The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1911-05-25
PLAN BIGGEST
CHRISTIANITY
Movement to Be Launched
simultaneously From
Atlantic to Pacific
IVYHAT is called 1.-THE men and
WV religion forward move
ment," but what In reality

AeuI, DuC WHAT Id reality
is simply the placing of re.
Iglon on business basis and teach
ing it to the masses in a sensible, rea-
sonable way, is in process Of being
launched from New York. 1t prom
ises to be the most impressive re-
igious movement ever witnessed in
this country. 1t is certainly the most
thoroughly organized and carefully
planned. simultaneously this greatest
of all rev1vals will be carried on from
ocean to ocean, and it is expected that
not only will Christianity be strength
ened, but that the exact balance of
the sexes in the churches will be re-
stored. At present there is a great
preponderance Of women over men,
and it is proposed to cure this one
sided condition by bringing more men
into the church. Placing religion ION
business basis" is expected to bring
about this result. Roy B. Guild, ex-
ecutiVe secretary of "the men and re-
lgion forward movement" explained
Its scope and the hopes of it's directors
in an interview.
'The masculine element in the Chris
tan church is much less developed
than the feminine" said Mr.. Guild
AT the smallest calculation there are
100000 fewer men and boys in the
Christian churches Of North America
than Of the other sex. This would be
equally sad If the order were reversed
All are agreed that the men and boys
should share equally with the women
and girls the responsibilities and
blessings Of the Christian life. To
find and properly affiliate with the
church these missing 100000 Of
North American manhood is an un-
dertaking for men and is the object in
view Of the greatest religious move
ment that this country has ever seen
and which is now about to be brought
to the attention Of the public.
Organizations Interested.
"The movement is the best equipped,
best planned and the most promising
campaign that has ever been attempt
ed in this country to restore to the
religious life the men and boys who
have drifted away. 1t is a co-opera-
tive attempt Of all the religious organ
izations working especially among men
and boys to make the year 1912 a
year Of special emphasis. The genius
Of it is that all the mems organiza-
lions Of the leading denominations, the
international Sunday School associa-
ton. with it's adult membership of
nearly a million; the Gideon Associa-
ton Of Travelling Statesmen, who place
Bibles in hotels, and the international
committee of the Y. NJ. O. A. are band
ed together: James G.. Cannon, presi-
dent of the Fourth National bank of
New York, is president of a commit
tee Of ninety-seven progressive men,
representing all parts Of the continent,
which has the campaign in hand. It
is the intention that by fall there shall
be movement toward the bringing
back to the church Of the manhood of
this country that will stir the nation.
Erred B. Smith, religious director of
the Y. M. G. A., is the campaign lead
er and has associated with him Fay
cite L. Thompson. who is the general
secretary of the Methodist brother
hood. James Whitmore is the promo
ton secretary having to do with the
establishment Of the campaign in diff
ferent cities. I am the executive Sec
rotary in the organization and pub
licity end The movement is organ
lied on business lines and is destined
to stir the country as nothing else has
done. Professor Walter Rauschen-
busch Of the department Of church his
tory, Rochester Theological seminary,
says Of it: 4 have been deeply stirred
as my mind has worked over the pos
sibilities Of this movement. 1t is con-
ceived on large, strategic lines. 1t is
managed by sagacious men who are
open minded to our modern needs and
not afraid. The inspiring and educat-
ing influence which it will exert on the
men and the organizations participant
ing in it will carry far beyond the i'm
mediate movement. In fact, I think
that the indirect effects are likely to
outweigh and outlast the immediate
effects, great as they will be-
Church Membership.
"A summary of the condition Of the
country as to its church membership
shows that 13 4-5 per cent Of the pop
ulation are members of the Roman
Catholic church, "a Is per cent are
members Of the different Protestant
churches and 6O3-5 per cent are of
the great unchurched mass, among
whom we hope to find the missing
100000 men and boys and bring
them back into the fold.
'This does not take into account the
Jews and members of other religious
organizations outside Of Christianity.
'"The plan Of campaign is to reach
ninety cities Of the country from Ban
gor, Me-, to Seattle, WASH, in which
the campaign will be carried on vigor-