The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1917-06-01
$7,S40.S7
REPORT OF GENERA SECRETARY
SPENCE FOR YEAR ENDING
NAV 4 1917
MAY 1, 1917

many respects a successful one. Along
some lines we have been disappointed
With results attained, nevertheless, we
have kept up the standard along phys
ical lines, have done considerable So
cial work and added this year relig-
ious activities, so lacking in the past
few years. Our efforts in this respect
has been appreciated by many and
has resulted in much good. The Bible
class work, especially among the boys,
has been worth all the time and eff
fort put into it, and 1t is hoped next
season this can be continued with ad-
ded work for high school boys and SEN
iors. The Women's Auxiliary recent.
" organized will prove of great as
sistance in this undertaking.
In this critical time of our country's
history, the real value and Importance
Ct our young men and boys was never
more apparent, yet we must fully real
ize and appreciate our future as a
country, our future as town or citv
will not depend upon the success OF
some few Of our young men but upon
the character, intelligence and ability
oe the bows and young men. as whole.
Nj. Vernon and its business interests
will become more or less competent
because Of the general average eff
cheney of its young men, and believe
the time is fast approaching when
there will be no other basis for the
O. timation of this efficiency than OF
ol aracter and accomplishment with
character. Real success lies in what
we are. not who we are. or what we've
cot The world will grow better not
by accumulation Of money, but by the
development of men of character
The influence on boy will be evil
denced very early in boys life, and
VIII determine whether he is to be
an asset or liability to the communi-
ty It will determine whether he will
build up or drag down, whether he
will he personally a success or fail
ure. The issue Is clear, clean cut
contest for morals. character, useful
ness, health, righteousness, progress
and success on the one hand, and evil.
III repute. dishonesty, debauchery and
failure on the other, while the stake is
the greatest asset any community can
possess-the boy of today, the man to,
morrow.
Picture to yourself the result of ear
ly influence for good, the advantage
Of training and education, the inspira'
tion of good clean fellowship, the in
crease in health to the community, If
the association which stands for all
these things, reached every boy in Mt.
Vernon, and you will not have to draw
on your imagination to acknowledge
the work would be worth many times
what 1t cost in sacrifice and dollars.
This is our field for work How far
We have fallen short of accomplishing
this end no one is more fully aware
than your secretary. Nevertheless,
where in this community can be found
the best medium to produce the re-
suits that have indicated. Where Is
the agency that is able, under proper
management, to successfully work out
this great problem of the boy and
young man. 1t is in the Y. M. G. A. or
inIirnntIu tbn In i,,s
from this building, for it conserves
and builds up in the boy and young
man those characteristics absolutely
essential to success-Christian morals
Of honesty, truthfuness and health
Without honesty and health there is
no place in the business world for a
hoy or young man. No matter how
competent or brilliant, unless a boy is
honest and has health, he starts a
bankrupt. And so the Y. NJ. G. A. is
looked upon by the business men the
world over, as the greatest Conserva-
tor of honor and health. 1t offers the
boy and young man opportunities of
health building through it's gymnas-
ium, opportunity of honest, healthful
competition in manly sports. 1t offers
opportunity for educational advantag-
es along practical lines. 1t offers to
the boy away from home advantages
and opportunities that are not sur.
passed by any club, and gives the man.
ifold privileges and cooperation at a
time when boy needs them most, and
consequently turns out, In many in
stances, young men well developed in
mind, body and spirit.
Men, your opportunity for service is
great. and urge you to have part in
this movement. Work of this kind
can only be done by men like you who
are represented here this evening, and
so urge you to have part in the
building and up'building of this COM
munity. Every movement of this char.
aCter needs men, and brings Out in re.