Evening Star Newspaper, July 8, 1896, Page 20

20 THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1896-TWENTY-TWO PAGES. ITS ORIGIN. AND RAPID DEVELOPMENT The Rise and Progress of the Christian Endeavor Movement, From Its Be- sinning at Williston Church in Portland, Maine, Stupendous Strides. That Mark the March to Success and a Membership of Millions, ——=—————— When the historlan approaches the task ef recounting the rise end frogress of any movement that has affected the werld fa either a moral or a material sense he has before him, usually, months and perhaps years of unceasing study and unremitting care. He must search and delve through long forgotten manuscripts by authors now unknown, seek out authorities and compare them with keen discrimination, rejecting this statement and accepting that and knowing why he does so, and read volumes upon volumes bearing upon subjects col- lateral with that he has in hand unul eye- lids tire and senses flag. Then when he has collected his material and sifted ft through the finer meshes of his intelli- gence and saturated himeelf with its mean- Ing he can begin to build his work. To him who has the telling of the story of what may be truly regarded as the most remarkable moral movement of recent modern times, however, no such difficulties are presente From simple genesis to miraculous revelations the evolution is contemporary; the facts are present; the are alive. In the brief space of four- the movement has advanced actor: teen years Dr. Francis E. Clark. with such marvelous influence that mil- lions are living today beneath it and mil- Ss more are coming within Its ever wid circle. ‘There have been inspired men in the world. W Was one, Linco! another, and religion presents sev eral. So there haye been inspired mov ments and it needs a doubter indeed to t if the Christtan Endeaver move- not one of these—and the greatest <= this does not detract in the from the magnificent record of the orth League, the Brotherhood of St. :, the Brotherhood of St. Andrew and ‘aul and other strictly denominational lem That Demanded Solution. evangelical church regardless of its creed or denomination the chicf ques- tion for years had been “How shall we awaken the interest of the young in the ca’ of religion and sustain that interest when it is brought into being?" The most prefound thinkers in the religious world hat given this sericus problem constant ani earnest consideration and many schemes had been evolved, but to reach its solution they were destined to failure as nounced as the hopes which had ac- nied thelr conception were high and Mission mecting, literary organizations and kindred octeties, young people's prayer associations were brought into being time and time again by earnest workers in the cause of Christianity. and for awhtle were successful and secured the attention of the young, but they lost their holding power in course of time. The Reasons for Their Failare. It was horse to to drink. simply another case of leading a water when he couldn't be made The young Christians could not be blamed so much for this condition. The eocieties enumerated were almost invarl- ably managed and had their affairs direct- ed by the elder people. The older folks oc- cupied all the positions of honor, allowing, perhaps, one or two of the younger mem- bers to fill the vlaces where there was drudgery to be done, such as secretary and treasurer. This system, which was uncon- John Willis Baer. sciousiy, no doubt, persisted In, prevented the success of young people’s church so- simply because they were not real- ly young people's societies at all. There Was no incentive to enthusiasm; no influ- ence to compel sustained interest. So min- rs alike viewed their congre- n so far as actual and active ) work was concerned, were com- almost entirely of old and settled with ch alarm. The young were to be sur, bet their tions were evidently cf a superficial ter and the fire of entl.usiasm seem- kh How to stir them up and ani- them with the real fervor ef Chris- was the questi and Hike most other intricate moral problems it was des- tined to be solved In a2 way that now aeems to he littie short of miraculous. The Flood of Regeneration. From a ilttle spring way up in Maine there was destined to flow a spiritual stream that would eventuaily overwhelm the Christian world and send its weters evan into pagan lands. It was not to be a flood of jisaster, but a baptism of regen- eration that would be as lasting as it was Widespread. Borne up upon its surface Millions were to be carried willingly and without resistance to the common goai ef Chriscian: ang on the stream the ©f both sexem were to go onward | singing in clarion chorus the hymn of the | new salvation. | ‘There can be no intelligent computation | of the vast amount of geod that has been accomplisked through the agency of the Christian Endeavor movement. It is glving to the young a proper conception of their duties to man as well as their duties to God, and doing it ina healthful and thoroughly sensible manner. The Cradle of Christian Endeavor. The story of its origin and progress will be of supreme interest at this time, when the thousends who represent the oung People’s Society of Cbkristian Endeavor have gathered