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SIMPLY to enumerate the religious, educational, and moral agencies that are carrying on good work in the city would take up more space than the prescribed limits of this volume can afford. The details of a few are only given.
GLASGOW UNITED YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. - This was formerly known as "The Glasgow Young Men's Society for Religious Improvement." Under this name it existed till 1877, when it was amalgamated with a society which partook more of a literary character. The Young Men's Society for Religious Improvement generally held its gatherings in White's Temperance coffee rooms in Trongate. The chief meeting was held on the Sabbath mornings at half-past seven, and, although held earlier than the time when meetings of a similar character now begin their services, was well attended. At this day I have very great pleasure in recalling to my mind many members of that association who became useful and loyal citizens of Glasgow; prominent in commerce and philanthropy; leading members and office-bearers in the city churches, and some of whom became faithful ministers at home, or like the late Dr. Williamson, Dr. Turner, and Rev. Henry Nisbet, became missionaries in China, India, the South Seas, etc. Although growing old, this Association has lost none of its vitality, strength, or usefulness. Instead of the former small and humble meeting places, it has now a 'change-like building in Bothwell Street, and from this centre have radiated numerous branch meeting-places for young men in the east, west, north, and south divisions of our city. The membership of this important society amounts to fully 9,000, and 220 fellowship meetings for the study of the Scriptures are held, with an average attendance of 4,397.
The general secretary conducts a Bible class on the Tuesday evenings, with an attendance of 119. During 1892 six of the members left for the foreign mission field. The number attending its educational classes is 1,056. It has a monthly magazine, a reading room and library, and occasionally it has public lectures. Mr. Oatts is its indefatigable secretary.
THE GEORGE SQUARE YOUNG MEN'S MEETING. - This Christian Institute, formed in 1853, is a branch of the general association, and has for many years had for its President, Mr. D. M. West. Although not so popularly known as the Glasgow United Young Men's Christian Association it is second to none in Glasgow for its excellent scriptural work. It may be called a school of the prophets, as its yearly syllabuses clearly prove. Perhaps no institution is doing more good for the spread of intellectual, critical, and spiritual knowledge of divine truth. Mr. West, principal of this Biblical academy, conducts it on professional lines, as he believes that on this plan more benefit is derived both to intellect and heart than could be gained by any other. The best proof of this is that so many of its young men have devoted themselves to Christian service. In connection with this institution there is issued "The Guide," a monthly journal. Mr. West is as enthusiastic to-day in this noble work as when it was begun.
THE GLASGOW ATHENAEUM. - This institution is now in its fourth decade. It began its operations in the Assembly Rooms in Ingram Street. These rooms were for many years the fashionable resort of lovers of fancy dress balls, concerts, etc., and sixty years ago the frequenters of these amusements arrived in sedan chairs, each chair carried by two men. The hall was looked upon as best adapted for aristocratic gatherings.
The first public soiree held in Glasgow took place in these rooms in 1836, and was in honour of J. Silk Buckingham. While in India Mr. Buckingham had done noble work in extending Great Britain's commerce, and this soiree was Saint Mungo's recognition of his valuable services. In the Assembly Rooms, also, Principal Morison, D.D., commenced his ministerial work, and continued there till the church in Dundas Street was ready for occupancy.
The Athenaeum had for several years pretty uphill work - indeed, many were afraid it would have to be closed. To prevent this disaster, its directors succeeded in getting Thackeray to come to their aid. The famous lectures on the "Four Georges" were given to crowded and brilliant audiences on four respective evenings, and the financial returns enabled the directors to wipe out their debt, and gave a good forward push to the Athenaeum. In its new and splendid premises, at the comer of Buchanan Street and St. George's Place, it has greatly developed its operations, not only as a reading-room, a leading educational institution, but as a place where the physical powers of its students can be strengthened.
GLASGOW SABBATH SCHOOL UNION has for its aims the encouragement, unity, and increase of Sabbath Schools in Glasgow and neighbourhood. Affiliated with it are six suburban unions. Connected with it are upwards of 10,000 teachers and 111,544 scholars. The amount collected for missions and general benevolent purposes in its schools is nearly £6,000. It issues a monthly magazine, which has a large circulation. Its music classes are well attended. Above 6,000 poor children are being benefited from year to year by its Fresh-air fortnight scheme.
THE GROVE STREET (HOME MISSION) INSTITUTE is an unsectarian home mission organization. Its halls cost £7,000. For thirty years it has been an auxiliary to the churches of all denominations, and thereby has accomplished very much spiritual and temporal good.
THE SCOTTISH PROTESTANT ALLIANCE has for its objects the promotion and defence of our common Christianity, the exposure of Romanism and Infidelity, the instruction of Roman Catholics in Bible truth, and the maintenance the principles of the Scottish Reformation.
MECHANICS' INSTITUTION AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE. - Sixty years ago Glasgow had only one chief institute for evening lectures and technical instruction. Its lecture hall was on the upper flat of an old Secession church in Inkle-factory Lane, off Shuttle Street. Although a new experiment for teaching mechanical science, it was welt appreciated These premises soon became unsuitable, and new ones were erected at the top of North Hanover Street. The late Mr. John Leadbetter, Bailie Paul, and Mr. David Burns were unsparing in their efforts to make it a first-class educational institute, and worthy of the city.
