Y.M.C.A.

Southland Times, Issue 12121, 29 April 1908, Page 4

Y.M.C.A.

.Mr .1. B. MeKlnney addressed the members of the I'.M.C.A. at their rooms mi Sunday afternoon on "The delation of the Y.Mt'.A. to the Churches." lie said that the Y.AI.C.A. by providing a common meeting ground fur men of till creeds, aud of no creed, working unitedly from a central point, was able to achieve results impossible for single churches. United effort, besides saving time, labour and expense, fostered ,i spirit of brotherhood, and enabled young men to stand together in the tight for what they considered to be right, truth, and justice. Yet the I'.M.C.A. was but a supplement, and not a rival to the churches. As such it could reach and help men who were outside the restricted area of the churches, and between the church and this semisecular body there should'uc mutual recognition, co-operation, and friendly criticism and advice. The Association should give to the church filial devotion, and always recognise its own one great object, namely, to inliueuce men for the church and fur Jesus Christ, lite head of the Church. There were about To members present, and one or two spoke brielly on different aspects of the subject of the address. The Strangers' Tea in the evening was well attended. MUSICAL EVENING. On Monday night was held the first of a series of musical evenings, which Mr (.'has, Gray had kindly consented to arrange during (lie winter months. Mr J. 1-'. Strang was present to represent the Board of Directors. Mr Gray litis a particularly happy and effective way of organising these little harmonious gatherings, and he made the most of the musical talent possessed by the Y.M.C.A. members. A most enjoyable .veiling was spent in a musically free and easy manner, and the members are looking forward to next little sing-song wiili Mr Gray as the controlling spirit. Earlier in the evening (lie invercargill Boys' Own held a preliminary rally hi make linal arrangements in connection with their syllabus for the coming winter. About SO lads attended the meeting, which was presided over by .Mr ('. C. Cook, their superintendent, the syllabus covers a session of 2" nights, and the ground to he covered comprises a varied and instructive range of subjects.