University of Virginia Library

RELIGIOUS WORK.

I. YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION,
INCORPORATED.

Object.—The Young Men's Christian Association, founded in 1858,
is the largest student organization in the University, and is the oldest
student Young Men's Christian Association in existence. It stands
for a higher spiritual life among the members, and for united effort
to help others in the attempt to live consistent Christian lives.

Work.—The distinctive work of the Association consists in promoting
individual study of the Bible and Foreign Missions by means
of small classes under student leaders, in maintaining a weekly
Prayer-Service, held on Wednesday night at seven-thirty o'clock, in
assisting, through some of its members, the work of the Churches and
Sunday Schools in the vicinity of the University, in inviting eminent
Christian workers to address the students on religious matters, and
in promoting social intercourse among the students by means of
lectures, entertainments, and other social events.

The English Bible.—The Young Men's Christian Association offers
the following courses in Bible Study, open to all students:

• Studies in the Life of Christ.

• Studies in the Acts and Epistles.

• Studies in Old Testament characters.

• Studies in the Teaching of Jesus and His Apostles.

• Studies in the Social and Political Teaching of Jesus.

These courses, arranged by the International Committee of Young
Men's Christian Associations, are intended to form a four years' cycle
of study, and are conducted by student leaders.

The Y. M. C. A. Equipment.—Through the munificence of Mrs.
William E. Dodge and family, of New York City, the Association
possesses one of the handsomest and most conveniently arranged
college association buildings in the world, which was recently erected
at a cost, including furnishings, etc., of about $75,000. The students,
alumni, and friends of the University have subscribed an endowment
fund of nearly $20,000 for the maintenance of the property.

This building, called "Madison Hall" in honor of President
Madison, who was so intimately connected with the early history of
the University, faces the north front of the Rotunda. It contains
editorial rooms for the college periodicals, game rooms, kitchen,
club room, exercise room, elaborate bathing facilities, reception room,
reading room, meeting room, parlor, office, writing room, auditorium,
guest room, bed rooms for the secretaries, and rooms for the Bible
and Missionary departments of the Association. A full equipment
of current literature for the reading room, and a library of nearly a
thousand volumes of the best religious works and fiction, have been
donated by a member of the Dodge family.

The tennis courts, nineteen in number, for the use of the students
of the University, are on the Association grounds immediately in the
rear of the building, and form one of the most beautiful tennis fields
in the country.

Help for New Students.—The Association publishes during the
last week of August a Handbook of useful information concerning
the University and community, and also a detailed report of the religious
work of the session. The General Secretary will gladly send
either of these publications, or give any further information desired,
upon application of any prospective student. New Students are requested
to come direct from the trains to Madison Hall, where the
Association conducts a general Information Bureau, including a complete
boarding house register, a directory of the students, and a
list of all forms of employment open to students.

The boarding house list, with locations and prices, is not made up
till the first week in September. It is suggested that new students
arrive a day or two before the session opens, so that they may choose
a boarding place for themselves and get well settled before their work
begins. All correspondence with regard to rooms in the University
dormitories should be directed to the Bursar.

Membership.—The membership of the Association consists of
two classes, active and associate; any member of an evangelical church,
who wishes to take some part in the work of the Association, may
become an active member of the Association; any young man of good
moral character may become an associate member. The annual fee is
$2.00 for all members, an extra charge being made for the use of the
baths and tennis courts.

Indorsement.—The Visitors and the Faculty of the University
heartily commend the work of the Association, and it is earnestly
desired that every parent or guardian see to it that the student under

his care be encouraged to join the Association as soon as he reaches
the University.

II. CHAPEL SERVICES.

The religious services of the University, consisting of the regular
preaching services in the Chapel on Sunday morning and evening,
are conducted by representative ministers of all evangelical denominations,
invited mainly from Virginia and adjacent States. The general
oversight of the Christian work is entrusted to the Association Secretary.
All the details of this plan, which takes the place of the chaplain
system used in former years, are entrusted to a Committee on Religious
Exercises composed of five members of the Faculty.

The list of the University preachers for the year 1909 is given on
page 29.