WELLINGTON YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5307, 29 March 1878, Page 7

WELLINGTON YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

An address in connection with the recentlyformed Young Men’s Christian Association was delivered by the Bev. Dr. Somerville in St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Willis-street, on Tuesday evening, March 19th. The church was well filled with a most attentive assemblage. The Kev. Dr. Somerville was accompanied on the platform by the Kevs. Messrs. Paterson, Ogg, West, and others. The proceedings were opened with prayer, after whic h the choir sang very pleasingly the hymn “We’re marching to Canaan.” Mr. ICirk, the president of the association, then explained that the object of the meeting was to listen to a statement regarding what had been done in forming the society, and also to hear an address from .Dr. Somerville, at whose suggestion the association had been formed. It was intended to direct the intellectual and religious life of those young men who might join it, and though in accomplishing the work that was before them, they must anticipate many obstacles yet there were no difficulties which could not be overcome, and he looked forward to beneficial effects resulting from the performance of a high and noble duty which would tell upon the community, and especially upon the Christian Church. It would incite others to the same gi’eat work. He alluded to its preventive character in keeping young men from those evils and tempttations which surround them. By way of simile, he compared its working to the scientific problem of cleansing cities, and having exported all its members to do their best for the society, he called upon the Bev. Mr. West, who explained what had been done at a meeting held in the Woodward-ward-street Congregational Church, where the association was inaugurated. Having read a statement of the constitution, rules, and objects of the society, be explained that its membership was already a strong one. Dr. Somerville, who- was greeted with hearty applause, commenced his remarks by stating that for two days he had been almost incessantly travelling. He gave a graphic description of his trip by steamer, which he characterised as one of the most disagreeable he had ever undertaken. He said he had not had time to prepare his address, owing to the short space of time Which he had at his disposal before being suddenly called upon to address the meeting. It was a source of pleasure to him that the Wellington Young Men’s Christian Association had got upon its feet, for such societies were very important from many points of view. Their relation to the Christian Church was similar to that of a reserve force of volunteers to a standing army ; it was an auxiliary working in co-operation with the main body. There need be no fear of the Young Men’s 'Association intruding on the functions of Churches. It was an undenominational society, the membership being composed of those who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and acknowledged the supremacy and inspiration of the Holy Scriptures. He earnestly recommended all the young men to join the Churches, and made a pleasing allusion to the harmony which exists between ministers of the various denominations in Wellington. The rev. doctor interspersed his address with interesting anecdotes, and concluded by an eloquent appeal to the young men present. Dr. Somerville urged all present to contribute according to their means iu aid of the object in view. He then commenced a sort of Dutch auction, asking would any one give £SOO, and then lowering the amount. Several gentlemen stood up—two offering £SO each, and another two £25 each, two £lO, altogether making £2lO. One hundred members joined, who will subscribe £1

each, which will make a total of £3lO, a most excellent start. Great cheering took place as each gentleman stood up and named the amount they would give. The doctor himself was also warmly cheered.

The choir rendered musical selections in a very able manner during the evening.