I UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA CHAMPAIGN ILL. HIST. SURVEY h /4'^ Historical Sketch of The Young Men's Christian Associa- tion of Chicago ASSOCIATION BUILDING HOME OF THE CENTRAL DEPARTMENT Historical Sketch of The Young Men's Christian Associa- tion of Chicago PREPARED BY EDWIN BURRITT SMITH JOHN COWLES GRANT HORACE MANN STARKEY 1858-1898 CHICAGO PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATION 1898 2 ^r>^ 5 5-^ *'From whatever side we approach the magnificent edifice the Toung Men^ s Christian Association has been rearing, we shall find it the most stately temple to the power and prowess of unsectarian Christianity erected in modern times.'*'' — harper's weekly. • r r z H W o 5S The First Period. 33 of it. The fervor of the brethren who led and took part in the daily meetings was inspiring, and the meeting itself was a sort of rallying place for the men and women who were occupied in the various lines of Christian effort in the city. Mr. Moody was the lead- ing spirit and gathered about him a band of men who were winners of souls. The very atmosphere of the rooms of the association was one of prayer and praise. Although the appointments were very modest and plain, the spirit of those who met in those daily serv- ices was one of remarkable consecration." The services of Dwight L. Moody, in the early days of the association, were of inestimable value; and his influence has remained during all these later years as a benediction. From 1861 until 1870, no man was so constant and persistent in the work as was Mr. Moody. He gave to it the first labors of his early days and the ripe thoughts of his mature years. A well-known business man, in whose store Mr. Moody was once employed, said: "Mr. Moody would make quite a good clerk if he had not so many other things on his hands." Those "other things" were the eternal inter- ests of his fellow men; and such a spirit as his could not long be confined even by the bonds that hold most men to the appointed tasks by which they earn their daily bread. With an enthusiasm that could not be dampened, and an energy which never abated, Mr. Moody pursued his arrow-straight course. What he has done for communities and for nations in these later years, he did for the association in its early days. It would be impossible to estimate his useful- ness to the association, or to catalogue the details of his successful work. The association claims him as its greatest single champion, and honors him for the 34 The First Period. work that he did while here not less than for the work for the world's evangelization which he has since pur- sued with such success. It rejoices that one whose training was in part obtained in its service, should be so manifestly called of God to the great work in which he has since engaged. Other workers in the same field during the first period have given the association consecrated service, and like Mr. Moody have themselves been blessed in rendering it. The names of Frank M. Rockwell, W. W. Vanarsdale, and A. T. Hemingway, the other general secretaries of the association prior to 1888, stand for all that is patient, effective, and consecrated in Christian work. Each, in turn, met the conditions of his time, and the association owes and pays to them a constant recognition of merited honor. During the service of Mr. Rockwell, from 1866 until after the great fire, new problems were constantly arising on account of the new and confused condition of the city. To the solution of these problems Mr. Rockwell gave himself with untiring energy and with marked success. Within Mr. Vanarsdale's term of service the asso- ciation sold its publishing business to Mr. F. H. Revell. This had grown to considerable proportions. It was also during this time that the association paper was started by Mr. Vanarsdale. Mr. Hemingway was appointed secretary in 1878, and continued his work with a slight interruption until the close of 1887. During this important period Mr. Hemingway won the confidence of his associates and of the business men of the city by his devoted and self-sacrificing efforts in behalf of the work, and by his never failing sympathy with young men. Mr. ■^r'fS^"''^' -sr-w :^ W. \V. Vanarsdale GENERAL SECRETARIES F. M. Rockwell L. Wilbur Messer A. T. Hemingway The First Period, 35 Hemingway did much to increase the membership and the financial constituency of the association. As we have seen, progress was also made during his adminis- tration in the direction of a more definite work for young men. The closing years of this period prepared the way for the great step in advance involved in the reorgan- ization and extension under what is known as the metropolitan plan. The city more than doubled its population in the decade between 1880 and 1890. The plans and equipment which had served for a city of less than a half million souls, were more and more felt to be insufficient as the city rapidly increased its population. In the midst of vast material advances, the need of greater specialization and better organiza- tion of the spiritual forces of the city became apparent. The association, in common with the other spiritual agencies of the city, gradually responded to its grow- ing needs. The movement was in part conscious, in part due to changing conditions. It was wholly pro- vidential. Thus the association, at the close of its first period, looked back upon thirty busy years, within which Chicago had grown from a raw provincial community of one hundred thousand people to a metropolitan city of a million souls. It cherished the memory of a unique and successful co-operation in Christian work by many men of differing views, who came together from the four corners of the world to unite their energies in building an imperial city within a single generation. It cherished as its own an untarnished and precious record of Christian service, performed by many noble souls under conditions of difficulty not elsewhere known. It held aloft, in the presence of 36 The First Period. vast material interests, a spiritual ideal. It held and taught that character is more than possessions, that the things which are eternal are unseen. Thus trained and equipped by the successful experi- ences of thirty years, thus inspired by noble memories and purposes, the association, at the beginning of 1888, faced the larger and more definite work to which it was called of God. THE SECOND PERIOD. (1888-1898.) The year 1888 is a memorable one in the history of the Chicago association. Within its early months, L. Wilbur Messer, a man of rare qualifications and special fitness, became general secretary of the asso- ciation. At its close the movement for a more definite work, which, as we have seen, began several years earlier, culminated in the metropolitan organi- zation. The association then consisted of the central and four railroad departments. The railroad departments were weak and without adequate equipment. Farwell Hall, the only building then owned by the organiza- tion, was equipped for mission effort rather than asso- ciation work. The paid membership was less than two thousand. Women were still eligible to member- ship. While much progress toward specialization had been made, the association still maintained mixed meetings, a Sunday school for the Chinese, and street and jail meetings, and carried on much miscellaneous work. Farwell Hall was yet a center of many forms of Christian activity. Indeed, more than a dozen out- side organizations were still at home in its rooms, with no thought of contributing to its expenses. The asso- ciation had so long served as the foster mother to every good cause that some of them claimed the rights of children in Farwell Hall, the family home- stead. The process of leading these to regard them- 37 38 The Second Period. selves of age was a slow and somewhat painful one; but it was finally accomplished. The revision of the constitution late in 1888, placed the association on a definite basis and inaugurated the metropolitan plan of organization. This plan does not change the relation of the board of trustees to the association. Their authority over its property is fixed by the charter and remains as before. Prior to its adoption the board of managers exercised direct con- trol over all the work, and was responsible for its conduct Under the metropolitan plan the board of managers consists of twenty-one representatives of evangelical denominations, who serve for three years, one third of them retiring each year. The principal functions of this important body may be briefly stated. It is charged with the direction of the general policy of the association, the general supervision of all departments, the organization of new departments, the adjustment of the relations of the departments to the general body and to each other, the control of inter- department athletics, the receipt and disbursement of all funds, the procurement of secretaries and physical directors, the promotion and introduction of advanced methods, the direct management of the central build- ing, and the control of the relations of the association with the world-wide brotherhood. It now employs, to direct this work, the general secretary, an assistant general secretary, and three office assistants. Some idea of the extent of the office work done is indicated by the fact that in 1897 the sum of one hundred and forty-four thousand six hundred and seventy-one dollars passed through the general office of the asso- ciation. The metropolitan plan introduced a great change in JOHN V. FARVVELL, Jr. The Second Period. 