The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1927-05-26
FOUNDER OF
G. E. SOCIETY
DIES TODAY
DIR. Francis +. Clark of New
ton, Mass. Succumbs to
Three Weeks Illness

Newton. Mass. May 26.--tP) DIR.
Francis +. Clark. founder and presi-
dent Of the World Christian Endeavor
Society, died at his home here today.
DR.. Clark, who was rs, had been
nj for three weeks. Yesterday he
sank into a coma from which he did
not recover. His family was with
him for the last few days Of his i'll
ness. Death came at 1855 this
morning.
Started Society in 1851
When DR.. Clark was a young min
ister in charge Of the Williston Con-
gregational Church at Portland, Me-,
he called meeting Of the young
people Of his congregation to or
game them into IA society which
would provide "the opportunity for
sclf-expression by means Of words
and service for Christ and church"
The meeting held Feb. ?, 1881. was
attended by 40 young men and wom-
en-. After they had signed the pledge
presented to them, DR.. Clark called
the new organization the Christian
Endeavor Society. thereby inaugur-
ating what has proved one Of the
most successful religious movements
among young people in church his
tory.
1t was an immediate success. The
plan and name Of the society were
accepted by other churches so rapid
ly that in three years it had spread
over the United States and Canada
and had reached China Meanwhile,
DR.. Clark had been called to South
Boston as pastor of the Phillips Con-
gregational Church, but the demands
for his presence at Christian En-
deavor conventions and conferences
became so numerous that he was
obliged to resign his pastoratc. From
. then on he devoted virtually his en-
tire life to the Christian Endeavor
Society, serving it without salary.
Refused Salary or Fees
DR.. Clark supported himself by his
writings, always refusing to accept
salary for his work or fees for his
addresses in behalf of the Christian
Endeavor Society. He always was a
poor man. but happy in the thought
that he had attained his life's pur-
pose. He often said that his great
qualification and satisfaction had
/, been that "God has so signally used
| such fruitage in the lives Of young
Christians"
| The founder Of Christian Endeavol
| interdenomnational and interracial
and grow from the first 40 mem bers
to an organization with $4,000 indi-
vidual societies with membership
Of approximately 100000 within sc
denominations. 1t is estimated that
more than 25,000,000 women and men
| throughout the world have beer
! members Of the Christian Endeavol
| movement since its inception.
| The Christian Endeavor Society has
been recognized by church leaders as
one Of the principal agencies for the
| enlistment Of recruits for the minis.
try, both for pastorates and the mis-
sionary fields. 1t has been the fore.
runner Of other Young peoples
movements, including the Epwortl
(! League, the Luther League and the
Baptist Young Peoples Union. al
formed along lines laid down by DR.
| Clark for the first Christian En-
Geavor Society.
An Ardent Dry Supporter.
| DR.. Clark was consistent sup
porter Of the prohibition cause ant
| inspired the Christian Endeavol
] movement throughout the world t,
fight liquor traffic. Although al
ardent supporter Of America in tn,
World War he always advocated hu
man brotherhood and understanding
| as means that would abolish tn
necessity of war. He had travelled il
, every land where Christian churche
and missions are organized in behal
Of Christian Endeavor.
After the World War he made tw'
trips to Europe. visiting nearly al
of the belligerent countries his pur
pose being not only to promote tn
interests Of the Worlds Christian En-
deavor Union. of which he was presi
j dent. but to cement. rs far as pOssi
Bile, international fellowship and goo
4 will.
n In 1910, on his second visit {
y Continued on page tArss)