The Detroit times., 1916-07-08
Recreation Now One of
Its Most Essential
Assets
STRESS LAID ON
PHYSICAL FITNESS
Clean, Strong Body Is
Conducive to Spiritual
Mind, Opinion
BY MARC N. GoooNoW

side OF the churCh-both social and
physical-has been more marked
within the last TWO or three years
than in the whole Quarter.century
preceding. Churches in many large
cities as well as in some OF the
outlying ana suburban districts sIe
proving in no unmistaksbIe way the
value and effectiveness OF the physi
cal recreation program-and prov.
Ing il not only from the standpoin.
OF producing a closer-knit church
constituency, but also from the
standpoint of raising the standard
and morale-the spirltualty-oi the
church member
No less a testing ground than tho
707 gymnasiums. 307 athletic fields,
400 swimming pools and 4,645 sum
mer camps under the control and
supervision of the Young Mems
Christian associations Of North
America Is proving that the physic-
ally unfit is very often a moral mis-
Mt, and perhaps as frequently spir-
itual mistit; it is showing that the
physical moral. mental and spirit,
nal in human life are eparaBiy
linked together Such a program
as that outlined BY the T. NJ g. 4.
has aimed 10 broaden the activities
of the church so that more points
OF contact with young men might
be established as well as TO utilize
the character values resident in
athletics when they are properly adj
ministered"
There may or there may not be
direct religious training in gymna-
sium work under proper super
vision and in moral surroundings.
But whether there is or not. there
are enough OF the elements OF fair
play, good sportsmanship, clean and
gentlemanly conduct demanded by
the gymnasium game 10 make II OF
vital Importance under the right
For example. a single
game of basketball properly played
involves, Y. NJ G.. a. physical di-
rectors say, practically every funda-
mental OF right human department.
Every lesson OF the Bible may be
carried out within the four walls
OF the gymnasium and be made TO
play its particular part in the build
ing OF human and Christian char
acter.
II does not. IN fact, require a vivid
10 see that this new
idea may become FIRST aid 10
backsliders."
The relation OF the physically
strong and healthy man TO the
church is being recognized now as
never before. Many man, it IL
pointed out, has digressed from the
straight and narrow path because
OF torpid liver Or a bad stomach.
II is rather a difficult thing for an
ailing man TO maintain his faith at
white heat; that is a thing which
not a few normal men find 1t hard
enough 10 do.
The chance to help build the
physical man as well as to meet his
rather urgent social needs has ap-
pealed, therefore, TO many churches
which are eauipping their church
houses OF their Easements with gym.
naslums, organizing athletic teams
and contests OF every kind and ac-
lively promoting systematic go
cial athletic program for men and
young men.
In the Episcopal diocese OF Penn
sylvania recently the social service
commission OF the church investi-
gated the recreational facilities in
the Philadelphia parishes. finding
that as many as 30 OF the S0-odd
churches OF the city were equipped
with gymnasiums. The following
table Is interesting As showing the
various activities OF the different
parishes I'm the field OF recreation.
Twenty-slx parishes have basket
ball: % parishes have frequent su-
pervised dances, in some cases with
employed teachers; Is parishes have
classes In calisthenics. 10 own stere.
opticons and have frequent lantern
lectures: four have motion pictures.
Among the other forms OF recrea-
tlon reported by the commission
were these dramatic entertain
ments reported by all parfshes),
Boy Scout patrols, military drill.
baseball teams. summer camps and
outings. shuttle board. bowling al
leys, pool and billiard tables, bath
ing facilities. reading and game
rooms. social gatherings OF parish
toner's and others, kindergariens.
outdoor Fairgrounds, tennis courts.
However, II is interesting 10 know