Christian Endeavor Society

The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor was the first widespread nondenominational youth organization in the American churches. Begun by pastor Francis E. Clark* to conserve the results of special meetings in connection with the Week of Prayer, January 1881, it soon spread to other churches and ultimately around the world. Though later many denominations withdrew to form their own youth societies, on its seventy-fifth anniversary CE could still claim about three million members. Basically it is a church-connected society conducted exclusively by and for young people. Through its pledge, its weekly devotional meeting which once a month becomes a consecration meeting, and its various committees, it encourages young people to confess Christ and to serve him in fellowship with other young people in the Church.