University of Virginia Library

RELIGIOUS WORSHIP.

I.—YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

W. I. McNAIR, General Secretary.

Object.—The Young Men's Christian Association,
founded 1858, is the largest student-organization in the
University. It stands for a higher spiritual life among the
members, and for united effort to help others in the attempt
to live consistent Christian lives.

Work.—The distinctive work of the Association consists
in maintaining a weekly Prayer-Service, held on Wednesday
night from 7.00 to 7.45; in conducting, through some
of its most active members, several Sunday Schools in the
University and vicinity; in arranging various Bible Study
Classes under the direction of the most experienced students
of the Bible; and in inviting eminent Christian
workers to address the students on religious matters.

During the present year, through the kind liberality of
interested friends, a six-weeks' series of lectures was given
by Rev. H. L. Willett, Ph. D., of the University of Chicago,
consisting of four parallel courses as follows: Life of Christ
(twelve lectures); Old Testament History (six lectures);
Prophecy (six lectures); Beginnings of Christianity (six
lectures). It is expected that a similar series of lectures
will be given by Dr. Willett at the opening of the next
session.

Equipment.—The Y. M. C. A. Campus, situated just outside
the University grounds, and adjoining the handsome
Fayerweather Gymnasium, is fitted up for tennis, base ball,
football, and with a graded and ballasted running track,
and is now opened to the free use of all students.

At present, the Association has no headquarters of its
own, but it is expected that adequate quarters will be provided
next session for the exclusive use of the Association.

Membership.—The membership of the Association consists
of two classes, active and associate members; any
member of an evangelical church, who is in good standing,
may become an active member of the Association; any
young man of good moral character may become an associate
member upon payment of the annual dues. The
sessional fee for membership is $1.50, payable in advance.

Indorsement.—The Visitors and the Faculty of the University
heartily commend the work of the Association, and
it is earnestly desired that every parent or guardian see to
it that the student under his care is encouraged to join the
Association as soon as he reaches the University. An
opportunity to do this is always given at the opening reception
for new students.

II.—CHAPEL SERVICES.

The religious services of the University consist of a
daily prayer-service of fifteen minutes, just before the supper
hour; and the regular preaching services in the Chapel
on Sunday morning and evening. These services have
heretofore been in charge of a chaplain, elected by members
of the Faculty, from the four leading evangelical denominations
of the State, for a term of two years.

At the beginning of the present session, however, the
chaplain, Rev. L. C. Vass, D. D., died suddenly. As there
were difficulties in the way of procuring the services of a
suitable chaplain after the session had begun, it was decided
to try, temporarily, the plan of having the pulpit filled by
representative ministers of all evangelical denominations,
invited from Virginia and adjacent States. The execution
of this plan was intrusted to a committee on Religious
Exercises composed of three members of the Faculty and
three students selected from the officers of the Young
Men's Christian Association. The plan has been so successful
that it has been unanimously decided by both
professors and students to continue the experiment for the
coming session. The list of the visiting ministers for this
session will be found on page 9.