University of Virginia Library

RELIGIOUS WORK

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, INCORPORATED

         

E. C. Carrington	President
E. S. Abernathy	Vice-President
W. Robert Martin	Recording Secretary
K. Brooke Anderson	Active 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 cö-operation
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 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 use of tennis courts, showers, reading
room and library, rooms for meetings, services of the Hostess, [1] Employment
Bureau, 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.