in the capital of the great- est nation on earth to gain new inspiration and spread still further through the world the enthusiasm which has become infec- tious. Away up in Portland, Me., is the shrine to which every Endeavorer turns with tender love and reverence. It is the Williston Church. It had formerly been Wil- liston Chapel, and was an offshoct from the State Street Congregational Church. In 1876 Rev. Francis E. Clark became its pastor, and in two years the membership grew from 30 to 500, and a brick and stone edi- fice w: erected Mr. Clark was an earnest and patient Christian, and his wife was a fit companion for such a man, and together they labored in the cause of Christianity. The‘r dearest alm was to inspire and sus- tain the interest of the young in religion. So Williston Church had its debating soci- ety and its entertainments, but they be- came unavailing for the purpose. Mr. Clark had formed a pastor's class, which was something like the present junior En- deavor societies, and the pledge began sim- larly: “Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ, I promise Him that I will strive to do What more perfect religion could any one have, be he young or old, it may well be asked, if he is faithful to such a pledge as that? The First Society Formed. In the pastor's class the church creed was simplified so that the young might un- derstand it, and Christian topics were stud- ied, while such books as “Pilgrim’s Prog- ress” were read. At the same time Mrs. Clark conducted the Mizpah Mission Circle, whose members, boys and girls, met eve: week at the pastor's house to talk on mis- sion subjects and sew and work in various ways for the missions. These little socie- ties were to grow to Mig results. Late in the year 1880 the young people of Williston ; Church grew zealous and animated. There was new life in prayer meeting, which was quickened by the meetings of the week of | prayer, and twenty or thirty converts re- | sulted. Mr. Clark knew how serious was the | protiem before them, and he labored to} learn how to hold them in their faith, pro- vide an outlet for their young energies and give them work that would enable them to a ally accomplish something for Chris- tianity ard the church. As a result, he drew up a constitution for a young people's | society, and asked the young converts and some older ones to meet at his house Wed- nesday, February 2, 1881. It was a bitterly cold day, even for Maine, and yet some for- ty boys’ and_ girls, including a Sunday school class of young men under Mr. W. H. Pennell, now of this city, assembled. The Original Constitution. The constitution was produced. It pro- vided that the society should be called the Williston Young People’s Society of Chris- tian Endeavor. Its object to promote an earnest Christian life among its members, to increase their mutual acquaintance and to make them more useful in the service of God. ‘The members were to consist of all young people who sincerely desire to accomplish the results abeve specified. The prayer meeting clause was as fol- whatever He would like to have me do.” | lews. “It 1s expected that all the mem- bers of the society will be presont at every meeting, ‘unless detained by some absolute necessity, and that each one will take some part, hcwever slight, in every meeting. The meetings will be held just one hour, and at their close some time may be taken for introductions and social intercoura: if desired. Once each month an experience meeting shall be held, at which each member shall speak concerning his or her progress in the Christian life for the past month. If any one chooses, he can express his feelings by an appropriate verse of Scripture. It is expected that if any one 1s obliged to be absent at this monthly meeting he will send the reason of his absence by some one who will at- Timid About the Promises. ‘There was some timidity on the part of these present about signing it. The pray- er-meeting clause seemed to hold them off. But the hesitation was short-lived. Mr. W. H. Pennell stepped forward and affixed his name to the constitution, and now occupies the proud position of being the original | Christian Endeavorer. He asked the young men in his class to do the same, and they did so, and then Mrs. Clark secured the signatures of all those belonging to the Mizpah Mission Circle. So that was the genesis of the greatest moral movement the century has known. Granville Staples, a young man twenty-two or twenty-three years old, was chosen first president, and the first prayer meeting was held February 4. The second, a week later, was led by Master Henry B. Pennell, the eleven-year- old son of the original signer, who was chosen to emphasize the fact that the so- clety was a young people's society. The society prospered and met Pastor Clark's highest aspirations regarding its influence in causing the young to cling closely to Christianity. So much was this the case that Pastor Clark, in August, 1881, wrote an article, entitled, “How One Church Cares for Its Young People,” which was published in the Congregationalist. It told, in simple and impressive style, the story of the first Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor. The article was widely copied in religious