The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-12-14
LABOR FOR CHRIST
Development of Christian Life
Among Students.
The Work Of the Young Mems Christian As
ISOLATION at the University Bearing
Rich Fruit.
Especial to News and observer)


Chapel Hill, NJ c., Dec. 13.-The work
of the Y. NJ. C. A. in the University is
broad in it's character. Being as it is,
the only religious organization in the
University, it has for it's mission the en-
tire scope of Christian development. For
the accomplishment of this purpose the
leaders of the association have devised
various plans of procedure.
Probably the device that reaches the
greatest number of students is the one
of securing from time to time public
speakers. These speakers consist of the
pastors Of the various churches of Chapel
Hill, ministers from different parts of
the State, travelling secretaries of the
association, returned missionaries, and
such other Christian workers as can be
secured. Services conducted by these
men are largely attended, and the result
for good is obvious. One of the most
effective services of this character du-
ring the last session was the eight-day
revival conducted by Mr.. Weston r..
Gales. Several students were converted
under his preaching and among these are
some of the most active Y. M. c. A.
workers this year
"A department, WHICH mas LOT us Oi)JeCt
the general spiritual development is the
semi-weekly prayer meeting. This, how
ever, is more limited in effect as but few
members attend. The meeting held On
Tuesday night is conducted by one of the
members. This meeting is attended by
nearly all the members, and is always a
source of spiritual food. The meeting on
Thursday night is short informal
prayer service of fifteen minutes. This
is not so largely attended as the one on
Tuesday night, but to those who do at
tend it is a source of spiritual profit
These weekly prayer meetings are espe-
cially advantageous as means of grace
and Christian fellowship among the
members of the association
Another factor in the work of the asso-
citation is the Bible and Mission study
classes. These classes are held once a
week, usually on Sunday, and are led by
men who have taken the work some
previous year. More than half the mem
bers of the association take part in one
or more of the courses offered under this
head. One of the courses, Studies in
the life of Christ" the leaders have di-
vided into three sections, each of which
. makes large class. A deep interest is
manifested in all the Bible work and
efficient leaders are being trained for
Christian service-both for the Univer-
sity and the State.
The young men do not confine this work
to the University. They have developed
to some extent, at least, both phases of
the missionary work. Little is being
done for foreign missionaries beyond
monthly contributions A very progress
sive home mission work is being carried
on under the auspices of the Association
This consists principally of Sunday
schools in the country surrounding
Chapel Hill. Last year leaders and
teachers were furnished for four of these
schools. Through the efforts of these
leaders, and by the aid of the associa-
ton, country mission chapel was built
and furnished. The leaders of the home
mission department hope to accomplish
even more this year than was accomplish
ed last year.
The work thus sketched is growing in
every department. The broadening in
fiuence of the associations membership
is pervading the entire student body.
Before the present college year closes
this association will undoubtedly have
developed greater degree of piety, and
stronger fellowship among its mem
bers, will have trained leaders for Chris
tian service both at the University and
throughout the State, and will have ac-
complished much for the cause of Christ
in the University at Chapel Hill.