Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor of the Second Presbyterian Church of Nashville, Tennessee minute book 1888-1907.
(Document/manuscript/pamphlet/archival material)

Materials housed in Special Collections Division of the Main Library, Nashville Public Library.

Condition note: Pages 271-274 have been cut out of the volume.

In library use only. Available by appointment.

Scope and content: The minute book of the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor of the Second Presbyterian Church of Nashville, Tennessee begins with the first meeting of the group, held on Dec. 30, 1888 at the prompting of the pastor of the church, J.W. Stagg. Minutes include attendance and membership matters, including some rolls; financial reports; synopsis of committee reports; fundraising and social activities; the selection of delegates to city-wide "Union" meetings, and regional, state and national conventions; election of officers; mission and relief activities; prayer meetings; and a wide variety of other information. Many of the minutes include such details as the opening hymn for the meeting, the scripture reading, and reference to vows or pledges taken by new members. Mention is sometimes made about other Christian Endeavor groups in the city, or other churches. Occasional news clippings indicate activities of the group were sometimes mentioned in local newspapers.

Although the group was organized in 1888, it is not until July 9, 1894 that a formal constitution and by-laws appear in the minutes, when they were formally printed. A gap in the records occurs between late 1894 and early 1898. They then resume and continue until Dec. 12, 1907. Surprisingly, virtually no mention is made of the international Christian Endeavor convention held in Nashville in July 1898. At the very back of the volume are several paragraphs written and signed by individual members. It is unclear what the purpose or intent of these entries was supposed to be, although they appear to be about what the individual seeks in their experience with Christian Endeavor

Although somewhat routine in nature, this volume is significant for several reasons. First, it is from a very early organization of Christian Endeavor in Nashville. In 1891, reference is made to the second annual state convention. Clearly the Christian Endeavor movement in Tennessee had only just begun. It is a rare document concerning young people's activities in the church and religious life in the community. Furthermore, it provides a glimpse into the inner workings of a Christian Endeavor group, their commitment to each other, their mission, their church, and their Christian life

Cite as: Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor of the Second Presbyterian Church of Nashville, Tennessee minute book, Special Collections Division, Nashville Public Library

No photocopies due to fragile nature of materials.

Source of acquisition unknown;,Acc. RT-100.

The Second Presbyterian Church began as a mission Sunday School from the First Presbyterian Church in 1842 and was formally organized as a church in Nov. 1843. The first building was dedicated Sept. 6, 1846 at the corner of College (Third Avenue North) and Gay Street. During the Civil War it was used by Federal troops. In 1902 it moved to Ninth Avenue North and Monroe Street. In 1941 a new location was dedicated on Belmont Boulevard with a donation of land from Monroe Harding. The church was devastated by a fire in 2003, and rebuilt immediately.

Christian Endeavor was established in 1881 in Portland, Maine by Francis Clark who challenged young people at the Williston Congregational Church to live Christian principles in all aspects of their life. His approach challenged the conventional notions of his day about the abilities and commitment of Christian young people. He sought to give them more responsibility, and encouraged them to organize groups that were led by youth, under adult mentorship. He saw that challenging young people got them more engaged in the church, and in following Christ's mission in the community. It quickly grew, becoming interdenominational and international, with a world union established in 1895

The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor of the Second Presbyterian Church of Nashville, Tennessee was organized on Dec. 30, 1888 at the encouragement of Pastor J.W. Stagg. On July 9, 1894 a formal constitution and by-laws was adopted by the membership. The organization was in existence at least until 1907. During most of its meetings from its founding until 1907, the number of members on the rolls hovered at about 30, with between 10 and 20 attending meetings. Membership was in three classes: active - for young persons who were Christians and older persons who wished to help; associate - young persons of "worthy character" who did not consider themselves "decided Christians" but who, it was hoped, would become active members; and honorary - for any Christians who desired to have some affiliation with the society, although they might not be able to attend regular meetings

A number of committees were established, including a Lookout Committee (to recruit new members), and committees relating to prayer meetings, social activities, music, Sunday School, missions, printing, and a relief committee to assist the sick and poor and to distribute flowers and literature. Although relatively small, the group routinely sent delegates to conventions, and its committees appear to have been very active

In English

Unknown provenance.

Rehouse,2006 ;,Linda Barnickel.

No further accruals are expected.