newspapers, and its influence was immediately seen, and many churches formed socteties. The First Convention. The first annual convention of the Society of Christian Endeavor was held in Willis- ton Church, June 2, 1882. The figures then are interesting, compared to those of today, and show with what stupendous strides the movement has advanced. Six societies were represented, comprising a membership of 481 persons, is follows: Williston Church, 168; St. Lawrence Street, 63; Sec- ond Parish, West, Winter Street of Bath, 75; Hampden, 62. In 1883 the second convention was held, when fifty-six societies were represented, with a membership of 2,018. When the next and third annual conven- tion was held, in the Kirk Street Church at Lowell, Mass., in October, 1884, the so- cieties recorded were 158, with a member- ship of 8,905. There were societies in nine- teen states, one territory, and in Canada, and societies were reported from Foo Chow, China, and Honolulu. The girdle was already going around the world. The United Society Formed. The fourth annual convention was held at Ocean Park, Old Orchard, Me., July § and 9, 1885. There were 161 delegates from sixty-one societies, and several hundred members of the society from various parts of the country attended. The reports showed 253 socleties, with 15,000 members. At this convention the United Society of Christian Endeavor was formed. Membership _in the United Society was not limited. This action created an epoch in_the Christian Endeavor movement. The necessity for having a general sec- retary, who should give his whole time and effort to the work of the society, was shown by Pastor Clark, and Rev. Samuel Winchester Adriance ‘was unanimously elected tc the place. Christian Endeavor badges were first seen at this convention, delegates wearing white satin ribbon with “Christian Endeavor Delegate,” printed thereon in gold. The United Society was not intended to usurp any of the functions of the Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor, but was simply a bureau of information. It published books and pamphlets descriptive of the movement, and translated the con- stitution into no less than twenty different languages, and today there are United So- cieties in Japan, China, Australia and Eng- land, following the same course. The fifth and sixth conventions were held in Saratoga in 1886 and 1887. To the for- mer gathering the secretary announced the existence of 850 societies, having a mem- bership of 20,000. At this convention Rev. Dr. James E. Rankin, then pastor of the First Congregational Church in this city, and now president of Howard University, made an address and wrote the first hymn for the Christian Endeavor legions, “Keep Your Colors Flying. Another hymn of which Dr. Rankin is the author, “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” ts sung at every meeting of Chris- tian Endeavorers all over the world. First Early Morning Meeting. The Saratoga convention of 1884 was also marked by the first early morning prayer meeting, which is now such an interesting feature of the annval gatherings. The convention in 1887 was held July 5, 6 and 7, and 2,314 societies were recorded. At this convention Mr. Clark, or “Father” Clark, as he was then and is now affection- ately called by Christian Endeavorers the world over, was chosen president of the board of trustees of the United Society, and editor of its publication, “The Golden Rule,” being adopted as the organ of the society. Chicago invited the societies to hold the annual convention there in 1888. This in- vitation was accepted. There were 5,000 members in attendance out of a total mem- Williston Church (From the North). bership of 310,000. Societies were reported from Nova Scotia, South Africa, Syria, India and China. The motto for the com- ing year adopted was ‘Not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” Badges without number bearing the now familiar mono- gram, a C half-encircling an E, were first seen at Chicago. This monogram pin was chosen in November, 1887, having been de- signed by Mr. F. H. C. Woolley of Medford, Mass. Many state and local societies wore | with them ribbens of a distinctive color, a custom now in unfversal use. Banners Made of Badges. Some years ago Mrs. Allce May Scudder suggested that a banner be made of Chris- tian Endeavor badges, and the secretary of the United Society invited societies far and near to send thelr ribbon badges for the purpose. State and local societies replied by the thousand, and the badges were ar- tistically combined by Miss Addie Gardner of Medford, Mass. ‘It has been an attractive feature of Christian Endeavor conventions, and is offered each year to the state or prov. ince which has made the largest actual gain in the number of Endeavor societies. Penn- sylvania has held it two years; once it went to Ontario, and in 1804 was sent to England. Another banner badge is given to the state, province or territory making the largest relative gain, and was first captured by Oklahoma. Then Manitoba secured ft; then New Mexico and then West Virginia. The badge banner awarded for the largest relative gain in junior societies was held by Illinois for three years, then went to Pennsylvania, was passed over to New