University of Virginia Library

RELIGIOUS WORK.

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, INCORPORATED,

William Newton Neff, M.A., E.E., 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 meeting held
on Tuesday evening at 7.30; 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; supports
a representative in the Foreign Mission Field; 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 and
beautiful 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. 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, bedrooms for the officers, and
rooms for the Bible and Missionary departments of the Association. In addition
there are 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 boarding-house 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 earnestly 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.

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 1917 will be found on
page 25.