University of Virginia Library

RELIGIOUS WORK

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, INCORPORATED

           

Joseph Shackford Johnston	President
John Randolph Williams	Vice-President
Miles Poindexter, II	Secretary
Elmer Irving Carruthers	Treasurer
William Kyle Smith	General Secretary
Mrs. Albert Edward Walker	Hostess

History.—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.

Object.—The object of this Association, as set forth generally in the
Charter, is more specifically stated as follows:— to foster and promote
Christian fellowship among the students of the University of Virginia by
encouraging their participation in religious activities; by provoking their
serious thought on great moral and religious issues; by inculcating in them
the spirit of service; and by providing for them, and increasing their appreciation
of, social entertainment of a wholesome and beneficial nature.

Work.—The Association affords opportunity for voluntary study of the
Bible and also of problems of national and international interest, particularly
with reference to the possibility of solution by the fundamental principles
of Christianity. Through denominational clubs the organization seeks
to relate the students to the churches of their choice and through voluntary
service of its members materially assists—and in some cases wholly
mans—the Sunday Schools and young people's societies of the churches
in the community. In addition to this definite religious service in the community
members of the Association work with Boy Scout troops and cooperate
with community agencies in other forms of welfare work. Both
religious and welfare activities are carried into the outlying districts under
the supervision of the Extension Department of the Association; and free
medical clinics which were originally established in these localities by the
Association have increased in usefulness and importance through active cooperation
with the State and University medical staffs. Under the Deputation
Committee, student leaders and groups of students visit various preparatory
and high schools in the State to conduct religious meetings, and
they also carry on evangelistic campaigns in various communities throughout
the State.

In addition to these activities outside the University the Association,
through receptions, entertainments, and "Open Houses," stimulates social intercourse
among the students.

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 in 1905, at a cost, including furnishings, of about
$80,000, and which is maintained in part by an endowment 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 intimately
connected with the early history of the University, faces the north front
of the Rotunda. In recent years Madison Hall has become the center of
social and student activities of the University as well as of the religious; and
offices in the building have been furnished gratis to the more prominent student
publications and organizations.

All the privileges including the use of tennis courts, showers, reading
room and library, rooms for meetings, services of the Hostess, Information Bureau,
handbook, student directory, etc., are open to any student without cost.

About one-half of the budget for the support of the Association work
and the maintenance of Madison Hall is supplied by the income from a small
endowment, the Chapel fund, and a sum allocated by the University. As it
is the student organization definitely devoted toward serving the religious,
social and economic interests of the students, the remainder of the budget
necessary for this work must come from the student body. A campaign is
held in the fall for the remainder of the budget. At this time the opportunity
of contributing to the service and upkeep of Madison Hall is given to each
student.

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. Services are conducted in it every Sunday evening during the regular
session.