York in 1804, and then returned to the keystone state, which still holds it. There were over 6,500 delegates present at the elghth annual convention, held in Philadelphia, July 5 to 8, 1889, representing 7,062 societies, with 485,000 members. Great attention was paid to missionary ideas and enterprises. Next year the convention went to St. Louis, and the secretary’s re- port showed over 8,000 delegates in attend- ance, representing over 11,000 societies, with 660,000. members. The banners will be awarded again dur- ing the present convention and much in- terest will be centered in the problem of where they will go. The badge banner for the greatest pro- Fortionate increase in the number of soci- eties for the twelve months preceding each international convention is now held by Assinibola, which also holds the banner for the greatest proportionate increase in the number of junior societies. England holds the banner for the greatest absolute increase in the number of societies, while Pennsylvania has possession of that indi- cating the greatest absolute increase in the number of junior societies. Officers of the United Societies, The officers of the United Society of Christian Endeavor, the office of which is at 64 Washington street, Boston, are as follows: President, Rev. Francis E. Clark, D.D., Boston, Mass.; general secretary, Mr. John Willis Baer, Boston, Mass.; treasurer, Mr. William Shaw, Boston, Mass. Rey. C. A. Dickinson, William Shaw. Brokaw, Rev. N. Boynton, D.D.; Rey. J. F. Cowan, D.D.; Rev. John H. Barrows, D.D.; Rev. E. R. Dille, D.D.; Rev. Teunis 8. Ham- lin, D.D.; Rev. P. 8. Henson, D.D.; Rev. J. T. Beckley, D.D.; Bishop Samuel Fallows, D.D., LL.D.; Prof. J. L. Howe, Prof. W. W. Andrews, Rev. J. Z. Tyler, D.D.; Rev. Canon J. B. Richardson, Rev. J. M. Low- den, Rev. M. M. Binford, Bishop B. W. Ar- nett, D.D.; Rev. James L. Hill, D.D.; Rev. H. B. Grose, Mr. W. H. Pennell, Mr. W. J. Van Patten, Rev. Wayland Hoyt, D.D.: Mr. John Wanamaker, Rev. William Pat. terson, Rev. H. C. Farrar, D.D.; Rev. W. H. McMillan, D.D.; Rev. W. J. Darbey, D.D.; Rev. M. Rhodes, D.D.; Rev. Gilby C. Kelly, D.D.; President Wm. R. Harper, L D.; Rev. D. J. Burrell, D.D.; Rev. Rufus W ler, Rev. H. F. Shupe and Bishop A. Walters, D.D.; auditor, Mr. F. H. Kidder, Boston, Mass. Minneapo! and New York. The largest convention up to that time held by Christian Endeavorers was that at Minneapolis in 1801. Over 11,000 delegates were actually registered, while 3,000 more failed to avail themselves of this privilege. The secretary's report showed that there were 16,274 societies, an increase of more than 6,200 during the preceding year, with a membership of considerable over a milton. Enthusiasm was the predominant feature of the eleventh annual convention, held in New York July 7 to 10, 1292. There were 30,000 delegates present, and Madison Square. was inadequate to accommodate them. The effect of this immense gathering was tremendous, and called increased at. tention to the wonderful power and influ. ence of the movement. A Remarkable Report. Thig showed that thirty evangelical de- nominatidns were represented in the Chris- tian Endeavor moVement. There were 21,- 080 regularly repgrted societies, of which the Presbyterians had 4,806, the Congre- gationalists, 4,495; ‘the Baptists, 2,736; the Methodists, 2,335; 'the Disciples of Christ, 1,507. There weré‘ 1,337 societies in Can- ada, 232 in Australia, over 300 in England, $2 in India, 20 in Turkey, 19 in Mexico, 12 in the West Indies, 9 in Samoa, Africa and China, respectively; 6 in Japan, and from one to five in almost every other country. In the preceding year over 120,000 of the members had become church members and the total membership was 1,337,200. ‘The twelfth convention was held in Mon- treal. Owing to ‘various ‘causes, chief of which was the financial stringency prevall- ing throughout the United States, the world’s fair and the failure to reduce rail- rozd rates from the south and west, there were but 16,500 ‘delegates in attendance. At Montreal forces were set at work which resulted in the Endeav- orers giving great attention to mat- ters of good citizenship and missionary ex- tension, and during the year there was civic and missionary revival among the young people, no less than a quarter of a million dollars being subscribed for mission Support. ‘The thirteenth convention in 1894 was held at Cleveland, from the sth to the 15th of July, at a time when the railroad strike was at Its worst. ‘rhe Cleveland cor vention, however, was a s, and the secretary’s report showed companics of Christian Endeavorers in all parts of the work, of which 28,696 were in the United States. ‘The total membership was 2,023,900 and during the year 183,650 members had joined the evangelical church Progress wn at Boston. Last year the fourteenth of the national conventions was held in Boston, The historic Boston Commons was given over to the Endeavorers for the erec- tion of their tents, and all citizens seemed to vie with each other to make the Endcavorers have a good time. The re- port of the secretary showed that 7,750 new societies had heen formed during the year, making a total of 4 in all, with 73,740 members, Of these 4,712 societies Were outside of the United