University of Virginia Library

RELIGIOUS WORK.

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, INCORPORATED.

Bernard Peyton Chamberlain, Acting General Secretary.

Object.—The Young Men's Christian Association of the University
of Virginia has the distinction of being the oldest organization of its kind
in existence. It was founded October 12, 1858, and has today a larger
proportionate membership than that in any other state university in
America. The purpose of the Association is to promote growth in Christian
fellowship among its members and enlist them in Christian work for
their fellow students and for others not connected with the University.
The Association actively promotes the moral, social and spiritual life of
the University.

Work.—The Association organizes classes for the voluntary study of
the Bible, of Home and Foreign Missions, and of Social Work, under the
leadership of students and members of the faculty; maintains a weekly
religious meeting held on Sunday at 7 p. m.; assists through its membership
the work of the churches and Sunday schools in the vicinity of the University;
sends deputations of students to various preparatory and high
schools in the State; sends speakers on educational and religious topics
to all parts of the State; maintains medical clinics and night schools in the
surrounding country; invites eminent Christian workers to address the students
on religious matters; and stimulates social intercourse among the
students by means of receptions, lectures, entertainments and other social
events.

Equipment.—Through the munificence of Mrs. William E. Dodge and
family, of New York City, the Association possesses a very handsome
building, which was erected at a cost, including furnishings, of about
$80,000, and which is maintained by an endowment fund of over $16,000,
subscribed by students, alumni, and friends of the University. 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.

THE UNIVERSITY CHAPEL.

The handsome Gothic chapel was erected upon the university
grounds by the voluntary gifts of students, alumni, members of the faculty
and other friends. For many years regular Sunday services were
conducted in it until easy access to the city churches rendered that needless.
It is now used for occasional services addressed by religious leaders
of national repute, thus supplementing the religious meetings of the
churches and the Y. M. C. A.