University of Virginia record :: February, 1911 :: University of Virginia Library

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 Psalms.
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 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.

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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.