The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1914-05-22

Impression which usually accompany
work OF this nature. II seems to
be the good will OF our Master
to have us meet these times Of
supreme testing. for Il Is only by
meeting critical conditions and us
ing them as stepping stones to higher
things, that we are able to grow
In grace, power and character. So
III am glad to enjoy the privilege
Of laboring with such noble men for
the conserving Of men and boys in
body, mind and spirit.
The Connecting Link.
"The employed force which is the
connecting link between the sub
scribers and board OF directors on
one hand and the members and ac-
tivities on the other, changes from
time to time In the various capac.
tiles. Two OF our present force
have been here more than one
year. Mr.. Stowell. our physical di-
rector last year. was called to Two
Harbors, Mimi, to take up the work
there, and we secured In his place
Mr.. c. A. Brown, who will report
the work of the physical depart
ment. A new man win be added
10 our force this coming year, r..
l.. Osborne, who will have charge
OF the Office and social work. IL
is and has been the policy OF the
Y. NJ. C. A. to greet and treat
all men and boys on a common
level and deal squareIy with them
In all things. We want this TO be
a real brotherhood OF friendliness
not only here In Mankato. but
throughout the whole world. We
want those who are members TO get
their friends TO join and enjoy the
privileges together We are willing
to give all that we are and have
to help the fellow who is willing
to make an honest try and then
do all we can to create more try
I'm him. We need all the men and
boys of Mankato and vicinity, and
especially those who will be con-
structive, effective factors for true
character building. In other words
we need more filters to help the
leaners. ~.
Last fall we started out TO do
a number of things, most of which
we have seen accomplished, how
ever, those we failed to do this
year we can try again. There can
be no failures In this work when
everyone works. .t- H..HE
upkeep, of Building.
The excellent care and upkeep
of our building is due to the UNI
firing. faithful work of Mr.. Fenske.
His service and influence extend be-
yond clean and well kept building,
for bis sterling Christian character
and manliness has an imperceptil
BILE, yet permeating effect on the
boys. wish also to speak pub
lically our sincere appreciation for
his part In the repairs and improve
ments which you see listed on the
little program folder. Last spring
IL seemed best TO remove the rail-
ing from the roof because the posts
were causing leaks which could not
easily be repaired. The heating OF
the barber shop had always been
poor, but the new arrangement is
very satisfactory. The building and
swimming pool had been in need
OF paint for some time. The water
main leading into the building burst
ed, which cost $50 to repair. which
amount Is not included In the spe-
cial improvements. The bowling al
leys had to be leyeled and finished
for service The heater for hot
water bursted and we had to in
stall new one. These improve
ments and repairs have all been
paid for this past year, but the
rearranging of the sewerage and
toilet fixtures in the basement. and
the wardrobes I'm the rooms on tae
second floor which amount to about
5000 have not been paid for. The
dormitories have been well occupied
the past year. There are fourteen
rooms fitted for service which will
accommodate about twenty-six boys.
Phe total number occupying the
rooms the past year Is 1876, and
the receipts are s2S5 more than
has been reported in any previous
year.
"we have made an Increase of
twelve members over last years re-
port al this time, however, the high
est mark was reached on February
I, which was 1872. The statistics
show that we have had SOS different
members during the yeaG and $50
different student members, giving a
total OF 7S5 for the year. The de-
tails of this report may be found
on the financial and statistical sum
mary printed on the programs. Yon
will notice slight increase in some
of the comparisons under member
ship. especially In the receipts. The
increased rates which took effect
on January have caused some OF
this, but the largest amount is from
student membership. being $1s2.5t
more than ever reported IN any
previous year. There is a good In.
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