, 1923-11-22
G.. E. CONVENTION
HELPS DELEGATES
lNSPIRATI0NAL ADDRESSES AND FU-
TURE PLANS MADE BY The
SOCIETY WORKERS

deavor society, and interested per
sons generally who attended the
meetings of the two-day convention
hello in this city last week were
greatly benefited through possess
ing a clearer understanding of the
ideals and ideas of the work, and
of the programs being developed in
this part of Wyoming.
The closing night. last Thursday,
was signalized by a banquet at the
Ferris hotel, following by a service
at the Presbyterian church. DR..
James A. Fraser presided over the
banquet in the position of toast
master, calling upon Ethlyn Christ
Jansen, president of the convention
district, for the principal address of
he elmer, and upon Rev. f. w.
Barrett, Rev. w. j. Law, and DR..
David McMartin of Cheyenne for
short talks on the work of the So
ciety. These men also extended a
hearty welcome to all visitors. At
the church meeting which followed
DR.. McMartin gave the principal ad-
dress.
An opening meeting was held
Wednesday night at the church.
with addresses by DR.. Fraser and
DR.. Kell. As mentioned in the Re-
publican OF last week. DR.. kells
address. expressing as 1t does the
thoughts OF the church element in
Rawlins. 10 being reprinted here. as
follows:
1t is always . pleasure to welcome
guests to our city. and there are
times when we are especially pleas
ed to welcome them, when we think
Of the objects which bring them
here. 1t has been my privilege to
welcome many organizations to Raw
tins-social, fraternal and religious
but never before have / been
privileged to welcome ~ orsaniza-
ton with such high aims and broad
purposes. and which is doing such a
wonderful work in the religious de-
velopment Of the boys and gir!s. not
only OF our own country. but of the
entire civilized world.
sometimes wonder IL that young
man, still in his twenties. who Or
gained that little band of young
people back in Portland. Maine, and
had them consecrate their lives TO
the active service of God. had any
Idea that in 40 years he would sea
the movement grown into AZ organi-
cation with a membership OF appro-
ximately 5000, 900 in about rs ma
lions OF the world.
Surely such a movement that
could have such a marvellous growth
must have been divinely inspired.
and because you have come here as
representatives Of n great institution
upon which God has placed his seal
Of approval. you are thrice welcome.
Rawlins people are p~roverbially
hospitable. and although there are
larger cities In our state with great
er possibilities of entertainment.
there IL lone In which you are more
welcome. or where the desire OF its
people to make your stay an enjoy
able one could be greater.
On the other hand. we expect to
profit greatly by your coming here.
The greatest indictment against the
people OF Rn3lins is their woeful
Indifference In religious matters.
am sure that "indaffereuce' IL the
proper word to use because know
that II they woke up one morning
and found all the churches closed
and tho pastors gone for good they
would Immediately shake off their
Indifference. take measures to have
tho churches rcopened and tho pas-
tors recalled. and they might even
dig down = little ways Into their
nock"ts 10 assist in the support Of
the work.
I think II IA safe TO nay that not
n citizen OF Rnwiins who stays
AWAY from church fails to value the
Influence OF the chuch in our city.
He In willing 10 accept tho benefits
that como from It's presence In tho
city: the Influence that Il spreads
owe tho city; tho concrete good eel
docs In numbcrlcss directions; yet
hc IL too indifferent to support II
ven by his presence.
Conventions. such ~ this. sarve
70 bring TO the attention Of our cit.
isens the fact that ~e have churches
In our city. that they arc carrying
on a definite program and that they
deserve the united support Of all Of
thcm. And II this convention leaves
tho slightest imprint u this though,
In tho minds OF our citizens. thcn,
indeed. have wc profitsd BY your
coming.
Now I trust that thesc few days
In our midst may he happy days.
happy In tho g%arncrinE Of sweet
memories. happy In tho ripcning Of
true friendships. and. when you
leave. may tho memory you carry
away from this church and this city
b cone TO which In future years you |
can look back with sincere, genuine
and una11OyNd Measure,