The Intelligencer November 14, 1916 (page 1)
“The Boys Are Away. The Y.M.C.A. campaign for $15,000.00 was launched last evening with a banquet attended by about one hundred enthusiastic men and young fellows determined to win and save the Y.M.C.A. in this hour of its crisis.
Grace was said by the Rev. Archdeacon Beamish. The banqueters sang ‘God Save the King’ as a toast to the Empire, after which Dr. H. A. Yeomans, Chairman of the campaign Executive Committee presided. In a neat introductory, he sketched the history of the Y.M.C.A. and gave the reasons of its present financial trouble. …
The Rev. Dr. C. A. Scott was then introduced as the special speaker of the evening who spoke on the subject ‘Canada’s Greatest Asset’ in an eloquent address which brought loud applause. Dr. Scott, in a masterly way paid a tribute to manhood that will never be forgotten by those who were privileged to hear him. He also stated that there could be no doubt in anyone’s mind that the strength of any country from any point of view was centred in the type of manhood it produced. The speaker paid a high tribute to the Y.M.C.A. …
Mr. C. B. Brown, of New York City, in charge of the campaign spoke of the plans that had been completed for raising $15,000. He emphasized the need of men who would be willing for the sake of the Y.M.C.A. of Belleville to devote four days to the campaign, for the real value of the present effort would be seen many years after the war closed. …
Mr. Brown paid a tribute to Canada and the fine spirit of sacrifice the young men were making in this hour of peril. He firmly believed the campaign would be a success, but it would all depend on the men of Belleville doing their level best in the next four days. …
Rev. C. G. Smith closed the meeting with prayer asking God’s blessing upon the work about to be undertaken.
The workers then got together and after further instructions from campaign Manager Brown, proceeded to select the cards and secure the names which had been assigned the different teams. This work continued for an hour or more and it was past midnight before some of the workers were able to leave for their homes.
The Ladies Auxiliary furnished a splendid supper which was heartily appreciated by all.
There will be rallies every noon during the campaign at 12.30 at which all the workers are expected to attend. It is expected that the big clock which has attracted so much attention will begin to keep time at noon today, having been well regulated for the purpose. Friends of the Belleville Young Men’s Christian Association will enjoy watching the big clock take off the dollars this week.”
First World War Belleville 