Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 7.djvu/338

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302 Young Metis Christian Associations of Massachusetts. [May,

��Note 2, The record, brief as it is, shows that hot controversies as to the question of precedence in command are beneath the merits of the struggle, because all worked just where the swift transitions of the crisis best commanded presence and influence.

Note 3. As both the Morton and Moulton families had property near the British landing-place, it is immaterial whether hill or point bear the name of one or the other. Hence the author of this sketch, in a memorial examination of this batde, elsewhere, deemed it but just to recognize both, without

��attempt to harmonize differences upon an immaterial matter.

Note 4. The occupation of Lech- mere Point, Cobble Hill, Ploughed Hill, and Prospect Hill, as shown upon the map of Boston and vicinity, rendered the British occupation of Bunker Hill a barren victory, silenced the activity of a thousand men, vindicated the wisdom of the American occupation, however transient, rescued Boston, and projected the spirit of the battle of Bunker Hill into all the issues which culminated at Yorktown, October 19, 1781.

��THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS OF MASSACHUSETTS.

By Russell Sturgis, Jr.

��In the sketch of the Boston Associ- ation, which appeared in the April number of this Magazine, mention was made of the work of Mr. L. P. Rowland, corresponding member of Massachu- setts of the international committee, in establishing kindred associations throughout the State. This article is to give a brief history of the spread and work of these associations, and I am largely indebted to Mr. Sayford, late state secretary, for the data. It was natural that as soon as it was known that an organization had been formed in Boston to do distinctive work for young men, that in other places where the need was realized the desire for a like work should spring up ; but, in the ^ absence of organized effort to promote this, very little was done, and in 1S56, five years after the parent association was formed, there were only six in all, that is, in Boston, Charlestown, Worces- ter, Lowell, Springfield, and Haverhill.

��In December, 1866, the Boston Asso- ciation called a convention, when twelve hundred delegates met and sat for two days at the Tremont Temple. General Christian work was discussed, but the distinctive work for young men was earnestly advocated.

When Mr. Rowland undertook the work, as an officer of the international committee, it spread rapidly, and in 1868 there were one hundred and two, and in 1S69, ""^ hundred and nine, associations in Massachusetts. This number was, later, somewhat further increased.

Up to 1 86 7 there had been no con- ference of the state associations, but at the international convention, at Mon- treal, in that year, it was strongly urged upon the corresponding members of the various States and provinces that they should call state conventions, and thus the first Massachusetts convention of Young Men's Christian Associations

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