Henry C. Fry

RAPID GROWTH EXPECTED

Through the generosity and philanthropic interest of H. C. Fry, the well known glass manufacturer, of Rochester, Pa., residents of the lower Beaver Valley are to have a community club in which, it is intended, true American manhood and womanhood will receive a splendid stimulus.

Mr. Fry received the idea some time ago, and quietly purchased the property of the Congregational church, Adams street, Rochester, and sprung the pleasantest sort of a surprise on his townspeople by quietly announcing that they were to have it rent free for the establishment of a club, which is to be known as THE WELCOME CLUB.

The necessity of such a club has long been recognized, it is said, by residents of Rochester, and its possibilities for uplift and general physical and moral improvement are said to be large.

Starting as a social club, with equipment for athletic and gymnastic, reading rooms and an auditorium for meetings of various sorts, the Welcome Club is destined, it is predicted, to expand into a much larger and more influential factor in the civic life of the lower Beaver Valley. Eventually, it is understood, the building will be made to serve all the purposes of the most modernly arranged and equipped Y. M. C. A. building.

The announcement of Mr. Fry's gift was read by pastors in the churches in Rochester, Beaver, Bridgewater, Monaca and Freedom, last Sunday morning and evening, and aroused enthusiastic interest. Leading business men have expressed the wish to participate in the good work, and it is likely that no time will be lost in fully equipping and opening the new club to the public.

A meeting was held at the church building Thursday night, at which ways and means for furthering the project were discussed.

The Congregational church congregation recently disbanded because the limited membership, reduced by death, was under too much of a burden.