Young Ladies' Lyceum Club Article
- Former user (Deleted)
In these days of multiplied organization this unique Club has proven its right to live without organization.
In the early days of 1907 after much paryer, Mrs. T. C. Horton responded to a cry of need from the hearts of many of the girls employed in stores and offices. The churches were doing the best in their power, the different organizations of the city were working bravely, but it was suggested to Mrs. Horton that the great need of the girls was simply a mothering oversight and help, in connection with definite Christian teaching. So the Lyceum Club was born and has grown so rapidly it is a surprise to even the promoter herself, who can only say, "See what God hath done."
At the outset two things were determined. The girls must come directly from work to a good warm supper together and the hour of dismissal must be an early one, both of which plans have been faithfully carried out. A new President appointed every six months, presides at each meeting, where the first half hour is directed according to the pleasure of the Club in sining, whistling or music of any kind desired, furnished by the varied talent in the Club or by friends. The informal program is one of pure enjoyment to every one who partakes or listens, and applause is frequent and hearty. This short time of abandonment to pure pleasure of their own promoting seems to prepare them for the half hour which follows.
Recognizing the necessity of winning the girls to a higher plane of living and being persuaded there was but one way to do work permanently, Mrs. Horton pends the last half in definite Bible study, bringing the unsaved to a recognition of Jesus Christ as the only hope of salvation and endeavoring to strengthen the faith of those girls who have already confessed Him as Lord.
With no attraction the Word of God, the comradeship found among themselves and the sympathy, counsel, and love of their leader, this Club has steadily increased in numbers and power.
At the present time there are between four and five hundred girls who consider themselves Lyceum members. There is no fee but the cost of the supper which is 10 cents. The average attendance is large and the sight of the great crowd of girls together is inspiring.
The enjoy the Bible lesson as heartily as they do the dining room and the song service, and the good results from the study are proven in their better living. Full 90 per cent of the unsaved girls who come into the Club are brought to see their need of a Saviour and to confess Him. The Christian girls are earnest in prayer and are constantly seeking out the young strangers in the city, brining them to the Club and the mother who will help them. They own a good wheel chair which is constantly loaned to some poor cripple.
Many a girl on her sick bed as been gladdened by short, bright letters or postals from those they have never seen, but who sign themselves, "one of the Lyceum girls." They are faithful in this ministry to the sick and delight in it. They are often called upon to conduct C. E. or Epworth League meetings, but are not urged to do much night work. Occasional mother talks are given, missionaries sometimes come and give helpful talks on girls in other lands, and on the first Tuesday of each month a Young People's meeting is held, when the auditorium is crowded to its full capacity with young men and women. It is a blessed meeting where none but the young people are permitted to speak.
The basis of all the Lyceum Club work is the Bible, a fact recognized and gladly accepted. Many strange, homesick girls have been made glad and been safeguarded by the girls of this Club, whose motto is, "Help the other girl," and every one of them feel assured they have for every time of doubt and difficulty a safe advisor and loving mother in their leader.
One branch of the Lyceum club work which has proven unusually effective has never before been reported. Mrs. Horton and Mrs. A.C. Stewart, after much prayer, decided that girls who were won to a saving knowledge of the Lord should be followed personally and helped to a living knowledge of His will for them, as revealed in the Word of God. Mrs. Horton was not able to give the time necessary for this work, yet the need was imperative. Girls were often ill at home for a few days, or temporarily out of work, and at such a time very susceptable _sic_ to the power of the loving, sympathy of both friend and Saviour. The young women were crowding into the Lyceum Club in increasing numbers and the close personal touch of a well taught Christian girl seemed the best and only thing to hold these young women to the truth as it is is in Christ Jesus.
By a little effort on the part of the two praying women, money was raised sufficient for the employment of a young women for a year (or nearly a year) and she was commissioned and sent out.
The results have more than fulfilled the hopes of the women and few friends interested in the ventre and for the first time we are able to rport _sic_ the work, hoping our Father will premit us to continue it his coming year.
This visitor has been in touch with an average of 100 girls per month. Scores of them have been faithfully dealth _sic_ with personally; many of them led to a definite surrender of their lives, and the monthly sit is increasing.
The Bible lesson each Tuesday night having touched the heart, the young visitor, who is watching her opportunity, places herself near the one interested and brings the soul to the place of decision. None but the Master can estimate the value of this new branch of our work which has been so quietly prosecuted _sic_.
Our funds are now exhausted but we feel sure the $20.00 per month necesary for the coming year whill be sent to the treasurer, Mrs. A.C. Stewart, 615 Bixel Street, Los Angeles.
We covet the prayers of our friends for this definite personal work among our Lyceum girls.