosphere, morally, intellectually
We are proud of it because yor
will not find in it a single haunt OF
vice. 1t is safe and beautiful, il
is a city of homes-and it il
YOURS" The speaker was greeted
with a most hearty applause, al
applause such as greeted all gooc
things on the program, and such a!
only gathering Of spirited, enthu
siastic Christian Endeavorers car
bestow.
Rev. H. C. Buell. then spoke il
behalf Of the entertaining church
He expressed warm appreciation
OF the interest, cordiality and CO
operation manifested by the Com
mercial Club and the citizens O.
Wlllmar, and closed by saying
"Your Worth is warrant for you]
Welcome." Your org an i z at j ol
more than any other deserves
most hearty welcome. For wha
organization, fraternal, political