States. There were 9,122 junior bands reported, and dur- ing the year $149,719.09 had been given to inissions. Secretary Baer reported t 202,185 members had joined the chu from the Christian Endeavor soct since the last convention, while in six yer the enormous number had_ done the same thing. that Penn- sylvania led the number of states in_the Union with 4,139 societies, followed jana with 1, In the United States the P with 2 societies; the Co had 5, the Disciples of Christ, Baptists, 3,487; Methodist Episcopal, 1 Methodist Protestant, 1. Lutheran 1,043; Cumberland Presbyterian, 930. In Canada_the Methodist s jans led with hiefly Epworth Leagues of Chri vor. In England the Baptists were at the front, while in Aus- tralla the Wesleyan Methodists had the greatest number of societies. Societies of a Special Character. Not the least important work of the Christian Endeavor Society 1s performed by special branches of it, whose members follow certain occupations. Among the life- Savers along the sea and the iake coast there are many societies, and a national committee has been formed whose business it 1s to organize the Endeavorers for work among the sailors on the ocean and lakes Christian Endeavor Union of America was organized, and since that time a very large percentage of commercial travelers in all parts of the country have become members of it. Another Christian Endeavor specialty that was one of the first to be developed, and is one of the most important of all is the floating soctety of Christian Endeavor for the advancement of the work among the sailors, whose life and many hardships make religious #ervice and counsel nec sary. The first floatiny society of Christian Endeavor was formed on the United § revenue cutter Dexter, when ft was at Woods Holl, Mass., 1s, when twelve of the saflors signed a pledge, organized a society and held their first consecration meeting. The work.-has been largely ex- tended, and floating societies are now found on board of nearly all of the American men-of-war, many of the English ve: and in sailors’ homes and mariner: churehes in many parts of the worl Christian Endeavor societies are also ex erting their Influence in the army, the state prisons in various parts of the country and among the Indians. Christian Endeavor day ts February 2. It_was established originally as a day upon which thank offerings were to be given for the support of the United Society of Chris tlan Endeavor, but when this goctety be- came self-supporting the collection taken up by the societies is devoted to the mis- sion boards of their respective denomina- tions. This custom has heen observed dur- ing the past five or six years, and has brought large sums into the various mis. stonary treasuries. Since the Christian En- deavorers have become so numerous in all parts of the country they have been taking an applavdable interest in such questions {as temperance, Sunday observance, good citizenship and other reforms, for the push- ing of which practical methods have been adopted. ss PRESIDENT CLARK. A Sketch of the Founder of Christian Endeavor Soctety. To write the history of the Soctety of Christian Endcavor during the fifteen years of its existence would he in part to re- hearse the story of the life and labors of the president of the society, Rev. Francis E. Clark, D.D. He is also the founder of the society, ard his initials are such tha: :t is not remarkable that he is frequently re- ferred to as Father Endeavor Clark. He himself says that the term ts an absurd ore, but those who know him and know the pert he has taken in the great work, claim the privilege of disagreeing with Tim on that point. It was in Dr. Clark’s church in Portland, Me., Williston Church, that the {dea of starting a society for young people to bind them closer in the bonds of Christian fellowship for church work was first given birth, Dr. Clark seeing the need of some- thing to more thoroughly arouse and hold the interest of the boys and girls in his pestorate conceived the plan of organizing a society for them. The constitution with which he provided it fs practically the same as holds today, and the purposes and methods of the society are almost identi- cally the same as he outlined them in the early part of 1880, little dreaming how wisely he builded or that that movement would spread until it became a world- wide campaign for the elevation and im- provement of the young people connected with Christian churches, Dr. Clark is not a native of this country, but was born in Aylmer, P. Q., in Septem= ber, 1851. His parents were Massachu- setts people, from the vicinity of Boston. Before he arrived at the age of seven both his parents were removed from him by death, as were also the other members of his immediate family. He had an uncle, a Congregational minister, who adopted him and brought him to Auburndale, where he cared for hin until he was able to care for himself. He entered Kimball Union Academy, ‘aftér which he pursued a course in Dartmouth College, graduating therefrom in therclass of '78. He then en- tered Andover Seminary, from which he giaduated in 1876. He was called to Williston Church, Port- land, in October, 1876. At this time the church was a small mission society of fifty members, but