Many other leading citizens being much interested in its prosperity, it had again to remove to more commodious premises in Bath Street. Through its morning, day, and evening classes and lectures it supplied a felt want at the time in providing a good sound secondary and technical education. And now, under its new title of The Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College, with increased facilities and resources, it continues to prove a valuable seminary, where young men of scientific tastes can get excellent education for their future life-work.
THE BOYS' BRIGADE. - This is a new institution in our city. It was started in October, 1883, in the Woodside Mission Sunday School of the Free College Church, by Lieutenant William A. Smith, of the 1st Lanark Rifles, who is now brigade secretary.
Mr. J. Carfrae Alston, brigade president, has taken a very deep interest in the scheme almost from its commencement. Its aim is "the advancement of Christ's Kingdom among Boys, and the promotion of habits of obedience, reverence, discipline, self-respect, and all that tends towards a true Christian manliness." The brigade is managed by an executive committee, which is elected annually by the brigade council, composed of the captains of all the companies of the United Kingdom while each local centre, termed a "battalion," has its own managing body acting under the brigade executive. Its working details are on military lines; its object is to aim at physical, mental, moral, and religious growth. One good feature out of several others is its having instituted ambulance classes. When the lads become too old to attend the brigade, an effort is made to induce them to join the Young Men's Christian Association, or whatever young men's organization may exist in the church with which the company is connected. This institution is rising in popularity not only in Glasgow but also throughout the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and the Colonies of the British Empire. The present strength of the organisation in the United Kingdom (October, 1893) is 600 companies, connected with all the leading branches of the Christian Church, 2,000 officers, and 26,000 boys.
GLASGOW FOUNDRY BOYS' RELIGIOUS SOCIETY was instituted in 1865. It has for its object the religious, educational, and social elevation of boys and girls. There are eighty-three branches in the city and suburbs, with a membership of 21,000, and a staff of workers numbering close on 2,900. By means of regular Sabbath services, week evening, sewing, cookery, and recreative classes, and other organised efforts for the instruction and encouragement of thrift, the objects of the association are fully maintained and have been eminently successful.
UNITED EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION. - This association was formed in 1874, for the purpose of uniting the churches in evangelistic work among the masses. In addition to ordinary evangelistic services, open-air preaching, etc., a hall was built in James Morrison and Steel Streets at a cost of about £16,000, where a free breakfast is given every Sabbath at 8 A.M. to upwards of 1,200 people gathered from the very poorest; and at 2 o'clock P.M. about 1,000 poor children receive a Bible lesson and a dinner. Four Day refuges have been carried on for some years, where children, who are entirely or worse than neglected, receive three meals a day, and are otherwise helped in their education. There are also homes at Saltcoats in which neglected or abandoned children are entirely supported; in addition, there is a Rescue home at 302 St. Vincent Street for girls in danger of going astray. In connection with the children's Sabbath dinner a committee meets every Tuesday at 7 P.M., in the above hall, to inquire into the cases of poor children sent from any quarter. During the past year 6,820 poor children were sent to the country for a fortnight in connection with the Fresh-air fortnight fund. A Bible-training institute for Christian workers has been established at No. 1 Blythswood Square, to qualify them for either the home or foreign field. The income for alt purposes from voluntary contributions amounts to about £10,000 per annum.
THE GLASGOW CITY MISSION was instituted in 1826. Its object is to promote the spiritual welfare of the poor of the city and its neighbourhood. The agents, thirty-six in number, daily visit from house to house in their respective districts. Two of them labour among the cabmen and their families; one among the carmen and their families; one among the men of the night police force; and one visits the smallpox and fever hospitals. Every alternate week one of the agents conducts the religious services at the Dunoon Seaside Homes and the Home for Incurables.
THE GLASGOW SOCIETY FOR THE EDUCATION OF DEAF AND DUMB has premises at Queen's Park. It was instituted in 1819. Its object is to supply efficient elementary education and industrial training to deaf and dumb children.
MISSION TO THE OUT-DOOR BLIND. - This institution is for the out-door blind resident in Glasgow, and also for those living in the West of Scotland. Since its formation, more than thirty years ago, it has done beneficent work in all its departments. Its agents visit daily among the blind, teaching to read the raised type those who are capable of being taught, and supplying them with literature from a well-stored library. In 1892 there were on the roll 707 males and 586 females. It is supported by voluntary contributions. Through the indefatigable exertions of the late Sir James Watson, who was long and deeply interested in this Society, £4,000 was raised for it, which sum being capitalised, greatly helped the directors to develop the institution, and to materially aid the destitute blind.
THE SEAMEN'S FRIEND SOCIETY was instituted in 1822 to try to lead sailors to know Jesus as their Saviour, and to help those shipwrecked or stranded who may be in difficulty or distress of any kind; and also to visit and care for the widows and families of seamen. Eight paid agents are constantly at work visiting the ships in the harbour and the lodging-houses frequented by sailors. Reading and recreation-rooms and libraries are also provided on both sides of the river for the free use of sailors.
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