University of Virginia Library

RELIGIOUS WORK.

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, Foreign Missions, and Social Service, by
means of small classes under student leaders, in maintaining a weekly
Prayer Service, held on Tuesday 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 following courses in Bible Study are offered:

• Studies in the Life of Jesus.

• Studies in the Psalms.

• Studies in the Social and Political Teachings of Jesus.

• Student Standards of Action.

• Student Problems.

In addition to the above classes, the Association coöperates with the
various churches in Charlottesville in securing student attendance upon
the men's Bible classes of the Sunday Schools.

Equipment.—Through the munificence of Mrs. William E. Dodge and
family, of New York City, the Association possesses a very handsome and
beautiful building, which was erected at a cost, including furnishings, of
about $75,000, and which is maintained by an endowment fund of nearly
$20,000, 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. It contains an editorial room for
the college publications, a reception room, reading room, meeting room,
parlor, pool room, 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, 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.

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 invited to come to Madison
Hall as soon as they reach the University, and to make use of the Information
Bureau which the Association conducts, including a complete boardinghouse
register, a directory of the students, and a list of the various forms
of employment open to students.

The boarding-house list, with locations and prices, is not made up
until 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, lockers, pool tables,
and tennis courts.

Indorsement.—The Rector and Visitors and the Faculty of the University
heartily commend the work of the Association, and it is carnestly
desired that every parent or guardian see to it that the student under his
care be encouraged to join the Association soon after his arrival at the
University.

II. CHAPEL SERVICES.

Through the voluntary gifts of students and members of the Faculty,
religious services are provided at the University Chapel every Sunday morning,
except the first Sunday in each month, when the men are left free to
attend the communion services of their respective churches. There are

also occasional Sunday evening services either at the Chapel or at Madison
Hall. The speakers include some of the most distinguished members of
the clergy and laity of Virginia and adjacent states. This plan, which
takes the place of the Chaplain system used in former years, is under the
supervision of the Faculty Committee on Religious Exercises.

A complete list of preachers to the University for 1914 will be found
on page 33.