University of Virginia Library

RELIGIOUS WORK.

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, INCORPORATED.

Duncan Bassett Murphy, General Secretary.

Mrs. Albert Edward Walker, Hostess.

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 to challenge them to devote themselves in united effort to make the will
of God effective in human society.

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 particular affiliation; and through voluntary
service of its members materially assists—and in some cases wholly mans—the
Sunday Schools and young people's societies of churches in the community. In
addition to this definite religious service in the community members of the Association
work with Boy Scout troops and coöperate 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 coöperation 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
its Student Self-Help Committee, renders valuable aid to students seeking employment;
and 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 the 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.

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. For many years regular Sunday services were conducted in it until
easy access to the city churches rendered that needless. It is now used for occasional
services addressed by religious leaders of national repute, thus supplementing
the religious meetings of the churches and the Y. M. C. A.