I. YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, INCORPORATED.
| WHITEFIELD WALTON BROCKMAN, B. A., |
General Secretary |
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:
The above courses are conducted by student leaders. In addition
to these there is a class which is addressed by members of
the university faculty on Biblical topics, and also a class for students
engaged in athletics taught by Dr. W. A. Lambeth.
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 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 publications, a reception room, reading
room, meeting room, parlor, office, writing room, auditorium,
guest room, bed rooms for the officers, and rooms for the Bible and
Missionary departments of the Association. In addition there is a
kitchen, a club room, where dinners may be served, a barber shop,
lockers and elaborate shower baths. A library of nearly a thousand
volumes of the best religious works and fiction has 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.