39 the direct management of the work. What had been the Chicago association became the central depart- ment, the principal one of several departments, each of which was placed under its own committee of man- agement acting under the general supervision of the board of managers. The new constitution states the object of the association to be "the improvement of the spiritual, mental, social, and physical condition of young men." It limits the membership to men. Provision is made for active, associate and honorary membership. It will be remembered that under the second constitution women were admitted as "auxili- ary" members, and that both men and women were admitted to life membership. The new constitution also requires applicants for membership in the associ- ation to be over sixteen years of age. The entire paid membership is now about six thousand, being nearly three times what it was ten years ago. There have been great changes in the extent, as well as in the character of the work, since 1888. Two only of the five departments then in existence, the central and Garfield boulevard departments, now remain. The Forty-eighth street railroad department was closed in 1891. That at Sixteenth street was also closed in 1891, The Kinzie street railroad department was recently suspended because of the opening at West Fortieth street of the new building of the Chi- cago and Northwestern railroad department. Within this period the Bridgeport, South Chicago, Millard avenue, Pullman, and German departments, were organized, continued for longer or shorter periods, and finally closed. Each of these did good work for a time. No one of them was a distinct failure. Some of them were closed because of changed con- 40 The Second Period. ditions; others for lack of adequate local support. It has been the policy of the board of managers, from the inauguration of the metropolitan plan, to require the committee of management of each department to provide for its financial support from the constituency assigned to it. At some of the points named the work will no doubt be resumed when local conditions become favorable. The association has organized the West Side (1889), Intercollegiate (1890), Ravenswood (1891), Hyde Park (1895), Chicago and Northwestern (1897) Dearborn Station (1897), ^^^id Elsdon (1898), departments within this period. It has also adopted the Englewood department (1897), which was organized as an inde- pendent association in 1886, before the annexation of Englewood to the city. The Central, West Side, Ravenswood, Englewood, and Hyde Park departments are for general work. Each occupies an important field, is well equipped and is on a permanent and successful basis. The intercollegiate department includes regularly organi- zed student associations in the University of Chicago and in thirteen of the professional schools of the city. The Garfield boulevard, Chicago and Northwestern, and Dearborn Station departments are for railroad men. The work at each point is well equipped and is doing a successful and permanent work. The Elsdon department for railroad work, though new, has a suit- able building in process of erection. The equipment and support already secured insure the success of this department. The growth of the Chicago association, within this period, is not measured by the members gained, the points occupied, the departments organized, the build- CLASS ROOM, CENTRAL DEPARTMENT ■•"^^ I _M 40 pn 1 ^^^B^ ^ 133wL ^ £i# « CLASS ROOM, CENTRAL DEPARTMENT The Second Period. 41 ings acquired. Indeed, it cannot be measured by statistics alone, however complete. With the prog- ress in organization and occupation of new fields, has proceeded a not less significant transformation in the character of the work done. In a word, the work of the association has become definite and specialized. It has become a definite work for young men. This one thing it does. Their salvation is still its supreme purpose. In common with the entire brotherhood, it has come clearly to see that the salvation of young men involves the improvement of their "spiritual, mental, social, and physical condition;" that this improvement requires a four-fold work to meet these four great needs of young men, Hence, has come within the association the specialization into its four great departments of work. It is not the purpose to press one of these to the exclusion of the others, but to make each as strong as possible in its proper place. The former distinction between spiritual and secular agencies is no longer pressed. The earnest desire is to develop thoroughly rounded manly character. All agencies that tend to this result are now regarded as spiritual in the best sense. It is believed that com- plete salvation involves a trained mind in a sound body with right relations to God and man. It is the single purpose of the Young Men's Christian Association to supply the conditions that will most surely lead multi- tudes of young men to this complete salvation. The Chicago association, in the development of this specialized four-fold work, has not abated one jot from the zeal for the conversion of men, which char- acterized its earlier years. Within the year 1897 ^^e spiritual section held, in the several departments of the association, nine hundred and seventy-five religious 42 The Second Period. services, with a total attendance of one hundred and nineteen thousand one hundred and sixty-eight men. In addition, five hundred and thirty-seven sessions of Bible classes were held. There were four hundred and ninety-seven professed conversions and one hun- dred and eighty-six men were referred to city pastors for church membership. No statistics can indicate the improvement from day to day in all that goes to make up Christian character among the thousands of young men who are directly and indirectly influenced by the association. The educational section of the association, as now conducted, dates from the opening of the new central building. Educational classes were conducted in Far- well Hall from about 1882. From this experience it appeared that many young men, who have embarked upon their careers, feel the need of further study to insure success. There can be scarcely a better service rendered to a young man than to aid him to a better training for the work upon which he has already entered. Class work is now systematically conducted at the central and West side departments. In addi- tion, ten reading rooms are open daily, and many lec- tures and practical talks are given. Within the year 1897, eleven hundred and ninety-three students were enrolled in evening classes and one hundred and two students were enrolled in day classes. Twenty-six hundred and fifty-eight evening recitations, with an attendance of thirty-one thousand and ninety-eight, were held. The day business department, which offers complete business courses, began its work in 1896. Its growth has been steady and substantial. The work at the central department is carried on under the name of Association College. It has been under CLASS ROOM, CENTRAL DEPARTMENT PARLOR, CENTRAL DEPARTMENT The Second Period. 43 the highly efficient direction of Walter M. Wood since the opening of the new building. In his last annual report Mr. Wood says: "I am led hereto state briefly the large purpose of the Young Men's Christian Association in conduct- ing its educational work. This purpose may be de- fined under five distinct heads: First, to offer a gen- uine attraction to the association membership; sec- ond, to provide for the practical educational training of young men; third, to provide opportunity for intel- lectual culture; fourth, to encourage helpful social intercourse among young men; fifth, to open an easy and natural way for the exercise of a positive Christian influence on the lives of young men who become stu- dents and club men. I think you will agree with me that if this multiform purpose is carried out, and the results of the past years prove that it is being realized, then certainly in association college the management and students alike have every reason to be inspired for the most noble work, and to feel confident that all efforts will contribute, not to any mercenary, narrow or unworthy end, but to that most noble accomplish- ment, the development of men of intelligence, culture and moral power." The social section of the association extends to all its departments. It has received constant attention throughout this period. Receptions, socials, and entertainments have been frequent in all its depart- ments. The social and game rooms are well patron- ized, and there is a home-like atmosphere in all the buildings of the association. The work of the other sections also brings men together under most favor- able and helpful conditions. The physical section has made rapid strides within 44 The Second Period. this period. Ten years ago there was but one gyrn- nasium. It was started in 1876, and had become inadequate for its purpose. It was practically the only physical work which the association had ever undertaken. It now has six well equipped gymnasi- ums and many baseball, basket ball, bicycle, and ten- nis clubs. The entire physical work of the association is under competent direction and careful control. The gymnasium at the central building is probably unsur- passed in completeness. It is fully equipped with bathing facilities, including a swimming tank. Ample provision is made for physical examinations. Since the opening of the building this gymnasium has been under the direction of George W. Ehler, a man of special qualifications and training for his important work. An indication of the value of the work of this section appears from some of the statistics for 1897. The number of class sessions in all gymnasiums was thirteen hundred and sixty-two, with a total attend- ance of thirty-seven thousand and ninety-one men. There were nine hundred and ninety-eight medical examinations. The number of baths taken was one hundred and twenty-seven thousand eight hundred and four. These statistics merely indicate part of the indoor work of the physical section. Thus it appears that specialization of the work of the association has proceeded in two directions. In all its departments it seeks the improvement of "the spiritual, mental, social, and physical condition of young men." By its different departments it pro- vides for the special needs of various classes of young men. It now makes special provision for col- lege men and railroad men in its collegiate and rail- road departments; and provides for resident young men of Christian or moral character in its departments GYMNASIUM. CENTRAL DEPARTMENT NATATORIUM, CENTRAL DEPARTMENT The Second Period. 