His Services Are Rewarded

Richard L. Flynn Goes to New York City

As a Y.M.C.A. Worker

He will have charge of East Side Branch of the Association in the Metropolis.

The State, the organ of the Michigan Y.M.C.A. contains the following article concerning an Ann Arbor young man that his friends will read with pleasure:

"Richard L. Flynn, of Ann Arbor, Mich., who on Aug. 1st goes to New York City to become the Boys Secretary at the East Side Branch, is a product of the Association, and is a fair sample of the type of men this organization is turning out. Converted in 'the old rooms' in October, 1894, his Christian life and character has steadily grown. This growth has been aided by his willingness to work, and service on the various Association committees has opened to him a door to larger opportunities. In 1897 there was a temporary vacancy in the secretaryship, and Mr. Flynn was made Acting Secretary. In the Spanish War he served in the 31st Michigan, and was raised to the rank of Corporal. Late in the summer he was detailed by Col. Gardener to take charge of the Y.M.C.A. tent.

Although with other University students he received a discharge from the service in the early fall, he remained with the Association tent as the representative of the State Executive Committee until the departure of the regiment to Cuba.

These experiences all tended to deepen his interest in Association work and as he re-entered the University, it was but natural that he should become the local Secretary's right hand man.

A leader for the Boy's Work becoming necessary, Mr. Flynn volunteered to undertake the task. The Association has no gymnasium, no baths, and no rooms that could be used separately by the boys. Yet since January, 1900, the work has grown, developed, become organized and results secured, until the Boy's Branch at Ann Arbor has been accorded the first rank among the Associations of the state.

Mr. Flynn has led in the boys' social gatherings, taken them on outings and excursions, and into summer camp, drilled them in military tactics and sword practice, coached them in football basketball and baseball, taught their Bible classes, conducted their Gospel meetings and taken an interest in all that was of interest to the boys. It is needless to speak of the hold such a man will have upon boys. Where one sways so powerful an influence it is of first importance that he be the right stamp of a man. In every respect Mr. Flynn is the kind of man which his parent would have his boy be like. His strong, well-built body made him almost a model in physique. He had worked his way through the High School and University, graduating from the latter with the degree of A. B., at the recent commencement, so that his mind has had the benefit of the discipline, enrichment and broadening influence of a college course. His religious life impresses one as being as sturdy and symmetrical as his body, and naturally led him up to the consecration of his life to the Association work. The greater part of his work in the Ann Arbor Association has been without remuneration and his example helps to reveal to the volunteer worker some of the possibilities within his reach."

A testimonial from the Board of Directors and a gold watch from the Association members, including the Juniors, doubtless made him feel that his hard work had been appreciated and that he was leaving behind him a goodly number of genuine friends who were wishing him the highest possible success in his new and responsible position.

In New York city he will have an entire building equipped with baths, gymnasium, parlors and game rooms, educational class rooms, etc., for the exclusive use of the boys of the East Side. About 500 can be accommodated and he expects this number will be about evenly divided between school boys and working boys. The majority are from the middle classes, neither very rich nor very poor.

The position came through the state and international committees, who are constantly on the lookout for the right man for the right place.

The boys' work, which has gotten so well started here, will be continued and an effort made to train up many young men of the same fiber as the one who has just left. Mr. Fred P. Geib has been employed by the association to give half time to the development of the 100 and more boys now members of the association. He was formerly in the office of the Grand Rapids association, and is now a student in the law department of the University.