University of Virginia Library

RELIGIOUS WORK

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, INCORPORATED

           

William Norris Leonard	President
Paschal Dupuy Fowlkes	Vice-President
Page Bowie Clagett	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 "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.

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.