45 for general work. It plans for lodging homes for young men of limited income, transient or but just acquiring a foothold in the city; also for rescue departments to reach and save men of intemperate and vicious habits and criminal practices. Through the means of its spiritual, educational, social, and physical sections in all its departments it provides for the needs of all young men. The services of many faithful assistant and depart- ment secretaries have largely contributed to the suc- cesses of the Chicago association, especially in its more recent years. The names of all cannot be recorded here. Those of William Cook, George T. Howser, George B. Townsend, Daniel Sloan, James F. Gates and Walter T. Hart cannot be omitted from even a sketch of the association. William Cook has success- fully filled the position of railroad secretary at Kinzie street and the new Chicago and Northwestern depart- ment for seventeen years, and is now the oldest in serv- ice here of the secretarial force. George T. Howser was first assistant secretary during the closing years of Mr. Hemingway's term, and was acting secretary for a few months. After making a good record here, he accepted the general secretaryship at Cincinnati. George B, Townsend was the active and efficient financial secretary of the association from 1882 to 1891. Daniel Sloan was the first secretary of the Madison street (now central) department under the metropoli- tan organization. His faithful and efficient service was rendered during a period of transition. James F. Gates, a man of ability and college training, upon his graduation became Mr. Sloan's assistant in 1893, ^rid» upon the latter's retirement in 1895, ^^^ successor. He is now the able and successful secretary of the central department, the largest single department in 46 The Second Period. the association world. Walter T. Hart is the assistant general secretary of the association, which position he has filled with great acceptance since the reorganiza- tion of 1888. The entire secretarial force now consists of thirty men. Seven of these are college graduates. It is but the truth to say that the entire force is un- equaled elsewhere. The regular employees of the association of all grades now number one hundred and four. This period in the life of the association will ever be memorable for the progress made in securing ade- quate buildings. Some account of this progress is reserved for its proper place in the chapter on "Build- ings." Nor can an account of the more important matters of this period omit reference to the wider rela- tions of the Chicago association. This is reserved for the chapter on "World-wide Relations." We are still in the midst of the period of which this chapter treats. The fortieth anniversary does not mark its close, but is merely an incident in its course — a time to review an inspiring past and plan for the even larger opportunities and duties of the coming years. What some of these opportunities and duties are now believed to be, appears in the final chapter on "The Outlook." Suffice it here to say, that the past ten years have been years of organization, struggle, growth, achievement — years in which the association has kept pace with the growth of the city. Within these years it has become a great public institution. As such it has received a popular support, to which it is entitled only because of its public character. At this anniversary hour, it rejoices in what it has been permitted to do for the good of men, and with renewed faith enters upon the larger work which lies ahead. HENRY M. HUBBARD BUILDINGS. The first building ever erected for association pur- poses, the first of four erected by the Chicago asso- ciation on the site of the present central building, was dedicated on September 29, 1867. The achievements of the building movement since this, its initial step, mark the progress of the association idea. These achievements also show, in a concrete way, the grow- ing confidence of practical men in the character and value of association work. The Chicago association, prior to the erection of its first building, occupied rented rooms at 205 Ran- dolph street (1858-1859), and in First Methodist Church Block (1859-1867) at the southeast corner of Washington and Clark streets. Early in 1864 the records show that " the subject of a permanent build- ing and grounds as a home for the association occupied a large part of the time of the board." E. S. Wells, J. V. Farwell, D. L Moody, B. F. Jacobs, P. L. Underwood and others were active in the movement which resulted in the completion of the historic structure known as the first Farwell Hall. Mr. John V. Farwell gave land and cash to the amount of ;^6o,000, thereby making this great achievement possi- ble at that time. Those who had prayed and toiled for the erection of the first building were permitted to enjoy it but four short months. On January 7, 1868, it was burned 47 48 Buildings. to the ground. The records of the time show the spirit in which this great calamit}^ was met: " On the morning of the 7th of January we were called upon in the Providence which God permitted to visit us, to ' pass under the rod,' and literally to obey the voice of the prophet, ' Glorify ye the Lord in the fires.' At a quarter past nine o'clock the cry of ' Fire in Farwell Hall,' rang sharply through our office, seeming at first 'as the cry of one who mocketh,' but soon realized as true in the awful conflagration which swept in an hour to the object of our prayers and labors for years. But in the hour of the fierce, fiery elements, God's hand was manifest in kindness, for no flame kindled upon the person of our young men in the work, and no life was lost. Many friends came to the rescue of such effects as could be saved, and we succeeded in securing all the association records, a part of the library and rooms furniture, with nearly eight hundred volumes of the most valuable works in our library. When the flames were fiercest, the call for prayer was sounded, and the daily prayer-meeting, which has never been suspended for one day since its organization, gathered in the lecture-room of the Methodist Church at the usual hour for prayer and praise. Most earnestly and humbly we bowed before the great and all-wise Giver, blessing the hand which took as well as gave. The test of our faith was also the test of our friends, and until the flames had wrapt our building as a winding sheet, we had never known how many and how true were those who loved our association. Scores wept as though their own homes were burning." The association promptly secured rooms in Major Block, corner of LaSalle and Madison streets, where < w H C K C w > z H C G Z Buildings. 49 the work continued to be vigorously prosecuted. Major D. W. Whittle writes: "The first fire seemed a great calamity to us, but it proved a blessing in converting most of those who were stockholders in the building to donors of their subscriptions, and starting us upon a better footing." The second building, erected in 1868, was dedicated January 19, 1869. It was destroyed in the great fire of 1871. How this second calamity was met is shown by the following extracts from the records: "October 8', 1871, the association buildings were burned in the great fire. "October 25, 1871, the following relief committee was appointed immediately after the fire: John V. Farwell, treasurer; D. L. Moody, B. F. Jacobs, D. W. Whittle, Rev. C. E. Cheney; Rev. Robert Patterson, secretary. "October 30, 1871, Messrs. Whittle, Jacobs, and Hitchcock were appointed a special committee on building barracks for religious purposes. Board met in Seventh Presbyterian Church, corner of Peoria and Jackson streets. "November 16, 1871, Major Whittle reported that the committee had secured rooms on the West side at 97 Randolph street, and had ordered shelving put in for library purposes. The president and secretary were instructed to execute the leases for their own room and office at 97 Randolph street at eight hundred dollars per annum." Mr. F. G. Ensign writes of this event: ' The association was rendered homeless by the great Chicago fire. The question of rebuilding came to the front. All members of the association were scattered, and many had left the city temporarily or CO Buildings. permanently, so that few were left to take the task of reconstruction. The first step was to secure the sur- render of the stock; for the buildings that were burned had been built on the stock plan. The sum of two hundred and sixteen thousand dollars had been paid for this stock by the subscribers, most of whom expected to get six per cent, interest annually on their investment. The task of finding the addresses of these stockholders and soliciting them to surrender their stock was apportioned to me. In a few months the stock to the face value of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars was surrendered, and the third build- ing of the association was erected." The greater part of the remaining stock was gradu- ally donated to the association. Some of it was retired in other ways. The third building was dedicated on November 9, 1874. It was erected at a cost of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. It had a frontage of thirty-five feet at 148 Madison street, a depth of one hundred and eighty feet to Arcade court, with a wing to the eastward one hundred and twenty by seventy-six feet. The south, or main portion of its site, is that of all but the front of the present noble structure. Each of the first three buildings bore the name of Farwell Hall. This was appropriate, as the great hall was the main feature of each. The association, in its early days, was largely a library and place for holding religious meetings. A great hall for the larger meetings, a smaller one for the noonday and other smaller services, rooms for the library and the offices, met the requirements of the association. As the work developed to meet the spiritual, mental, social and physical needs of young men, the old type < R Z O c D C w > H w 2 H C3 c F g z r > PI D Buildings. 