during the seven years that Mr. Clark was connected with it it grew to a membership of 850, ranking the third largest in the dgnomination in Maine, and having the second largest Sunday school in the state. During this time a new church edifice costing $30,000 was erected. This was in the second yéar of his pastorate. It was while Mr. Clark was at this church that Christian -Endeavor was born. The first society was formed February 2, 1881. There had been a revival in the Williston Church, and the great problem that con- fronted Dr. Clark was how he should re- tain the young people as active Christians ard keep them from growing cold in the service. He knew that to accomplish the end which he had in mind each must be given some specific work to do. The solu- tion of this problem was the forming of the first Christian Endeavor Society. In 1883 Dr. Clark resigned his pastorate in the Williston Church, becoming pastor of the Phillips Congregational Church in South Boston, October 16 of that year. H. was then a trustee of the Christian En- deavor Society. In September, 1887, short- ly after his selection for the presidency of the society, he resigned his Phillips Church pastorate and thereafter devoted his entire time to the organization of which he was the founder. Dr. Clark resides in Auburn- dale, Mass. the THE WHITE LOT AND ITS APP THE WHITE LOT. The Great Park in Which the Chris- tian Endenvor Tents Are Located. “The White Lot,” op which the tents for the Christiin Endeavorers have been erected, consists of seventeen acres, and is an ellipse. Ever since the oldest Washingtonian remembers it has been known as “The White Lot,” and will prob- ably never be known as anything else. When the Grand Army. encampment was held here fn 1892 an attempt was made to change the name to “Grand Army place,” because it had been used for the tents of the old soldiers. The new name didn’t teke, and “The White Lot” stuck. The lot is part of the original reserva- ticns of the governmen*, having been set aside by General W: ington as govern- ment property. It belongs to what 1s now called “President's Park.” The area of the park fs 82 acres. This park tak E Mansion, Treasury, Departments buildings, White House grounds, ete. It is boun n the east by 15th street, on the west lith, on the north by Pennsylvania avenue and on the south by B street. The pse is south of the White Hou! grounds. It is a grassy unbroken plot ground, hn has never been used for any particular purpose. The interstate SOME WILLING WORKERS. © Who Fo: Auaillary Branches | to the Reception Committe The headquarters section is composed of James Adkins, Ninth Street Christian Church; Jesse Adkins, Ninth Street Chris- tian Church; H. E. Davis, Hyattsville Pres- byterian Church; W. H. Dobson, Ei Presbyterlan Church; Orrin J. Field, Congregational Church; Fred M. Fourth Presbyterian Church; Fred M. Hos- kins, Calvary Baptist Church; George R. Hamlin, Gunton Temple Me 1 Chure’ Arthur S. Gray, Berean Baptist Chur Chas. Brown, West Street Presbyterian | Chureh; Willard Rugg, Union Methodist iscopal Church; Fred J. W read, Western Presbyterian Church; William Os- Lorne, E Street Baptist Church. The members above named are stenogra- sand t yriters, and have been de- 1 at the headquarters of the com: of ‘96 to do clerical work. Two mem- bers of this section were assigned to duty each afternoon and evening to assist in an- ering the mass of correspondence which poured in from ail over the country. Dur- Th ing the convention the members of this section are acting as secretaries to the com- mittees. Though their work was, much of it, preliminary in its nature and performed in comparative obscurity, it was none the less important, and was of material aid to the committee of "06. The Railroad Section. These who form the railroad section are Rey. C. H. Butler, Keller Memorial Luth- eran Church; Page L. Zimmerman, Mount Vernon Methodist Episcopal; George V Stose, Vermont Avenue Christian; H. Farnham, Fifth Congregational; Lee Pitch- lyn, St. Paul's English Lutheran; Frank E Gilmore, Ryland Methodist Episcopal; } Webster, jr., Church of the Covenan D. Smith, Eckington Presbyterian; E. Johnson, Fourth Presbyteria: Warman, ‘Gunton Temple Prest terian; C. J. Hepburn, West Street Presb terian; E. Hilton Jackson, First Baptist, and Herman W. Smith, New York Avenue Presbyterian, A. G. Walker, E Stseet Bap- ust. As if fearful that a warm welcome at the stations would not be sufficient to convince the guests of a cordial reception from the local members of the organ‘zation, it is to be the duty of the railroad section to send its members out of town to meet the large delegations en route and assure them in advance of their arrival that Washington is waiting with wide open arms to receive them. At jeast such a meaning might be given by those not familiar with the meth- ods of this section of welcomers. But, aside from its social feature, there is a useful purpose to be subserved in send- ing parties out to meet the delegations. The local representatives thus learn the exact size of the delegations, and telegraph aheed to headquarters and to the church to which the visiting party has been as- signed this information, together with the arriving time of the