Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-12-09
CORNERSTONE OF
NEW 7. NJ. C. A.
is SET IN PLACE
Gold Weather Keeps Many
Away From Ceremonies
Yesterday Afternoon.
CROWD OUT NEVERTHELESS
Esout 400 People See Big Block Of
Rock Dropped Into Place in
Foundation.

The greatest event in the history
.ot the Rock Island Y. NJ. c. A. took
place yesterday afternoon when the
cornerstone Of what is 70 be one Of
the finest institutions Of its kind in
the middle west was laid at the site OF
the new building at the corner Of
Twentieth street and Fifth avenue. A
crowd Of over 400 evidenced the
interest which attached TO the event
end II the weather had been milder
there would have been many times
that number. The Y. VI. c A. is
one OF four public or semipublic
bridings now under construction in
Rock Island The Manual Arts Ma
sonic temple. odd Fellows home and
y. NJ C. A are institutions of which
Rock Island may be proud
On account of the severe cold the
program was held In the First Metho-
diet church At 3 o'clock when the
services commenced the church was
filled. Tine opening remarks we're de.
ll"ered by II. B. Hayden. chairman Of
the special committee in charge OF
the days program. He introduced
Charles +. Sharpe as presiding Off
Cc- for the ceremonies.
Following scripture reading by Rev
z +. Newland a selection by the Dom
inoe Male quartet and prayer led by
Rev w 5. Marquis, L. 3. McKown
read an interesting historical sketch
OF the local Y. NJ. c. A.
ORGANIZED IN 1866.
Rock Islands first Young Mems
Christian association was organized in
1866, following a series Of evangelistic
meetings conducted by d. l.. Moody in
Ills city. u existed until some time
IN 1871. Edward Spencer, who is now
in California. was its president and
j d. Warnock its recording secre-
taTy
The first ~" was established in one
la ge room in the old Mitchell &
Lynde building. Aside from it's re-
liGiOus gatherings on the Sabbath and
noon day prayer meetings. nothing in
the way OF definite work for young
men was attempted.
April 20. 1884. marked the birth OF
TIE present association, prel' urinary
meetings having been held for this
purpose IN the Baptist and Contra!
Presbyterian churches. The first
beard OF directors was composed of:
President Frank Nader
First Vice President-A. NJ. Bruner.
Second Vice President II. Kaup-
Ike.
Recording Secretary-G. r. Lyman.
Treasurer. d. Warnock
N'elch. Charles Jensen, J. +. Akers, c.
+ Adams, George Chambers, w. F.
Gilmore and f. b. McKown.
TWO ROOMS FIRST HOME.
The first home of the association
was two back rooms over 17l9 Sec
ond avenue where religious meetings
were carried on and a gymnasium in
stalled The second home was the
entire second floor of 1907 Second ave
nue.. At the second location the worI
Nas enlarged upon and considerable
progress made and the result is {
heritage for the present and future
Eererations OF the young men of Rocl
Island, rich in well laid plans. bible
instruction and training in Christian
service.
MEMBERS ENTER SERVICE.
The spiritual atmosphere OF tn,
quarters. secured second, influenced
number of the members 20 definit,
service IN the interest OF Christian
ity. Ii helped TO send George War
Ler the first general secretary Il
China. Graham Lee TO Korea, F.
Afers into the Presbyterian ministry
Charles Knox into the Baptist min
istry, Edward Young into the EpiscC
palian ministry. and 4. NJ. Bruner
Henry Hansen, Louis Bourman, JON
Freeman. Henry Noss. Oryille NeI
bury, Chauncey futile and Nels Olsol
into Y. NJ. G. A. secretaryships. 4. {
Kicker 10 China and J. W. Lang int
tie Sunday school work Of Delawar
and Maryland
The association at this time whe
located az 1907 Second avenue wa
the headquarters of the Rock Islam
district" which covered seven cour
tics, having charge OF definite wor
fer men Associations were organi.
90 In Sterling, Dixon, Morrison. Ii
Sale. Ottawa. Streator kewanet
Gglya. Geneseo and Reynolds
Considerable attention was given {
outdoor athletics in field which wa