51 of building was found to be wholly inadequate. Toward the end of the year 1888, the managers and trus- tees of the association became convinced that the old building must be radically changed throughout or a new structure secured. A careful examination of the building showed that it would be impossible to remodel it so as to give modern facilities. Upon con- sultation with architects, it was found that the shape of the lot would make a new building, not only expen- sive in construction, but inadequate to the require- ments. The first step, therefore, was investigation as to an available building site. Owing to the geographi- cal arrangement of the city, the first requisite was that it be in the very heart of the central or down- town district. To move any distance in any direction would deprive the association of a large share of its usefulness. Much time and consideration were, there- fore, given to the choice of a lot. Just when the search in this direction seemed futile, it occurred to the committee that by the sale of that portion of the lot which fronted thirty-five feet on Madison street, and purchase of the lot lying between the rear of the property and LaSalle street, a more symmetrical building could be secured, with a frontage of fifty- three feet on LaSalle street, a depth of one hundred and eighty-five feet upon Arcade court, and a width in the rear of eighty-one feet. The high value of the land, and the great cost of construction of a building adapted solely for the uses and purposes of the association, made it necessary to embrace in the general scheme a building which should combine the facilities required by the associa- tion with a large number of offices to be rented for business purposes. The income from the offices is 52 Buildings. now applied in carrying the debt which was incurred in the construction of the building. When the debt is paid this income will be available for the extension of the work of the association. Numerous sketches and studies were made before the matter was allowed to go beyond the knowledge and consideration of a few members of the board of managers. At the annual dinner in January, 1889, some of the gentlemen present presented the associa- tion with fifty silver dollars, which they desired to have kept as the beginning of a fund for a new build- ing. The suggestion was received with enthusiasm, and the trust fund for this purpose was begun. Noth- ing definite, however, during that year was accom- plished. Faith and courage were not yet sufficient to justify a canvass for a building fund. John Crerar, long a distinguished merchant, died in October, 1889, leaving a will which will stand as one of the historic documents of Chicago, illustrating a wise testamentary distribution of wealth. It called forth the admiration of every broad-minded citizen. In the simplicity and force of its language, in the high moral tone which pervaded all the provisions by which a great library was to be founded for the benefit of the people, it was unique. Among the many monuments for good raised by the noble purpose of Mr. Crerar, none will stand for more far-reaching and conspicuous results than what he did by his gift of fifty thousand dollars to the Young Men's Christian Association of Chicago, which will be his trustee in extending to generations of young men the open hand of fellowship. This bequest came as an inspiration to the officers of the association. It was immediately felt that this would be a foundation-stone upon which to rest the ENGLEWOOD DEPARTMENT BUILDING Buildings. 53 superstructure of the new building. Acting under the encouragement of this gift, two subscriptions of twenty- five thousand dollars each were quickly secured from friends of Mr. Crerar, thus securing one hundred thou- sand dollars as the beginning of this important move- ment. An upper room of the old building was crowded with members of the association to usher in the New Year of 1891. An earnest religious service had been con- ducted, after which plans were submitted and discussed relating to a new building which should be commen- surate with the growing interest and greatly increased activity of the association in Chicago. The sub- scription books were opened at this meeting, and, in less than sixty days, as the result of an earnest canvass by committees then organized, forty thousand dollars more was pledged toward the building fund, most of the subscriptions being for comparatively small amounts. Simultaneously with this canvass, an option was secured upon the LaSalle street property owned by the Andrews estate, in order that time might be given in which to test the possibility of securing the funds necessary for the erection of a building. With pledges in hand to the extent of one hundred and forty thousand dollars; an option upon property which would give the very best location to be found in the entire city; the old building rapidly approaching a condition where it must be either entirely remodeled or pulled down, the managers and trustees of the association felt that the time had come for a final effort to rise and build anew. After serious consider- ation it was decided to start the new enterprise with confidence and a determination to succeed. The first work was to prepare a plan which should 54 Buildings. give the best possible conveniences and equipment for the association part of the building, and also well arranged and well-lighted offices. When to these requirements were added the necessity of an audi- torium to hold at least twelve hundred people for the religious and other gatherings connected with the association; also a gymnasium, with its large open space and the usual running track, it will be realized that the problem before the architect was one of no mean proportions. Messrs. Jenney & Mundie were called to this work, and after a few weeks of incessant labor with the general secretary and a committee of managers, a plan was finally prepared which success- fully met all these requirements. The result was a design for a fire-proof, steel-constructed building of twelve stories in height, with a facade of most digni- fied and attractive appearance. The roof, marked by a tower, was intended to form a distinguishing feature of this building, standing as it does among buildings devoted entirely to mercantile and secular interests. The financial problem being the first one to be solved, a building committee was appointed, composed of the following gentlemen: N. S. Bouton, chairman; S. M. Moore, E. G. Keith, A. L. Coe, Cyrus H. McCormick, John V. Farwell, jr., Henry M. Hubbard, and James L. Houghteling. Without delay they called in as advisory members, with particular refer- ence to the general financial scheme, Owen F. Aldis, Byron L. Smith and John J. Mitchell, who were not members of the board of managers. This committee, undertook the consideration of the building plans, and the preparation of a financial scheme by which the enterprise could be carried successfully to comple- tion. T > PC a -0 m z r z CD > tn ID D Buildings. 55 The committee finally proposed a financial plan as follows : Contributions $400,000 Sale of Madison street property 175,000 Thirtj-jear bonds 600,000 The land was estimated as being worth $50 per square foot; which, added to the cost of the building, would make a security for the bonds beyond question. An arrangement was then made for the sale of the bonds to the First National Bank of Chicago. An active canvass was immediately begun for sub- scriptions, and in three months a total of ^300,000 was subscribed. This was the figure decided upon as necessary before the work could be undertaken. It was felt that the remaining ^100,000 could be secured as the work progressed. An analysis of the subscrip- tions shows that, aside from the bequest received from the will of John Crerar, there were two subscriptions making together ;^6o,ooo, four of ;gio,ooo each, seven of S6,ooo, thirteen of ^5,000, three of ^3,500, two of $3,000, three of $2,500, eight of $2,000, one of $1,500, one of $1,300, three of $1,250, and ninety-eight of $1,000, The citizens of Chicago gave to this project liberally and encouraged the committee in their work. On May 10, 1892, the pulling down of the Andrews building on LaSalle street was begun. The work upon the foundations was begun sixty days later, and it was pushed with vigor. It was originally hoped that the building would be ready for occupancy May i, 1893, but the time necessary to secure the subscrip- tions and the difficulty of obtaining the structural steel, delayed the work so that it was impossible to finish the building by that time. The panic of 1893 very seriously interfered with 56 Buildings. the project ; and, although the construction was pushed, the committee which had in charge the securing of the requisite additional subscriptions were obliged tempo- rarily to suspend their work. In the mean time, No- vember II, 1893, the building was opened for the occupancy of the association, although the office part was not at that time completed. As the committee was unwilling to incur additional debt, — the full amount of subscriptions not yet being secured, — it was felt necessary to omit the interior finish of four of the upper floors. It was soon discovered that this would be very detrimental to the economical completion of the work already ordered. Hence a syndicate was organized to borrow the money from outside sources and finish up the ninth floor. As the work of securing subscriptions progressed, this syndicate was reimbursed and another one formed to finish the tenth and eleventh and part of the twelfth floors. This work was not fin- ished and all the offices of the building ready for renting until May i, 1895. It will thus be seen that the trustees are now com- pleting their third year of the rental of the entire office portion of the building. The original plan pro- vided ample sunlight and air for all the offices. The interior finish, although not extravagant, is equal in completeness to that of any other modern building in the city. The demand for the offices has therefore been good and the building is now practically filled, al- though the rent roll has suffered the same diminution which has come to all buildings of this class, owing to the financial stringency since 1893. An examination of the building, its arrangement and equipment, will show that the plans of the building committee have been well carried out, and that the gen- ENTRANCE ASSOCIATION BUILDING RESTAURANT, ASSOCIATION BUILDING Buildings. 