Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-09-28
structed, and fitting memorial to the
one for whom 1t was erected.
The Dedicatory Services


one for whom It was erected.
The Dedicatory Services
Previous to the opening Of the dedica-
ton meeting musical selections were rem
dered by Dennis Orchestra. The audi
ense rose as body to welcome Governor
Haines, who passed to the front Of the
hall followed by three members OF his
staff. The meeting was then opened with
the singing OF America" by all, after
which invocation was made by Rev Paul
S. Phalen, pastor CT the Unitarian church
Frank G. Harrington, president Of the
Augusta y. NJ I. A, presided at the
meeting and spoke briefly as follows:
Ladies and Gentlemen-In behalf of
the Young Mems Christian Asseeia-
ton of Augusta, l extend to you a cor
dial greeting and bid you welcome,
now and at all times, to this beauti-
full building which we tonight dedi-
cate. The loving hearts and splendid
generosity of the donors have made
possible the erection of this structure,
through whose influences here center
ed, the lives of our boys and young
men may become sweeter and better
and stronger in all those things which
make for true manhood. Through the
prompt and generous cooperation of
the men and women of this city, and
of former residents and of friends, the
let on which this building stands has
been purchased, the equipment has
been installed and an endowment fund
Of $4,000 has been established.
The association is especially fortu-
a Of tn,
the selection of it's first general sec
rotary, Nr. Goodman, who comes to
this city eminently fitted, not only by
his own training and experience, but
also by inheritance, as his father is
now and has been for many years.
engaged in association work.
Equally fortunate are we in the
choice of our physical director, Mr..
Henna who comes to US splendidly
trained to take charge Of the strength
ening and development of the bodies
of our youth.
Mr.. Merrill, who will have charge of
the boys department, is a State of
Maine boy, graduate Of Bowdoin Col
lege, and well qualified for his import
ant work.
On these men depends in very
large measure the success or failure Of
the enterprise. But however, much
confidence may he placed in the per-
sonnet of our working force and in the
attractiveness of the building and Of
all the many advantages it has to Of
fer, still we realize to the full that this
association cannot attain the highest
degree of success and accomplishment
unless it has, from the start, the 10y
al and constant cooperation Of all.
If we are able to fill our dormitory
rooms and secure q large membership,
the problem of sustaining the associa-
ton will be comparatively easy, and
we hope that all present tonight will
go from the building with hearts filled
with appreciation OF the situation, full
ly realizing the great importance of
the work which is about to be under
taken In this city, and with determine
ton to help it along in every possible
way.
1t is not for me to take your time
In going into details, as subsequent
speakers will cover it thoroughly, but
all can agree ON the fundamental prop
osiiton that the community cannot do
too much for the boys and the young
men.
Words are inadequate to express the
gratitude of the committee, and the
association to those who have given
this splendid building, but the present
and future generation OF boys and
young men will rise to call their name
blessed and the continuing years will
show more and moro the fullest appre-
citation Of this gift dedicated as 1t is,
to the cause of manhood and right liv-
ing--and who can calculate the sum
Of the influence which. In the coming
years. will emanate from this spot
and in this lies the tr,lest Joy and the
most abiding satisfaction Of the CIV
ers.
The first speaker of the evening was
A,orman L. Bassett, secretary OF the