YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7341, 30 May 1885, Page 5

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING. The annual public meeting of the Young Men's Christian Association was held last ev^ntngl : "The' Rev/jf. jj. Hill, President, occupied the chair,, and oa the platform with him were Dr. Kenderdine, Kev. C. Worboys, Profeesor Aldis, Mr. F. Battley, Colonel Banltain,. Rev.R. Bavin, Mr. Buddie, and Rev. T.. Spurgeop. The Vep. Archdeacon Butt, of Nelson, was also present. The proceedings opened with devotional exercises, after which a, portion of Scripture was read by Mr. Buddie. The choir was under the leaders&ip of Mr. Douglas, and saog the various selections very effectively. The Rev. Mr. Hill said that it was due on the occasion of this meeting to strike the keynote of praise to God for what had been accomplished during' the last year. If they could ihe taken, in the theatre services on Sunday nights and at 'that' place 6tr ; Thursday evenings they would recognise cause for thanksgiving. One thing their association supplied was a thirst for Christian brotherhood, and the desire to see the prayer of their Master answered in that unity which was brotherhood in itself. In thair course of lectures, and in the services at the theatre, they found men of all shades of opinion, and there were in this association 60C men who daily read the same portion of ■Scripture and prayed for each other. They wero about to ask them to support a new scheme for tbe development of the institute. They required a new building. They would like to see a gymnasium, to see the manliest young men around them. They required a new building, and found they were not justified in spending £100 a year for repairs to the present tumbledown place. They thought out a scheme, and had now twenty beautiful designs for a new building. They had, after taking the advice of an expert, selected one design as coming nearest to their requirements, although there were some others they liked nearly as well. It was under the motto of "Stet," who he believed was Mr. Burrows, a man who had for many years been in Government employ, and who was well qualified to carry out the building. But there was a more practical matter. They required £6000, and they were determined to have the building free of debt. Three gentlemen promised £100 each, %ud others had promised to stand by them, and he hoped they would soon have a good sum in the hands of the Treasurer. He had received 10s from a working man, and ho was as thankful for that as for the £100. As an incident, he mentioned having received frota the gumfields, £5 towards their evangelistic services. He quite realised that what was asked would entail sacrifice, but he only asked of them to give back to God a portion of what he had given them. He asked them, in conclusion, to seek for a deeper spiritual life, to be a living Gospel in the city, which would reach the hearts of every young man. Though they had not the privilege of a neighbouring colony to give their sons -to fight for their Queen and country, they bad the privilege of working for the King of Kings, and giving themselves up to His glory. The Rev. C. Wokboys then addressed the meeting on the subject of " Some Important Elements in Christian Character." He was introduced by the Chairman as a gentleman who had been connected with similar institutions in the home country, and who had been a missionary in Africa. The Rev. Mr. Bavin the; addressed the audience on the subject of "Some inducements to Christian service."

Professor ALDiSthen gave an address on " Culture and Christianity."

Mr. Bdddle then drew attention to notices re classes to be resumed, and the coarse of lectures to be given. The President announced that the first lecture would be given on the sth of Jane by the Right Rev. Bishop Cowie, on "British difficulties in Afghanistan and India." The hymn, " God is Love," was then sung, and the proceedings closed with prayer, in which the Rev. T. Spurgeon led.