57 eral scheme and original object of the committee have been fully vindicated. It may properly be said that the enterprise is thus far complete in all details, with the exception of that part which relates to the collection of the necessary contributions. As time progressed, certain additions to the building were found impera- tive, and the original estimate of $400,000 in subscrip- tions was found to be inadequate. Some long-time loans are still carried; and, with the restoration of better financial conditions, the building committee hope that sufficient contributions can be secured to complete this, the only unfinished portion of the work as it was originally planned. The entire work of furnishing the parlors and library of the central department, and the offices of the gen- eral board, was undertaken by a committee of ladies who raised $6,000 and finished their work with great taste. The association is much indebted to them for their timely and efficient assistance.* ♦Notwithstanding the financial stringency, provision was made by the committee to meet all bills when presented. A synopsis of the receipts and expenditures will illustrate the near- ness with which the committee have adhered to their financial plan. BUILDING FUND. NEW CENTRAL BUILDING. Young Men's Christian Association of Chicago. Cost : Purchase of La Salle street front (53x65) $270,160 00 Construction of building 959,484 00 Miscellaneous items, including interest on bonds and cost of operation prior to final completion, a period of two years 72,353 00 $1,301,997 00 $8 Buildings. The organization of the association on the metro- politan plan in 1888 unified and broadened the work, and led its friends to plan for greater things. Not only did the necessity of a new central building become apparent, but also the need for buildings suit- able for the special requirements of the work in vari- ous parts of the city. The Fifty-fifth street railroad department, now the Garfield boulevard railway department, was the first to profit by these new plans. The work at this point had been efficiently carried on in rented rooms, which were entirely inadequate. In 1889 the building now occupied by this department was made possible by the gift by John V. Farwell, Jr., of the lot at the corner of Garfield and Tracy avenues, and by the gift of one thousand dollars by Mr. William Thaw, of Pittsburg, second vice-president of the Pennsylvania railroad. This, the first building erected after the reorganization, was dedicated on October 6, 1889. The building cost ^7,000, of which ;?52,000 was raised by railway men and their friends in the neighborhood. The West side department rapidly developed from its inception, soon outgrew its first quarters on West Madison street near California avenue, and removed to Paulina and Madison streets, where the physical department became one of the permanent features of Receipts : From subscriptions $408,123 00 Sale of Madison street front and other property. 201,009 00 Sale of thirtj-year five per cent, gold bonds 584,616 00 Miscellaneous sources: Ladies furnishing $ 6,292 00 Time loans ._ 94,932 00 Interest and small items 6,942 00 108,16600 $1,301,914 00 CHICAGO & NORTHWESTERN RAILROAD BUILDING GARFIELD BOULEVARD RAILROAD BUILDING Buildings. 59 the work. While here located, with a rapidly-increas- ing membership, the necessity of erecting a suitable building was increasingly apparent. Just at this period a providential opportunity to secure its present build- ing was unexpectedly presented. The Holden build- ing, then occupied by the LaSalle Club, at 542 West Monroe street, was suggested as suitable in location and equipment for the growing work of the depart- ment. The main building, constructed of white marble, occupies a lot one hundred and twenty-five by one hundred and thirty-nine feet, and contains twenty- four rooms, substantially finished and furnished. In the rear an addition had been erected by the LaSalle Club, forty-two by seventy-two feet, containing bowl- ing alleys, bathrooms, an audience room, and an additional hall admirably adapted for a gymnasium. The club having expressed its purpose to vacate the property, an option on the premises was secured at ^45,000. An additional sum of $5,000 was added to this amount for necessary alterations and equipment. The late Jacob Beidler, upon learning of the proposed plan of purchase, immediately subscribed one-third of the entire amount, being $16,666.67, provided the other two-thirds of the total amount needed could be secured. The canvass was undertaken in February, 1893, and within forty-two days the balance was subscribed. In this canvass several of the West side pastors, particu- larly Rev. Dr. William M. Lawrence, rendered valuable aid. This building has since furnished an admirable home for the West side department, providing facili- ties equal to those furnished by more costly buildings erected especially for association use. The ground occupied by the tennis courts, and other space about the 6o Buildings. building, gives ample opportunity for enlargement and the final erection of a new and adequate building as the work shall demand added space and equipment. Visitors to the building are uniformly impressed with its homelike appearance and the excellent substitute here made possible for worldly club life without its frequent attendant demoralizing influences. A more commodious building, suited to the growing needs of the association, will provide a larger audience room, which is greatly needed on the West side, a gymnasium so placed as not to disturb other portions of the build- ing, and equipment for evening educational work. The Chicago and Northwestern Railway Company was among the first of the railway corporations in the West to show substantial interest in the association's effort for railroad employees. The Kinzie street rail- road department was the oldest of existing railroad associations in Illinois. Its rooms at Canal and Kinzie streets, occupied January i, 1882, were in the early years suitably located and were frequented by a large number of railroad employees. The company's yards, however, were gradually transferred to distant points, thus limiting the work at the old department to a few of the passenger men. The largest center for associa- tion effort on this line was found to be five miles west of the passenger station, near the shops and yards at West Fortieth street. At this point over eighteen hun- dred employees center, including shop men, engine and train men. In 1891 Mr. Marvin Hughitt, President of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Company, made a proposition for the directors that the company would appropriate ^15,000 for an association building at that point, provided the men were sufficiently inter- ested to contribute $5,000 toward its erection and 1^ m.H.^^_.vi^ DEARBORN STATION RAILROAD BUILDING, (Leased) Buildings. 6i equipment. Three of the directors made an additional promise to purchase and donate as their personal sub- scription a site for the building. These generous offers created widespread interest among the railroad men. Under the supervision of Mr. Robert Quayle, superintendent of motive power and machinery, a can- vass resulted in securing within thirty days $6,500 in subscriptions from fifteen hundred and fifty men. The railway company subsequently increased its subscrip- tion to $18,000. On a site seventy-five by one hundred and thirty- five feet, valued at $2,800, a handsome two-story and basement building was dedicated, October 28, 1897. The equipment here provided is more complete than in any railroad building west of Philadelphia. The privileges include an attractive reception hall; parlor and library, beautifully and fittingly furnished; desira- ble reading room; recreation room for appropriate games; barber shop; gymnasium; bowling alley; bi- cycle storage; bathrooms; auditorium with seating capacity for two hundred and fifty, and class rooms for educational work. The restaurant on the first floor, where lunches and meals may be obtained at any hour of the day or night, is especially appreciated by the men; while the dormitory privileges, furnishing twenty beds, are all in constant use. The architect of this building, Charles S. Frost, has been most happy in the exterior design and interior arrangement. The building particularly appeals to the social natures of the men, as a home- like, attractive and elevating place of resort. The latest building development is at Elsdon, in the midst of the Grand Trunk railway yards. Three hundred men center at this point, most of whom are 62 Buildings. away from home, sleeping in round-houses, cabooses, and in cheap hotels. Through the generous offer of the officials of the road and the personal interest of General Manager Hays, the company has given a long lease of land and contributed $3,500 for a building for the association work at this point. Subscriptions to the amount of $600 were secured from the men; a pledge of $250 from the Chicago, New York and Boston Refrigerator Company, and personal pledges from friends have made possible the erection of a building costing, with furnishings, about $6,000. The usual equipment of a railroad department is here found, with exceptional provisions for restaurant and sleeping privileges. There is no point in the city where the men are more appreciative of a building than in this sparsely settled section, where by day and night the men are at leisure waiting their return trips to distant homes. The work here is almost exclusively for trainmen in the freight department and for engi- neers and firemen. The value of the Englewood property is about $20,000. It is subject to a mortgage of $10,000. Centrally located on Stewart avenue, a few doors from Sixty-third street, in the very heart of the business center, the building is a natural and convenient resort for young men. This property, which had previously been held by a separate corporation known as the Englewood Young Men's Christian Association, was transferred to the board of trustees of the Chicago association on Octo- ber 15, 1897. The building was originally one of the best residences of the vicinity. It is substantially finished in hard woods, and suited especially for the social features of the work. The renewed interest in ^^j;^^^^ GRAND TRUNK RAILROAD BUILDING, (Elsdon) Buildings. 