The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1908-05-18
Speakers of Note Pay Tribute
To Efforts of Local People
And Tell of Work of the AS
SociatiOn.
EVENT OF YESTERDAY
WAS SIGNIFICANT.
One of Several Events Which
Mark elimination of the
Dreams of Those Who Have
Worked Long and Hard.

It was in 1914 that Il small group of
dry goods clerks conceived the plan
for an organization that has develop
ed into what now is known as the
Young Mems Christian Association.
Sixty four years later the association
became represented in this city by the
erection of a modern four story brick
and stone building as a home. The
course of erection was laid yesterday
with ceremonies of an appropriate
nature. The exercises were divided
into two parts. The speech making
and devotional portion of the ceremo-
nies was held at the Gennett theater
Upon the completion of this section of
the program, the large audience and
the principals crossed the street to
the site of the new building where the
second portion, consisting of the plac-
ing of the stone in position, was held.
The crowd attending was large and
Included many of those persons who
had been members of the former assoc
alton branch that existed in this city
number of years ago. These men
had seen the establishment of one as
sociation In this city, IT'S crumble and
decay. They have been the most act
i've workers in its rcjuvenation and
have famed the smoldering sparks of
interest that remained, into a flame
that spread and ignited other forces,
which swept the city in a conflagration
of enthusiasm, which resulted in per
sonnl subscriptions amounting to 500
COO and made possible another associa-
tion in splendid home.
The exercises at the theatcr were
presided over by Sharon Jones. presi-
dent of the board of directors. Mr.
Jones has been one of the most enthu-
siastic workers in behalf of the organ
i0ation. He is not young man in
years, strictly speaking, but his fervor
in behalf of the association was ex-
emplary for others. Others beside
Mr.. Jones, who were seated on the
stage were those who took part in the
program, which was carried out just as
printed, the ministers of the city, the
board of trustees and members of the
forty voices.
Following music by the High School
orchestra, invocation by DR.. S. r. Ly-
Ons, songs by the chorus, solo by
Thurman Overman, the singing of
hymns, prayer by the Rev. Conrad HUI
Der and the reading of the scriptures
by Charles II. Brown, f. f. Stacey.
state secretary was introduced to the
audience. 1t was not the first appear
ance Of Mr.. Stacey and he made known
the fact by a reference He stated he
had been present at the obsequies of
the old association when it died from
senility. In leading up to his subject,
Mr.. Stacey took occasion to pay his
compliments to Timothy Nicholson, of
this city.
Secretary Stacey presented greetings
from the brotherhood of the Young
Mems Christian associations of North
plishments of the Y. NJ. c. A. and told
what it has done for the young men of
the world, but confined his remarks
more particularly to North America
and the United States. He told of the
different branches inculcated in the
whole and related the circumstances OF
the great success and splendid results
accomplished. He spoke of the need
for a civic revival throughout the
country and stated the Y. NJ. c. A. may
be counted upon as a leading force
The scope of the work of the associa
tion was reviewed. He congratulated
the citizens of Richmond on the
splendid building they have erected
and because of the general interest
that was taken in the movement fol
flowing the campaign for funds
Object of Association.
Upon the completion of a selection
by the male chorus, the chairman in
troduced l.. Wilbur Messer general sec
Tetary of the Metropolitan association
of Chicago, His address was Of a
pleasing nature and was devoted main
~ TO an explanation Of what Is &C
Complished by such an organization as
the Y. NJ. c. A, and its scope of influ
ence. He related briefly the histor,
of the institution and told of its prog
ress with the increasing number OF
years until at present il is recognized
rs universal power for good. He ex
planned one of the primary objects Of
Abe association is to build up what 9th
ers tear down. He related the system
pracuced in some cities where there