Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1912-03-26
Walter e. Douglas Retires

Another Of that diminishing frst
generation of general secretaries who
fought the Associations battles and
helped define its way to clear lined
service has felt the necessity of laying
down the burdens of his Office as general
secretary. Yet Walter c. Douglas is not
an old mana little past sixty bit the
terrific strain Under which he hiss lab
otcd, aud street railway accident OF 4
few years ago. made it necessary to drop
the load. He leaves the Philadelphia
Association with series of buildings
and property worth much over 81. 900,
600. When he went there ~ years ago
the central building was encountered
with debt. A year ago the greatest
campaign everconducted wassuccessfully
carried through-&I. o4o 900 raised in
ten days.
Mr.. Douglas was Southern man. a
fiery young lawyer of lively social
instiacts, of houored Virglnian ancestry,
aud scoffer at religion. The secretary
OF the State Committee of Missouri. the
late w. Hargrave White. induced him to
attend religious service in the early
seventies which led the scoffer to pray
then to devote himself with all his
impetuous fire and fervor to the cause
and Kingdom of Christ. The ST. Louis
Association felt the upIift of the man and
soon called him to be its general
secretary. In this border city of the
South he harmonized all interests
brought Christian men of different parties
and UNCONVENTIONAL prejudices-thsn
exceedingly strong-together in united
service. Instead of allowing the
Association to do general work." he
made it distinct and to bereckoned-
factor in the religiousli life of men. Then
the first building was acquired. From
that time the mans influence, ideas and
throbbing force were felt throughout the
movement. He interpreted the Assocla-
ton then, as he ever has, IN his rich.
warm personality. He became force
to be reckoned with while state secetary
OF Massachusetts and general secretary
at Boston and later at Philadelphia. He
has shaped the platforms of two great
conventions on two of the most serious
occasions that the movement has
confronted. He has stood tor things
fundamental, constructive and unlfyipp.
1t is hoped that his strength will
rebound now the load is off his shau ders.
and that his spendid voice viii be heard
on Association platforms.
The cause needs to day the magnetic
touch of such man of magnificent ideas.
that its wisdom and its wealth, its CHAR
acter and its conservatism NAV be
with the fire of an enkindliuq
enthusiasm.
The Philadelphia directors have re- |
corded their high appreciation of Mr..
Douglas character, example, and useful |
hess and have given him an an 1uity for
life equal to two thirds of his former
'alary. Mr.. Douglas has purchased a |
home and settled at Atlantic City and is,
with care. keeping himself in good health
md spirits.
We copy the above from the February
lumber OF Association Men, the maya
Inc of Young Mems Christian Assoc,a.
ions. Mr.Douglas is native of Charles
Fown,a sou pf the late Judge l. r Doug.
as. and a relative of the late John
stephenson, to whose benefaction Charles
own is indebted for the sites of the
'resoyterian church and manse. Ste.
henson Seminary and Edge Hill Gene
cry. Again, in this case, we take
ieasure in noting another former
haries Town boy who has reached
rominent and honorable position in life, 6
nd OF whom we are justly proud. {