Charlevoix county herald., 1915-09-18

ent communities of the county were
represented by ninety four delegates
who were splendidly entertained in
East Jordan homes during the confer
ence. One hundred and sixty men and
boys attended the conference banquet
where Gerrit Masselink, of Big Rapids,
delivered as helpful and inspiring an
address as was ever listened to by
Charlevoix county gathering. During
the different sessions papers were read
by delegates touching on topics of in
terest to live fellows and each paper
was followed by spirited discussion.
AT the closing session of the conference
twenty delegates signified their desire
to lead Christian life. The County
Committee considers this feature of the
work of sufficient Importance to make
it an annual Y. M. C. A. event.
This is the fourth year that the
high schools of the county have been
represented at the State High School
Conference held at the close of each
school year at the State Camp on Torch
Lake. This season Leo Butler of Char
levoix was awarded one of the tarophy
cups given to the winners of the con-
ference tennis match in doubles.
During the current year ten Associa-
tion fellows have united with the vari-
Gus churches of the county. One pas
tor has told the secretary that they
make as satisfactory working men,
bers" as he has in his church.
Last year very little was contributed
by the schools to assist In carrying on
the Township Play Festivals. This
year they were practically self support
ing. These events continue to meet
with the approval of the parents and
school officers of the rural schools and
provide the children with what they
crave-organized play properly super
| vised. One grammar school Play
Festival was conducted during the
spring making it possible for the chill
dren below the high school to enjoy
organized fun. AS yet the desire to
win looms up so large that it blinds the
vision of those who should be most
deeply interested in the physical well
fare of high school fellows. Regardless
of how it effects the winning or losing
of the schools plan which brings into
active competition rs to 80 per cent OF
the high school boys of the county
should commend itself over any plan
which simply caters to the interests of
a few accomplished athletics. Be-
lieving that if athletics were worth any
thing they we're worth something to
every high school boy who was physi-
cally fit the County Committee has
made an effort to establish the Weight
Basis system of competition for track
athletics in the county. Considering
that the plan is new and little under
stood it is not surprising that those who
have become accustomed to the old
method of competition cry out against
it, The "meet" this year was held at
Boyne City.
Above have been mentioned some
few features of the work which the
County Y. M. C. A. Committee is for
warding in this county. An attempt
has not been made to mention every
detail of the work and it is probable
that some important and interesting
things have been omitted for the en-
ployed officer who serves as the COM
mittee's representative has abundant
opportunity to touch in vital way the
lives OF the young men of the county.
This report will not be OF interest to
those who are looking for the spectacu-
lar. Such things are seldom pertinent
so first things have been put first.
During Christ's early ministry he was
troubled by those who wanted him to
do something out of the ordinary.
Everyone took note of the miracles but
only a few appreciated the natural
growth of the Kingdom. Today many
people in the county Judge the Rural
Y. M. c. A. on basis of the spectacu-
lar. Only few appreciate the value
of an organization whose growth is
sure and steady. Often the Master had
to hurry away from the miracle hunt
ing crowd Today the Rural Y. M. c. A.
is handicapped by the crowd that con-
tinually cries out for the spectacular.
For whatever of success has attended
the Rural Y. M. c. A. movement dur.
ing the past year the County Committee
realizes that it is indebted to a large
circle of friends. To all such the Com.
mittee, in behalf Of the boys of the