Y.M.C.A.

Hutt News, Volume 18, Issue 2, 14 June 1944, Page 5

Y.M.C.A.

CKNTKNAKY JUHILEH On Tuesday, Ot.li June, at the Petone Y.M.C.A., the Hutt Valley Y.M.C.A. celebrated the 1 outh anniversary of the founding of the Y.M.C.A. in London. The gymnasium was packed to capacity, over S(K) supporters, members and parents being present to honour the centenary of this great movement. Mr H. S. Hills, president, occupied the chair, and Mr. C I{. Kdmond. N.Z. Y.M.C.A. National President was the guest speaker. Mr. R M. Brasted, National General Secretary was also present. The proceedings opened with a parade of membership when representatives of all the active groups within the Association marched behind their banners. The parade was led by the junior section and followed right through the primary, secondary and seniors to the Ladies' Auxiliaries and Board of Directors. The chairman, after extending welcome to those present, and announcing a number of apologies, outlined the growth and potentialities of the local Association and stressed the need for the fullest co-operation of all sections of the community to help their own Y.M.C.A. to reach and help the greatest number >of young people in the district.

Congratulations on the attainment of the Y.M.C.A. centenary were exbended by the following, who paid glowing tributes to the Y.M.C.A. both locally and world-wide, and promised the support of their respec tive bodies: — Mrs. J. W. Andrews, mayoress of Lower Hutt on behalf of His Worship the Mayor; Mr. H. Green, Mayor of Petone; Mr. Rodgers, President Hutt Valley R.S;A.; Mr. G. S. Young. Director Hutt Ro tary Club; Mr. Tomkies, Vice-Presi-dent Hutt Chamber of Commerce: Mr. Giesen, Hutt Valley and I'.ays [Boy Scouts' Association. Numerous messages of congratulations and'best wishes for the future of the movement were also recorded. Mr. (J. It. Edmonds.. National Presj,/' dent, in addressing the gathering, spoke brielly to the children on the ideal of worthwhile sacrifice. Aftdr outlining the history of the Y.M.C.A. Mr. Edmonds paid, a tribute to the founder, Sir George Williams. He explained how the Y.M.C.A. grew, as a result of the efforts of Sir George, from an initial band of R2 young men in London, until to-day it was world-wide in <>7 countries, with thousands of buildings a-iuP a. membership of over two million voting men and boys. He stated that the reason the Y.M.C.A. had grown sn extensively, and showed signs of increasing, was due entirely 10 the fact that it had always, and will always, be a Christian Association. Its aim has been, and is to cultivate strong, virile. Christian... character, patterned on the life of Jesus Chris!; therefore it must, go on from strength to strength. Mr. Edmond urged those present to make every endeavour to see that the work in this district - really thrives by giving every support to the local association and its executive officers. He spoke briefly of the reason wliv the Petone building was erected —as a memorial hut t9 the- soldiers of the last war—and paid tribute to various workers within the associa-

tion. Rev. J. E.' Lopdell offered the prayer of thanksgiving and Rev. Arnold the prayer of re-dedication, while the President read the Bible Lesson, and the evening concluded with the hymn "O God Our Help In Ages Past." During the evening the follwing items were given:—Solo, Mrs. Millward; two brackets of songs by the Petone League of Mothers' Choir; violin solo. Mrs. Rothwell; trio, Mrs McCallum, Mrs. Robson and Mr. Melville.