Americus times-recorder., 1919-10-16
TELLS AIMS CT
SALVATIONISTS
IN AMERICUS
6. E. Georgia Headquar-
ters Here Likely If ~
Is Taken Over.

The aims of the Salvation Army,
in proposing to take over the Y. M.
c. A. building, were outlined today
by Rev. Firley Baum, field agent
for the Salvation Army, in a state
ment for the information of the pub
lie. Mr. Baum says, first, that it is
probable the acquisition Of the build
ing would place the headquarters for
the work of the army in Southwest
Georgia in Americus The building,
although occupied by the Salvation
Army, would be maintained as a
public institution, open to public uses
and gatherings, with rest room
for out-of-town visitors and features
making it truly community center.
The dormitory feature would be con-
tinued, also the gymnasium, the use
of which would be extended to the
women and girls of the community
at fixed times. A swimming pool
would be installed as soon as pos
sible> and a cafeteria established.
Following is his statement:
Statement to Public.
"To the People of the City of Am
ericus;
"Owing to the fact that there has
been some uncertainty in the minds
the people of the city as to what
disposition the Salvation Army would
make of the local Y. NJ. C. A. build
ing should it take it over, | wish
to make the following statement:
"The Salvation Army would be
glad to have the building, not of
course as a financial investment, but
believing that with it as a basis of
operation for the city and surround
ing terr tory. the moral and spiritual
life of the city would be material
ly benefited by such work as the
army would undertake.
1t is very likely that the build
! ing would be the headquarters fo1
the work of the army for South
west Georgia, which howver, would
to limited extent affect the peo-
pie of the city, aside from the pres
tige which would necessarily be Civ
en- by such establishment.
"The building would be under the
direction and control of a Salvation
l. Army officer and his wife who would
reside in the building and direct all
activities therein, which will insure
the proper atmosphere for the build
ing.
A Public Institution.
'Under the army management, the
building will be maintained as
public institution, open to the public
uses and gathering. a rest room for
out-oftown people, in other words
community center in the belief
that in so doing the greatest good
will be done for the greatest num-
Der.
"The dormitory will be continued
under the supervision of the officer
and his wife residing in the building
and the gymnasium feature will be
continued with special days for girls
and young ladies.
"a swimming pool will be installed
at the earliest possible date and a
cafeteria will also be maintained
The Salavtion Army in the event
it should ever be necessary to DIS
continue its operations in the CITY,
to hind itself to return the building
and such equipment as it received
with it to the city or such body OIL
citizens as might be agreed upon Tor
inst what the army may have pald
! for if which believe is the best
evidence of its good faith toward the
/ people of the city.
Chance for Contributions.
"Believing that the people Of Am
ericus have a very vital interest IN
the building and that under the army
management the purposes for when
/ the building was erected will be most
nearly attained, those who contnbut,
| cd 70 the Y. NJ. C. A. and who Will
receive the amount of their sub
scription from the proceeds of the
sale of the building, an opportunity
for giving such amounts to the Sal
vation Army will be given to those
70 whom dividends will be paid. THIS
will materially aid the army in pay
inc for the building and will at the
same time fulfill the purposes for
which the money was really donated
"The Salvation Army is no longer
merely "Street Corner" organiza-
ton but is recognized by those who
know of its work as one of the great
est factors of this country in mould
ino. the moral and reIgious senti-