63 the association at Englewood has created a strong demand for a suitable gymnasium. Plans are under consideration to erect a temporary building for this purpose on the rear of the property, or for sale of the property entire and purchase of a suitable lot for the erection of a modern association building. The Chicago association, for what has been accom- plished in securing a proper equipment for its great work, is deeply indebted to many of its members and friends, both past and present. Their splendid zeal has conquered many incredible difficulties, not once, but again and again. Through the entire history of this building movement, their faith has not faltered nor their generosity failed. No stronger testimony than what they have done for the association could be given to the value and efficiency of its work; nor could there be a stronger testimony to the public spirit and Christian purpose of those who have wrought and given for its material equipment. While the roll of names of those whose service and generosity have contributed to the building movement in Chicago is too long for insertion here, those who are omitted will expect to see in this place the names of Cyrus H. McCormick, John V. Farwell, Jr., James L. Houghteling, and L. Wilbur Messer. They would be the last to claim personal credit for having made the central building possible at this time ; but, while with- out the assistance of many others they could not have succeeded, their names must be recorded here as the leaders in this noble achievement. This greatest of association buildings will remain a monument to their indomitable courage and consecrated service. The truth of history requires that this much be said of the present leaders of the building movement in 64 Buildings. Chicago. More need not be added, as the associa- tion buildings have been erected solely for the glory of God and the salvation of men. That they have met this purpose is shown by the providence which has ever been apparent in the Chicago building movement. WORLD-WIDE RELATIONS. The Chicago association has never occupied a posi- tion of isolation. We have seen how reports of "the benign results achieved by the Young Men's Christian Associations of other cities," borne in upon its foun- ders, moved them to undertake its organization. It does not require a close study of its first constitution to see how fully they were informed of what had been accomplished by the earlier associations. From that day to this, the Chicago association has sustained cordial relations with the entire brotherhood. That these relations have been mutually helpful to both the local association and the general movement, there is abundant evidence. In the first place, the Chicago association has constantly received during its entire history, counsel, inspiration, and encouragement from outside. The international and state committees have stood ready at all times to render their valuable aid. Mr. Robert Weidensall, senior field secretary of the international committee, has since 1870 sus- tained close relations with the association. It has been his headquarters during all these years. From here he has gone forth into his great field to promote the association movement. The Chicago association has long been upon Mr. Weidensall's heart. He has ever cordially supported its secretaries and officers. He has always stood for true association ideals, and has persistently urged that the great aim of the asso- 65 66 World-Wide Relations. ciation is the salvation of young men. He and Mr. Hemingway together visited Mr. Houghteling and secured his consent to become the president of the association. Those responsible for its conduct have always found Mr. Weidensall a safe counselor. He justly says: "I have always given advice conscien- tiously and without respect to persons, for the best interests of the association, as I understood it." The record of services rendered to the association by the international committee, through Mr. Morse, Mr. Weidensall and others of its secretaries, is too long for insertion here. It must suffice to add that these supervisory services have done much to contribute to the successes of all these years. The Chicago association has exerted no small in- fluence upon the great religious movement, of which from its organization it has been a conspicuous part. Mr. Richard C. Morse, general secretary of the inter- national committee, than whom no one may speak with greater authority, writes: "The helpful influence of the work of the Chicago association has been felt in the international organ- ization and work, both on this continent and abroad. In the early conventions Mr. Moody, who was always the leading delegate from Chicago, stood as the asso- ciation in Chicago stood for evangelistic work exclu- sively. The associations had need in all their early history of emphasis upon this central activity of the organization. Without the helpful influence of the Chicago delegation and the Chicago association, in putting emphasis, both in the convention and in the local work, upon evangelistic effort, it is doubtful whether the supremacy of the spiritual work of the organization could have been so thoroughly maintained SUPERVISORY AND EDUCATIONAL OFFICIALS C. K. Ober I. E. Brown John W. Hansel Frank W. Ober Richard C. Morse Robert Weidensall World-Wide Relations. 67 in the historical development of the entire association movement. "Much of this influence was due to the personal agency of Mr. Moody. This was especially manifest when we consider what influence the Chicago associa- tion has exerted upon the association movement abroad. That influence has been almost exclusively exerted through the personal agency of Mr. Moody. It has been an influence of benediction upon the work in Great Britain, and his oft-repeated testimony that he owes more to the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion and to the Chicago Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation than any other one human agency, has exerted an untold influence in commending the organization where no other human voice could commend it to approval, support, and extension. In giving Mr. Moody to the association movement the Chicago association gave a world-wide influence, exerted in laying emphasis upon the central and controlling spir- itual purpose of the brotherhood. "In later years, as the Chicago association has rounded out its activity, extending it to all the depart- ments of the association work, social, intellectual, and physical, as well as spiritual, its example and influence have been felt most helpfully throughout all that wide territory where the influence of Chicago is more strongly felt than that of any other city. Those iden- tified with the international work, on both sides of the Atlantic, have keenly realized this. And the manner in which this development has been accomplished has been almost ideally perfect. The process of this de- velopment was initiated, and has been presided over, by the lay element in the association through the wise assumption or undertaking of leadership by leading vc_ e 1 n also i^cn has ' SDCBt 1 : r : : -o as the - -: :: : i:!?ed the D associs: eofganiz " -1 2 first - -. H. Cole. At die tliir ja 1875, it ^ ' : a Id. T Chi- The ->fy, i!..fiaffBc:» ed in IpHX E- RkoI'ES ^. J. Prindle B- L, PREXTI55 PRESEXT ADVISORY MANAGERS F^vxK J. ^xiTH Geo- I^Ej^r R. T. . World-Wide Relations. 69 service but a single year, from November i, 1876, to November i, 1877. When, however, in 1879, at the Decatur convention it was proposed again to put a state secretary into the field, the movement was urged by the Chicago representatives, and in the following convention one half of the financial burden of the state work was assumed by the Chicago association. "In its beginnings the present representative paper of our associations was simply a bulletin of the Chicago association, which was begun in November, 1874. After a year or two of publication the name was changed to the Watchman, and the paper came to be, not a mere representative of the Chicago association, but an individual enterprise, the aim of which was to reach the associations of the country and world. The support which has been given in recent years to this paper by friends in Chicago is well known. It is an open secret that the paper under whatever name, the Watchman, the Young Men's Era or Men, could not have existed had it not been for the interest of asso- ciation friends in this city. "In the beginning of the secretarial institute at Lake Geneva, the Chicago association did not have so large a part. The men who are perhaps more respon- sible than any others for the establishment of this educational institution were W. E. Lewis, state secre- tary of Wisconsin, and Robert Weidensall of the inter- national force. Chicago men, however, were identified with the movement from the start. The first com- mittee appointed consisted of W. E. Lewis, C. G. Baldwin and I. E. Brown. During Mr. Brown's absence on account of sickness, Mr. George T. Howser of the Chicago association, acted as his sub- stitute. Members of the Chicago association have 70 World-Wide Relations. been represented upon the directorate ever since the incorporation of the institute in August, 1886. ''In the founding of the Chicago training school for secretaries, the Chicago association was perhaps the largest factor. Late in the month of March, 1890, there came into the mind of one of the officers of the institute the idea that large facilities for practical training were close at hand in the association circles of Chicago. At that time the classrooms of the central department were available during the hours of the day. There were experienced association men to give instruction, and the different departments of the city- furnished an almost unrivaled field for observation. On April 3d of that year a conference was held, at which there were present L. W. Messer, H. F. Wil- liams, Daniel Sloan, E. L. Hayford, L. B. Smith and I. E. Brown. At this meeting the general plans of organizing a training school were approved, and steps taken looking to the formation of classes. Of the six men in the first meeting, four were directly con- nected with the Chicago association. Ever s.nce that time the Chicago association has assisted in the im- portant work of the training school through the use of its unrivaled facilities, through the help given by its secretaries in instruction, and through the oppor- tunities given for observation and practical work on the part of the students. "Set as it is in the heart of the continent, and so situated that the tide of travel east and west passes naturally through it, the Chicago association is, from its very position, destined to exert a continually in- creasing influence on the association work, which has now become world-wide. It is a striking fact that many of the foreign secretaries of the international PRINCIPAL PAID OFFICERS ViLLiAM J. Parker L. B. Moore L. Wilbur Messer James F. Gates George W. Ehler Iarry D. Abells John W.Adams Walter T. Hart C. H. Moormax P.C.Atkinson ViLLiAM Cook O. A. Young Walter M. Wood A. B. Wegener J. W. Shaw Arthur B. Dale World-Wide Relations. 