The Canon City record with which is consolidated the Canon City cannon., 1914-10-08
VAN PATTEN
IS CHOSEN
SECRETARY
OF Y.M.C.A

Christian Association Mr.. c. w. Van
Patten was unanimously chosen
General Secretary to fill the vacancy
caused by the retirement of Mr.. r.
ID. Collins from this position.
Two months ago Mr.. Collins, who
has been general secretary. of the
Canon City Association for the past
six years, experienced nervous
collapse which caused his physician
to prescribe a rest of from six
months to one year from active AS
sociation leadership. This necessi-
tated the securing OF his successor.
Immediate steps were taken to pro-
cure a man capable of handling this
field in an acceptable manner The
task was especially difficult because
of the time of year, changes normal
ly taking place before September first
in Association activities.
After careful survey of the situ-
alton and n deliberate weighing of
the applications OF available men. itI
was decided that MIR. c. W. Van Pat.
ten would be the wisest choice.
1t is perhaps an item of news. but
discloses no secret TO mention in
this connection that Mr. Van Patten
has contemplated Association work
for some time. and received. a few
days prior TO the call of the local
Directors, similar summons to an
important position with the Denver
organization. The home call appealed
more strongly to him. and fortunate
ly for the institution. its many pat
rons and supporters. he has consent
ed TO accept the position and enters
upon his duties to-day.
Mr.. Van Patten does not claim to
be technically trained for the Asso-
citation general secretaryship, but IS.
because Of his many years of afhlia-
tion with religious activities. admir-.
ably fitted for the duties which will
devolve upon him.
Van" as he is Familiarity known
among his associates was identifies
for n number OF years with one OF
the most active Associations in his
native state. His home city. Bling
hamton. New York. has population
of $1,000 people. and possesses al
well housed and aggressive branch OF
this great movement, and afforded
Mr.. Van Patten a very convenient
opportunity to familiarize himself
with its workings during his several
years of membership. When he came
west some twelve years ago he trans
ferred his membership to the local
AnHotialioh anu HAS pten luehtlueu
here ever since. Five years ago he
was elected a director. and for the
past two years has served as First
vice-President of the local board.
The transformation which has TAX
en- place in the Canon City Associa
tion during the past few years has
afforded excellent opportunity for the
development of the Interested mem
bers. Van Patterns ardent zeal and
intense anxiety to see strong orga-
nigation well housed, has constantly
thrown him in the thick OF the
fray"
During the building campaign he
was booster and his leadership
of the ten Young Mems Teams play
ed an important part in the procur
ing of funds for the erection OF n
present magnificent home.
After the completion and dedica-
tion OF this structure. a strong man
was needed to act as chairman o
the membership committee. and Van
Pa;ten was the fellow best fitted for
the job. The success of the RED
and Blue" membership contest last
season. and the splendid banquet al