 | The University of Virginia record April 1, 1935 |  |
RELIGIOUS WORK
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, INCORPORATED
| Richard Franklin Pence | President |
| Rockwell Hall Smith | Vice-President |
| Bernard James Diggs | Recording Secretary |
| Elmer Irving Carruthers | Treasurer |
| William Kyle Smith | General Secretary |
| William Royall Smithey | Chairman, Board of Directors |
History.—The Young Men's Christian Association of the University of
Virginia which has its headquarters on the second floor of Madison Hall was
founded October 12, 1858, during the period of the University's expansion and
reformation. Bruce, in his "History of the University of Virginia," states: "The
spirit of reformation was expressed in (1) the abolition of the uniform law, and
also the law that required the students to leave their beds at dawn; (2) the
adoption of the Honor System; (3) and the organization of the Young Men's
Christian Association." It was the first college to adopt the constitution of the
Y. M. C. A., and thus has the honor of being the oldest college association
in the world.
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.
Discussion groups are addressed by prominent men and faculty members
conduct regularly increasing numbers of special groups as interests are developed.
Members of the Association work with the Boy Scout troops and
cooperate with community agencies in other forms of welfare work. 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. Handbooks and student directories to the number of more than 2,000
are distributed each fall. Various conferences are attended by delegated representatives
from the Association both in the State and outside when possible.
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
with the early history of the University, faces the north front of the Rotunda.
The budget for the support of the Association work is supplied by the income
from a small endowment, the Chapel fund and rents.
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.
| The University of Virginia record April 1, 1935 | |