 | The University of Virginia record February 15, 1923 |  |
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 aid in the development of the highest type
of Christian character in the men who are to go out from this institution,
and to influence them to devote themselves, individually and in associated
effort, to the task of Christianizing the relationships of human society.
Work.—The Association affords opportunity for voluntary group 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 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 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,
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.
A tennis field of fifteen courts is maintained at the rear of Madison Hall
and is open to students upon payment of a small fee.
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.
| The University of Virginia record February 15, 1923 | |