New Britain herald., 1917-05-07

NE w 0NXI Hl1V the call that came from over the seas to minister to the soldiers of the war zone the association extended it's usefulness and broadened it's vision by providing the necessary funds to send it's representatives to serve the sol- diers of the allied army through the Y. M. c. A. Continuing through the season it has met the increasing de- mands arising from an extraordinary busy industrial situation with an ade- quate program of physical. educational religious and social activities. Upon the return of our militia from the Mexican border the association was thrown open for the use of the sol- diers preceding the date of their be- ing mustered out of service. At the border the Y. M. c. A. had welcomed them and upon their return the home association extended the hospitality of the institution. Simultaneous with the call to arms last month the associa- ton met the opportunity for service and offered its privileges without charge to the members of our militia companies and the men marched in details each day to the building to use the bathing facilities and dropped fin in smaller groups during the day and evening for the other privileges Thus it demonstrated, in very prac- tical way, its purpose and 1deal-te serve the young men of New Britain in every possible way. Men were reached who never before frequented the Y. M., c. A., and from the fre- quent expressions of appreciation on <r. 1rve< tfan< %1. Y. M. c. A. has found a new meaning for them.
 Of all the various activities that have shown large increases no greater satisfaction has come to us than the results shown in the religious work. It is of prime necessity that to be of permanent and vital value to the community the Young Mems Christian association should, through its activi- ties, lead men into the Christian life and into the Christian church. This. has been done as will appear later on in tis report.
 , It has always been 8 source of grat- ihcation to those who contribute to the work of the association and those closely in touch with it's activities that 1t meets it's obligations promptly and does not have to solicit additional funds at the close of it's year to meet deficit. The year just closed was marked by receipts fifty per cent. in excess R what was planned for at the beginning of its year, and yet with no larger amount of subscriptions so- .licited than called for four years ago.l The books were closed with com fortable balance which serves as a working basis for the coming year.
 Religious Work.
 A more comprehensive program of religious work than for the past ten years, was carried out with the CO., operation of the ministers of the lo- cal churches. This included Sunday afternoon meetings for men held in the gymnasium, an evangelistic meet ing for the young men of the city. Fellowship suppers, Bible Study clubs and personal interviews. More money was spent than in the past and the re- suits have more than Justified the ex- penditure. Seventy-seven men and boys were led into the Christian life or related to the church while scores of others were strengthened in their Christian life or took definite step forward for clean living. Many young men also have been helped by the personal interviews had with them by the secretaries.
 Social Work.
 A noteworthy characteristic of our Y. M. C. A.. which has often been touched upon at these anniversary meetings and which Is constantly be- ing spoken of by our members, is the social spirit of good fellowship which prevades all the activities. The em- ployed officers live with men and take every opportunity to be of service and the members cooperate with each other to make the Y. M. c. A. 8 good place for young men tof gather.
 A series of popular entertainments o@ a high order have attracted many hundreds of friends to the building. The various suppers, informal gather irgs and socials have helped to make the past season a happy one for the members.
 Physical Department.
 As the physical department, with its splendid equipment for indoor ex- ercises and facilities for bathing, is the appealing feature of the associa- ton to a large majority of young men who are attracted to the association, it is vitally necessary if the highest aims of the r.. M. c. A. are to be req liked. that the men in charge of this department feel their responsibility of relating men and boys to other activi. ties of the association. This ideal has been splendidly realized through the woRk of the physical directors during the past year. Men and boys have been grouped in competitive games and then these same groups have gathered for social affairs and religious meetings.
 The element of play and good fel- lowship has been skiilfully combined with competition and exercise in such g way as to make the gymnasium classes and athletic contests occasions