71 committee have one time or another had their homes here. White of India, Hieb of Ceylon, Lyon of China, and Smith of India have all had their homes here for a longer or shorter period, while John R. Mott, who in these days belongs to the world, at present holds his membership in one of our suburban churches. Here are centered a group of widespread association influences. Here are the headquarters of the Western educational work, of the Illinois state work, of the association paper; also the Western office of the international committee, which includes in its force at this point the secretary who has charge of the city association work in foreign lands." The Chicago association has, since the development of the association work in missionary lands, substan- tially aided this movement . It has especially assisted in the work in Japan and China. Some of its mem- bers have largely participated in the support of the efficient world-wide supervision which has marked the work in recent years. It thus appears that the Chicago association is more than a local institution. It has world-wide relations and opportunities. It occupies a conspicuous and responsible place in what has been justly called the greatest religious movement of this century. The Young Men's Christian Association has reached, within but little more than a half-century, a position of commanding influence wherever Christian men seek to extend the kingdom of God. The associations, to promote a common purpose, have united by voluntary action into state, international and world federations. Thus has been attained a universal brotherhood of Christian men. It is the great privilege and high responsibility of the Chicago association to occupy a 72 World-Wide Relations. strategic point in the association world. If it but meets the opportunities which lie before it, the re- cently expressed hope of Mr. Moody "that the great- est work and the greatest successes of the association are yet before it," cannot fail of realization. PRESENT BOARD OF TRUSTEES N. S. BouTON Cyrus H. McCormick James L. Houghteling Albert L. Coe N. W. Harris W. I. Midler C. C. KOHLSAAT A. G. Lane E. G. Keith George M. High John V. Farwell, Jr. THE OUTLOOK. The Chicago association has now for forty years held its place in this community. Its history has been an eventful one. It has passed through years of trial, and overcome what sometimes seemed to be insur- mountable obstacles. From its failures, as well as its successes, has come knowledge. From its trials and its achievements has come inspiration. From its entire experience has come practical wisdom for its great task. The period of experiment has passed. The association has acquired the elements of permanence and power. In its membership are enrolled over six thousand of the young men of Chicago. Its officers, trustees, managers and committeemen are representa- tive and faithful men. Its material equipment is ex- tensive and, so far as it goes, adequate for many years to come. Its work and methods are approved by the best association sentiment of the world. It is conse- crated to a great purpose. While no one can prophesy the future of an organization thus tested and equip- ped, or measure its influence for good, it is possible to gain some idea of its present opportunities and needs. The field for the activities of the association is a con- stantly extending one. Its opportunities increase with the growth of the city. Each year sees an increase in the numbers of young men who come to Chicago as strangers for temporary or permanent residence. The 73 74 The Outlook. temptations and perils of city life are constant. They endanger the lives and test the characters of resi- dent young men, as well as those who are strangers to city life. In its broad work of prevention, rescue and symmetrical education; in its noble purpose to de- velop the body, train the mind and quicken the spirit; in its ability to meet the needs of all classes of young men, and the varied requirements of individuals, the association has demonstrated its right to be and the imperative need for its extension. Those who direct its activities cannot remain satisfied with its past suc- cesses. They must lead onward to new achievements. They must reap the harvest which is now ready for the sickle. They must act where delay would mean serious loss. While it is impracticable at once to pro- vide for every need, and thus meet every opportunity, it is well at this auspicious moment to take some account of what are the present opportunities and needs of the association. New Buildings. — -New buildings are needed for some of the existing departments, and at new points. The Englewood building is inadequate for the work in that important section of the city. The Hyde Park depart- ment is in rented quarters. It needs a commodious modern building to provide for the residence class of men and boys, and for the growing numbers of tran- sients in its vicinity. The North side needs a new department and first-class building, for a work similar to that now done on the West side. Railroad Departments. — The success of the four exist- ing railroad departments, and the appreciation of their work by railroad men and the officials of the roads which they serve, make it important that such efforts be promptly repeated at no less than six other points I PRESENT BOARD OF MANAGERS IfrTnc's VV Pa^'kL C.M.Higginson Hexrv M. Hubbard A. B. Mead Edw,. Burritt Smith Russell ( o™ ^ 1°"'' ' l'"^'' °- '^'- ^^"^'^ ^^'- "' «°^c°^'« N. S. Davis. Jr. ufHUH D Whhh; ^r' i H^T-rR -™""' "• ^- S^^-*-^^^- J^"'^ V- HARWELL. Jr. I W Hare John f. Richards A.E.Wells John C. Grant W. I. Midler The Outlook. 75 in this vicinity. Definite encouragement from several railroad corporations has been received. Chicago is the greatest railroad center in the country. The opportunities for this branch of the work are great, and must be more fully improved. The bitercollegiate Department. — Chicago has become a great educational center. It is especially rich in professional schools. Few realize that more profes- sional students now study here than in any other American city. Many of these are strangers, and re- main only while prosecuting their professional studies. When the select and representative character of these men is considered, the importance of a strong associa- tion work for them will be conceded. The association should have at least two students' dormitory buildings, costing about $50,000 each. They could be almost immediately filled, and would be self-sustaining if completely equipped. Such an investment would yield large returns in molding the character of those who are to be leaders of men in many communities. Lodging Homes. — There are many young men who have employment, but at very low wages. Many of these have but recently arrived in the city, and have begun at the foot of the ladder. A Christian home should be provided for them, where they can have rooms and meals at actual cost. This would surround them with Christian influences during their first months in a strange city. This is the danger period for such men, and every effort should be made to surround them with right influences. Their surround- ings at this time will determine the future of many of them. To meet this need the association must rely upon philanthropists who will provide a building to be operated under its auspices, similar in construe- 76 The Outlook. tion and appliances, though perhaps much more modest in scale, to the Mills Hotel of New York. Such a building and equipment, if given to the association, would no doubt be self-supporting. It would save many young men from evil influences. Rescue Departmeiit. — There is still another class of young men whose needs are even greater. They are without employment, and eke out a precarious exist- ence. Many of them are given to vicious and even criminal practices. At present the association is not provided with facilities to meet the needs of this class. A building should be located at one of the most con- gested points on the West side for this purpose. The investment of ^100,000 will provide adequate equip- ment. Provision should be made for cheap sleeping and restaurant privileges and for an employment bureau. There should also be provision made for every form of practical ministry to the outcast and forlorn. Such an equipment would be of untold value to this class of young men. Endowinents. — Public institutions which are largely dependent for support on annual subscriptions from public-spirited citizens are always hampered in meet- ing their opportunities. All the most successful in- stitutions for higher education are endowed. The great universities are made strong by their princely endowments. It is only by great equipments and independent incomes that they can supply the facilities which are required by their students. Few indeed could acquire a university training, if obliged to pay but its actual cost. Our universities are endowed because of their public character and the recognized value of their work to the community at large. Sim- ilar considerations should lead to the proper endow- CYRUS H. Mccormick The Outlook. 77 ment of the Young Men's Christian Association. It is essentially an educational institution. In its service to individuals it renders the most important service to society. It provides at nominal fees excep- tional facilities for the spiritual, mental, social and physical training of young men. While many members continue in the association year after year, by constant changes in its membership it reaches directly very large numbers of young men. Its members are no more pauperized by receiving its privileges at less than cost than are the students of a university whose tuition fees pay but a small part of the cost of their education. It makes no appeal for charity, but for an endowment adequate to meet its needs as one of the great public institutions of the city. The pressing needs of the Chicago association, in addition to those heretofore enumerated, as seen by those who are conversant with its work, are the fol- lowing: 1. An annual income of ^4,000 for association col- lege, to provide additional teachers and equipment. 