train and other de- tafls. Preparations can then be made at this end with greater certainty for receiv- ing the delegations. Special committees that may wish to meet particular parties can be notified; hotels can be informed when to expect the guests: the churches where they are to register and be assigned to boarding places made ready for their reception, and the many little things in, dental to arrival and comfortable settl ment in homes attended to. The Depot Section. The third section of the staff, designated the depot section, is composed of the fol- iowing members: N. T. Elliott, Central Grill in May, 1886, and the Grand Army encampment in September, 1892, are the mcst prominent events with which it is connected. It has often been used for pa- rades and drills of a local character, and has many times been the assembling place of the people of Washington. Colonel John M. Wilson, the superin- tendent of public buildings and grounds, and many other of the older citizens of Washington remember when the boys of the city gathered there for sports and games. “Shinny” was a popular sport, and no doubt Colonel Wilson and others can recall some unpleasant experience as a result of the game. Base ball was play- ed by the older citizens as well. Many younger residents of the city recall many an interesting game of hall on the “White Lot.” Up to within the last twenty or thirty years base ball was a favorite pas- time on the lot. In 18% Congress passed an act that no structure should be erected on the lot with- out the censent of that body. This made it necessary for a special act to be put through at the session just closed permit- ting the Christian Endeavor ccnvention to erect its tents there. Col. Wilson has au- thority to issue a permit for a game of tennis or anything of that kind, but he would net have authority to permit the smallest structure to be erected. Up to 1877 there was a fall of five or six feet from the White House grounds to the White Lot. Tale was filled in 60 as to make the lot level all the way across to Presbyicrian Church; Miss Ella Chase, Vermont Avenue Christian Shiclds of Central Presbyterian; Waddy, West Street Presbyterian; Chas Coberth, Gay Street Baptist; M.’ Clark, Nincteenth Street Baptist; Louis H. Neill, Piymouth Congregational; Miss Christine Poggensee, Church of the Reformation: Miss Stella Drane, Central Methodist Pro- testant; Miss Jennie Furmage, North Pr byteriar.; R. B. Burnham, Bethany Pr byterian; Miss Mae Jenks, New York Ave- nue Presbyterian; Miss Florence Shuffle, E Street Baptist; L. D. Clark, Friends; Miss Jennie Rugg, First Congregational; ‘A. D. Spangier, Luther Memorial, Mrs. M. M. North, Garden Memorial; G. P. Bohrer, Metropolitan Presbyterian. Members of this scction are charged with the duty of being on hand at the depots and wharves to meet all incoming delega- tions, give them a cordial welcome to the city, direct them to their hotels or church headquarters and assist in their comfort and Contribute to their welfare in every possible w The Church Section, By fer the largest division of the auxil- jary committee is that assigned for duty at the churches. The church section of the staff, however, is of equal size with the others, and its membership is es follows: Miss Anna J. Bell, Calvary Baptist Church; . C, Johnson, E Street Baptist; Miss Grace B. Johnson, First Congregational; Miss Hunter, Union Methodist Epis- ccpal; Re J. Smith, Central Methodist Protestant; Miss Estefle Foster, Faith Presbyterian; George F. Williams, Assem- bly Presbyterian; Miss Minnie | Riggles, Western Presbyterian; Miss Alice T. Her- cus; Sixth Presbyterian; Miss Etta Cratgen, First Presbyterian; Miss Susanne Moore. Garfield Memorial; Mrs. Elia Moore, St. Paul's English Lutheran; Miss Elsie Trout- man, Metropolitan Presbyterian; J. O. C. Roberts, First Baptist, and Mrs. J. H. Wurdemen, New York Avenue Presby- terian. The large bulk of the auxiliary committee has been called upon to assist in this branch of the work, which is, in fact, the most ‘mportant. While the others have received and welcomed the visitors, this section will be charged with the duties of hest during their entire stay. For the vast majority of the delegates—those who do not quarter in hotels—the churches are Ulilized as gathering places and a sort of home. Eating and sleeping is done in the bcarding houses, but the sccial features in a large measure are at the churches. There the delegates spend most of their spare time; provision is made there for them to rest, to read the papers, to write letters, and there they receive their mail. Mem_ bers of the church section will be con- stantly on hand to serve and look after the comfort of that portion of the great mul- titude for whose welfare they are par- ticularly concerned. Many socteties in the city, not having state delegations assigned to their church for headquarters, have been designated to assist other societies having larze dele- gations; and several churches having Ep- worth Leagues being utilized for head- quarters, committees from Christiin En- deavor societies have been designated to help in their entertainment. —__ Rev. Cortland Myers. Rev. Cortland Myers, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Brooklyn, N. Y., is