The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1908-03-10
1000 DELEGATES
IN CONVENTION
BIG YOUNG PEOPLES RALLY AT
PITTs9uRe-eREAT MISSION.
AIRY MOVEMENT.

PITTsBURG. Pa, March 10.-orer
1000 delegates, representing 17.O00OO0
young people in the United states and
Canada, presented their credentials at
the opening session today OF the first
international convention of the Young
Peoples Missionary movement. The
Plttsburg Exposition music hall is the
scene OF the vast assemblage, which
includes some of the foremost mis-.
sionaries, clergyman and laymen Of
America and Europe. as well as thou.
sands OF enthusiastic workers of the
youth OF both sexes intent upon the
Christianization OF the entire world.
The list Of speakers for the three days
of the conference Includes nearly a
hundred names. The missionary
bodies OF nearly every denomination
are represented by their head officers
and the presidents Of scores of de-
nominatIonal colleges and young PEG.
pies organizations are present.
In its essentials the convention Is
remarkable in several respects. 1t is
the first of the kind ever held; 1t Is
a religious convention of earnest
workers, but there is no such thing as
denomlnatlonism recognized in 1t. ev.
cry known Protestant church being
largely represented; 1t is a convention
of an organized movement. effecting
100000 young people, but which con.
tains no membership; and while it is
in charge of young people. it is par.
ticipated in by US many old as young
persons.
The purpose of the convention. one
OF the largest ever held in the country,
is fourtold. viz: to bring together
leaders in missionary effort and those
to whom the boards will look for
leadership for helpful conference; to-
consider the pressing need for an ad.
vance movement at home and abroad;
to discuss the present campaign Of
missionary education and formulate
plans for its extension; and to pray
and earnestly resolve to enter with
greater conservation upon the cam.
paign Of missionary education among
the 100000 young men and young
women and Sunday school members
in the United States and Canada"
The Increase in systematic study Of
mission affairs by the young people OF
the churches since the organization OF
the Young Peoples Missionary Move.
ment is considered by leaders to be
remarkable. The records show that
in 1903 there were 1900 young people
in mission study classes, in 1905 there
We're 10000, and this year the numbers
run over 100000, and are still rapidly
owing. There is now hardly a de.
ir9ton but what has its young
peoples secretary, especially engaged
in the direction of this study among
the young people. and in the larger
bodies there are several, some work.
ing in the interests Of the foreign
field, others of the home
Three meetings will be held in EX.
position music hall each of the three
days. and all will be absolutely de-
void of all denomlnatlonal character
except that on Thursday afternoon
when group meetings will be held,
when the different denominations or
sectional groups will meet separately
and be addressed by their own lead.
ers.
A most interesting exhibit of edu.
cational literature was placed on dis.
play In the building used by the Ex-
position society as a restaurant. and
there is also collection OF curios
from foreign lands, and displays Of
stereoscopic. colored engagements
and lantern slides of views taken in
the mission fields.