The Annual Meeting of the Young Men's Christian Association was held Tuesday evening last, in the Lecture Room of Rev. Dr. Read's Presbyterian Church. The President, Mr. J. B. Watkins, opened the services by giving out a hymn, and reading that beautiful and appropriate Psalm (the 27th) commencing, ‘"The Lord is my strength and my salvation; whom shall I fear,"’ &c. Rev. Dr. J. L. Burrows then lead in prayer. Aftet the minutes were read the President presented his annual report, which commenced by alluding to the peculiar circumstances in which the sixth annual meeting of the Association occurred. Many of the truest and best members of the Society had leaped to the defence of their State, in resistance to this causeless and cruel crusade against us. Instead of employing the gentle appliances of piety at home, they were to-day encamped upon the tented field, ready to assert their liberty with the ‘"last of their blood and their breath."’
Up to the commencement of hostilities, the Association had enjoyed a good degree of prosperity. The endowment fund (for the erection of a Hall) had progressed slowly. The Library and Reading Rooms had been much visited. The foamer contained about twenty-five hundred volumes, and the latter was filed with the best periodicals of this and foreign countries. Their former rooms in Goddin's Hall being needed by the new Confederate Government, they had been yielded readily and cheerfully. A small room had been obtained contiguous to those they formerly occupied.
Some withdrawals of members had occurred during the year, in consequence of removals and financial pressure. These amounted to about the number of accession, so that the present number of members remained the same as last reported — say, about 850.
The finances were in a good condition.--The essays and lectures had been less frequent than heretofore; but the ability of many of them was commended, especially the lecture of Mr. Vallandingham, of Ohio, ‘"whose bravo words pealed forth in clear and ringing tones in behalf of Southern rights and National peace."’ The essay of Mr. D. B. Lucas, on the ‘"Code of Honor,"’ had been published in the March No. of the Southern Literary Messenger. and is a masterly production.
A Bible Class, under the direction of Professor Toy, of Richmond College, had been begun and prosecuted during the year until the leader and students had been called to the war. The report closed with an earnest appeal in behalf of continued energy and enthusiasm in prosecuting their important labors.
The President then introduced to the audience the Rev. Dr. Read, of the Louisiana Fifth Regiment, who delivered a brief, but most beautiful and eloquent address. He referred to the Christian soldier in contrast with the military bully and Bragg locio, and illustrated his position by reference to David and other ancient heroes, and to the late Gen. Havelock, the Christian British Captain, and to the pious and accomplished Gen. Lee, of our own State to whom (in common with others) the men and women of this land are so willingly confiding their liberties and lives. Dr. H. S. Forwood, of the same regiment, Vice President of the New Orleans Y. M. C. Association, then excused himself from speaking, on account of indisposition. Rev. Chas, H. Read, D. D., of Richmond, made a few remarks, referring pleasantly to a recent visit to New Orleans.--The President, Mr. Burress, and Dr. Gwathrey then related touching incidents of camp lite and the battle at Bethel. The merciful Providence which had seemed to foil our enemies and give us the victories, was devoutly acknowledged in prayer, after which the Association adjourned, having enjoyed a most pleasant session.
The following gentlemen were elected officers for the ensuing year:
President--Joel B. Watking.
Vice Presidents--Wm P. Munford, T. Roberts Baker, A. Bolling, Asa Snyder, Jas. Gordon.
Corresponding Secretary — Alex. Scott.
Recording Secretary — J. D. K. Sleight.
Treasurer — S. B. Smith.
Registrar — Jas. E. Burress.
Librarian — P. F. Howard.
Directors — James K. Lee, G. L. Bidgood, Wm H. Gwathmey, M. D., Albert Blair, R. H. Cunningham, Jr.