2. A like annual income for the physical section, to improve its equipment and add to its teaching force. 3. At least a like income for the spiritual sec- tion, to be expended upon religious services and for books and printed matter. 4. An annual income of at least g 10,000 for the work of the board of managers. The membership fees cannot be applied to meet the expenses of superin- tendence and extension. These expenses are now met entirely by annual contributions. In view of the importance and extent of the functions of this board, it will be seen how directly it would strengthen the 78 The Outlook. entire work to have its support made adequate and certain. These sums should be provided from the income of invested funds. The regular work of the association, as now conducted, requires the annual expenditure of $100,000. Yet it has but one invested fund, the Rey- nolds, of $50,000, the income from which is used for missionary work among young men. The bonded indebtedness of the association should be reduced by subscriptions for that purpose. A re- duction of fixed charges will enable the trustees more rapidly to retire the remaining indebtedness on the central building, and release income for the support and extension of the regular work of the association. Not until the central building is free from debt can the association realize its full value to the work. The Chicago association, as we have seen, has not lived to itself alone. Its opportunities are by no means confined to the city which it serves. A present tendency in the association movement is its rapid extension in missionary lands. The opportunity for co-operation in Christian work which it presents, its practical facilities and tested methods, are found admirably suited to the needs of mission fields. May not Chicago establish and support the association in some one great city of China? The needs here indicated mark the splendid oppor- tunities of the Chicago association on its fortieth anniversary. Opportunities so important and so in- spiring have come to the association because it has kept the faith of its earlier years. The builders of Chicago feel that they are citizens of no mean city. Measured by its material achievements, its institutions of learning, its temples of art, its altars of religion — L. WILBUR MESSER The Outlook. 79 by all that makes for progress and righteousness — Chi- cago is already an imperial city. Among the power- ful forces that through all these years have contrib- uted to ground its higher life on sound Christian principles, none has done more than the Young Men's Christian Association. Among the constant influences that tend to make those who are to shape and control the future of Chicago men of high Christian character and purpose, none promises more than the established and tried institution having its center in the noble building which stands at the heart of the city to min- ister to its young men. That building, and the great work done through it, bear concrete testimony to the faith of the men who have made Chicago known around the world. Their loyal support of the associ- ation through all these years bears like testimony to their belief in Christian character and their desire to perpetuate it in those who are to come after them. The Chicago association has not wrought by chance; nor is its present commanding position in the forefront of the moral forces of Chicago due to accident. The presence of God has been manifest through all its his- tory. He seems to have said to it: "Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you. * * * I have given into thine hand Jericho." It is impossible that an association of young men having the inspiration of such an history, an experience so practical, a position so commanding, a purpose so exalted, can fail. Thankful for its past, doubly thankful for the opportunities of its present, it enters upon the larger work which God has commit- ted to its hands. APPENDIX. PRESIDENTS OF THE ASSOCIATION. Cyrus Bentley, . . . . . 1858-1859 John V. Farwell, ----- 1859-1861 J. H. Hollister, - . . - - 1861-1862 B. F. Jacobs, ------ 1862-1863 E. S. Wells, ------ 1863-1864 H. W. Fuller, ----- 1864-1865 D. L. Moody, - • - . - - 1865-1869 C. M, Henderson, ----- 1869-1871 T. W. Harvey, ------ 1871-1873 N. S. BouTON, ----- 1873-1874 John V. Farwell, ----- 1874-1876 T. W. Harvey,' ----- 1876-1878 E. G. Keith, 2 -.--,. 1878-1881 James L. Houghteling, - - . - 1881-1884 John V. Farwell, Jr., ----- 1884-1894 Henry M. Hubbard, . - . . 1895 > Mr. Harvey resigned his office in June, 1879, and Mr. Keith was selected to fill out the unexpired term. ^ Mr. Keith resigned in June, 1881, and the vacancy was not filled until the regular election took place. SECRETARIES OF THE ASSOCIATION. F. M. Rockwell, - - . - - 1866-1872 W. W. Vanarsdale, ----- 1872-1878 A. T. Hemingway, 2 - . - - . 1878-1888 L. Wilbur Messer, ----- 1888 ' In the early years the Association employed Librarians and Agents. Both Mr. Moody and Mr. F. H. Revell served in the^e capacities. ' There was an interregnum in Mr. Hemingway's service in 1885. 83 / POPULATION OF CHICAGO. 1850 28,269 1858 (Estimated) — 90,000 i860 109,206 1870 306.605 1880 503.298 1890 -- - 1,098,576 1898 (Estimated) 1,850,000 ASSOCIATION PROPERTY. Central Building $1,700,000 West Side Building--- 75. 000 Englewood Building 20,000 Garfield Boulevard Building 10,000 Chicago and Northwestern Building 27,000 Elsdon Building 6,000 Personal Property - 25,000 $1,863,000 INCUMBRANCES. Central Building $631,000 West Side Building 6,000 Englewood Building 10,000 Garfield Boulevard Building 1,000 $ 648.000 Net Value 1,215,000 $1,863,000 84 INDEX. INDEX. Active membership, iS; Army committee, 22; Association build- ing. 53. 54. 55, 56, 57, 58; Association College, 42, 77; Asso- ciate members, 18; Association paper, 69; Auxiliary mem- bership, 18, 23; Aldis, Owen F., 54; Armour, George, 17; Avery, T. M., 17. Board of Managers, 38, 77; Board of Trustees, 17, 38; Babcock, J. J., 17; Baldwin, C. G., 69; Barnes, Henry E., 28; Beidler, Jacob, 59; Bentley, Cyrus, 11, 16, 17, 19, 26, 27; Blair, William, 17; Bliss, P. P., 28; Bond, L. L., 16; Bouton, N. S., 16, 54; Blatchford, E. W., 17; Boyd, Robert, 17; Boyington, W. W., 17; Brown, I. E., 68, 69, 70. Central department, 37, 39; Charter, 17; Chicago fire of 1871, 49; Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Department, 39, 40, 60; Constitution, 17, 18, 23, 31, 38, 39; Cheney, Bishop Charles E., 15, 26, 49; Coe, Albert L., 16, 54; Cole, J. H., 28, 68; Cook, William, 45; Covell, Charles, 24; Crerar, John, 52,55; Cur- tiss, Jacob S., 28. Dearborn Station R. R. D., 40; Definite work, 31, 36, 37, 41; Dean, John W., 28; Dickey, Hugh T., 17. Early buildings, 23, 24, 32; Early records, 14; Early work, 20, 21, 24,37; Educational work, 42, 43; Elsdon department, 40, 61 ; Endowments, 76; Englewood department, 40, 62,74; Evan- gelical test, i7;Eddy, T. M., 17, 23;Ehler, George W., 44; Evarts, Dr., 15, 23, 26; Ensign, E.G., 32, 49. Farwell Hall,47, 50, 51 ; First building, 47; First rooms, 16, 21,47; Four-fold work, 41 ; Farwell, John V., 16, 17, 22, 26, 27, 47, 49, 68; Farwell, John V. Jr., 29, 54, 58, 63; Fisk, Franklin W., 23; French, Henry, 28; Frost, Charles S., 61. Garfield Boulevard department, 39, 58; Grant, W. C, 16. Hyde Park department, 40, 74; Haney, Isaac, 28; Hart, Walter T., 45; Hays, Charles M., 62; Hayford, E. L., 70; Hemingway, A. T., 34, 66; Hieb, Louis, 71; Hinsdale, Henry W., 17; Hitch- cock, J. M., 49, 68; Holbrook, William, 28; Hollister, J. H., 15, 24, 25, 27; Hughitt, Marvin, 60; Humphrey, Dr., 15, 26; Hurl- but, H. A., 17; Houghteling, James L., 29,54,63,66; Howser, George T., 45, 69; Hoyt, Deacon, 27; Hubbard, Henry M., 54. 87 88 Index. Inaugural address, President Bentley, ii, i6; Intercollegiate de- partment, 40, 75; Isham, I. N., 16. Jacobs, B. F., 16, 17, 24, 26, 27, 47, 49, 68; Jenney & Mundie, 54. Keith, E. G., 54; King, Tuthill, 17. Life members, 18; Lodging homes, 75; Lawrence, William M., 59; Lee, William L., 17; Leiter, L. Z., 16; Lewis, W. E., 69; Lunt, Orrington, 16, 17; Lyon, Willard, 71. Membership, 17,37,39,73; Metropolitan plan, 20, 35, 37, 38, 58; McCagg, E. B., 17; McCormick, Cyrus H., Sr., 17; McCormick, Cyrus H., 29, 54, 63; Mitchell, John J., 54; Messer, L. Wilbur, 37» 63, 70; Moody, D. L., 16, 24, 26, 27, 28, 33, 47, 49, 66, 67, 72; Moore, S. M., 54; Morse, Richard C, 66; Morton, Charles M., 68; Mott,JohnR., 71; Mowry, Henry C, 28; Myers, Philip, 68. Noon prayer-meeting, 25, 48; New buildings, 74. Object of association, 12, 16, 39; Oates, James F., 45. Physical section, 43, 44, 77; Page, Peter, 17; Patton, W. W., 27; Patterson, Robert, 23, 49; Perkins, David W., 28; Pratt, Dr., 23- Quayle, Robert, 61. Railroad departments, 37, 74; Ravenswood department, 40; Res- cue department, 76; Rand, William H., 16; Ransom, Porter, 28; Revell, Fleming H., 34, 68; Rockwell, F. M., 27, 34. Second building, 49; Secretarial institute, 69; Social section, 43; Spiritual section, 77; Sankey, Ira D., 28; Sargent, H. E., 17; Scranton, A. R., 17; Sexton, James, 28; Sloan, Daniel, 45, 70; Smith, Byron L., 54; Smith, George B., 71 ; Smith, L. B., 70; Spafford, H, G., 68; Swazy, A., 23; Sweet, E. D, L., 17. Third building, 50; Training school, 70; Thaw, William, 58; Townsend, George B., 45. United States Christian Commission, 23; Underwood, P. L., 16, 24, 26, 28, 47; Vanarsdale, W. W., 34. War committee, 22, 28; West side department, 40, 58, 59; Wads- worth, E. S., 17; Weidensall, Robert, 65, 66, 68, 69; Wells, E. S., 26, 47; Willard, Frances, 28; Williams, George, 12; Will- iams, H. F., 70; Willing, H. J., 16; White, W.W., 71; Whittle, D, W., 24, 27, 49; Wood, Walter M., 43. PRINTED BY R. R. DONNELLEY AND SONS COMPANY AT THE LAKESIDE PRESS, CHICAGO, ILL. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 267.397731 SM55H C001 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE YOUNG MEN'S CHR 3 0112 025275972 ^^ 'PLfi T^'rii.-' ' *„je 'Sl^sSd Wi^M'-:^%^^^^^^M