New Guild Forming

NEW GUILD FORMING

_____________

For the Congregational Students Here.

A $30,000 ENDOWMENT

_____________

Is Being Raised by Work About the State.

____________

Eventually a Guild Hall Will be Built but an Endowment for the Work Will be Raised to Employ an Assistant Pastor.

___________

Efforts are being made to endow a Congregational guild in this city with sufficient funds to permit the employment of an assistant pastor whose work shall be among the students, looking later towards the erection of a guild hall. As long ago as the time of the late beloved Prof. Frieze the idea was strongly urged by him that each church denomination should have a guild or special church association to look after its students. On more than one occasion the matter was discussed and is gradually bringing results. The subject is a large one in its many phases. The first to move in the matter were the Episcopalians. An endowment fund was raised and Harris hall and the Hobart Guild is the result. Here an assistant minister and curator is stationed. A regular course of theological lectures is given by prominent church men during each winter. In Harris hall, the Episcopal students are welcomed. A library, gymnasium and other conveniences are at their disposal. In other words here is a church home devoted entirely to the welfare of Episcopal students. This endowment of the Hobart Guild was followed by the presentation of the old Seaman property to the Presbyterian society and also by Senator McMillan, of additional funds to put up a hall. Unfortunately for a time the work proposed among the students must rest, for the want of a sufficient endowment to carry it on. Then came the Methodist brethern who secured two fine lots near the church. This property is waiting for funds to put up a hall and carry on the work! As the M. E. students attending the university constitute a large body, it is only a question of time when outside jealousy will be overcome, and a large building purposely endowed will be erected. Now comes the members of the Congregational church who are pushing a project which will be a great benefit to the students of their church. they are careful business men, at the head of the project who do not intend to be caught with a building on their hands with no funds to make it useful. They propose to have the endowment to secure the services of an assistant pastor who will devote his whole attention to the sons and daughters of Congregational parents attending the university of Michigan. Before the project of a building with all the necessary conveniences will be broached the fund of $30,000 is to be raised to make the work done which can be accomplished without a building, permanent. The benefit to be derived from the foundation being for the people at large in the state it cannot be expected that the whole sum will be raised in Ann Arbor. Subscriptions have been made in the city amounting to the sum of $1,000 which is a good starter. The board that has the foundation in charge consists of Dr. James B. Angell, Dr. Eliza Mosher, Dr. N. S. Hoff, Prof. M. L. D'Ooge, G. Frank Allmendinger and Rev. J. W. Bradshaw, of Ann Arbor; A. O. Angel), of Detroit; Prof. Alonzo Barbour, Ypsilanti ; Hon. A. O. Grower, Lansing; Attorney O. H. Gleason, Grand Rapids; Rev. Bastian Smits, of Charlotte, and Rev. Strong, of Jackson. From this list of names it will be seen that there is little question that the "Foundation" will become an accomplished fact. The plans of the projectors are very far reaching. When the funds are forthcoming they will be developed It is felt that while the church in Ann Arbor should help it along, it is of the greatest interest to the members of the Congregational church at large. It is their sons and daughters who will receive the benefits. For this reason a general canvass is being made in the state. Rev. J. W. Bradshaw, the pastor of the First Congregational church in this city, is devoting much attention to furthering (what he feels is the duty of the church in looking after its sons and daughters. Before the summer is over it is to be hoped the "Foundation" will be on a permanent basis.