but thirty-four years of age. He is one of the most popular and forcible speakers in Brooklyn Christian Endeavor TWworkk. His church, the Temple, is the largest in either New York or Brooklyn, and bas received about three hundred additions during the present year. He delivers an address this evening at the New York Avenue Presby- terian Church. ROACHES. hington Park, or the grounds, as it is better known. The smooth. wide gravel roadway around the ellipse has become one of the principal drives of the capital, and during the cont vention this week !t will be used by thou= sands every day. The ellipse was designed by the celebrated landscape gardener, A. Ji Downing, with the view of having on the public grounds an open area of sufficient, extent for military evolutions, parades, re« views, ete. All official maps of public reservations in’ Washington show the ellipse in distinet, form. During the term of President Fills Monument more a drawing of public grounds was made. It is hanging in the office of the superintendent public buildings ana. grounds, and at the bottom is indorsee ment of the President, in his own han writing, and signed by him. It will probably be many years, if ever,“ before the, White House lot is used for pubs, lic buildings of any kind. In fact, the erecet tion of a big building like the new city post office would require going far down before a secure foundation could be obs tained. Talk about the White Lot brings to mind the fact that there are thirty reser vations in Washington, containing a total of 405 acres. Ninety-two of these reservas’ tions, or 350 acres, are highly improved, There ere 168 reservations, containing th comparatively smail orty-eight acres, which are untmproy = — eae WORK OF DECORATION. Flags From All Societies in Foreign Lands Received. In January last the District Union held its fourth annual convention in Central Hall, and Mr. Tuckey and his committee were called on to show what they could do in the way of decorating the interiors The result was gratifying, and a more testeful scheme of adorning the rafters and walls, the unanimous verdict was, it ould be difficult to concety Not content to follow in the path laid cut and trodden down in the years that have witnessed former Christian Endeavor ecnyentions, Mr. Tuckey devised something evel in his line, and his plan received the hearty approval of Secretary Baer in Kose ton, whose advice and opinion on the subst ject were sought. Letters were sent to representatives 0: Chrisdan deavor unions in at least thirty countries of the globe, asking that three flags of euch states or nations be sent to the commitice of "06 for use in decorating the three convention tents, one for each tent. It was pointed out in the letter that large delegations from the foreign countries uld not, in alls probability, find it feasible to attend the Washington convention, but in order that members of the organization all around the world might have some part and interest, in the gathering, the opportunity was af- forded cf presenting the fags for decors tive purposes to stand as an expression of, loyalty to the widespread international movement. Such flags as have been ree ceived ere to be placed conspicuously in the tents, an object lesson to all of the Vast extent of the movement, which fifteen years ago was in its infancy. T flags ill be presented to the trustees of the United Society after the convention for @ lesting memorial to the devotion of En= deavorers to their principles and organiza tion, and as emphasizing the fact that the movement is not limited by creed, race or larguage. The decoration committee has also stimu. lated the merchants and residents of the city to decorate their homes and business houses with flags and bunting in honor of the city’s guests. Requests to this end were made by personal canvass, and the responses were very gratifying. Through he efforts of the decoration committee the public parks of the capital have been made to express a welcome to the visitors, and floral beds of Christian Endeavor monograms, devices and designs have been placed in conspicuous places, and are attracting most favorable attention. > The Christian Endeavor Convention, The week's issues of The Evening Stan, from July § to 14, inclusive, will form a valuable souvenir of the Christian Ene deavor convention. The reports of the pro= ceedings will be readable, complete, and handsomely illustrated. The Star for the week will be sent to any address in the United States or Canada for ten cents. > — Rev. P. Thomas Stanford, D.D. Rev. P. Thomas Stanford, D. D., was born in Hampton, Va., in 1459. He studied at Hampton Normal School and the Buf-- field, Conn., Institute. In 1880 he went to* Canada and became cditor of @ paper pub-, lished in the interest of the colcred race, | Later he went to England, where he bee+ came pastor of a church et Birmingham, Dr. Stanford is at present pastor of the Garrison Memoris] Church, Boston, and editor of the Boston Advance. Both as @ writer and as a speaker he 1s recognized as a man of great ability and his address , this evening at the Ninetecnth Street Bape4 iy, tist Church will probably be a master! effort. PLAN OF THE INTERIOR OF THE | i en \\ | | SMW A —. S> SX S S Ss AAA \